That's right, I did say 5-speed gearbox. When the "C" applique is affixed to the 300, so is a 5-speed automatic transmission which
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| With Daimler's influence, the 300C receives one of the nicest, most functional auto-sticks in the biz. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
delivers power to the rear wheels; or better yet all the wheels once the all-wheel-drive version of the 300C is launched this fall. Hooking a group of five gears, as opposed to the more conventional four gears, to an engine provides engineers with a wider range of possible intervals to work with, thereby ensuring peak off-the-line acceleration and highway passing capabilities. A residual bonus is improved
fuel economy. With Daimler's influence, the 300C receives one of the nicest, most functional auto-sticks in the biz. The console-mounted shifter is set within a European-like gated shift plate. With the stick in the Drive position the transmission operates like any other premium automatic. But tap the stick to the right or left and its manual shift-mode immediately kicks in. A quick flick to the right
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| I am giddy about Chrysler's return to rear wheel drive for performance vehicles. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
shifts upward and a flick to the left shifts downward. Hold the stick to the right momentarily and Chrysler's AutoStick reprograms itself to an automatic mode. By directing the Hemi's thrust to the rear wheels, and eventually all the wheels Chrysler is doing more than just talking the talk, they are walking the walk. I am giddy about the brand's return to rear wheel drive, or should I say the abandonment of front wheel drive, for performance vehicles. I abhor torque-steer and the twichiness inherent in front wheel drive vehicles churning out substantial quantities of horsepower. It's unnerving to say the least. Some powerful front-wheel drive sedans I have sampled have been so ill-effected by torque-steer that one has to question their
safety, especially when piloted by a driver unfamiliar with such a mechanical demon.
