On wet slippery roads I had the opportunity to put Chrysler's traction control and anti-skid technologies to the test.
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| Chrysler's traction control and anti-skid technologies performed flawlessly and only intervened when appropriate. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
These systems performed flawlessly and only intervened when appropriate. Some wheelspin and oversteer was permitted before big brother stepped in and restored order. Punching the throttle mid-turn on a slippery surface initiated alarming oversteer, but in short order Chrysler's Electronic Stability Program applied wheel specific braking and torque reduction, bringing the 300 into line like an army drill sergeant. Complementing the traction control and vehicle stability systems is an antilock, 4-wheel disc brake arrangement, with brake pedal actuation on the solid, firm side. Although I prattled on earlier about how the 300 felt larger than it really is, I wasn't including its braking ability in the analogy. It can shed velocity with a fervor that belies its full-size. Emergency stops are dead straight and
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| With impressive technology and plenty of standard equipment, the heavily contented 300 Limited starts at $36,995. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
easily controlled, although some nosedive is present, which the long, clearly visible hood of the 300 may tend to exaggerate. Chrysler has equipped the 300 and 300C with dual front multistage airbags as standard equipment. That safety net can be easily enhanced for front and rear occupants by selecting optional side-curtain airbags. However many airbags you choose, there will be plenty of additional standard equipment regardless of which trim level is selected, starting with the base 300 and moving vertically through the Touring edition, Limited edition and ending with the 300C powerbroker. Particularly noteworthy is the rock bottom $29,995 ($22,970 USD) entry point that Chrysler has assigned to the base 300. Skipping the nicely equipped Touring and heavily contented Limited variants and in favor of the deliciously equipped HEMI powered 340-horsepower 300C can be accomplished for only $42,995 ($32,370 US).
