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Coming Next Issue
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Chip Foose |
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BMW 760Li |
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VW Phaeton W12 |
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Prepare for Winter |
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2005 Chrysler 300C
Yes! It's got a Hemi. (continued) |
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But there's more to that body than good looks. The Daimler side of Daimler-Chrysler has shared a few engineering secrets with the Chrysler side, of which one of those was a nifty sheet metal forming process (known officially as Dual-phase steel) that allows the metal to be thinner (read: lighter) yet more rigid than traditional body metal. The gurus from Germany also lent a helping hand with the 300's suspension and interior bits.
Take a peek underneath the 300C, and you'll find plenty of aluminum bits. The front and rear axle assemblies share an uncanny resemblance to the E-class Mercedes, with cast aluminum independent suspension pieces (both front and rear). Take a closer look, and you'll find beefy blocks of aluminum shaped to form calipers, all of which squeeze large rotors that reside behind larger, 18" wheels.
Inside, you'll find more Mercedes-Benz touches, like an electronic, tilt-telescoping steering column and a shift lever that mates to the Daimler-designed 5-speed automatic transmission, complete with Mercedes-esque manumatic controls. An all-wheel-drive option is available when you order either the 3.5L or 5.7L engine. Our test model wasn't equipped with the AWD option.
We found the 300C to be extremely roomy and comfortable, offering a great driving position complete with supportive seats and a bolstered steering wheel. Gauges are well placed, and we especially liked the chrome-trimmed black on white gauges. The 300C lends an immediate impression of luxury, with a fit-and-finish that's much better than anything in a similar price range.
Climate, radio and navigation controls are well placed, and simple to use. Our only complaint with the radio/navigation unit is that some of the radio functions can be a bit confusing to operate, but the confusion goes away as the miles accumulate.
The 300C offers a relatively quiet ride, with just a hint of wind noise and hum from the large 18-inch wheels making its way into the cabin. The kind of noise that we'll never complain about is the sound of power, and when you plant your right foot to the floor, the 300C is more than happy to sing for you. And while the 300C is fast (our 0-60 times showed 5.4 seconds and we managed a quarter-mile time of 14-flat at just over 102-mph), it isn't hamfisted fast. The 300C definitely conveys a feeling of confidence through its precise and controlled nature, and that translates into a great driving experience.
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