2005 Chrysler 300 Test Drive

The 2005 Chrysler 300 has one of those love 'em or hate 'em shapes. To some, it resembles the '51 Ford after it's been chopped and channelled. To others, and the Chrysler Group is betting these are the majority, the shape is stately and distinctive. Featuring Mercedes-Benz engineering, the base 300 and the potent 300C Hemi both have rear-wheel-drive, a long hood, a tall greenhouse and huge wheels. MSRP for 300C: $32,995; MSRP for base 300: $23,595; Basic warranty: 3yrs/36,000 miles.

First Glance

The new Chrysler 300C Hemi attracted considerable attention from the international auto journalists assembled for DaimlerChrysler's Innovations Symposium in Stuttgart this Spring. At the Sindelfingen test track behind the Mercedes-Benz plant, there was a great line-up of guys (and gals) waiting to test it on the track. Something about a big V-8 that draws 'em like flies to chocolate. I defer to no one in my love of the thrust and throaty growl of a big V-8 but I had to give them up when gas prices started to grow faster than my income. The big attraction of the 300C Hemi for most of the North American auto journalists at Sindelfingen was that it featured a new multiple displacement system (MDS) V-8. MDS shuts down four of the cylinders when the engine is operating under a low load, which occurs in stop-and-go city traffic and when the car is cruising at steady highway speeds. It's only when you stomp on it that you're firing on all eight cylinders. The transition from four to eight cylinders and back again is seamless and undetectable. DaimlerChrysler claims it will reduce fuel consumption by at least 20%.

In the Driver's Seat

The 300 represents the first really tangible sign that Chrysler's 1998 merger with Daimler-Benz may someday pay off for the North American side. This completely redesigned vehicle has been breathed on by Stuttgart and the result is a car that is reported to have over 50% Mercedes engineering. The word is that it's mostly current generation Mercedes-Benz E-class engineering. Which is, in my books anyway, a very good thing. A couple of things stand out about the 300: While the gunslot windows would suggest a claustrophobic interior, quite the opposite turns out to be the case. There is absolutely nothing to fault about the interior of this automobile. It's roomy enough to accommodate four or five McDonalds-size adults with their golf clubs and weekend paraphernalia. Besides big people, it will also accommodate tall people; well, relatively tall people anyway. Although a six-footer has plenty of head and knee room in both the front and the rear, a 6' 4" person found he had to slouch slightly to fit into the rear seat. He also had to drop the driver's seat to its lowest position in order to see comfortably out of the windshield. Really tall people best check this out first before buying.

On the Road

I tested both the 300C with the 5.7L Hemi V-8, 340 hp (390 lb-ft of torque and 5-speed manu-matic) and the 300 Limited with 3.5L V-6, 250 hp (250 lb-ft of torque and 4-speed automatic). A base 300 with a 2.7L V-6 is also available but I did not get a chance to drive it. A friend who is very knowledgeable in the art of performance driving felt that not even the power-to-weight ratio of the 3.5L V-6 shows the 300's sophisticated RWD platform to its best advantage. While the bigger Hemi engine may be required to bring out all the very best characteristics of the RWD chassis, I found the 3.5L V-6 to be more than adequate for the kind of driving I do. If you're looking for real performance, though, the Hemi is definitely your best bet. When you push hard on the throttle you'll get instant action; maybe too much for most people. It's enough on very slippery surfaces to overwhelm the standard electronic stability control, which is definitely not a good thing. Speaking of driving characteristics, I found the steering definitely to be more North American than European; in other words quite a bit over-boosted.

Journey's End

The 300 will probably attract as many stares per mile as the new Lamborghini Gallardo. Most people have an opinion on the controversial styling as soon as they see it. Few people are indifferent. Senior editor Philip Powell hates it; on the other hand, I quite like it. The 300 is a very significant automobile for Chrysler Group. They really rolled the dice on this one. So far it looks like they're winning their bet and the 300 will be the huge hit both the Chrysler Group and parent DaimlerChrysler A.G. sorely need. Readers of a certain age will recall the disastrous 4-6-8 GM engines in some Cadillac models of the early '80s. DaimlerChrysler wants you should forget those ablutions. The new Hemi with MDS is nothing like the old GMs. They claim the system will be 100% reliable for the life of the engine. They also claim its fuel economy will pleasantly surprise you. I know it did me. A Vancouver auto journalist (not your road tester) aggressively drove a 300C with the 340hp Hemi V-8 over a 700 mile route, which included both city and highway. He told me he got almost 25mpg. I was more than surprised; I was dumbfounded.