Introduced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show, the Chrysler 300C concept is a Hemi-powered, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan that hints at the replacement for the Chrysler 300M and other LH cars.
This debut was long anticipated as the new LX series, as it will be called, and is due out in 2004. The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept from this year's Los Angeles Auto Show already gave a preview of the Dodge version. The Chrysler Group decided to return its large cars to RWD before its merger with Daimler, but the merger has facilitated the switch by providing access to parts and technology from the German end.
The five-speed-automatic transmission, seat structures, and much of the steering, suspension and electronic architecture are derived from Mercedes parts. It makes sense not only from a business standpoint with saved research and development time and costs spread out over a higher-volume production run, but Chrysler also says it will result in higher quality as well. Advances in tire technology, antilock brakes and the automaker's Electronic Stability Program now promise drivers who are accustomed to front-wheel drive the reassurance of feeling safer in adverse traction conditions as well as the traditional performance benefits of RWD.
The 300C concept looks strikingly different than the current 300M due in large part to the RWD layout. The prominent front end houses the new 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine and sports a grille reminiscent of the well-received Chronos concept car of 1998. This bold eggcrate grille design with the Chrysler wings will become the design trademark of Chryslers to come. Its long hood/short deck profile recalls fine RWD road-car designs of the '50s, including the original Chrysler C-300 of 1955. The high belt line to short greenhouse relationship gives a rather hefty, high-sided proportion to the car — a design direction predicted by the Dodge Super8 Hemi concept of 2001. The interior layout is clean and looks production ready, with a gauge pod that evolved from the 300M and tortoise shell accents that were inspired by the Chronos.
From a historical perspective, the new Chrysler 300 based on this 300C concept will be a more fitting tribute to the original Chrysler 300 "letter series" than the 300M was. The moniker "300" stands for 300 horsepower, which the 300M didn't produce. And while the 300M is a fine car in its own right, purists were never satisfied with a six-cylinder engine.
The return of the Hemi to the Chrysler line befits the 300 heritage, and the 300C concept's ideas hit closer to what the original series was meant to be. The proportions of the 300C concept most resemble the first 300s of 1955 and 1956 rather than the sleeker designs from 1957 and later.
The final remaining bone to pick is the four-door configuration — 300 letter series cars were always coupes and sometimes convertibles. Rumors of a convertible based on the Hemi-powered 300C concept car come and go but are still unresolved. For now, it looks like coupe buyers will have to go with the Crossfire. |
— Reported by
Andy Mikonis, cars.com;
image courtesy of the manufacturer |
