2007 Chrysler 300C
The 300c is Chrysler's V-8-powered sedan in the 300 lineup. An extended-length 300C Long Wheelbase debuted at the 2006 New York auto show, and was rolled out for 2007. The Chrysler 300 was among the first to adapt an increasingly popular high seating position, with seats that rise several inches above those in the typical sedan before it. This blueprint was no doubt a response to the booming popularity of sport-utility vehicles. The windshield rake is relatively modest, so visibility forward is enhanced over the 300's long hood. Visibility to the rear is excellent, without much intrusion from the roofline. EPA Fuel Economy comes in at City: 14 ? 17 and Highway: 20 ? 25. The Dodge Charger sedan and Magnum wagon are closely related to the Chrysler 300; both offer optional Hemi V-8s. The Chrysler 300C is a carryover from 2006. The only minor change is redesigned wheels.
A completely different line of 300 sedans joined Chrysler's lineup for 2005. Instead of front-drive, the new 300 had rear-wheel drive. An innovative Multi-Displacement System automatically shuts down half of the Hemi's cylinders when the car is cruising easily. The system shuts off valves and fuel injectors for unused cylinders, which Chrysler says can yield a 10 to 20 percent improvement in gas mileage. To counteract concerns that the rear-drive 300C wouldn't handle properly on snow and ice, Chrysler installed an electronic stability system. An all-wheel-drive version is also available. Chrysler's first 300 series premiered in 1955 as a high-performance hardtop coupe that held a 300-horsepower Hemi V-8. In its 1999 to 2004 iteration, the Chrysler 300M was a front-wheel-drive sedan with V-6 power. In the 300C, Chrysler's 340-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 390 pounds-feet of torque and drives a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates AutoStick for manually selected gear changes.
Flaunting a completely fresh shape, the 300C is bold and imposing. Aluminum is used for the hood and deck lid. Built on a 120-inch wheelbase, the 300C is 196.8 inches long overall. Sizable wheel openings encircle 18-inch tires that mount on chrome-clad aluminum wheels. A discerning eye is needed to tell the difference between a regular- and long-wheelbase 300C; at 202.8 inches overall, the stretched version measures just 6 inches longer. The extra length occurs just aft of the B-pillar and results in longer back doors. The result is well-proportioned and eliminates some of the snub-tail look of the regular 300C. The long-wheelbase model is about 100 pounds heavier, and a wide range of paint colors is available.
Though supremely quiet most of the time, the Hemi V-8 delivers a satisfying note when accelerating hard. Steering and stability feel even more certain and secure in the 300C, which takes winding mountain roads confidently. Engine response is virtually immediate, and passing/merging reactions are seriously energetic. The five-speed automatic transmission is near-perfect. Snow and ice performance with the electronic stability system is amazing. On the downside, you might feel the system has taken over too assertively. The 2007 Chrysler 330c is reasonably easy to park despite its size. Only the upper models have Park Assist, which beeps an audible tone, increasing the frequency as you back toward an object. The Chrysler 300 base model drives nice. Also, the four-speed automatic transmission lacks the responsiveness and flexibility of a five-speed automatic.
Standard features include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with a memory feature, premium leather seat trim, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors with a memory feature. Two Boston Acoustics audio systems and rear parking assist are available. In the long-wheelbase edition, rear legroom has grown about 6 inches and measures 46 inches. Legroom in the back is vast, and right rear passengers can increase theirs with optional controls for the front passenger seat. Though special panels have been designed to fit the longer rear side doors, they have a low-quality appearance. Besides writing tables, options include footrests, illuminated vanity mirrors, adjustable reading lights and 12-volt power plugs for charging BlackBerrys or other mobile electronic devices. Seats are reasonably supportive and invitingly comfortable, though a bit on the hard side. Long seat bottoms are pleasing, though they do tilt forward a bit. Abundant glass area helps visibility, as do the large mirrors. Backseat space is abundant, promising plenty of legroom and acceptable headroom.
Conclusions
The Chrysler 300c of this generation is an impressive vehicle, with power and an aggressive look. Safety features are a bound. Standard SmartBeam headlamps automatically dim if they sense approaching traffic, and high-intensity-discharge headlights are optional. An optional adaptive cruise control system regulates speed based on the distance to the vehicle in front. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard on the 300C. Front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are optional.