Chrysler is claiming to have redefined the ‘classic American automobile’ with its worldwide debut of the 300C ‘concept’ at the 2003 New York International Auto Show.
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This latest of a famous and long-lived Chrysler model line has switched from front wheel drive to the company’s all-new rear drive platform and Chrysler has also hinted at all-wheel drive versions by highlighting that the show car features a “vehicle architecture supporting all-wheel drive system”.
Chrysler first introduced its ‘letter series’ cars almost 50 years ago, beginning with the C-300 in 1955, and continuing for 11 years.
The concept 300C features so-called ‘classic’ proportions – a long bonnet, short boot lid and, on the almost production-ready show car at least, 20-inch tyres. ‘Similar’ production versions go on sale next year.
“The 300C signals a dramatic new design direction for Chrysler,” said Chrysler Group president and CEO Dieter Zetsche.
“With recent introductions including the innovative Pacifica sports tourer and the head-turning Crossfire sports coupe, and now the all-new 300C, the Chrysler brand has one of the most impressive product portfolios in the industry,” added Zetsche. “These vehicles will enable us to move the brand to a premium position within the US market.”
Having dropped rear drive some years ago to build even its large sedans on front-drive platforms, Chrysler now says that rear-wheel drive “offers improved handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels driving”, adding that there have been “tremendous” advances in tyre technology and electronic stability control.
The 300C concept also marks the return of the legendary Hemi engine to the Chrysler brand after more than 30 years (or about 22 if you include those offered by Chrysler Australia in the Down Under-built Valiant line from 1970 to 1981).
The engine design that powered Chrysler’s “letter series” cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-litre Hemi V8.
“Combining confident performance with stunning design, the Chrysler 300C concept defines our next generation of automobiles,” said Zetsche. “With rear-wheel drive and HEMI Inside, Chrysler 300C delivers power and performance in an elegant package.”
Other features expected to make the production 300C line include: electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual override; short- and long-arm front suspension and independent five-bar multilink rear suspension.
The concept wears P245/45R20 tyres at the front and P275/40R20 at the rear on deep-dish 20″ x 8″ front/20″ x 9″ rear five-spoke wheels. It also has a dual exhaust.
Inside the show car includes tortoiseshell accents on steering wheel rim, shifter knob and door pulls, heated leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with flush-mounted audio and trip computer controls, tilt-telescoping steering wheel and automatic climate control, as you’d expect on a top-line production model.
Other equipment includes electronic stability programme, traction control, anti-lock brakes, high-intensity discharge headlamps and navigation radio with integrated six-disc CD changer.
