Chrysler has unveiled a bold 5,7-litre Hemi V8-engined saloon at the New York motor show. When it goes into production in 2004, it will share much of its components with Mercedes-Benz.
Chrysler has unveiled a bold 5,7-litre Hemi V8-engined saloon at the New York motor show. When it goes into production in 2004, it will share much of its components with Mercedes-Benz.
The 300C is the first rear-wheel drive saloon to be produced by Chrysler in the past 10 years and features classic proportions – a long bonnet and a dramatic profile complete with 20-inch tyres.
“The 300C signals a dramatic new design direction for Chrysler,” said Dieter Zetsche, President of the Chrysler Group. “With its new shape and noble proportions, the Chrysler 300C redefines the classic American automobile”.
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.
The production version of vehicle will benefit from the German technology that is now part of DaimlerChrysler. Although the Chrysler Group had already decided before the merger that the next generation of large sedans would return to a rear-drive configuration, the merger with Daimler-Benz provided the Chrysler Group with an extensive portfolio of technology and components.
Shared components and technologies that will appear on the production version of the Chrysler 300C include a five-speed automatic transmission, suspension components, steering system, seat structures and electronic architecture.
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 powered Chrysler’s ‘letter series’ cars in the 1950s.
The prototype shown in New York was fitted with electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission, short- and long-arm front suspension, independent five-bar multilink rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and twin exhausts
When the car goes into production, it will feature electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, anti-lock brake system, vehicle architecture supporting all-wheel drive system, high-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and navigation radio with integrated six-disc CD changer.