2005 Chrysler 300 Review

Specifications

So Close but Yet So Far

Just over a year ago on September 1, 2003, Chrysler released photos of a unique concept that has now become a reality (see new archive for Sept 2, 2003: Chrysler Releases Photos of All-New 300C Touring Concept). While building a production car out of a concept is nothing particularly new for the domestic automaker, the fact that the 300 wagon wont be available in the land that builds it is unusual.

Just like the popular new 300 series sedan, the wagon will be built at Chrycos Brampton, Ontario plant, but unlike the 4-door the 5-door will then be shipped off to Europe never to ride on North American roads. While its exciting for one of ours to be accepted so readily across the Atlantic, its a shame that a car so attractive and then so functional wont be available to a willing public.

Of course, we have the Magnum, which is an exciting prospect in its own right. But some dont like the aggressive crosshair-grille, and overall bold appearance of the Dodge wagon. My mom for instance loves the 300 sedan, but due to a need for the space utilization of a wagon the new Chrysler wont do. I showed her the Magnum and she doesnt like it at all. No doubt Dodge wasnt targeting retirement aged ladies when it penned the new sport wagon, so the design team shouldnt feel too badly. I then showed her a photo of the 300 Touring concept wagon that debuted last year and she fell in love. Telling her that shed have to move overseas to buy one nearly crushed her, however, and left me wondering why Chrysler decided a classic large American wagon wasnt right for the North American market.

But its entirely possible it could be sold in the U.S., that is if firstly theres enough consumer demand and secondly if the car doesnt sell out in Europe. The latter doesnt seem too likely considering how successful the LX cars have been here in North America, but not many Europeans think of Chrysler when it comes time to trade up their Fords, Opels, Renaults and Citroens, to name a few popular brands, so it is entirely popular the 300 wagon wont get picked up as quickly as all would be spoken for here at home.

That would make my mother happy, and my guess is an awful lot of disenfranchised full-size wagon owners of the past. The Buick Roadmaster wagon was the last of this type to roll off of a Detroit assembly line, and before that Chevrolet Caprice wagons, Mercury Marquis wagons and just about every other nameplate made in the U.S.A. If what goes around comes around, the Dodge Magnum might not be the only large American wagon to revive the once-popular market segment displaced by the minivan.

The Touring, not to be mistaken for a trim designation for the North American 300 sedan, follows a very similar profile to the Magnum SRT-8, yet offers Chryslers high-society egg-crate grille, chrome accents and classic winged logo.

From the rear the 300C Touring concepts wide, low lines mimic styling cues of the 2004 Pacifica, an attractive model to copy, tying in a clean, understated family theme. The front is purposefully identical to the 300 series sedan.

A HEMI V8 resides behind the no-nonsense grille, sporting the same 340-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque plus the automakers cylinder deactivation system dubbed MDS. A diesel will also be offered, while the automatic transmission mated to each will feature five forward speeds courtesy of the DaimlerChrysler marriage - the direct result of Mercedes-Benz V8 models receiving a new 7-speed automatic.

Did I say diesel in that last paragraph? Its true. Chrysler is intelligent enough to know it stands little chance of success in Europe without a diesel engine option, so one will be made available. It shouldnt be too hard to fit one in either, being that the 300 shares much of its chassis architecture, 5-speed automatic transmission, steering column, and more with the Mercedes-Benz E Class, one of very few cars sold in North America with a diesel engine. That said the diesel of choice wont be M-Bs wonderful 3.2-liter unit, as the engine bay of the 300 isnt long enough to accommodate six cylinders in a row. Power and torque figures, as well as specifics about fuel consumption and emissions have yet to be released.

While most North American Chrysler Group vehicles do not yet feature turbodiesel motors, other than heavy duty Ram pickups and the recently updated Jeep Liberty, its European division has been designing and assembling diesels for years, fitting them to Grand Cherokees, Caravans, PT Cruisers and other American-made vehicles. Most likely the 300s 3.0-liter V6 will be as top notch as that fitted to M-Bs E-Class, bridging the gap between its 2.7, 2.8 and 3.2-liter turbodiesels.

The cars suspension geometry is also contributed by Mercedes-Benz, a 5-link rear setup that promises to amalgamate sophisticated European handling dynamics with ballsy American V8 grunt, a tantalizing combination. Ive driven both the 300 sedan, in its various guises, and the Magnum, and can attest to the power of the HEMI as well as the nimble nature of the chassis. One drive is all it takes to see why such a diverse group of customers are trading in everything from pickup trucks to big European luxury cars in order to put one in their garage.

So why has Chrysler chosen Europe for the 300 wagon? Its a continent where sport wagons have always been tremendously popular so it makes a great deal of sense. If the wagons popularity continues to grow in North America, however, Chrysler would most likely ramp up production even further than it already has in order to satisfy customer demand.

So if you like what you see, petition your local Chrysler dealer and a 300 wagon might just become a reality in North America. And while youre at it, force the issue of a 300 SRT8 wagon. Now that would cause some excitement