Transferring all this power to the pavement is Chrysler¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s new rear-drive architecture. Rear-wheel drive offers improved handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels driving. With tremendous advances in tire technology and electronic stability control, Chrysler brings back the rear-wheel drive passenger sedan.

"Rear-wheel drive is the right architecture for performance,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢ç added Zetsche. "With the advances that have been made in technology, for large cars rear-wheel drive guarantees the best performance and handling.¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢ç

Design

Simply stated, the Chrysler 300 signals a dramatic new design direction that will make everything else on the road seem ordinary.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çWe wanted to return to the proud, powerful lines that once made American automobiles the envy of the entire industry, but do so in a thoroughly modern way,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design, DaimlerChrysler. ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çAt the same time, we identified a dramatic new design direction that continues the Chrysler brand¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s long-standing tradition of innovative design.¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u

The striking new proportions of the 300 were made possible by the decision to move the next generation of Chrysler sedans to rear-drive, after more than 10 years of award-winning ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEccab forward¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? front-drive designs. Used widely among premium and luxury brands, the rear-drive configuration gave company designers the freedom to sculpt a longer hood and noble proportions, while maintaining a spacious interior package.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çModern elegance and innovation have always been hallmarks of the Chrysler brand, and the 300 illustrates those values in a very strong and proud way, just as the first ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcletter series¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? C-300 did nearly 50 years ago,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u noted Creed.

A NOBLE PRESENCE

From the front, the Chrysler 300 will not be mistaken for any other automobile on the road. The 300 wears the most elegant execution of the Chrysler ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcface¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? yet?the grille is tall and bold, inspired by the memorable V-10 powered Chronos concept car that made its debut in 1998. The newly rendered Chrysler wings flow seamlessly into the grille header and contain the gold seal of the brand, providing a proud and instantly recognizable design cue.

The headlamp shape supports the new face of Chrysler. Interior components of headlamps and taillamps have been given the attention of fine jewelry. The headlamp on the Chrysler 300C model employs a projector low beam lamp for world-class lighting performance contained in a unique circular lamp bezel which calls attention to itself because of its design and precise execution. The inboard circular shape in the bezel is smaller in size and contains a conventional high beam packaged under a park and turn lamp. The circular theme is carried into the taillamp as well with a prominent circular shape containing the stop function at the top of the lamp. This lamp also has a unique horizontal stripe graphic delineating turn and back-up functions and pays homage to the Chrysler 300 from the late Fifties.

Special attention was given to the design of the exterior mirrors and door handles. The mirrors were shaped in the wind tunnel to maximize aerodynamic efficiencies and minimize the mass of the structural components to achieve a light and unobtrusive appearance. The chrome or body color mirror head supports the upscale appearance objective. The door handles as well are a new ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çpull style¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u design which look substantial, feel good in the hand, and add to the overall upscale appearance of the car.

The body is finished off by a handsome body color and bright molding that carries on to the front fender. On the Chrysler 300C this molding is integrated into a badge that carries the name 300 with the word ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çHEMI¢®E¡ËcEc¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u underneath it, letting everyone know that there is something special under the hood.

Large tires on available 18-inch wheels suggest ample reserves of power. The large 10-spoke rims leave plenty of room for serious brake hardware. Chromed dual exhaust pipes on the 300C model announce the long-awaited return to HEMI V-8 power and performance after nearly 50 years for a Chrysler car.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çThe new Chrysler 300 embodies what we call a holistic approach to design,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u said Creed. ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çEvery line, every angle and every proportion must not only work together inside and out, but provide a visual promise for the rest of the automobile, including the driving experience.

HANDCRAFTED INTERIOR FEEL

In keeping with this holistic approach, Chrysler 300¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s interior continues the noble, proud themes of the exterior, with a more upright windshield and seating position which offers a spacious feel. The seating position itself has been raised two-and-a-half inches higher than the Chrysler 300M to enhance the command-of-the-road feel and aid in easy ingress and egress. Distinctive materials and textures provide a handcrafted feel and provide an upscale feeling to the interior.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çChrysler 300¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s beauty is more than skin deep,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u said Creed. ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çWe paid a lot of attention to the small details, individual appointments and fits, which together convey a feeling of richness to both the driver and passengers.¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u

Tortoise shell, on the Chrysler 300C model for example, is used on the steering wheel rim, shifter knob and inside door pulls, complemented by chrome door handles and other accents inspired by the 1998 Chrysler Chronos show car.

Evolving the design seen on the current award-winning Chrysler 300M, a four-gauge instrument cluster with light silver faces and chrome trim rings convey a precision appearance setting the new standard for all Chrysler cars. The center stack of the instrument panel contains an analog clock and highlights the new HVAC controls and radios which were designed with minimal gaps and efforts to achieve a precise feel and world class appearance objectives. A new premium radio with an integrated navigation system is also available. The center stack area is available in a variety of finishes depending on the model, and includes satin silver on the Chrysler 300C. The centerpiece of the center console is the shift knob finished in available premium leather and tortoise shell which highlights the new gated shifter and five speed automatic transmission for greater driving enjoyment.

A two-tone color treatment on the interior featuring light colored lower surfaces conveys spaciousness and gives the Chrysler 300 a sporty, yet opulent feel inside. The rear seats have a center folding armrest with integral cup holder, and are configured with a 60/40 split for added versatility.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çJust like the all-new 2004 Pacifica and Crossfire, the Chrysler 300 embodies the very essence of the Chrysler brand, while evoking the proud lines that once made the American automobile such an icon,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u said Creed.

The Hemi Engine

The introduction of the modern HEMI in Chrysler passenger cars marks several milestones. This engine offers more power and torque than any Chrysler passenger car engine since the legendary 426 HEMI of the ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEc60s and ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEc70s. Today¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s new engine produces 340 hp @ 5000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm.

The new HEMI has been engineered to deliver outstanding performance, while providing minimal noise, vibration, and harshness qualities, smoothness and low emissions. Fuel economy has also been improved, but not at the expense of performance. Chrysler Group has developed, and will be the first to offer, Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on a modern, large volume vehicle in North America.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çThe Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7-liter HEMI engine is in demand,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development, DaimlerChrysler. ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çThis optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance? 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT owners will get the maximum benefit without any compromises.¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u

Owners of the Chrysler 300C will receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI engine with the fuel economy that they would only expect from a smaller, less powerful engine.

¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çThe MDS was part of the engine¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s original design,¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u said Bob Lee, Vice President Powertrain Product Team. ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×¡Ë¢çThis resulted in a cylinder-deactivation system that is elegantly simple and completely integrated into the engine design. The benefits are fewer parts, maximum reliability and lower cost.¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¢®E¡Ëc¢®¡×u

Some of the significant technologies enabling the Chrysler Group MDS are the speed of electronic controls, the sophistication of the algorithms controlling the systems and the use of Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). The HEMI will be able to transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds).

The HEMI engine with MDS has completed more than 6.5 million customer-equivalent miles through Chrysler Group¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s development and durability testing. It is covered by the 7-Year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

The HEMI engine that powers the Chrysler 300C uses aluminum cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers for outstanding airflow leading to high power and torque. Dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) increases peak power and torque, reduces exhaust emissions, increases fuel economy and provides a smooth idle. The combustion system has been refined and the engine uses direct-mount accessories for quiet operation.

ETC enables several of the technologies used to maximize vehicle smoothness, performance, safety and fuel economy.

Technology

With the new navigation radio option in the 2005 Chrysler 300, hard-to-fold paper maps may be tossed to the side.

Designed with a large, easy-to-read screen, voice guidance and a number of unique options, the DVD-based navigation system has features that will appeal to both road travelers and music enthusiasts alike.

The navigation radio system is housed in the center of the vehicle's dashboard, which is convenient to both the driver and passenger. This system features a large 5.8-inch full-color display, MP3 player, AM/FM stereo, six-disc CD system and navigation system in one unit. An eight-way joystick allows the user to scroll through the navigation menus and icons quickly and effortlessly.

The system guides the user through the drive route providing voice commands, mile by mile, turn-by-turn until the final destination is reached. Destinations may be entered into the system 10 different ways and the screen may be viewed as a detailed map or enlarged to be viewed turn-by-turn.

"With MP3 capability and the option to add various entertainment and communication features, the navigation system is clearly in the forefront of information and entertainment technology," said Jack Withrow, Director, Vehicle Entertainment and Communications, DaimlerChrysler. "The system effectively calculates the quickest and most accurate route and immediately redirects the driver should he or she veer off path - you may never have to stop and ask for directions again."

Audiophiles will enjoy the MP3 player, a navigation first, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio¢®E¡ËcEa availability. The MP3 feature enables the user to view and play files and folders contained within MP3 discs. Coupled with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, the stream listing, stream category, song title, and artist may be viewed on the system's display screen.

When equipped with UConnect¢®E¡ËcEa, the navigation radio becomes compatible with the hands-free module within the system. This feature enables the user to place voice-activated, hands-free calls to "Points of Interests" such as restaurants, banks, or other public addresses located within the navigation system's information database. Phone numbers and call times appear on the system's screen upon incoming calls.

The navigation system features a single DVD solution which contains mapping, points of interest and business phone numbers across the U.S. (where digitized mapping data and information are available). The single DVD solution eliminates the need to handle and store multiple discs required in CD-based solutions. In addition, route calculations may be made quickly with Alpine's proprietary software algorithms which provide routing information within 10 seconds. This is crucial when a driver misses a turn and needs an immediate re-route.

The navigation system receives its GPS, or global positioning system signals, from up to eight satellites to display the position and direction of the vehicle. A gyroscope and the vehicle's speed sensor enable the system to display the present vehicle position even in locations where a GPS signal may not be available. When a destination is entered, the navigation system uses data from the DVD to quickly calculate a route.