Introduction
Amid all the current woes of the American automobile industry, the past year has seen a few standout new products, and the Chrysler 300 is the brightest of them all. Introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model, the 300 has collected an impressive array of awards and become a true sales success. This is the classic large-sedan formula-wrapped in provocative sheetmetal and offered at an attractive price-that Americans have always loved.
DaimlerChrysler group has transferred key technologies from its German brand, Mercedes-Benz, to Chrysler, notably adapting E-Class platform elements, and packaged them with bold American styling and powertrains. The resulting car spans in price from the mid-$20Ks to low $40Ks, providing competition to midsize family sedans, entry-level compact luxury sedans, and even super-high-performance sedans such as the Cadillac CTS-V. Models include a base V-6-engined 300, V-6 Touring and Limited models, a V-8 300C, and the very powerful SRT8. Rear-drive is standard, and all but the base 300 and the SRT8 are available with all-wheel drive.
Exterior
Love it or hate it, the 300's styling gives it a real presence on the road. By opting for a front-engine, rear-drive layout, Chrysler gave the 300 classic sedan proportions, marking a significant departure from the cab-forward design that typified Chrysler cars until recently. The high beltline, shallow glass area, and large wheel openings give the 300 a pleasingly aggressive stance.... Read full article