Sedan draws converts to American car

Thursday, July 8, 2004


By Brett Clanton / The Detroit News


Chrysler cool?

U.S. car buyers are reportedly trading in everything from Hondas to Jaguars to buy the new Chrysler 300.


AUBURN HILLS — Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche likes to tell a story about a Chrysler salesman who was nearly fired recently when his boss noticed the dealership’s used car lot was stocked with hard-to-sell BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac models.

Fortunately for the salesman, he hadn’t purchased the luxury cars at auction. They were taken as trade-ins from buyers of the new Chrysler 300 sedan.

Since hitting the market in April, hordes of U.S. car buyers are trading in everything from Hondas to Jaguars to get behind the wheel of Detroit’s new “it” sedan.

“We haven’t ever seen that before,” Zetsche said Wednesday in a telephone interview. “And this is not one dealer or five dealers telling us that. It’s very much across the country.”

It’s too early to say whether the 300 sedan will bring U.S. buyers back to American passenger cars after they’ve been migrating to Japanese and European models for years. But there is more than just anecdotal evidence that the uniquely styled rear-drive sedan is changing some minds.

That’s good news for Chrysler, which has promised for almost four years that a stable of new products will restore profits.

The automaker, a unit of Germany’s DaimlerChrysler AG, generates about 70 percent of its sales from minivans, trucks and sport utility vehicles, and is banking on the 300 to gain a stronger position in the passenger car market.

The 300 is appealing to buyers who may not have considered Chrysler before, including foreign car owners and luxury buyers, according to dealer sales data tracked between April 1 and June 13 by J.D. Power and Associates’ Power Information Network.

Among the top 20 models traded for the Chrysler 300 are the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord — all from Japanese automakers — while the top 10 trade-ins include models from U.S. luxury brands Lincoln and Cadillac. Though not ranked as high, cars by foreign luxury marques BMW, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are also coming in.

Cadillac and Lincoln owners are nearly six times more likely to make a trade for a 300 than for any other Chrysler model. Nissan owners are almost twice as inclined to swap for a 300.

Nick Davis, 38, of Bloomfield Hills recently traded a 2-year-old Jaguar X-Type sedan for a Chrysler 300C, the top-of-the-line 300 with a V-8 Hemi engine.

“It’s night and day,” Davis said when asked to compare the two cars. “The 300C feels like it rides smoother and offers much more luxury. It’s a totally different vehicle.”

The 300’s sticker price — ranging from $23,000 to $38,000 — is one of its biggest draws, said Eric Ryan, general sales manager of Birmingham Chrysler Jeep. “Nowadays, cars are so expensive that they cost more than some people’s first homes. This car gives you great content with a real reasonable price.”

Value aside, the car’s bold, muscular styling and large chrome-plated grille have a visceral appeal that is making some buyers forget their love of foreign makes.

After owning two Hondas and a Lexus during the last eight years, Greg Jacobs, a 34-year-old paint salesman from Westland, said he was charmed by the regal-looking sedan with the big wheels and low roof line.

“If it wasn’t for the 300, I wouldn’t have gone back to American cars,” Jacobs said. “I would have continued to drive foreign.”

Jacobs said he is enjoying a monthly payment that is $175 less than the payment on the Lexus he traded in for his 300C.

Though Zetsche said the core customer for Chrysler vehicles will continue to be former Chrysler owners, the early trade-in numbers on the 300 tell him the brand is reaching a new audience.

Our dealers “are meeting customers they’ve never seen in a Chrysler dealership before,” Zetsche said.

“This doesn’t mean that 80 percent of our customers will come from (luxury and foreign) brands, but it’s amazing the number of people who are leaving their BMWs, Cadillacs — you name it — to buy a 300.”

Through June, Chrysler had sold more than 36,000 of the new sedans with minimal incentives, about five times the sales of its predecessor — the 300M — during the same period in 2003.

The performance has helped lift Chrysler to a 2.3 percent sales gain this year. It is also fueling optimism that the 300 — one of nine new vehicles from the automaker in 2004 — will help return profits.

The 300 was designed to be a mid-market competitor to such models as the Nissan Maxima or Honda Accord at the low end, and luxury models such as the Acura TL or BMW 545i at the high end.

Consumers taking a serious look at the Chrysler 300 are frequently cross-shopping it against those cars, as well as the Nissan Altima, BMW 3 Series and the new Dodge Magnum wagon, according to Edmunds.com, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based Web site that provides data for prospective car buyers.

Gary Dilts, Chrysler’s senior vice president of sales, said it is hard to pin down exactly who the audience is for the new 300 because it keeps growing and changing.

“We’ve not seen a vehicle with this wide a reach and level of interest, certainly not in my history with the company, and maybe ever,” he said in a conference call this month to announce the automaker’s June sales.

One of the more interesting surprises has been the 300’s appeal to rap artists such as 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg.

New York City’s 50 Cent has helped lead a trend toward bigger wheel rims on the car that has made the 300 a darling of the vehicle accessory industry. And last month, Snoop Dogg left a voice mail message for Zetsche asking for a new 300 and promising, “if you want this car to blow (up in popularity), give it to me.” Last week, Chrysler was finalizing a deal to feature the 300 in a music video by Snoop and his West Coast rap buddies, Mack 10 and Nate Dogg.

“That car is catching every spectrum of the market,” Dilts said. “The hip-hop stuff is interesting. We’ve got a lot of youth market interest in the vehicle, but we have all the way into the senior markets getting the same kind of reaction.”

In a survey last month, the 300 was rated as the new vehicle with the most buzz in the market, beating out 41 other recently launched or about-to-be-released models. The survey, conducted by Kelley Blue Book and Harris Interactive, polled 2,000 people who intend to buy new cars during the next 12 months.

Of those who viewed the Chrysler 300 favorably, 68 percent were male, and more than half were over 45.

Respondents gave the 300 high marks for being “aggressive,” “confident,” “exciting,” and “sophisticated,” said Rick Wainschel, director of marketing research at Kelley Blue Book, who led the study.

“Chrysler has done a great job of getting the word out about this vehicle,” he said.

Now, dealers are just trying to get a 300 to everyone who wants one.

“I get five or six 300s a day, and they’re gone within 48 hours,” said Ryan at Birmingham Chrysler Jeep.

At the end of June, Chrysler reported less than a 30-day supply of the 300, said company spokesman Kevin McCormick. An optimal inventory is 60- to 70-days’ worth, he said.

Even with the high demand, Chrysler is offering a $1,000 discount on the 300 for those applying for loans through DaimlerChrysler Services, the automaker’s finance arm.

Dilts calls the rebate an “insurance policy” to keep sales brisk.

But Zetsche said he was firmly convinced, even before the 300’s launch, that it would be a hit that could help the automaker rebound from crushing losses in recent years.

“We are not at a point where we can say, ‘We are there. Everything is done,’ ” Zetsche said. “But there are very encouraging indications that we are on our way.”

http://www.detnews.com/pix/2004/07/08/asec/070804-p1-chrysler-cht.jpg


Source: Detroit News Autos Insider

Good find. I'll say it again. The 300C is a DAMN good car. It's the most impressive American car since the Lincoln LS and the 300C KILLS that car and is 15k less than their SLOWER V-8 version. AWD is coming next year. The SRT-8 is coming too.

I don't want to hear about quality as if it ain't a Lexus or Infiniti (looking at luxury car makers) its track record is shaky at best.

The 300C is a BARGAIN, plain and simple and KUDOS to Chrysler and Benz on figuring out you can make an AMERICAN car AMERICANS will love. Not a fake American/Japanese wanna-be..New York City’s 50 Cent has helped lead a trend toward bigger wheel rims on the car that has made the 300 a darling of the vehicle accessory industry. And last month, Snoop Dogg left a voice mail message for Zetsche asking for a new 300 and promising, “if you want this car to blow (up in popularity), give it to me.” Last week, Chrysler was finalizing a deal to feature the 300 in a music video by Snoop and his West Coast rap buddies, Mack 10 and Nate Dogg.

Well looks like I don't like it anymore:egads: :D :D

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Great! Now EVERYONE can drive a Bently....:rolleyes:

The 300c looks really expensive and looks really nice also, but I wouldn't trade in my lexus for it. If they team up w/ mercedes, then there's bound to be a problem w/ the vehicle shortly later in the future. But then again, I think some of the Lexus cars are overpriced,but maybe it's just me.

Originally posted by joshthorsc
The 300c looks really expensive and looks really nice also, but I wouldn't trade in my lexus for it. If they team up w/ mercedes, then there's bound to be a problem w/ the vehicle shortly later in the future. But then again, I think some of the Lexus cars are overpriced,but maybe it's just me.

300C already had a recall.:egads:

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
300C already had a recall.:egads:

D'oh! I still like em though... they just have so much presence :)

The 300C - the first Chrysler ever that I've actually wanted... :cool:

The one big mistake with the 300C.......and the article didn't really point this out......is that Chrysler probably should have made the Hemi standard instead of putting in the underpowered 2.7L V6 just to advertise a low $24,000 price. When I went to see the 300C myself and test-drive it, Hemis were going like gold and they couldn't GIVE the V6's away...they just sat on the lot and collected bird droppings. I won't rehash my opinions of the car, both good and bad.......I've covered that in other threads several times......but it is becoming more and more apparant that the V6's were a mistake. I know of no one who wants the 2.7L and only one person who has expressed interest in the larger 3.5 V6..the same engine as the present front-drive 300M.
Most Hemis, by the way, actually go out the door in the mid-to-high thirties...I've seen them list as high as 39K. And, with the high demand and low supply of the Hemis, there is little reason for dealers to discount them.

i say good for chrysler... i don't know that i'd want to run out myself and buy one, but i will admit it is the first new american car in a while i've been wowed by...

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/0414200410541071.jpg

Looks ALRIGHT but no Thanks. The interior looks nice but doesn't feel Lexus like to me. With all these rappers buying it we have a new Cadillac Escalade on our hands....:egads: I wonder how the resale value with be.

I was at my Local Chrysler/Dodge dealer yesterday looking at the new Magnum RT, and the salesman that I spoke with just finished a deal on a new hemi 300C where the buyer was trading in his 96 911 Porsche! He said that orders for the Hemi 300C were coming in almost daily, and that a price increase was forecasted for early August.

I must say that I really like the new Magnum, and with the Hemi, it is incredibly fast. The salesman said people either love or hate the styling, but what I find really intriguing is the performance and safety features. It has a very heavy Mercedes influence, and I was really inpressed with the ride quality

I'm seriously considering it as a replacement to my newly cramped GS (2 car seats + 2 adults over 6 foot tall (my wife an I) + 2 tall kids (my 2 year old is over 3 foot tall already) = no leg room!!

Originally posted by 99GS300
I was at my Local Chrysler/Dodge dealer yesterday looking at the new Magnum RT, and the salesman that I spoke with just finished a deal on a new hemi 300C where the buyer was trading in his 96 911 Porsche! He said that orders for the Hemi 300C were coming in almost daily, and that a price increase was forecasted for early August.

I must say that I really like the new Magnum, and with the Hemi, it is incredibly fast. The salesman said people either love or hate the styling, but what I find really intriguing is the performance and safety features. It has a very heavy Mercedes influence, and I was really inpressed with the ride quality

I'm seriously considering it as a replacement to my newly cramped GS (2 car seats + 2 adults over 6 foot tall (my wife an I) + 2 tall kids (my 2 year old is over 3 foot tall already) = no leg room!!

How are the V6's doing there? Like I said in my post, here in the D.C. area they can't give them away.

Originally posted by mmarshall
How are the V6's doing there? Like I said in my post, here in the D.C. area they can't give them away.

They had quite a few V6 Magnums and 300C's on the lot, so I would assume sales on them are slow here as well. My guess is the price increase on the Hemi version will prompt some to buy the V6 version.

I believe Cadillac is having the same issue with the new CTS V series. High demand and low supply on the V series is creating an increase of regular CTS sales. Many of the Caddy dealers here are "dressing up" the regular CTS to look like the V series. Kind of like the 4 cylinder Mustangs with GT badging....:egads:

I too think that the car is lovely and very handsome, and different. I don't think anything will be taken from the car if RAPPERS promote them or drive them. You see rappers in bently's/ Maybach's/ Lambo's / Benz / heck based on what I've learned in another post Lexus is given much love in the rapp community, has that changed or negetively effected the resale for any of the above vehicles? Those of you who look down upon cars that rappers like or drive really causes me to wonder.......And you do know what I'm getting at right. Because unless you can show proof via numbers or you personally can share a negative exsperience as a direct result of driving a car that a rapper drives or promotes, leaves me to come only to one conclusion.

Hemis were going like gold and they couldn't GIVE the V6's away...they just sat on the lot and collected bird droppings.
LMAO! Again 300C gets:thumbup: :thumbup:

Originally posted by Milla...
I too think that the car is lovely and very handsome, and different. I don't think anything will be taken from the car if RAPPERS promote them or drive them. You see rappers in bently's/ Maybach's/ Lambo's / Benz / heck based on what I've learned in another post Lexus is given much love in the rapp community, has that changed or negetively effected the resale for any of the above vehicles? Those of you who look down upon cars that rappers like or drive really causes me to wonder.......And you do know what I'm getting at right. Because unless you can show proof via numbers or you personally can share a negative exsperience as a direct result of driving a car that a rapper drives or promotes, leaves me to come only to one conclusion.
You bring a good point. I don't think the world was ready for the Hip-Hop community to affect culture the way it has. Rap=young people worldwide no matter their ethic group.

Now I consider myself part of the hip-hop generation. Hell I know a few of the guys/gals. It has changed so much. The "Bling" era is still here, just listen or watch most videos. Sadly, if you don't have these flashy items, your video probably won't get played unless you are a well established artist.

But we are not talking about hating on rappers buying expensive things. Not at all. We are talking about how some just DESTROY a car/suv with some of the stuff they add. Ugly wheels, crazy paint, no drop, etc.

A couple of people that know what they are doing (rare)
1. Busta Rhymes, he is VERY detailed with his rides, they are awesome.
2. Wyclef Jean, some of the most expensive cars are his and he mods them right.

And between you and me, half the cars are not theirs. They are loaned/rented or a producers, song-writer. The ones with the real dough.:cool:

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
LMAO! Again 300C gets:thumbup: :thumbup:

LMAO? Sorry, 1SICK....pardon my ignorance here, but I'm not familiar with that term.
:uh: :uh: :uh:

Laughing my ass off. I almost spit out my gum when I read your part about the V-6 300s collecting bird droppings.:D

the car has it's appeal... but i'm not the one to jump on the bandwagon of "new ""it"""

There will alway be a big hype and a wave of people jumping after the new stuff... but let's see if it has the lasting power....

I can actually see why. That has a pretty damn agressive stance when you see it rolling on the highway. Personally, I'd never trade in my Lex for a Chrysler -- especially a 1st year model.

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Laughing my ass off. I almost spit out my gum when I read your part about the V-6 300s collecting bird droppings.:D

Well, our fine feathered friends apparantly do the same thing....spit it out.

lol hard, fine feathered friends, oh goodness.

I was sitting by the window of an eatery 2 months ago when one of these pulled up with 22 inch chrome wheels. For a moment I didn't know what it was. I had read about it, seen it on the telly but those big wheels and big grill surprising me like that...I'll always have that memory.

That does not mean I'd ever buy one. It's made by the wrong company. Unless someone proves different, Chrysler is crap. I like the look though. Hip hop is going to cause a lot of inner city people to buy it. That's who was driving the one I saw. Who cares, here in South Florida....everybody drives everything.

I wouldn't be to quick to doubt the quality of the 300 and Magnum. Chrysler quality has significantly improved in the last couple years. It's like saying that Hyundai quality still sucks but they have proven otherwise. My mother has owned a PT Cruiser for 2 years without a single problem and the thing is as solid as a rock. Consumer Reports rates numerous Chrysler products above average in reliablity and
I believe these new models will continue this trend. Chrysler has made a new focus on quality because they know there future depends on it.

One nice aspect is that there has not been this type of excitement over any Detroit car in my eyes. People tend to stick to a particular manufacturer and this Chrysler has attracted new drivers from other lines. I personally like the styling as it reminds me of the cars of yesterday with an American contemporary flavor. :thumbup:

GM/Chevy will also be motivated to the game so it will be interesting to see what develops in the coming years. Will Chrysler edge into the luxo market and go head to head with Caddillac? I think we'll see that. Obviously Lincoln will wake up and see if they will broaden their appeal to a younger market by adding or changing the Towncar, Continental and/or LS.

Interesting times. To me, the car market is jumping by leaps with the integration new technologies and young agressive designers.

It was a long time ago but I had a Plymouth in high school. It was crap (Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth all the same). After college I worked at a rental car company. Those cars were crap. More recently I know two people who had, I mean HAD 300m's. Crap.
The car looks great but I wouldn't take a chance unless there is a proven track record. Might as well buy another crap Benz than a Chrysler. Oh wait...that's the same company.

I like the looks, the Hemi V8, but then again it's an American-made car...

Just months after launching the popular 300 saloon, DaimlerChrysler is recalling up to 20,000 of them in America to fix suspected defects. Owners of the 300s, sister-model Dodge Magnums, Chrysler Sebrings and Jeep Liberties (Cherokee) are being asked to bring their vehicles to dealerships to get the faults (to battery cables, child seat anchor points and seat belt attachments) fixed.

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Just months after launching the popular 300 saloon, DaimlerChrysler is recalling up to 20,000 of them in America to fix suspected defects. Owners of the 300s, sister-model Dodge Magnums, Chrysler Sebrings and Jeep Liberties (Cherokee) are being asked to bring their vehicles to dealerships to get the faults (to battery cables, child seat anchor points and seat belt attachments) fixed.

OOPS. :egads:

Originally posted by GS4fun
OOPS. :egads:

Funny thing is, TO ME, it's no big deal, it's an American made car, OWNED BY BENZ, we all know problems will happen. I don't expect it to be trouble free.

I think the 300C is a nice car, and a great bargain. I've seen 0-60 times ~5.3-5.5 seconds and that is FAST.

The car will def have lots of problems most likely and the fit and finish, especially the interior is not up to Lexus standards. But u can say that about most cars when comparing them to a Lex.

If i can just take the HEMI and put it in my GS, it would be perfect. :D

These types of recalls are totally normal especially on new models; even Lexus has recalls.
This doesn't mean that it is a low quality car.

Also, the comments about the Interior not being on par with Lexus suprises me.
How can we possibly expect a car that tops out at a bargain $38,000 with a 340 HP V-8
also have a Lexus like interior? This doesn't make any economical sense. Sure the
Lexus ES has a supurb interior, but look at what's powering it. The money is simply
being used in different places and the consumer needs to decide what's important to
them.

The 2.7L engine would fare a lot better overseas where unlike the Americans, the buyers are not in a who's-got-bigger-engine race. In fact, it would probably do better than its bigger brothers because as I understand it, a lot of foreign countries slap a huge import duty for cars with over a certain displacement. This is why you can find a lot of strange displacement in many countries in Europe (like 1400cc Benz 4-bangers, 1600cc BMW E46 engine, etc) as well as Asia. You should see our newest 900cc Daihatsu Copen convertible. Amazing lil car with a lawnmower engine hahahah.

Originally posted by jtanoyo1
The 2.7L engine would fare a lot better overseas where unlike the Americans, the buyers are not in a who's-got-bigger-engine race. In fact, it would probably do better than its bigger brothers because as I understand it, a lot of foreign countries slap a huge import duty for cars with over a certain displacement. This is why you can find a lot of strange displacement in many countries in Europe (like 1400cc Benz 4-bangers, 1600cc BMW E46 engine, etc) as well as Asia. You should see our newest 900cc Daihatsu Copen convertible. Amazing lil car with a lawnmower engine hahahah.

I agree the 2.7 would sell better in countries with more expensive gas (even at today's prices we still don't have expensive gas compared to Europe and Asia). But here in the U.S. it clearly has been a mistake. As I pointed out in my earlier post, the V6's sit on the lot and collect bird droppings. A few 3.5's are sold here and there, but almost no 2.7's. Some dealers aren't even ordering any more of them. Meanwhile, Hemi's go out the door faster than they come in...and, of course, that means the inevitable dealer markups.
And, unlike the V6's, the Hemi has the cylinder deactivation system to save gas while cruising....hopefully this will be more reliable than the one Cadillac tried in 1981, which was a disaster.

http://www.autokampioen.nl/content/bla_image/chry3ccog.jpg
http://www.autokampioen.nl/content/bla_image/chry3ccag.jpg http://www.autonerve.com/News/Sep03/300C-Wagon.jpg http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7202_image.jpg

Word is, 2-door and verts are coming. The 300 will turn into a SERIES. The 420hp SRT-8 is coming too.

Now they are NOT sure they want to make a 300C wagon. Here is a real one spied in a driveway.
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0719/300ctouring.jpg

Lets try this.

Here we go.

The convertible & coupe looks even better than the sedan:thumbup: Not impressed with its interior at all tho :thumbdn: Still, avery good car for the price.

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
http://www.autokampioen.nl/content/bla_image/chry3ccag.jpg

not of fan of the coupe but the drop top looks amazing! the 4 door is nice too..

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Word is, 2-door and verts are coming. The 300 will turn into a SERIES. The 420hp SRT-8 is coming too.

Now they are NOT sure they want to make a 300C wagon. Here is a real one spied in a driveway.
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0719/300ctouring.jpg

I agree.....I'm not sure it would be a good idea to make a 300C wagon. It would not sell in numbers anywhere near what we've seen with the Hemi Sedan (and I stress...Hemi, not the V6'es). The picture alone that you posted tells the story....a 300C wagon would get too much competition from its own brother, the Dodge Magnum wagon.

I must say after seeing a few more on the road, the car is really growing on me. When I was looking into cars in 98, it was actually down to the 300M and the GS. We were ready to get the 300M on specs but once we sat in it, it felt way too cheap. We did not even test drive it after that. You guys know the rest of this story. ;) I certainly like the specs and looks of the new one better but I will have to reserve judgement until I can sit in it and drive it.

I too must admit... I have been contemplating a trade of my 03' Yukon for a 300C Hemi, Silver, Loaded, w/ 20's. I am going this week and doing a test drive, so I can get an "overall" impression. There was a guy recently who showed up at one of our weekly Car Show/Meets who had a Black one w/ 22's, custom grille, and chrome accents on the window pillars. Someone said, "Damn! I thjought that was a new PHANTOM!"

I wouldn't go that far. :egads: BUT....... It had TONS O' PRESENCE! :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

I'll keep you posted... ;)

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.





-----

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.

Much like the PT Cruiser, they have found something that sells and they are going to expand like crazy on it.

Issues.

More models and options, less profit since their manufacturing isn't streamlined.

In a war with Toyota, which has a commercial out stating something along the lines of "Best MPG of any full line automaker"

Here they are pumping out high volume V8 beasts.

Great looking car, lots of power, it's a sales "fix" for them right now but they are really behind in the marketplace.

If Nissan is smart they will should sell their 5.6L V8 in a car. It's already proven quicker than the Durango/Ram Hemi in the Titan/Armada.

Looks like Chrysler is learning how to start an hp war just like daddy MB.
Ford already plans a big V8, and Chevy gots the Vettes.

Originally posted by genearch
I'm sensing a trend in several of his threads here... Txstyle needs "PRESENCE" :D :D :egads:

Not that I "need" it my friend.... I "like" things/items with presence. ;)

Originally posted by TXSTYLE
Not that I "need" it my friend.... I "like" things/items with presence. ;)

TX, Gene is doing a play on words saying you need "Presence"(Presents);)

Originally posted by genearch
I'm sensing a trend in several of his threads here... Txstyle needs "PRESENCE" :D :D :egads:

300C "Dub" editionhttp://www.dubedition.com/images/DUB-EditionWebsiteLayout_02.gif

Chrysler is becoming like Honda now...

Originally posted by nthach
Chrysler is becoming like Honda now...


In what way?

If so, is that a bad thing....Honda surely outsells Chrysler.

wow...

I must say that coupe and drop are pretty nice. Coupled with the RIGHT rims, very nice. I would say a good addition to the garage, but I would be leery of buying in the first model year....let's get all the bugs out first

Honestly, I wouldn't mind a vert or the Chrysler 300C wagon in SRT trim. :thumbup:

Originally posted by reggiek
In what way?

If so, is that a bad thing....Honda surely outsells Chrysler.
Honda touts VTEC as the next best thing to sliced bread, DC is marketing the Hemi in the same manner.