As the rear wheels propel the 300C down the highway, the sun will not be obliterated by a huge land-yacht. The car claims just 5,000 mm (196.8 in) of overall length. To put that into perspective, it's 20 mm (less than 1 in) shorter than a 2003 Ford Taurus. If parked side by side, the roofline of the stout 300C would rise 51 mm (2.3 in) above that of the Taurus. That's fairly significant in today's world of low-drag coefficient designs. However it should also translate into improved headroom, especially in the rear-seats, over the slimmer Taurus. And besides, in a sea of look-alike cars the 300C will proudly stand up and be counted.
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| Although the 300C gives off the aura of a land-yacht, it is actually shorter than a 2003 Ford Taurus. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The 300C marks the introduction of a completely new full-size, rear-wheel drive platform for Chrysler that is a radical departure from the front-wheel drive, cab-forward design they successfully pioneered in the 1990s. Chrysler puts it this way, "combining confident performance with stunning design, the Chrysler 300C concept defines our next generation of automobiles," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of Chrysler Group. "With rear-wheel drive and HEMI Inside, Chrysler 300C delivers power and performance in an elegant package."
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| Look for Chrysler's official unveiling of the production 300C in mid-2004. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Could this rear-wheel drive homecoming permeate over to models from the other big two domestic manufacturers, Cadillac and Lincoln aside? I hope so. One thing that's for certain, they'll be keeping a keen eye on the 300C sales graph.
It's been said that history repeats itself, an adage that is especially true in the automotive world. Fortunately, repetition in the automotive genre generally coincides with huge advancements in technology, reliability and efficiency. The 300C typifies this scenario. Look for Chrysler's official unveiling of the production 300C, possibly dubbed the 300N if the expected Letter Car sequencing continues from the current 300M, in mid 2004. I can hardly wait, gotta have one. Good on ya Chrysler!