Chrysler achieved the 300's striking form by altering today's glass-to-steel ratio and fabricating over-sized wheel housings.
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| In a daring move, Chrysler designers drew upon the 1960s glass-to-steel ratio when they penned the new 300. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Glass-to-steel ratios (the split between window size versus door size) in the 1960s hovered in the range of 1/3 glass to 2/3's steel. During the following decades that ratio increased to a range of half glass and half steel. In a daring move, Chrysler designers drew upon the 1960s ratio when they penned the 300. The retro ratio conveys the "sinister," chopped roofline effect that I so admire, an effect that is further emphasized by the large wheel housings that reach far into the 4-door sedan's high beltline. Although the 300's design theme hearkens back to when the space-race and cold war were playing out on black and white televisions across North America, its technology
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| Although it may feature 1960s design cues, Chrysler has equipped the 300 with the latest in safety features and performance-oriented engineering. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
doesn't. Chrysler has equipped the 300 with the latest in
safety features and performance-oriented engineering. After feasting my eyes for a short period on the 300's external hardware, I climbed aboard my tester and immediately noticed a higher than typical seating position. In fact the lower seat cushions in today's 300 sit 6.35 cm (2.5 in) higher than those in last year's
300M. The added elevation improves roadway visibility and ease of ingress/egress. Regrettably what looks great from the outside in terms of roof structure is problematic inside. Wide A- and C-pillars interrupt the driver's field of vision, therefore extra care is needed to ensure pedestrians and other objects are not concealed from view when turning or reversing.
