Chrysler Redefines the
Classic American Automobile with Worldwide Reveal of 300C Concept
Combines Elegant
Design, Noble Proportions
Production
Version of Chrysler 300C Concept to Arrive in Chrysler Dealerships
in 2004
All-New Platform
Features Contemporary HEMI Power, Rear-Wheel Drive Performance
Chrysler 300C
Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Famous 'Letter Series' Cars
Chrysler 300C,
Along with All-New 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and Crossfire,
Propel Brand into Premium Market Position
Auburn Hills, Mich.,
- Today, Chrysler redefines the classic American
automobile with the worldwide debut of the Chrysler 300C concept at
the 2003 New York International Auto Show.
With an entirely new shape
based on the company’s all-new rear-drive architecture, this striking
concept sedan continues the Chrysler brand’s proud ‘letter series’ tradition
- but in a thoroughly modern way.
Chrysler 300C
- Click image
for larger view
Chrysler 300C
-
Click image
for larger view
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.
Chrysler 300C features classic proportions
-- a long hood, short deck and a dramatic profile complete
with 20-inch tires. Paying tribute to some of the first
letter series cars, a production version similar to the
Chrysler 300C concept will go on sale in 2004, further solidifying
the Chrysler brand’s premium position in the market.
“Chrysler 300C signals a dramatic new design
direction for Chrysler,” said Dieter Zetsche, President
and CEO of the Chrysler Group. “With its new shape and noble
proportions, the Chrysler 300C redefines the classic American
automobile, while moving the brand solidly into the premium
segment of the market.”
While Chrysler 300C is a concept vehicle,
it provides a strong hint at the first sedan from Chrysler
Group’s much-anticipated next generation of rear-wheel drive
vehicles to debut in 2004.
“With recent introductions
including the innovative Chrysler 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 Chrysler brand
to a premium position within the U.S. market.”
Transferring all this power
to the pavement is Chrysler’s new rear-drive architecture. Rear-wheel
drive offers improved handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels
driving. With tremendous advances in tire technology and electronic
stability control, Chrysler brings back the rear-wheel drive passenger
sedan.
Chrysler 300C
-
Click image for larger view
The Chrysler 300C concept
also marks the return of the HEMI engine to the Chrysler brand after
more than 30 years. The legendary 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-liter HEMI V-8.
Chrysler 300C
-
Click image for larger view
“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.”
Following are "at-a-glance"
features in the Chrysler 300C Concept Sedan:
Performance
5.7-liter HEMI® V-8
engine
Electronically-controlled
five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®
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 fives-spoke wheels
Dual exhaust
Amenities
Tortoise shell 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
Automatic temperature
control
Safety
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)
Traction Control
Anti-lock brake system
Vehicle architecture
supporting all-wheel drive system
High-Intensity Discharge
(HID) headlamps
Navigation radio with
integrated six-disc CD changer
)
)
)
)
)
)
)