2005 Chrysler 300C, 300C SRT-8 and 300C Touring (European version)

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The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 ($39,995)

Some shots I took of the SRT-8 at the Woodward Dream Cruise. I apologize for the incredibly poor picture quality, but the SRT-8 was in a 'restricted' area and I had to take them very quickly. After I took the pictures, I talked to one of the guys that loads the cars on the trailer. He let me sit in the SRT-8 briefly, so I could check out the seats for myself. They are incredible.

Here are some pictures of the SRT-8 submitted by Jeff van Solkema (avid fan of, and patiently awaiting the release of the Magnum SRT-8):
Some of the differences I noticed on the SRT-8 300C:
-The seats are Recaro style (possibly real recaros?), and have VERY supportive thigh and side bolsters.
-The steering wheel does not have a wood section, but rather that section is now covered with leather. There are nice chrome rings separating the once wood section from the rest of the wheel.
-There are the same chrome rings on the edges of the door handles (also not wood)
-The gear selector knob has a silver accent, rather than a wood one. Yes, it's still an automatic.
-The speedo goes up to 180
-Same nav/radio/climate control setup
-The chin spoiler looks very cheesy--like a bad 3rd party add-on. It doesn't follow the contours of the front fascia at all. The rear spoiler is not as nice as the concept version. I would just assume have the trunk lid extend outward like the '05 VW Jetta, rather than have this piece stuck on the back.
-The exhaust tips are fantasticly huge, and the rear ground effects look good.
-The wheels look fantastic in person. The wide tires really give it a nice stance, too.
-At first I didn't like the body color accents (basically everywhere there is chrome on the current 300C, it's body color on the SRT-, but it is growing on me.
-The exhaust has a nice growl to it, but it is still not very aggressive. I got to hear the guys fire it up when they were loading it on the trailer after the show.


The Chrysler 300C and 300C Touring (European version)





It's official! - The Chrysler 300C SRT-8 version will be available for sale in February of 2005! This 300C will be powered by the new 6.1L Hemi, producing 425hp! The official starting price of the 300C SRT-8 will be $39,995 (including the 6.1L Hemi, of course).

Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Information

  • All-new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 with 425-horsepower HEMI® priced at $39,995 including destination
  • With an additional 85 horses - 25 percent more power - Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers the ultimate performance sedan at a head-turning price
  • Zero to 60 mph in low 5-second range, quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range, 0-100-0 mph in mid 16-second range
    Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 03, 2005 -Even more HEMI® horsepower.

    That’s what happens when HEMI meets Chrysler 300C meets Street and Racing Technology (SRT). The result is American muscle, wrapped in a stunning sedan and delivered by Chrysler for $39,995, which includes $625 for destination.

    Chrysler announced pricing today for its all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8, powered by an SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, and equipped with a host of performance upgrades and premium amenities. The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 arrives in showrooms this spring.

    "With the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8, we’re delivering the ultimate performance sedan," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler Marketing. "No other manufacturer can bring together the incredible combination of the HEMI, the Chrysler 300C, and SRT. Chrysler does just that with the 300C SRT8, all at an unbeatable value.

    “For less than $40,000, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 delivers world-class handling, benchmark braking, functional exterior enhancements, race-inspired interior appointments and a jaw-dropping 425 horsepower,” Bell added. “No one else comes even close to delivering the Chrysler 300C SRT8’s combination of performance and value.”

    The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is capable of remarkable performance times: 0 to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range and 0-100-0 mph in the mid 16-second range.

    HEMI Power

    The heart of the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is its SRT 6.1-liter HEMI engine, which generates 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version with more cubic inches, higher compression ratio, faster engine speed and better engine “breathing” through special cylinder heads and manifolds. The 6.1-liter HEMI engine was strengthened with components including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods.

    The result is an engine capable of 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque -- the highest specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group, whose horsepower-per-liter exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI.

    2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Features

    The all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is equipped with many SRT-tuned performance upgrades, including larger-diameter anti-sway bars, specially tailored spring rates, Bilstein dampers, Brembo four-piston disc brakes at the front and rear, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with Goodyear F1 three-season tires.

    Standard features of the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 include front seats equipped with heat and memory functions, clad with performance suede inserts that secure occupants during spirited driving. Other features include an adjustable pedal cluster, “technical” leather trim on the steering wheel, shifter and door pulls, and special finishing on interior trim such as the center stack. Full instrumentation includes a 180 mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges.

    Premium amenities include a standard AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer powering a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls. Also available are SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system’s speakers for hands-free conversations.

    Functional SRT Exterior Design Cues

    The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8’s exterior styling combines premium elegance with functional performance enhancements. Redesigned front and rear fascias include unmistakable SRT cues, such as air ducting for brake cooling, as well as the specially designed rear decklid spoiler, which increases rear downforce without increasing drag. Other touches include a body-color grille insert with chrome collar, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

    Available exterior colors for the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 are Bright Silver and Brilliant Black. The interior is offered in a Light Graystone/Dark Slate combination.

    Chrysler Brand

    The recent launch of the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and Chrysler Crossfire Roadster and Crossfire SRT6 continues the brand's rapid-fire product offensive and decade-long growth.

    Chrysler brand sales increased 109% over 10 years -- from 221,990 in 1993 to 463,590 in 2003. In 2004 (through November), sales were up more than 20 percent. The Chrysler brand's objective is to grow market share and brand image through its elegant designs, inspired engineering and exceptional value.

    The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

    Safety and Security Features

    Following are safety and security features available on the Chrysler 300C SRT-8:

    Advanced Multi-Stage Air Bag System: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. Includes Occupant Classification System (OCS)
    Anti-lock Brake System: Electronic sensors that help prevent wheel lockup. The optional ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
    Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This available feature aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on various road surfaces
    Energy-Absorbing Steering Column: Manual-adjust telescoping steering column includes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward and provide more energy absorption during an impact
    High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting: This available feature provides 70 percent more light to increase driver visibility, using XENON bulb technology
    Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measures the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front air bag based upon the weight of the occupant
    Rear Park Assist: This available ultrasonic rear obstacle detection system signals through an audible warning and a rear overhead display to avoid potential collisions

    Street and Racing Technology

    Street and Racing Technology creates some of Chrysler Group's most distinctive, performance-oriented products.

    SRT has developed six vehicles, each of which is the performance leader in its class - the Dodge Viper SRT-10, Dodge SRT-4, Dodge Ram SRT-10, Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab and Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster.


    Chrysler 300C Information

    Pricing and Packages

    The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new Chrysler 300 is $23,595, which includes destination. The new 2005 Chrysler 300 will begin to arrive in dealerships in the spring.

    "With the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300, the premium is in the product, not the price," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The all-new Chrysler 300 is a $1,130 better value than the exiting 2004 Chrysler Concorde LX."

    Chrysler 300
    The Chrysler 300 is a well-equipped, elegantly styled vehicle consumers will be proud to own. At just $23,595 including destination, the 2005 Chrysler 300 features the fuel efficient 190 horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 engine, with a four-speed automatic transmission. All Chrysler 300 models include an 17-inch wheels, eight-way power driver's seat, manual tilt/telescoping steering column, a premium cloth interior and body color mirrors, door handles and moldings. Also available are self-sealing tires, power adjustable pedals, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist and the first Original Equipment Manufacturer application of Boston Acoustic Premium Sound System.

    Chrysler 300 Touring
    The Chrysler 300 Touring is the second model in the 300 line-up adding luxury content to its stylish package. This package includes the high output 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, chrome accents inside and out, and leather seating for $27,395 including destination.

    Chrysler 300 Limited
    The Chrysler 300 Limited adds premium content to the Touring Edition that is both elegant and affordable. For $29,890 including destination, the Chrysler 300 Limited features as standard 17-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, electrochromic mirror, automatic headlamps, heated seats, power passenger seat, express-up and down front windows, dual-zone automatic temperature control and reconfigurable information center.

    Chrysler 300C
    The Chrysler 300C marks the return of the HEMI® engine, paying homage to the 300 letter-series lineage 50 years ago. At $32,995 including destination, the Chrysler 300C features the 340 horsepower HEMI V-8 engine, mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®. All Chrysler 300C models feature dual exhaust tips, large performance disc brakes, unique chrome exterior appearance, patented tortoise shell interior highlights, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rain sensing wipers and Boston Acoustics six-speaker 288-watt digital amplifier sound system. Self sealing tires, adjustable pedals, seven-speaker 380 watt digital amplifier, GPS navigation radio and high-intensity headlamps with washers are also available.

    The 2005 Chrysler 300C will be the first modern production vehicle in North America to feature cylinder deactivation when it goes on sale in the spring of 2004. The Chrysler Group Multi Displacement System (MDS) seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine when V-8 power is not needed. This provides a world class combination of performance and fuel economy.

    All Chrysler 300 vehicles feature a short-long arm (SLA) front suspension system combined with a five-link independent rear suspension to provide excellent handling and a comfortable ride.

    "The bottom line is that the Chrysler 300 is stunningly affordable," continued Bell. "Chrysler 300 will attract domestic and import, mid-size and full-size vehicle shoppers, who might not have considered any Chrysler premium full size sedan before."

    All Chrysler 300 vehicles come with the Chrysler Premium Care Plan first introduced on the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica. This plan entitles owners to a no-charge loaner vehicle any time scheduled maintenance or non-body shop repair is required during the initial three-year/36,000 mile warranty period. This, combined with 24-hour towing assistance, ensures that a Chrysler customer will not be left stranded.

    The Premium Care Plan includes:

    7 year/ 70,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
    3 year/ 36,000 mile Basic Limited Warranty
    Complimentary loaner vehicle for scheduled dealer visits
    24/7 towing assistance
    The all-new Chrysler 300 is built at the Company's Brampton, Ont. (Canada) manufacturing plant along with the all-new Dodge Magnum.

    MSRP / Destination

    Chrysler 300
  • $22,970 / $625

    Chrysler 300 Touring
  • $26,770 / $625

    Chrysler 300 Limited
  • $29,265 / $625

    Chrysler 300C
  • $32,370 / $625

    AWD Information


    All-wheel Drive Joins Rear-wheel Drive on 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum

    New All-wheel-drive Choices Added to Line-up for Outstanding Performance in All Weather Conditions

    All-wheel-drive Vehicles to Go On Sale This Fall Starting at $27,900 (MSRP excluding $625 destination)

    Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 12, 2004 -One wheel? Two wheels? Three wheels, four? All wheels your preference? Who needs more? Chrysler Group is rounding out its Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 family with all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the highly popular vehicles.

    For those Dodge customers who prefer all-wheel drive, the 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum SXT and AWD Dodge Magnum RT will be introduced this fall. Later in the fourth quarter, Chrysler all-wheel-drive fans will be able to choose from AWD Chrysler 300 Touring and AWD Chrysler 300C models, as well as an AWD package that will be available as an option for the Chrysler 300 Limited.

    "The rear-wheel drive Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 have proven themselves in the marketplace as popular performers all across the United States, and we look to these new all-wheel-drive choices to continue that momentum," said George Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Global Brand Marketing.

    By continuously driving all wheels, the new all-wheel-drive system provides excellent cornering balance and traction under all driving conditions. Combined with standard features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Emergency Brake Assist, performance and stability are outstanding in the new AWD members of the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 lineup.

    "While chassis electronics and tire technology improvements help control our Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum rear-wheel-drive models, some customers may still opt for the all-wheel-drive choice," said Murphy. "With this latest option, we are able to offer what the customer wants in each case."

    The new all-wheel drive system adds a front differential and a transfer case to the standard rear-wheel-drive configuration. All-wheel drive continuously divides the power between the front and rear axles at a 38-percent to 62-percent ratio.

    In addition to the front differential and transfer case, the all-wheel drive system adds a unique short- and long-arm front suspension to accommodate the front drive axle and related components. This unique suspension uses a forged upper control arm and single-piece case-iron lower control arm, efficiently packaged around the front-axle drive system. The steering gear effort and response and the suspension characteristics also are tuned to the handling characteristics of all-wheel-drive vehicles.

    2005 AWD Dodge Magnum SXT Model

    The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum SXT model is $27,900 (excluding $625 destination). This includes the added front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and a 19-gallon fuel tank with the 3.5-liter V-6 High Output engine.

    2005 AWD Dodge Magnum RT Model

    The MSRP for the 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum RT model is $31,370 (excluding $625 destination). This includes the addition of the front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension. (The five-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and 19-gallon fuel tank already are included as standard equipment on the Dodge Magnum RT.)

    2005 AWD Chrysler 300 Touring Model

    The MSRP for the 2005 AWD Chrysler 300 Touring model is $29,370 (excluding $625 destination). The added front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and a 19-gallon fuel tank are included with the 3.5-liter V-6 High Output engine on the AWD Chrysler 300 Touring model.

    2005 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD Option

    The 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited will be offered as an all-wheel-drive vehicle through an option package. In addition to the Limited model's standard equipment, this package will add the front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and a 19-gallon fuel tank with the 3.5-liter V-6 High Output engine. The MSRP for 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited vehicles with the AWD option is $31,215 (excluding $625 destination).

    2005 AWD Chrysler 300C Model

    The MSRP for the 2005 AWD Chrysler 300C model is $34,195 (excluding $625 destination). This includes the addition of the front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension and 18-inch wheels. (The five-speed automatic transmission, touring tires, performance disk brakes and 19-gallon fuel tank already are included as standard equipment on the Chrysler 300C.)

    The 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum and AWD Chrysler 300 will be built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario.

    General Information


    All-New 2005 Chrysler 300 Signals Return of Great American Car

    All-New Platform Features Contemporary HEMI® Power and Rear-Wheel-Drive Performance

    Industry First Multi-Displacement System (MDS) Increases HEMI Fuel Efficiency

    Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 01, 2004 -With an entirely new shape based on the company’s all-new rear-drive architecture, the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300 features classic proportions. A long hood, short deck and dramatic profile complete with available 18-inch wheels give Chrysler 300 its stunning presence.

    "The all-new 2005 Chrysler 300 is the new standard for American large cars," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "And this is just one of nine new products we’re bringing to market in calendar year 2004."

    The Chrysler 300C model marks the return of the HEMI® engine to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years. The legendary engine design that powered Chrysler’s ‘letter series’ cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. With 340 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, the Chrysler 300C can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.

    The 2005 Chrysler 300C will be the first modern volume production vehicle in North America to feature cylinder deactivation when it goes on sale in the spring of 2004. The Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS) seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine when V-8 power is not needed. This provides a world class combination of performance and fuel economy.

    "Our new generation of vehicles will separate us from the pack,“ said Zetsche. "The MDS system on our HEMI V-8 will be a first for a modern volume car in North America and will deliver a 10- to 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency.“

    Transferring all this power to the pavement is Chrysler’s new rear-drive architecture. Rear-wheel drive offers improved handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels driving. With tremendous advances in tire technology and electronic stability control, Chrysler brings back the rear-wheel drive passenger sedan.

    "Rear-wheel drive is the right architecture for performance,“ added Zetsche. "With the advances that have been made in technology, for large cars rear-wheel drive guarantees the best performance and handling.“

    2005 Chrysler 300 STANDARD FEATURES

  • 2.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission
  • Rear-wheel drive configuration
  • Short- and long-arm front suspension
  • Independent five-bar multlink rear suspension
  • 17-inch wheels and tires
  • Rack and pinion steering
  • Driver and front passenger adjustable lumbar support
  • Eight-way power driver’s seat
  • Tilt and telescoping steering column
  • Analog clock
  • Outside temperature display
  • 60/40 split folding rear seat with armrest
  • Sentry Key® engine immobilizer system
  • Advanced multi-state driver and front passenger air bags
  • Occupant Classification System
  • Enhanced battery saver
  • Solar control window glass
  • Chrysler Premium Care Warranty providing a free loaner for non-body shop maintenance and repairs

    CHRYSLER 300 TOURING STANDARD FEATURES

    In addition to Chrysler 300 standard features (listed above), the 300 Touring adds:
  • 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission
  • Available all-wheel drive with five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick
  • 17-inch seven-spoke aluminum wheels
  • Fog lamps
  • Four-wheel antilock brakes
  • All-speed traction control
  • Electronic Stability Program
  • Emergency brake assist
  • Leather trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob

    CHRYSLER 300 LIMITED STANDARD FEATURES

    In addition to Chrysler 300 Touring standard features (listed above), the 300 Limited model adds:
  • 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
  • Power passenger seats
  • Heated driver and front passenger seats
  • Automatic Headlamps
  • Express-up/down power front windows
  • Dual zone automatic temperature control with infrared sensing
  • Electronic vehicle information center with compass, Homelink® universal transceiver, electrochromic interior rear view mirror and trip computer
  • Security alarm with panic button on key fob

    CHRYSLER 300C STANDARD FEATURES

    In addition to Chrysler 300 Limited standard features (listed above), the 300C model adds:
  • 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®
  • Multi-displacement System (MDS)
  • 6.3-second 0-60 mph
  • 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
  • Dual exhaust
  • Performance brakes
  • Premium leather interior trim
  • Patented tortoise shell style interior accents
  • Power passenger seat
  • Heated driver and front passenger seats
  • Automatic headlamps
  • Express-up/down power front windows
  • Dual zone automatic temperature control with infrared sensing
  • Electronic vehicle information center with compass, Homelink® universal transceiver, electrochromic interior rear view mirror and trip computer
  • Security alarm with panic button on key fob

    OPTIONAL FEATURES

  • Front and read side curtain air bags
  • Air filtration
  • Ultrasonic rear object detection
  • Self-sealing tires
  • UConnect™ hands free communication
  • Power adjustable pedals
  • Boston Acoustics eight-speaker premium sound system with 380-watt digital amplifier
  • GPS Navigation radio with integrated six-disc CD/MP3 player
  • SIRIUS Satellite Radio™
  • Sunroof with express open and close feature
  • Genuine California walnut wood interior accents
  • Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with high-pressure washers

    Engineering

    The Chrysler brand's first rear-wheel drive sedan in more than a decade enabled designers to sculpt new proportions for their latest concept, the Chrysler 300C sedan. The result is a long hood and prominent grille and low roofline that provide the noble proportions of classic automobiles, but in a very contemporary way.
    "While the Chrysler 300C pays homage to the very first Chrysler C-300 and other 'letter series' cars that followed, it does so in a thoroughly modern way," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, DaimlerChrysler. "This is the car that will help set the stage for an entirely new generation of innovative and exciting vehicles from the Chrysler Group."

    Despite significant advances in front-drive technology and performance, automobile enthusiasts have traditionally been more rear-drive oriented because of acceleration and handling advantages. A rear-drive layout enables all four wheels to share the work: the front wheels steer and rear wheels transfer the power, resulting in good handling and overall vehicle balance. Electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brake systems also have reached new levels of advancement to control rear-drive cars to the point where such systems are often transparent to the driver.
    In higher horsepower applications, rear-drive vehicles inherently have an improved transfer of power to the pavement. On acceleration, for example, rear-drive cars have excellent traction because of the weight shift to the rear upon acceleration. Front-drive cars have to manage "torque steer," or the tendency to twist the steering during strong acceleration.

    HEMI® Power is Back after More than 30 Years
    The Chrysler 300C concept sedan portends the return of HEMI power to the Chrysler brand after more than 30 years.
    One of the most powerful V-8s of all time, the HEMI quickly became legend in the 1950s and 1960s, stunning the racing world and propelling Chrysler to the top during the muscle car era. The last time HEMI powered a Chrysler-brand car was the 1958 300D and New Yorker. Dodge Challengers and Chargers continued to use the HEMI until 1971, when concerns about emissions and fuel consumption led to major detuning of all high-performance engines.
    "The '300' nameplate was originally derived from the 300-horsepower Chrysler HEMI engine that powered the original 'letter series' cars," said Ridenour. "Just like its predecessor, this HEMI is the trend-setter for a new era in engine technology. This is one of the most technologically advanced engines ever engineered by the Chrysler Group."
    More than three decades later, the HEMI makes a powerful comeback in the Chrysler 300C concept sedan. With a displacement of 5.7 liters, the HEMI will generate well over 300 horsepower.

    Chrysler 300C Built With World-Class German Technology
    The production version of the Chrysler 300C slated to debut in 2004 will benefit from a wide range of German technology that is now part of the entire DaimlerChrysler enterprise, following the 1998 merger.
    Although the Chrysler Group had already decided before the merger that the next generation of large sedans would return to a rear-drive configuration, the merger with Daimler-Benz provided the Chrysler Group with an extensive portfolio of technology and components. Spreading that technology across a higher volume will result in reduced per-unit costs and ensure higher quality at the same time.
    Shared components and technologies that will appear on the production version of the Chrysler 300C include a five-speed automatic transmission, suspension components, steering system, seat structures and electronic architecture.
    "From a synergy standpoint, the Chrysler 300C concept is significant for the Chrysler Group in that it represents the first large-volume vehicle to adapt and incorporate select technology made available by our merger with Daimler-Benz," said Ridenour. "The result will be a Chrysler 300C that combines classic design with great American power such as the HEMI, but also uses proven German technologies throughout a number of areas."


    Preliminary Specifications

    Basic Dimensions
    Wheelbase: 120.0 inches (3,048 mm)
    Overall length: 196.8 inches (4,999 mm)
    Overall width: 74.0 inches (1,880 mm)
    Overall height: 58.4 inches (1,483 mm)
    Front overhang: 34.3 inches (871 mm)
    Rear overhang: 42.5 inches (1,080 mm)
    Front track: 63.0 inches (1,600 mm)
    Rear track 63.0 inches (1,600 mm)
    Estimated weight: 4,000 lbs. (1,808 kg)

    Suspension
    Front: Short- and long-arm
    Rear: Independent five-bar multi-link


    All data provided by DaimlerChrysler

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