Chrysler Stretches Out With New 300 LWB

Move Over Caddy and Lincoln - Theres a New Limo In Town

The Chrysler 300, with its bigger-than-life personality and associated size is one of the most talked about vehicles, not only in America, but across the globe as well. The classiest and most luxurious of the LX-chassis triplets is about to hit the spotlights once again for DaimlerChryslers introduction at this years New York International Auto Show. The brand is preparing to introduce the new 2007 300 Long Wheelbase, the latest addition to the Chrysler and 300 family. 

The standard Chrysler 300 is a pretty large vehicle; standing at 196.8 inches with a 120.0 inches wheelbase, its comparable to many high-end six-figure luxury cars in size, and has a longer wheelbase than the typical domestic long-wheelbase converts, the Cadillac DTS and Lincoln Town Car. The long wheelbase version adds an additional 6.1 inches to the length of the 300, all of which was added between the wheels. It provides a total of 46.0 inches of rear legroom, adding a total of 10.2 cu-ft of interior space.

Given that the long wheelbase carries around extra metal, glass and interior furnishings, Chrysler will only offer the 300 LWB with the mid-range 250-hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6 for the Touring model, as well as the 340-hp 5.7-liter OHV HEMI V8 with MDS for the C model. Chrysler did not mention if the stretch 300 will be offered with all wheel drive; though its theoretically possible, it remains an unlikely proposition. And while were on the subject of curious anomalies, wouldnt it be cool to have a security version with bulletproofing, or a full-out high performance SRT-8 300 limo?

The Long Wheelbase versions of the 300 will feature slightly different standard equipment than the regular versions, although much of it is centered on the comfort of rear passengers. The elongated cars will receive fold-down writing tables, much like those youd find on a Jaguar or an airliner, two 12-volt power supplies for charging laptops, cell phones and other electronics, footrests, plus folding vanity mirrors and additional reading lights. There are two other differences; special exterior body colors and optional pin striping. 

Chrysler is no stranger to offering stretched out versions of its cars to the masses. Throughout the 80s, the Chrysler group offered elongated EEK-chassis (Extended K-Car platform) cars, namely the Chrysler Imperial and New Yorker, the Plymouth Caravelle and Dodge 600. The 300, with its powerful engines, dashing looks and high quality fit and finish should prove to be more popular and glamorous than its predecessors.

“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 of Chrysler Group Marketing Communications.

Although the 300 is built in Brampton, Ontario, the long wheelbase cars wont be assembled in Canada. Instead, finished cars will be shipped to Accubuilds main facility in Lima, Ohio, where the cars will be modified for series production. The 300 Long Wheelbase is scheduled to go on sale this fall at Chrysler dealerships as an official product, but, unlike most stretch versions of cars, Chrysler expects the 300 LWB to attract buyers from not only fleets, but individuals who are looking for a luxurious and spacious American automobile. Pricing will be announced closer to its release date.