New Chrysler 300 - CTV Contender?
#21
Originally Posted by chevelless396
I drove the 300C last night, a real yawner...
I think what most of you are missing in this thread is the full size 4 door at a reasonable price is returning to America. The Cadillac CTS cannot sit 4 adults comfortably. I am 6'5" and like to find vehicles where I can ride as a passenger in the back comfortably and that does not happen in todays market of SMALL 4 doors(even mid-size and full-size are not capable in my size range). Once the new 300C is available at a dealership, my wife and I will be there to see how this thing sits 4 people, tall people. The 300C with the Hemi isn't supposed to compete with the CTS-V, it is supposed to get people around comfortably and the Hemi is to provide power to get around all the A-holes who think 75 means 60!
Todd
#22
Today I did a Chrysler Ride and Drive in a 300C then back to back (same course) drove a CTS (stripped/base 3.6L auto, NON-V) and of course drove to and from this location in my V. The real test was the 300T (3.5L NON-HEMI) compared to the CTS - but they only let us drive 2 cars (on this course). My picks were the 300C and the CTS. The power OBVIOUSLY was better in the 300C (345hp vs. 255hp) but the car is also MUCH larger....
I'm confused how they can throw it into the CTS class (other than 3.5L engine in the 300T- that I did not drive, 4 doors, and price point) it's more comparable to a Deville in size and handling. It felt boat like compared to the CTS. I'm trying to figure out their target....If I had $35k and I needed a comfy cruiser for 5 I would shop for a 1-2 year old DTS with warranty. How many DeVille buyers are on a constrained budget? (and yes I know the DeVille is FWD - have you driven one?).
Just my thoughts.
-Ben
P.S. The interior in (all of the) dozen or so 300C's were AWFUL.
I'm confused how they can throw it into the CTS class (other than 3.5L engine in the 300T- that I did not drive, 4 doors, and price point) it's more comparable to a Deville in size and handling. It felt boat like compared to the CTS. I'm trying to figure out their target....If I had $35k and I needed a comfy cruiser for 5 I would shop for a 1-2 year old DTS with warranty. How many DeVille buyers are on a constrained budget? (and yes I know the DeVille is FWD - have you driven one?).
Just my thoughts.
-Ben
P.S. The interior in (all of the) dozen or so 300C's were AWFUL.
#23
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I just test drove one last night. I think DC hit a home run on this one. I kept having to remind myself this is a Chrysler. No doubt, the Mercedes 5 speed tranny and suspension really helped out here. The car is deceptively quick. It's so quiet and the cabin is so well isolated that it doesn't feel like your going that fast until you look at the speedo. I'm a big guy so hip and shoulder room is important for me. This is a big car. I like the caddies, but their just too small for me. I felt very comfortable in the 300. I'm a little over 6ft tall and the back seat was ample for where I would put the front seat if I was driving.
One of the things I didn't like was the traction control. Even when disengaged, it would still activate once the tires started to haze. Your not going to lay down huge clouds of smoke until that thing is disabled. The chosen tire will only allow a top speed of 126. I here the European version will allow 155.
The one word that would sum it up for me is value. I can't think of anything that would even come close to it when factoring in utility, comfort, performance, and size. I think it currently is the definitive American full size sedan.
Tom
One of the things I didn't like was the traction control. Even when disengaged, it would still activate once the tires started to haze. Your not going to lay down huge clouds of smoke until that thing is disabled. The chosen tire will only allow a top speed of 126. I here the European version will allow 155.
The one word that would sum it up for me is value. I can't think of anything that would even come close to it when factoring in utility, comfort, performance, and size. I think it currently is the definitive American full size sedan.
Tom
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Originally Posted by granitemonkey
I understand them using cylinder on demand for mileage, but doesnt it seem kinda gay ??
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Originally Posted by granitemonkey
I understand them using cylinder on demand for mileage, but doesnt it seem kinda gay ??
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Dude, I really don't think you'll ever get a new sedan to feel like that 396 power! The 300C is already rated as a consumers best buy this year for touring, not bad being it was just released a few weeks ago. Not to mention running 13.9 @ 101 mph in the 1/4................thats amazing enough.
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Originally Posted by YankeeSS
I do believe there is a rumor that DC will offer a PVO'd 300C in the near future. Then maybe we can make those CTS-V camparisons.
No word on whether they'll do the same thing with the 300C.
#33
I love the 300. It brings back the big RWD sedans with big engines. I also love the new hemi line and the SRT line. It is a great direction for DC. I do not expect to see an SRT version of the 300. It just doesn't make sense to make a large and clumsy sedan with 400+hp. I don't believe the SRT-8 versions of the Magnum and Charger will be that radical, as they will probably be built to compete with the GTO, which I believe will soon get 400hp along with the CTS-V thanks to the LS2. I wouldn't plan on seeing the GenIII in use for more than a year after the introduction of the GenIV. That goes along with what GM has been doing with previous engines.
#34
300C has a jewel like quality..
As far as rwd V8 hemi four door sedan..with an automatic...
This cars amazing..
The CTS V series is even more impressive if a six speed manual is a buyers preference...
SRT should be kept in the dodge stable as far as I'm concerned..
Maybe supercharge the Charger? For 430 hp..
As far as rwd V8 hemi four door sedan..with an automatic...
This cars amazing..
The CTS V series is even more impressive if a six speed manual is a buyers preference...
SRT should be kept in the dodge stable as far as I'm concerned..
Maybe supercharge the Charger? For 430 hp..
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Originally Posted by millat1m3
I do not expect to see an SRT version of the 300. It just doesn't make sense to make a large and clumsy sedan with 400+hp.
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Originally Posted by millat1m3
I do not expect to see an SRT version of the 300. It just doesn't make sense to make a large and clumsy sedan with 400+hp. I don't believe the SRT-8 versions of the Magnum and Charger
BTW, how is the sedan "large and clumsy", but the station wagon (the magnum) is not?
#37
Originally Posted by TTopJohn
Well, C&D and R&T reported that a sport version of the 300C is on the way. And if they are doing an SRT Magnum, it makes sense that they would do a 300C as well.
BTW, how is the sedan "large and clumsy", but the station wagon (the magnum) is not?
BTW, how is the sedan "large and clumsy", but the station wagon (the magnum) is not?
Supercharged 300C? 430 hp?
#38
Originally Posted by TriShield
Apparently they can dance as well as sing judging from the reviews so far.
#39
Originally Posted by JBsC5
SRT should be kept in the dodge stable as far as I'm concerned..
Maybe supercharge the Charger? For 430 hp..
Maybe supercharge the Charger? For 430 hp..