Brampton Plant Rolling Out Chrysler 300 Series and Dodge Magnum

New 300C and Magnum HEMI Boast 340-HP and 390 LB-FT of Torque

The automotive landscape will soon be in for a big shock and once again it's because of Chrysler. Yes the same brand that popularized the minivan, made affordable

Chrysler Group Executive Vice-President Eric Ridenour presents the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C. (Photo: Joe Wilssens)

convertibles stylish again, and blew sales charts off the wall with its funky PT Cruiser, is about to offer a rear-wheel drive performance sedan and sport wagon for under $30,000.

The new models are the Chrysler 300 Series and Dodge Magnum Sport Tourer, the latter just announced for a base price of $27,995. Both feature a V6 in base guise and 340-hp HEMI V8 in top trim levels, with a stunning 390 lb-ft of torque - the figure that really matters when it comes to straight-ahead acceleration and general drivability. The engine will also be the first modern production vehicle to feature cylinder deactivation, benefiting fuel efficiency without hampering

DaimlerChrysler Canada premiered nine new concept and production vehicles at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, including the all-new Brampton Assembly Plant-built Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum. From left to right are Mark Norman - President and C.E.O. and Wolfgang Bernhard - C.O.O., Chrysler Group DaimlerChrysler Canada. (Photo: Jason Kryk, DaimlerChrysler Canada)

power. All-wheel drive is optional, for those feeling uneasy about giving up their front-wheel drive Intrepids, Concords and 300Ms, the models to be replaced.

"When you drive these (cars), you know we're going to be very, very busy," stated Michael A. Tonietto, manager of the Brampton facility and its 2,700 workers. "It's amazing the number of people who stop you and ask about these cars," added Tonietto. "We just had senior management down for a ride and drive and we got outstanding marks."

Rumors of a fourth model from the LX rear-wheel-drive architecture are rampant, but no one at DaimlerChrysler is commenting other than to say the plant can accommodate it.