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Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum
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| Here comes the Hemi |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:28:18 |
| Rating |
 336 ( -34 -10.11% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
Chrysler 300C & Dodge Magnum
Strength
It's been nearly five decades since Chrysler first introduced its fabled 'letter series' cars. The brand's renowned line of Chrysler 300s started with the C-300 in 1955, and continued for 11 years. Few American automakers have since matched their reputation for blending performance, prestige and sheer presence.
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One commands respect. The other has a nasty attitude and a mean disposition. Both are powerful reminders of classic American iron. Whether that is enough to revitalize the kind of sedan that has been missing from the roads for a while - that powerful, aggressively stylish sedan - remains to be seen. The facts of economic and spatial realities are, sadly, cruel to large cars with big, beautiful engines.
But then these should never be cars for the large gray masses. These are the types of vehicles you run your hand along, feeling the lines and the corners. You wash this kind of car slowly, enjoying the sculpted metal and chrome accents. These types of vehicles share their attitude with their owner. Climb into the 300C and you'll feel a little more mature. A little more successful. You'll feel a little more powerful. Get inside the Dodge Magnum and you're sure to get a similar strong and powerful feeling.
The Magnum has more attitude. More youthful rebellion with the low-slung roofline and the wide stance. The 300C is more mature. Both make great bookends to the types of vehicles DaimlerChrysler promises to build: no compromises. No fakes. Real power, and might.
We'll see. Fit and finish, quality off the production line is where great-looking cars turn into great cars. Reportedly set to debut as production models at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the 300C and the Magnum will surely garner rave reviews -- whether the fickle car-buying public raves will depend on the quality of the build, the price and the economy. No matter how it goes, however, it's nice that cars can serve to be such strong, uncompromising statements of power and beauty. Here, then, is a brief introduction to the two cars that may reshape the look of Chrysler:
Chrysler 300C
With a long hood, short deck and aggressive profile, the 300C has a premium feel to it. There's a flat, well-designed instrument panel that sets the mood from the drivers side. From back to front, there is a feeling of refinement. Not over-luxurious refinement, but athletic refinement. Controls are easy to reach and sightlines and unencumbered. On the outside, the vehicle's look is dominated by angular lines and a large, over-sized grille. Some thought and inspiration went into building this vehicle -- and it shows -- with a unique look that promises to grow old gracefully. It's impossible, of course, to tell road manners and power without driving it, but the 300C will offer HEMI power in a rear-drive configuration.
2003 Chrysler 300C Concept Sedan Features:
5.7-liter HEMIĀ® V-8 engine
Electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStickĀ®
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Short- and long-arm front suspension
Independent five-bar multilink rear suspension
Rack and pinion steering
Front P245/45R20, Rear P275/40R20 tires
Deep-dish 20"x 8" front/20"x 9" rear five-spoke wheels
Dual exhaust
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction control
Anti-lock brake system
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
UConnectā¢ hands free communication system
Fit and finish, quality off the production line is where great-looking cars turn into great cars. Reportedly set to debut as production models at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the 300C and the Magnum will surely garner rave reviews -- whether the fickle car-buying public raves will depend on the quality of the build.
Dodge Magnum
Where the 300C is refined taste and power, the Magnum shouts attitude and mean speed. It has a low-slung roof with progressively narrowing windows on each side; it has a wide stance.
It looks like a custom hot rod wagon. Time will tell if it will drive like that, or just another overpowered car on the street. And while I found this the most exciting, I also found that it had the most flaws, especially in the decreasing sightlines for a wagonesqe vehicle. Nice touches included the false floor in the back area, the multi-purpose interior material and the sturdy, quality seats. On the road, the Magnum will undoubtedly deliver power, and that wide stance indicates performance. Like the 300C, the Magnum will offer a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 in rear-wheel drive. The Magnum is designed for people who know what a HEMI is, practical people who use vehicles for more than commuting. The seats fold flat -- and there's a lot of room when they do, though cargo space when the seats are up seems limited. This may be the result of the low-slung roof. Another practical touch is the wide opening hatch -- it looks cool, and opens all the way over the vehicle -- exposing a large entry area.
Now all we haveto do is drive the thing. Until then, the most exciting thing to do with the Magnum is to look at it, a real-size hot wheels car waiting to come to life.
The 2003 Dodge Magnum Concept Features:
5.7-liter supercharged HEMIĀ® V-8 engine
Electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStickĀ®
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Short- and long-arm front suspension
Independent five-bar multilink rear suspension
Rack and pinion steering
Front P275/40R20, rear P295/40R20 tires
Deep-dish 20x9ā front, 20x10ā rear split five-spoke wheels
Dual exhaust
Heated leather seats
Navigation radio with integrated six-disc CD changer
Power tilt-telescoping steering wheel
Competition gauges similar to those found in Dodge Viper
Racing-style milled aluminum pedals with Dodge Viper hole pattern
Removable cooler in left quarter trim
Dark Slate Gray interior with Ochre accents
Cargo volume of 27.0 cu.ft.
Fold flat 60/40 split rear seats with fold-out armrest
Under-floor storage module
Antilock brake system
Traction control
Electronic stability control
Vehicle architecture supporting all-wheel drive system
Twin piston aluminum calipers with 345 mm vented rotor front brakes
UConnectā¢ hands free communication system
--Story by Brian Chee |
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