Information AboutChrysler 300 |
The Chrysler 300 is a Full-size Near-luxury Car designed by Ralph Gilles . There have been many vehicles using the name, starting in 1955 and continuing to this day. 1979 The 300 name made a brief reappearance in 1979, as a limited special edition Chrysler Cordoba . This "300" had non-functional fender vents, red, white, and blue Pin Stripe s, and a High Output 360 in³ engine (the most powerful engine in the lineup in 1979, as 400 in³ V8 production ended with the 1978 model year) mated to a special 3-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, the car was a fairly good performer in its time, as 1979 was not exactly a banner year for muscle cars, and the emissions equipment really strangled the engines of that time period. One test showed that it actually outperformed many of the "real" 300s of lore. Only 3,811 were produced. They come up on EBay from time to time, and are still quite reasonably priced. Very few options were available on these cars; the most notable were the T-top roof and moon roof. 1999 300M See Also: Chrysler 300M For the 1999 model year, DaimlerChrysler revived the 300 name on the 300M. 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. It was 10 inches shorter than the Concorde, and was priced above the Concorde. The 300M was a luxury car as opposed to the mainstream status on the Concorde, and, along with the LHS, was portrayed as one of Chryslers "flagship" vehicles. 2005 300/300C The current 300 is a full-size sport/luxury Sedan 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 Buick LaCrosse and the Mercury Montego (launched at the same time as the 300). Unlike the LaCrosse and Montego, the 300 is Rear-wheel Drive 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 much of its sheetmetal with the Dodge Magnum . The 300 Touring differs from the Magnum in that its exterior styling and interior are that of the 300 instead of the less-luxurious Magnum . All European 300C models are built in Graz, Austria, as are all Station Wagon and Right Hand Drive models. The 300C is also sold in Australia, the first large Chrysler sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981. 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 EER V6 making 190 hp (142 kW). In Canada, the basic 300 comes standard with the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine. 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-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 has helped establish it as a cool and desirable vehicle. The car is sometimes referred to as the "baby Bentley" by those who feel it resembles current cars in the British Luxury Line and the styling represents a striking similarity to the Rover P5 also of Britain . 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 300, Dodge Charger , and Dodge Magnum all 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. Some European versions will get a four-wheel drive version; the UK will probably not. Future Chrysler is reportedly planning to update the 300 for the 2009 model year. It would most likely be based on the 2006 Chrysler Imperial concept and prices may go up. They could rise to around $29,000 USD. Awards The 300C was the 2005 '' Motor Trend '' Car Of The Year and was on '' Car And Driver 's'' Ten Best List for 2005 and 2006. It also won the '' North American Car Of The Year '' and Canadian Car Of The Year ''Best New Luxury Car'' awards. According to a 2005 Chrysler advertisement, the 300 is the most-awarded new car ever. SRT-8 Chrysler introduced a special SRT-8 version of the car at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in 2004. It includes a new 6.1 L Hemi V8 which produces 425 hp (317 kW) and Brembo brakes. It went on sale in February of 2005 and has a Sticker Price of US$ 42,695 as of 2006 plus the Gas Guzzler Tax . '' Car And Driver '' tested the car in their June 2005 Road Test and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds with a 0-100 mph time of 11.2 seconds and a Quarter Mile-time of 13.2 seconds at 109 mph. Top speed 173 mph. OTHER MODELS Diesel In Europe, the 300C is available with a 3.0 L Diesel V6 Engine (internal code OM642 ) developed by Mercedes-Benz . It produces 218 hp (160 kW) and 376 ft·lbf (510 N·m) of torque and will be soon available with reducing NOx BlueTec technology. Heritage Edition The Heritage Edition of the 300C features 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 is the first Chrysler vehicle with SmartBeam headlights. The Heritage Edition debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. Extended Wheelbase The Extended Wheelbase version of the 300 was shown for the first time at the 2006 New York Auto Show . It has 6 inches of extra length, which has been added to the rear passenger compartment. The extended wheelbase model will be built by Accubuilt, an outside specialty vehicle modifier normally known for building limousines and hearses. Although built by this outside company, it is fully backed by Chrysler and sold through Chrysler dealerships.1 The extended wheelbase 300 competes with the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS for the demand of the American Livery market. Proposed coupe and convertible Chrysler is reportedly considering creating hardtop coupe and convertible versions of the 300. The convertible will most likely have four 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. As of August 1 , 2006 , it has been confirmed by Chrysler sources that the ASC Helios will not be produced. However, a convertible version of the 300 is available from Coach Builders Limited located in High Springs, Florida . {Link without Title} EXTERNAL LINKS REFERENCES |
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