This 300 C has old-school style
Chrysler reaches back to classic '50s muscle car for the Hemi Heritage edition
THE BASICS
Base price/as tested: $34,975/$41,490
Fuel economy: 18.9 miles per gallon in Globe testing (premium fuel)
Annual fuel cost: $2,187 (at $3.18 per gallon, premium, 13,000 miles per year)
THE EARLY LINE
With the popular PT Cruiser, Chrysler went for a nostalgic look that was hard to define. The 300 cars are straight out of the "letter" cars of the 1950s.
THE SEPCIFICS
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive
Seating: 5
Horsepower: 340
Torque: 390 lb.-ft.
Overall length: 196.8 inches
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Height: 58.4 inches
Width: 74.1 inches
Curb weight: 4,273 pounds
THE SKINNY
Nice touch: Ease of getting in and out. A perfect blend of height and door size.
Annoyance: The woven, plastic turquoise inserts in steering wheel and door handles. They look like something from the "Star Wars" bar.
Watch for: A small sports car in the Dodge/Chrysler lineup -- sort of a mini-Viper.
How do you attach the word "heritage" to a car model introduced only in 2004 for the 2005 model year? Link it to its precursor, which was introduced in the 1950s to great success before fading into oblivion in the 1960s.
Today's test car, the Chrysler 300 C Hemi Heritage edition, does evoke the vintage line of those so-called letter cars. And many of today's 300 buyers are old enough to recognize that its high, square fenders, aggressive nose, and large, rectangular shape come from that era. It is especially evocative of the 1957 model, a car that some dubbed "The Beautiful Brute." With some success on the NASCAR circuit in the 1950s, and its elegant on-road appeal, it eventually also became known as "The Banker's Hot Rod."
And even as some old-timers have flocked to this reincarnation, the 300 series has also became popular with younger muscle car enthusiasts, would-be cruisers, and hip urban crowds, some of whom settle for the basic 300, others for the hotter C, and still others who opt for the even hotter Hemi C.
Many set out to customize the cars, tweaking their already imposing looks and aura. Dark glass, massive and fancy wheel rims became the thing. Booming sound systems were installed to pump up the audio along with the looks.
Customized and tuned 300s seem to be everywhere, but the distinct look of the original lingers beneath all of the changes.
Today's test car, like the others in the line, stands out on the road. There is no mistaking its bulging stance when one rolls up in the rearview mirror. The grille could be a face mask on a football lineman's helmet. The high fenders with flanges contribute to the menacing impression. From the side, it looks a bit like a slab, with a hipline that rides somewhat high and windows seemingly pinched -- both helping to accent the big wheel wells.
The Heritage edition is defined, on the outside, by red, white, and blue "300" tags on each side. Inside, sporty seats from the Dodge/Chrysler SRT line provide deep bases with firm hip bolsters and massive shoulder bolsters to grip in corners.
This truly is a hot rod, but for an eclectic range of folks who want moderate elegance with the ability to run. It's a rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by a 5.7-liter, 340-horsepower Hemi engine hooked to a five-speed automatic/sportamatic transmission.
It is also a multidisplacement engine, meaning if you are looking to save fuel while cruising, back off on the gas to maintain a steady speed and half the cylinders will shut down.
The 300 C comes with ABS and stability and all-speed traction control as standard, but does not include side impact bags. The pedals are power adjustable.
The base price of about $35,000 includes rain-sensitive windshield washers, rear window defroster, dual zone air-conditioning, power windows, radio/CD player with six speakers, power, heated front leather-trimmed bucket seats, a rear 60/40 folding seat, power trunk release, and fog lamps.
Our test model cost $2,200 more thanks to add-ons such as Cognac Crystal Pearl Coat Exterior Paint ($225), a customer-preferred package that included performance steering, heated rear seats, upgraded 6-CD sound with MP3 capability, and a translucent steering wheel.
Another $950 was added for a power sunroof, $695 for high-discharge headlamps, and $1,495 for a navigation/entertainment package with 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. (Didn't we already pay for that fancy CD player once?)
For those looking for a car that will attract attention right off the showroom floor, as well as a ride that can be smooth and roomy or rumble, the 300 Hemi C is a nice blend of old and new.
Royal Ford can be reached at ford@globe.com.
Shop it against:
2007 VOLVO S60 You can have your 300 horsepower and your winter traction, too. Smaller than the Chrysler and nicely styled. Hey, if we're shopping, let's shop across the board at around $40,000.
2007 INFINITI M35 Smooth, good looking, available with rear- or all-wheel-drive. Good power with an optional 335 horsepower engine, but priced in the low 40s to 50s.
2007 CADILLAC CTS Priced between $30,000 and $50,000, this is an edgy car with three engine choices all the way up to 400 horsepower. It's the closest I could find to the 300 C Hemi.
2007 ACURA TL Another very different car. But without getting into big European quality -- which is extremely expensive -- sporting comparisons are hard to find. Try this sedan at under $40,000 and with 300 horsepower. 