HOT ON THE HEELS of reports that the 300C will survive wholesale model cuts at Chrysler, the next generation of the big sedan has been spied testing in Michigan.

Sporting an obscured front end and an otherwise unaltered appearance, the spied car is likely a mule testing new running gear - the upcoming model’s face grafted on for engine and airflow tests.

The spy photos - and the earlier reports of the 300C’s reprieve - follow a single rendered image leaked earlier this year, created as part of Chrysler’s long-term viability pitch to the US Government.

The February rendering describes the car as arriving in 2010, but as the new year draws nearer, it remains to be seen whether the new 300C will appear in time for the 2010 model year.

The Hemi V8 is expected to remain, but with California’s tight CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) laws likely to be adopted across the nation, smaller engined-models will probably make up the bulk of the 300C’s sales.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is expected to reveal the carmaker’s new model plans for the future on November 4.

GALLERY » 2010 Chrysler 300C Spy Photos