Chrysler 300
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{{Infobox Automobile
|image=Image:300C.JPG
|name=Chrysler 300
|aka=Chrysler 300M
|manufacturer=DaimlerChrysler
|production=1999–present
|predecessor=Eagle Vision
|class=Full-size
|body_style=4-door sedan
4-door station wagon (Europe only)
|platform=FF LH (1999-2004)
FR LX (2005-present)
|transmission=4-speed 42RLE automatic
|related=Chrysler LHS
Chrysler Concorde
Dodge Intrepid
Dodge Magnum
Dodge Charger
|similar=Buick LaCrosse
Mercury Montego
Toyota Avalon
Kia Amanti
}}
The Chrysler 300 is a near-luxury sedan designed by Ralph Giles. There have been many vehicles using the name, starting in 1955 and continuing to this day. This page is about the modern Chrysler 300, not the Chrysler 300 letter series cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
Contents |
1979
The 300 name made a brief reapparance in 1979, on a somewhat revised Chrysler Cordoba bodyshell. This "300" had non-functional fender vents, red, white, and blue pin stripes, and a 360 in³ V8. This engine produced just 195 hp (145 kW) and was mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission, resulting in meager performance. The model was gone after 1979.
1999 300M
Image:1999-2004-Chrysler-300M-LHS-00101991990001.jpg Chrysler revived the 300 name on the 300M in 1999. This time it was a front wheel drive, V6-engined car using the Chrysler LH platform. While not technically part of the famous "letter series" of the 1950s and 1960s, Chrysler did have a sense of continuity, using the next letter, M, after the last 300L.
When Chrysler redesigned the LH-cars in 1998, the Eagle Vision was discontinued. In order to fill the "import-fighter" gap, the Eagle Vision's position, Chrysler brought back the 300 name. Chrysler once stated that if the Eagle brand wasn't dropped, the 300M would instead be sold as a redesigned Eagle Vision. Indeed, a couple of design images surfaced on the Internet showing a 300M with an Eagle badge on the grille. The 300M is similar in exterior and almost identical in the interior as the Chrysler Concorde. The 300M also fit the European "5 metre" size class for export, unlike the substantially similar LHS.
The 300M was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1999. It also was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1999 and 2000.
2005 300/300C
The current 300 is a sport sedan and wagon which was first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car and first introduced in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model. The current 300 was designed by Ralph Gilles.
The new 300 was built to bring a high performance, sporty sedan to compete with the likes of the BMW 5-Series, the Cadillac CTS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 300C shares these cars' front-engined, rear wheel drive layout and offers comparable luxury at a lower price. The 300 is also sold in Europe as both a sedan and a station wagon. The station wagon, sold in Europe as the 300 Touring (not to be confused with the North American sedan's "Touring" trim level), shares its body pieces of the C-pillar with the Dodge Magnum. The 300 Touring differs from the Magnum in that its exterior stying and interior fitment are that of the 300/300C instead of the less-luxurious Magnum.
The new 300 is offered in five versions: the basic entry level 300, the "Touring" version, a more luxurious "Limited" model, the top-of the line 300C, and the performance-oriented SRT-8.
The basic 300 comes standard with 17 in (432 mm) alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and a four-speed automatic transmission. It uses a 2.7 L LH V6 making 190 hp (142 kW).
The Touring model uses a 3.5 L V6, producing 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 ft.lbf (339 N·m) of torque. It also uses a 4-speed automatic transmission, but comes with foglamps, yaw control, and other luxury appointments.
The top of the line 300C version uses a 5.7 L Hemi V8. This engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed, reducing fuel consumption. The EPA has rated the 300C as getting 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. When all 8 cylinders are needed, the 300C can make 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 ft·lbf (529 N·m) torque.
The car has become a genuine hit for Chrysler. It is priced below similar rear wheel drive, high-performance V8 sedans from other marques, and shrewd product placement in several hip-hop videos have helped establish it as a cool and desirable vehicle. Media reports have indicated sales approaching 10,000 per month and shortages developing. In fact, one account had rapper Snoop Dogg leaving a message for Chrysler chairman Dieter Zetsche saying, "What I gotta do to get that brand-new C outta you?"
The new 300C and Dodge Magnum both share the Chrysler LX platform, which features components derived from the discontinued Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. Such components include the suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic's design, and a derivative of the 4-Matic all wheel drive system.
Awards
The 300C was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year and was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005. It also won the North American Car of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year Best New Luxury Car awards.
SRT-8
Chrysler introduced a special SRT-8 version of the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004. It includes a new 6.1 L Hemi which produces 425 hp (317 kW). It is expected to go on sale in February of 2005 and has a sticker price of US$39,995 plus the gas guzzler tax.
Heritage Edition
The Heritage Edition of the 300C will feature the 5.7 L engine along with many of the SRT-8's exterior modification, added chrome accents, and special tires on 18 inch wheels. It will be the first Chrysler vehicle with SmartBeam headlights. The Heritage Edition will debut at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show in January.
Extended Wheelbase
The Extended Wheelbase version of the 300 will be launched at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It reportedly has 6 inches of extra length for 10.2 extra cubic feet of rear seat space. Recently it has been said that Chrysler will have an outside source build the extended version.
Coupe and convertible?
Chrysler is reportedly considering creating coupe and convertible versions of the 300. The convertible will most likely have 4-doors, something that hasn't been done since the 1967 Lincoln Continental. The idea of the convertible is based on the ASC Helios 300, shown at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2005. It is not known when the coupe and convertible 300 will be released, or if DaimlerChrysler will ever go through with the idea.