 Eric Ridenour, executive vice president of Product Development, Chrysler Group, introduced the Chrysler 300C concept vehicle for media at the 2003 New York International Auto Show.
|
Story and photos by Paul Williams
New York, New York - What Chrysler calls “the latest take on the classic American sedan” was recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. The Chrysler 300C concept is a rear-drive, hemi V8-powered vehicle reaching into the premium sector of the sedan market.
It marks a departure from the signature “cab forward” design and swoopy looks of Chrysler products from the last decade. It’s a look that you can expect from Chrysler sedans in the near future. The new car also marks a shift from front-drive to rear-drive platforms that will be present in full-size Chrysler sedans beginning in 2004. There are no all-wheel drive plans for this platform.
Chrysler Group President and CEO, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, is quick to make the distinction between premium and luxury as it relates to Chrysler.
“We’re not wanting to make Chrysler a luxury brand,” he said in an interview session with Canadian journalists in New York. “We have a luxury brand in Mercedes. But we are lifting Chrysler into a premium position within the volume sector.”
Following the introduction of the Pacifica and Crossfire (starting at $43,395 and $47,745 respectively) the 300C is a logical next-step. The nameplate continues the tradition of Chrysler’s “letter series” cars debuted in the 1950s. These were essentially high-end sedans with muscle car performance generated from their powerful “hemi-head” V8 engines.
The concept 300C on display at the New York auto show also features a modern version of the hemi V8 engine. But it’s the look of the car, so different when compared to current Chrysler sedans, that’s the biggest surprise.
According to 300C designer, and former Montreal resident, Ralph Gilles, “The one thing I’d like people to notice is its stance. We wanted to let the proportion of the vehicle speak for itself.”
That stance is made possible because of the rear-drive platform, explains Mr. Gilles. “The rear-drive platform permits us to have a short front overhang. The car can be athletic and have great poise. It gives a sense of security and protectiveness.”
To my eye, the stance of the 300C represents an emerging theme in vehicle design, where factors that are fuelling the sales of big SUVs are affecting the look of sedans. The monumental bearing of the 300C indeed communicates security and protection for its occupants. Those qualities will no doubt be realized by an array of structural and electronic technologies that will contribute the safety of its occupants. It is, nonetheless, a much more vertical, straight-edged and masculine design for the marque. The key visual elements of the 300C are the 20″ wheels, the massive grille, the chrome accents, and the car’s overall stature.
Like the Pacifica and Crossfire, its profile features a high waistline that reduces the amount of glass (Chrysler says the vertical ratio of sheet metal to glass is 2:1). Inside the car, one has the feeling of enclosure and separation from the outside. It’s not claustrophobic, mind you (it’s actually bright and spacious) but you know there’s a lot of car around you.
Interior premium touches include full leather, thick carpet, and tortoise-shell accents on the steering wheel, gearshift and secondary trim. Minor controls are aluminum, and the instruments feature a somewhat retro look, while maintaining elegance and functionality.
Tortoise-shell trim? “No, we don’t have a turtle farm at Chrysler,” said Mr. Gilles. “The tortoise shell is synthetic, but very complex to make.”
Expect the production version of the 300C, in a form very close to this concept version, to be launched next year.