Chrysler 300C. March 06
The 300C is a bold reflection on the growing confidence of Chrysler, that started the 'retro' ball rolling with the PT Cruiser , Viper & Prowler, recently released the stunning Crossfire, and is now rolling the dice in the large car segment with the unique 300C.
Unlike some Yank machines that buyers consider have been 'dumped down under' in a last ditch effort to move them, this all American muscle car is a triumph in packaging, presentation and pricing.
The 300C has been a runaway success in the United States and is now pitched against two of the hardest nuts to crack in the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. A bit like a return to the mighty days of Holden, Ford and Valiant competition, the 300C is pitched squarely at the big rear wheel drive Australian cars.
Externally the 300C is a stand alone model that draws attention, whether cruising the highway or parked in a busy street. The first mistake many make is that it is an ultra-expensive import that is way beyond the reach of many buyers. Not so. One of the many positives of this vehicle is the price, which at $53,990 for the V6 model and $59,990 for the V8 is certainly well within the ball park of large sedan buyers.
Turn your attention to the styling and while the vehicle has a big on-road presence, it is not a "large" car in terms of dimensions that make it difficult for parking and city manoeuvrability. While first impressions are clouded by its striking looks, live with it for a while and it is a great road car. City driving is not a problem and open road cruising is a dream. Until now the benchmark for luxury ride has been the Calais/Caprice and the Fairmont/Fairlane. Move over chums, as the 300C is about to spoil the party! Drive any car in the USA and you will notice the airy, call it soft ride, that prevails. Rarely has there been a successful transplant of a US built car in terms of suspension and ride but Chrysler have done a fine job in delivering a suspension that while compliant, delivers a smooth ride that is very easy to live with. Throw the car around the harshest corners that the Great Ocean Road has to offer and the vehicle tracks smoothly and body roll is acceptable. To disrupt the ride, it's corrugations that will have the 300C wallowing as front to rear sway kicks in over pitching roads.
The 300C is built on rear wheel architecture and boasts classic proportions - a long bonnet, short deck and dramatic profile complete with 18-inch wheels. Its massive grille and frontal treatment demand attention, but it is what lurks under the bonnet that really turns heads. Headlining the act is the re-engineered high-performance 5.7-litre Hemi V8.
The Hemi unit produces 250kW of power at 5000rpm and a hefty 525Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The V8 achieves 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and powers to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The Hemi V8 features Chrysler's fuel saving cylinder deactivation system, which seamlessly turns off the fuel injection in four cylinders of the 5.7-litre Hemi engine when V8 power is not needed.
A second engine is also offered in Australia - a 3.5-litre V6 that delivers 183kW of power at 6400 rpm and 340Nm of torque at 3800 rpm. It was the V6 that I drove and performance, while obviously not as potent at the V8, was acceptable for all of our requirements.
Both engines are matched to a five-speed automatic with 'Auto Stick' tiptronic manual function. The automatic gearing is well spaced, but if you prefer more enthusiastic performance the manual override lets you explore the potential of the rear wheel drive.
The 300C boasts a host of standard features, including Electronic Stability Program, all speed traction control, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon high intensity discharge headlights and rear park assist. Inside the feel is roomy and luxurious, with large electronically adjustable heated leather-clad front seats, power windows, leather steering wheel with multi-function controls, cruise control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, air conditioning CD player and decent sound system. Safety is also a priority with standard front and rear side curtain airbags.
The dash blends old with new, with elegant silver-faced instruments, analogue clock and touches of wood panelling. Rear seat passengers also have loads of legroom and width, providing comfortable seating for three passengers. The boot is also quite cavernous and a pair of golf bags could easily be accommodated.
ABS braking is generally good and external sound levels are kept to a minimum. This is a car that in many respects represents a host of existing technology repackaged, but oh so cleverly. It is a driver's car that is very easy to become attuned to. Fuel economy achieved from the V6 was a 10.2 best to a maximum of 12.7 lt/100km, which is quite acceptable for a large family car.
The Chrysler 300C is built in Graz, Austria and build quality is certainly better than some US sourced vehicles. It is a striking and well presented car that undoubtedly down the track will have some iconic status. It has the potential to win the hearts of lovers of powerful rear wheel drive cars.
Brian Tanner
