Chrysler 300

Thanks to characteristic styling, powerful performance and the roomy interior, the Chrysler 300 has become popular in the sedan category. Thanks to the V8 engine the 300C trim is known to be an impressive vehicle. This beautiful model is bracketed between another two V6 models that are affordable at the one end and at the other end is the high-performance SRT8.

The Chrysler 300 made its debut in 2004. It was designed to attract consumers that have the desire for personality compared to a regular sedan. The mechanicals underlying the 300 derive from technology used in Mercedes-Benz, and this is an obvious benefit. The style of the 300 is without a doubt American. The beltline, large grille, bulging fenders, doubled-lens headlights and large wheels make the presence of the Chrysler strong on the road.

The wheelbase is 120 inches and this shortens at the front of the car and overhangs on the rear. This way it provides plenty of space for the occupants inside the car. The dimensions of the cabins are generous no matter how you look at it, and with the Chrysler 300 there is more legroom compared to most of the competitors. The interior design of the 300 many would say simple, but it is also elegant. The dash combines luxury, semi-retro and sporty motifs.

The consumer has a choice of 5 Chrysler 300s styles to choose from: Chrysler base, Chrysler Touring, Chrysler Limited, Chrysler 300C and finally the Chrysler 300C SRT8. The base model will probably appeal to the budget-orientated customer because of the vehicle’s low price, but you will probably be suggested to settle with either the Limited or the Touring, because the trim levels on these cars have standard features. The Chrysler 300C and the Chrysler SRT8 are models that are for the performance-orientated. The difference between the two models is the SRT8 is tuned to provide maximum performance.

When one talks power, they talk Chrysler. The base for instance, has an amazing 200 horsepower V6 engine connected to a transmission that is automatic and four-speed. The Limited and the Touring have slightly more horsepower than the base. It has a 250-horsepower V6 engine connected to a transmission that is five-speed. The 300C and SRT8 have a V8 engine, and although the 300C has an amazing 340-horsepower engine, the SRT8 sits at 425-horsepower. The SRT8 has stiffer suspension, the tires and wheels are larger and the brakes are more powerful. Chrysler offers the consumers front and rear-wheel-drive vehicles when considering the 300C and the Limited.

Experiencing the Chrysler 300 behind the wheel, one would say that the 300 is one of the best sedans that have been tested. With the style, the size and the design, the Chrysler 300 retrains its characteristics and could easily be described an American unique. Measured by its efficiency and its responsiveness, the 300 has international quality. For consumers who have become a little wary for rear-drives for the day to day driving, and those in show-filled areas, the 300 was proved suitable enough to take to the road.

By Dennis J James.

"Detroit Disease" Inflicts Chrysler

Chrysler was once admired for its toughness even at a point where the atmosphere is attracting slumping sales and massive losses. Nonetheless, according to some analysts, it seems that Chrysler has lost its protective cloak and eventually been inflicted with the so-called 'Detroit disease'.

Automotive reports are showing that Chrysler will lose $1.5 billion in the third quarter, about more than twice what it had expected beforehand. This loss is brought about by the slow sales of gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs.

According to Tom Appel, editor of Consumer Guide Automotive, "The company has been hit especially hard by the public’s growing desire for smaller, fuel-efficient cars. But the issue may be more one of a perception than a reality."

“I think Chrysler’s being hurt by a general impression that its large and hitherto well-received cars like the Chrysler 300 and the Charger are not very fuel-efficient, and so there’s a bit of a backlash,” Appel added.

Chrysler President and CEO Tom LaSorda said that the company intends to become more competitive internationally with a portfolio of smaller cars. “We’re addressing those issues and moving our product portfolio to a mix that’s more in line with the recent realities and market trends,” LaSorda elaborated.

"But while new products are important, Chrysler, like Ford and GM, needs to do a better job of managing its car and truck inventories with flexible manufacturing processes like those used by Asian manufacturers," said Kevin Reale, research director for AMR Research.

Analysts are also saying that Chrysler lineup has other problems. One problem is its limited offer in the midsize SUV market. On one hand, the sales of Dodge Durango have dropped off abruptly. To circumvent the decline in sales, the automaker is modifying the Chrysler auto parts to set forth a striking lineup.

New Chrysler products that will be launched this year include Sebring sedan, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and compact Dodge Caliber. “Dodge is about to launch the mid-size Nitro SUV, so that will help them in the fuel economy perception area, but when it comes to minivans someone has to come up with something new,” Appel added. “The expectation is that the new Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans will be that new thing, but their release is still some time away — they’re not supposed to come out until mid-2008.”

By Sarah McBride.