Chrysler 300 News: Chrysler develops case for a 300 convertible

[omaha04GA]

the 300c that 50 cent got wa sa pre release versin of the car, released ot him to help boost sales, he says in an interview that he actually likes the car it "rides like should sposed to be" he says(paraphrasing here) that the car runs nice, with the mods he has done(bombproofing bulletproffing and all the gear inside wise) he actually prefers it over the big B because it is faster and more responsove.

now on the OTHER end of the spectram is the guys from the HANDS DOWN best car show in the world.
Top gear
www.topgear.com
ifyou can get the episodes they are amazing reviews, awsome show..ehh anyway thier reviews are ALWAYS spot on IMO the american car review shows suck and are to reliant on 1/4 times, DRIVE the car don't just dyno it and toss out the specs.
the 300c corners well from what i seen of it, is kinda cheap inside(liek most chrysler cars lookat the dog-taking-a-****e crossfire with ****inG PLASTIC interiors) but overall the car is WELL worth the bang for the buck.
Oh and as a nice side note when you reach cruising speed the "smart V8" shuts down 4 cylinders to use less gas while driving at a certain mPH over time.

that being said however i would still rather grab a subaru legacy limited edtion over this.
american cars are tossin in beefy engines finally and they are fun, but they have a long way to go before they can compete with the mitsubishi evos, subaru legacy,WRX,outbacks or even the lotus(now available in the US) i am a plethora of useless car info, i own every topgear episod eon DVD and know most of the cars they test off the top of my head.

mainly they test medium to high end euro carsyou will not see a ****ty ford escort over there or a grandam, they have to be great cars to make it, and the show owns.
enough babble, sweet rideoverlal i say!
oh

[Vintalage]

I love the topgear reviews also. They are very imformative and show you exactly what you want to see. They are also very detailed. They do a great job. The shows here are mediocre compared to topgear.

[Vintalage]

More parts.

[jake3217]

My family took one for a test drive the other day. All I can say is wow...helluva nice car.

The salesman said my dad could let it loose on the road behind the dealership. The hemi is, in four words, smooth and über powerful. It didn't seem like much in the lower RPM range, in fact, until about 3000 RPM I'm sure my dad's bonneville could have pulled away. But that hemi just kept pulling and pulling up until the redline. The power was simply awesome from around 3500-5000. Definately got my dad's seal of approval, which is really saying quite a lot, as he used to race cars in the SCCA, has a '68 Charger, etc...he's not easily satisfied, it takes a heap of power to make him smile.

From a passenger's perspective, the ride was extremely smooth, even when going over the pothole-ridden roads of Southeastern Wisconsin, and suprisingly quiet. Handled quite nice, and I especially liked the trim around the interior. The analog clock in the center of the dash was a nice addition, added class and whatnot.

Overall, quite a nice car. Smooth and powerful are the two words that come to mind whenever I think of the 300C.

The salesman said that in a few months, the 300C will have available 20" wheels from the factory, then a few months after that, available 22" wheels from the factory. Should be interesting

[VTECSiGAH8R]

Topgear is truely the best car show on Earth, I have no doubt. It's funny, witty, has good guests, great competitions and comparisons, and the hosts are the best!

[Vintalage]

Source: c&d and Schulte-Design

[Vintalage]

SRT to Expand


By Kevin Kelly
WardsAuto.com, Jul 14 2004

Plans for the expansion of Chrysler’s LX rear-wheel-drive family of vehicles includes an SRT-8 performance package for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, as well as an all-new 6.1L Hemi V-8.

Performance-car fans should get ready for a series of sport-bred vehicles based on the newly introduced Chrysler Group LX rear-wheel-drive platform. The performance derivatives are set to debut in first-quarter 2005.

Sources within the auto maker tell Ward’s Chrysler will introduce a 300C SRT-8 early in 2005, with a Dodge Charger SRT-8 following in September.

Both vehicles will be powered by the all-new 6.1L version of Chrysler’s highly acclaimed Hemi V-8 engine.

Sources claim the new powerplant will produce 420 hp and 390 lb.-ft. (528 Nm) of torque, a significant 24% horsepower boost from the 340 hp rating of the current 5.7L Hemi.

Sources also indicate the 6.1L Hemi will not feature Chrysler’s much-touted multi-displacement cylinder-deactivation system. The higher-output 6.1L Hemi will be reserved only for performance applications, where fuel economy routinely is not a top priority.

“We’ll keep the 5.7L for mass production applications, but the 6.1L will be reserved for limited high-performance vehicle production,” a Chrysler insider says.

The Charger SRT-8 will feature a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, boosting the vehicle’s performance potential.

Pilot production of standard Chargers already has begun in preparation for the return of the Charger moniker to Dodge showrooms shortly before the SRT package launches.

The source also indicates the auto maker is toying with the idea of launching a 2-door version of the Charger, as well as a 4-seat convertible, based loosely off the Chrysler Hemi C concept vehicle that debuted at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“I’ve seen some mock-ups, but I’m not sure if it’s been given the green light,” the source says.

Separately, the auto maker confirms it has begun production of all-wheel-drive variants of the 300 Series and Dodge Magnum passenger cars in Brampton, Ont., Canada. The AWD models will go on sale this fall.

Dodge will debut AWD versions of its Magnum SXT and RT wagon a few months before the system is available on the Chrysler 300 Limited, Touring and 300C in the fourth quarter.

The ’05 Magnum SXT AWD will base at $27,900, and the Hemi-powered RT AWD at $31,370.

Base price of the ’05 Chrysler 300 Touring AWD will be $29,370 with the 300 Touring AWD starting at $31,215. The Hemi-powered 300C AWD will base at $34,195.





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Yeah, it's got a Hemi... and AWD. All-wheel Drive Joins Rear-wheel Drive on 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum

• New All-wheel-drive Choices Added to Line-up for Outstanding Performance in All Weather Conditions

• All-wheel-drive Vehicles to Go On Sale This Fall Starting at $27,900 (MSRP excluding $625 destination)

One wheel? Two wheels? Three wheels, four? All wheels your preference? Who needs more? Chrysler Group is rounding out its Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 family with all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the highly popular vehicles.

For those Dodge customers who prefer all-wheel drive, the 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum SXT and AWD Dodge Magnum RT will be introduced this fall. Later in the fourth quarter, Chrysler all-wheel-drive fans will be able to choose from AWD Chrysler 300 Touring and AWD Chrysler 300C models, as well as an AWD package that will be available as an option for the Chrysler 300 Limited.

"The rear-wheel drive Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 have proven themselves in the marketplace as popular performers all across the United States, and we look to these new all-wheel-drive choices to continue that momentum," said George Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Global Brand Marketing.

By continuously driving all wheels, the new all-wheel-drive system provides excellent cornering balance and traction under all driving conditions. Combined with standard features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Emergency Brake Assist, performance and stability are outstanding in the new AWD members of the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 lineup.

"While chassis electronics and tire technology improvements help control our Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum rear-wheel-drive models, some customers may still opt for the all-wheel-drive choice," said Murphy. "With this latest option, we are able to offer what the customer wants in each case."

The new all-wheel drive system adds a front differential and a transfer case to the standard rear-wheel-drive configuration. All-wheel drive continuously divides the power between the front and rear axles at a 38-percent to 62-percent ratio.

In addition to the front differential and transfer case, the all-wheel drive system adds a unique short- and long-arm front suspension to accommodate the front drive axle and related components. This unique suspension uses a forged upper control arm and single-piece case-iron lower control arm, efficiently packaged around the front-axle drive system. The steering gear effort and response and the suspension characteristics also are tuned to the handling characteristics of all-wheel-drive vehicles.

2005 AWD Dodge Magnum SXT Model

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum SXT model is $27,900 (excluding $625 destination). This includes the added front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and a 19-gallon fuel tank with the 3.5-liter V-6 High Output engine.

2005 AWD Dodge Magnum RT Model

The MSRP for the 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum RT model is $31,370 (excluding $625 destination). This includes the addition of the front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension. (The five-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and 19-gallon fuel tank already are included as standard equipment on the Dodge Magnum RT.)

2005 AWD Chrysler 300 Touring Model

The MSRP for the 2005 AWD Chrysler 300 Touring model is $29,370 (excluding $625 destination). The added front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and a 19-gallon fuel tank are included with the 3.5-liter V-6 High Output engine on the AWD Chrysler 300 Touring model.

2005 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD Option

The 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited will be offered as an all-wheel-drive vehicle through an option package. In addition to the Limited model's standard equipment, this package will add the front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, 18-inch wheels and touring tires, performance disk brakes and a 19-gallon fuel tank with the 3.5-liter V-6 High Output engine. The MSRP for 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited vehicles with the AWD option is $31,215 (excluding $625 destination).

2005 AWD Chrysler 300C Model

The MSRP for the 2005 AWD Chrysler 300C model is $34,195 (excluding $625 destination). This includes the addition of the front differential, transfer case and all-wheel-drive front suspension and 18-inch wheels. (The five-speed automatic transmission, touring tires, performance disk brakes and 19-gallon fuel tank already are included as standard equipment on the Chrysler 300C.)

The 2005 AWD Dodge Magnum and AWD Chrysler 300 will be built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario.

[AMRAAM4]

That vert looks pimpaliscious

[hotgt]

^^ya...these are the same pics that are in Car & Driver...although these are much bigger, damn this car is sexy

with that mesh grille postes above, this car looks more Bentley-ish

[Vintalage]

Chrysler says it won't build a 300 convertible; ASC concept likely to debut at Detoit show

DETROIT -- Forget about the Chrysler group building a Chrysler 300 convertible, says Trevor Creed, the company's senior vice president of design.

But do look for a 300 convertible built by American Specialty Cars of Southgate, Mich., at the Detroit auto show in January, Creed says.

A 300 convertible is not in the Chrysler group's product plan because of the engineering changes required to create a four-door convertible, Creed says.

"Four doors and a convertible top don't lead to good, rigid bodies," Creed says.

But Chrysler group engineers are involved with American Specialty Cars as it creates the 300 convertible planned for the auto show, Creed says.

Tim Yost, American Specialty Cars director of marketing and communications, declined comment on whether the company would show a 300 convertible in Detroit. He also declined comment on whether the company will produce a convertible 300 for Chrysler group showrooms.

"ASC is going to be showing vehicles in its own exhibit at the auto show," Yost says. "We have not announced what those vehicles will be."

The Chrysler group product strategy calls for producing vehicle variants to build volume and buzz. For example, next spring the Chrysler group will offer the 300 SRT-8 equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 generating 425 hp.

- Autoweek

[Rich]

meh. i dont think thats a problem. i think it looks better as a 4 door non-convertable anyway.

[hotgt]

but will there be a coupe??? for the love of god, will there be a coupe!!!????!

this thing would be sweet in a two door model...(not that photoshopped picture above)...oh well, we'll see

ill be at NAIAS this January, ill be sure to take a bunch of pix of the ASC concept

[fo44rd]

Originally Posted by Mike3800

I'm not feeling it, it looks like a modernized verson of these












I seriously was laughing for some reason when I first saw that car. Look at the windows and grille... no one else finds it funny?

Oh well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I am seriously begining to think that if GM didn't build it, then you don't like it. I bet if they grafted a caddy nose and dropped a Northstar in there you would be fawning for it!

[fo44rd]

Originally Posted by hotgt

but will there be a coupe??? for the love of god, will there be a coupe!!!????!

this thing would be sweet in a two door model...(not that photoshopped picture above)...oh well, we'll see

ill be at NAIAS this January, ill be sure to take a bunch of pix of the ASC concept

[ADshock81]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

I just saw the 300C (Hemi) in a new rap video. It was in the new G-unit video and the color it was in was black. I knew this car would be featured in a rap video. It just has that look to it. And I have a feeling this car will be very popular. When I look at this car, two words comes to mind. Classy and Luxurious.

I like what chrysler is doing. Looks good to me.

Off-Topic: Which member of G-Unit was the video? was it for The Game?

[Vintalage]

Um, that video that I mentioned was played earlier this year. Can't remember the name of it now.

[Vintalage]

The Chrysler group is developing a business case to determine whether it will build a Chrysler 300 convertible.

Marketing and engineering groups are studying the Helios concept convertible created by ASC Inc. The Helios is based on a stock 300C sedan.

"There is nothing in the segment," says George Murphy, Chrysler group senior vice president of global brand marketing. "It is an interesting opportunity."

But Chrysler faces a daunting challenge in building a four-door convertible - a rarity because of the engineering difficulties involved. In November, Chrysler group design chief Trevor Creed said the company would not build a 300 convertible.

Chrysler engineers were involved in the creation of the Helios, which was unveiled at the 2005 Detroit auto show. But Creed said structural-rigidity issues precluded a production version of the 300 convertible.

The company has no deadline for making a decision, Murphy says.

Chrysler has received "a lot of requests" for a 300 convertible, Murphy says.

"It is more a technical challenge than it is a marketing challenge," he says.

But Chrysler will wait to deal with the engineering issues until a marketing study is complete, says Burke Brown, chief engineer for the rear-wheel-drive product team.

"Right now, Brown says, "marketing is in the middle of their analysis asking, 'Is this really something the world wants and needs?' "

Creating structural rigidity in a four-door convertible is a long-standing industry challenge. If Chrysler succeeds, the 300 convertible will be the first four-door convertible since the 1967 Lincoln Continental, according to ASC.

Rigidity is an issue because removing the roof eliminates much of the structure that gives the vehicle body its stiffness.

The longer distance between the front and rear wheels in a four-door vehicle makes it more likely the body will flex.

Brown says the issue is: "How do you make a car with that long a wheelbase very stiff and not give up all the ride comfort and handling?

"I don't think there is anything in it that is totally impossible. It is assessing what it will take."

When it introduced the Helios, ASC said it had reinforced the car.

Additionally, Chrysler must decide how to build a convertible.

"Do you take a whole car that is essentially a finished car and chop it up and throw away parts, or do you send out a partial vehicle?" Brown asks.

ASC does not comment on programs with any customer, says Tim Yost, a spokesman for the Southgate, Mich., specialty design firm.

ASC stands by claims it made in January regarding the structural rigidity of the Helios, Yost says.

In January, the company cited patent-pending "body-engineering advances, including an innovative cross-car bulkhead, longitudinal tunnel and underbody reinforcements."

ASC said the rigidity of the Helios would be better than existing production convertibles. ASC also said the Helios would meet federal side-impact crash standards.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102154

- Autoweek

[Vintalage]

[playerx4]

Put me down for the drop top if they make it.

[bigbenSC]

Need a 2 door Charger first. Then a Charger drop top, then bring out the 4 door convertibles.