In a first for domestic automakers, Chrysler has fitted its full-size cars with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

For 2012, the six-cylinder Chrysler 300, 300S and Limited models get a standard eight-speed transmission built by German supplier ZF, which builds a similar gearbox for Audi and other spendy European manufacturers.

This is on top of revisions made for 2011, which brought much-needed styling updates, mechanical revisions and a refined new double-overhead-cam V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower.