New 2007 Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase Will Have Extended Run at the NYIAS

[BMWteamPTG]

Source: DaimlerChrysler
March 27, 2006

Auburn Hills,, Mar 27, 2006 -

It will soon take just a bit longer than usual to linger over the Chrysler 300.

Chrysler Group announced today that a new model — the 2007 Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase — will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, in the Jacob K. Javits Center, April 14-23 in New York City. The Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase is six inches longer than the current models, providing more than 46 inches of rear legroom and an additional 10.2 cubic feet of interior space. Available this fall, the lengthier Chrysler 300 is expected to attract sales from the livery/limousine industry, as well as retail customers.

"The 300 Long Wheelbase will have six inches more of the elegant, distinct design that made the Chrysler 300 the most-awarded new car in automotive history," said David Rooney, Director —Chrysler Marketing Communications. "In addition, limousine-like features have been added and custom options are available. The result is a truly distinctive and personalized experience for commercial and retail customers, all for what will be an affordable price."

Both the 300 Touring and 300C Long Wheelbase models can be ordered with unique, personalized features, including lighted rear writing tables, two 12-volt power ports for computers/cell phones, footrests, lighted vanity mirrors and directional reading lights for rear passengers, and available custom paint colors or pinstriping.

The Chrysler 300 Touring Long Wheelbase model will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, providing 250 hp, more than some domestic V-8 competitors. The 300C Long Wheelbase will have the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine, generating 340 hp, and the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly reduces the number of cylinders from eight to four when less power is required, improving fuel economy.

The 300 Long Wheelbase will be modified by Accubuilt, a leading custom specialty vehicle manufacturer with more than 128 years of experience, based in Lima, Ohio, and will be sold through Chrysler dealerships.

Pricing and production information will be provided closer to launch this fall.

 

[YSSMAN]

Its about bloody freaking time. Not to say that the current 300C wassent big enough, but to really be the spiritual successor, it needed to be a bit bigger in the back. Finially Chrysler has another model to replace the Concord, a car placed in a segment the 300C was not quite able to fit into.

These things are going to sell well, no questions there. Now if DCX could get the build quality on the cars signifigantly improved, they might get a "buy it now, damnit!" rating from people like me.

 

[James2097]

The boot looks too short and stumpy now! American cars should have HUUGE long boots (erm... trunks) so that they can go round corners sideways and the back 1/4 of the car is disposable if they hit something! /jk

Very ugly car, its just grotesque.

 

[YSSMAN]

I dont think youre the first Aussie who has said they dont like the 300. Funny, as it is considered to be one of the best looking American cars we have seen in quite some time, and they are incredibly popular here.

 

[James2097]

I can see why certain people like them - they have an imposing character and look "badass". I'm not someone who needs a car to look mean and imposing. I rather tasteful design. I hate bling...

Basically I don't want a car that shouts "Hey look at me, I'm better/meaner/richer than you"!

I don't hate all American cars - I love the new camaro and the look of the new (relatively speaking) caddys. Its just that I really hate the 300C! I sat in one at the Melbourne motorshow - wow I don't know where the Americans GET those plastics... the fake "marbled wallnut"... Is it designed to intentionally look like puke (literally)? It's incredibly kitsch, the car has zero class or good taste. It just felt incredibly cheap!

The seats were comfortable (in a cheap sofa kinda way). I just felt ridiculous in it however and don't understand how anyone could seriously buy one without feeling VERY SILLY! People would look at me and think I'm a complete idiot that has an image problem and very immature (childish) taste! Its just TRY-HARD!

You can see right through the reasons people buy them, I can't help but feel sad for them.

To realise why I think this car looks so ridiculous - you must keep in context that most cars in Australia are NOT as overt and 'bling'... People don't shout as much, styling-wise, and cars aren't as aggressive (different from fast or racey like a sportscar). We see the monaro as tasteful and nice, you guys see it as "not aggressive enough, add more holes/wings/scoops/flared wheel arches/stripes/etc!"

Its just a cultural difference. I like to believe our tastes are more 'grown up', like the Germans and British.

 

[Poverty]

I think this car does look nice. The handling just spoils it though.

 

[YSSMAN]

The SRT-8 version handels well, but I would agree that the "base" 300C is a bit sloppy when compared to cars like the Nissan Maxima SE, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Infiniti G35, etc.