2005 Chrysler 300C AWD Road Test

As Much Mozart as it is Mos Def

A true story: while on the photo shoot for the Chrysler 300C AWD, early one morning, rolling by street corners in downtown Toronto, I hear through the lowered windows,"Yo yo yo, check out that live whip!"

The 300C and its sibling, the Dodge Magnum, have instantly become two of today's hottest cars in the hip-hop scene. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

"What?" I turn to my passenger.

With a blank stare, he responds dryly, "He means, check out that awesome car, Justin."

Case in point - while I might not be well versed in street slang, Chrysler's new 300C certainly is. Unbeknownst to me, the 300C and its sibling, the Dodge Magnum, have instantly become two of today's hottest cars in the hip-hop scene, appearing in top-ten music videos alongside the legendary 'six-four' (1964) Impala and the Cadillac Escalade, be it stock or low-ridin' on 'double-deuces' (lowered, riding on 22-inch wheels).

I can't remember a time in recent years when a vehicle of this type garnered as much hype as the 300. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

In outright defiance of pop culture, Chrysler has made a large, bold and controversial American sedan that's actually cool. In fact, I can't remember a time in recent years when a vehicle of this type garnered as much hype as the 300. On sale since last year, it still manages to make people stare, point in disbelief and stand around, slack-jawed as if it were a concept car. I'd like to see Buick or Lincoln try and muster half the success Chrysler has had with this car.