Fastdriver- I'm afraid the indications so far look to me like it is going to be on the edge of Sports Sedan territory. Web site, ads, early reviews,... sound like they decided there was more sales volume/$ in luxury than sports sedan.
As I said - the tire choice bothers me the most ("touring all seasons" for the top of the line Hemi-C - they are what you comes on family sedans!). This makes me worry that the suspension/brake upgrades are still not quite sports package stuff. However, some of the early reviews (Autoweek,....) were extremely positive on many fronts so there is hope that the "C" option upgrades work.
Hopefully, the next reviewers will push them on the regard - as to the tire choice/lack of performance package. Seems like a simple PHP like option for tires/wheels, brakes, suspension upgrade would do it - but if they didn't put it together for this major launch when will they? So for my guesses:
1. Saving for Dodge Magnum w/RT Sedan - 50% 2. Will add PHP option to 300C - 10% 3. Bless an aftermarket tuner package - 10% (dare I think AMG! Would be very cool, but probably many $$$) 4. Saving for Dodge Charger - 10% 5. None will be offered on this model line - 0%(hope not)
So I'm afraid I think #1 is most likely but its odd in that they would then be positioning their 300 series performance heritage car as the high end luxury car but cede the performance top end to Dodge?
There are two items in the 300 catalog that I'd like to bring up: First, on the next to the last page, where it shows the Hemi C's standard equipment, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is listed, along with a statement saying "Late availability". Meaning the early buyers won't have it equipped on their vehicles, meaning that when it will be available, the Hems C's price will need to be adjusted upward. Okay, I guess that's plausable.
Also, we had kicked the battery placement here already, but the catalog reveals that the battery is indeed "in the trunk". Back in the 70's the Vette's had their battery in the rear, not sure if they still do, but how did / does Chevy vent the battery case to prevent hydrogen buildup??
My 2002 Jag S-Type V8 has the battery in the trunk also, never noticed any special venting. That doesn't mean it isn't there of course.
Has anyone heard anything as to if they will ever plan to offer laser cruise control?
I love gadgets, and as far as I can tell, these are the following items the new 300 will not have, however the only places you can usually get them are on outrageously expensive cars:
1. Laser cruise control. 2. Parking radar in the front. 3. Rear looking camera. 4. Adaptive suspension(s)? (does the new 300 do anything in that department, or is it a normal suspension straight up?) 5. Massaging Seats 6. Keyless entry and drive (ya know, just walk up and it unlocks) 7. Air bladders in seats that adjust to help you take the curves (mercedes has that)
For the new 300c to only be missing these ultra fancy options, is a testament to how incredible this car may/will be. $37,000 maxxed out? Incredible. I would love to go into all the features that car DOES have, but everyone here already knows!
P.S.-If anyone else can think of any other fancy pants features (they are cool of course), that already exist in the world, it would be fun to hear them.
Chrysler Customer Service data is way out of date. I called this morning (March 12th) and the latest info that had on my 300C was March 2nd. It was completed on Feb 27 and moved to 'JS' status at that point (JS means waiting to ship).
Does anyone know about how long it takes for the cars to ship from Brampton to the Detroit area? Going through customs and into the local distribution system. It is a half day drive from Brampton to Detroit but we all know that is the easy part of the trip.
...a couple of weeks ago. It was a 300C model. Very impressive! Interior materials much improved, excellent fit and finish (especially for a preproduction model) and best of all, with the traction control off you can get it sideways for 40 feet! Now, if they could just do a two-door model with a manual transmission...
fd1000 asked: -If anyone else can think of any other fancy pants features
I often wondered why Detroit never thought of the use of a fuel tank-like access door mounted flush on the rear of the hood to provide an easy way to refill the windshield washer tank.
Have I got a car for you! :-)) My cousin stopped by yesterday with his new black BMW 745Li. Talk about gadgets. Now I know why all the tests I've read about this car talk about how complicated it is to "operate". You almost need a co-pilot! ;-) I don't want to get yelled at for being off topic here, so do a Google search and read about all the gadgets this thing has. One quick one- push a button on the bottom left part of the steering wheel if you are in bumper to bumper traffic and every time you stop, you can take your foot off the brake and the car will stay. Touch the gas and off you go. Stop again and it repeats itself.
Glad to hear that the 300's are ROLLING now. Maybe all those who ordered one will be on the road soon.
Saw the first TV ad featuring newest Chrysler products, but alas, no 300-only ad. Showed T&C with Stow N Go seats, the Crossfire convertible, PT convertible and at least 3 shots of the 300 in motion.
I have to say, the more I see it, the more it grows on me. It's different that anything out there and if I were to buy a car, I kind of want that. Plus, this one ad is about as many as ever saw for the 300M. And, they got rid of that stupid Drive=Love slogan.
I saw that commercial on Thursday night and I have to say the car looks better in motion than it does in the still photos. It definitely stands apart from the crowd. I want to see some intrumented testing on the car, but that probably wont happen until next months new car issues come out.
Something must be going on.......Mopar took out a full page ad in today's local paper, which is owned by Knight-Ridder. It features a Hemi C, usng the same pic featured in the Mystery Car ad. It does say at the bottom, "Coming in April".
Mikemullin6, I ordered my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan ES on May 15, 2001, which was built in Windsor, Ontario Canada. Assembly wasn't complete until June 27, 2001 and my minivan finally made it to the dealer on July 17, 2001. Just so you know, it's got to sit out in a field somewhere and get dirty and all too. Whatever issues the vehicle was to have, they were worked out at the factory prior to shipping. Aside from routine maintenance, there are NO complaints and mind you I am rapidly closing in on 100K. Coincidentally, I live about 15 min. from where it was built, but between shipping to Sterling Heights, MI. (a northern Detroit suburb) sitting on a company vehicle lot awaiting transfer it eventually made its way to my dealer, in a western suburb of Detroit. I'd say count on at least three weeks, and with Brampton, ON being another couple hours from Windsor, ON., add another week. I'm sure it'll be worth it though. Hang on pal. (As an old pharmacist friend of mine would ask his customers that tried to rush him to prepare their meds., do you want it, or do you want it right??) Enjoy Mike!
It was a "special advertizing feature", to mark the 31st Annual Greater Minneapolis / St Paul International Auto Show of 2004. It's a multi-page pull-out.
fd 1000- do you or anyone else know if the 300C has those turn signals in the side mirrors like you can get with the 2005 Town & Country or some flashing warning light when passengers are exiting or some kind of lighting integrated into the mirrors? I think I read something about curb lighting, but is that just a light that is on the lower inside part of the door that comes on when the door is open? Don't know if you consider this a gadget but it seems like the 300 doesn't offer a rear DVD system for the passengers in the back seat. You would think a luxury car would offer it. I think you can get aftermarket DVD's installed in the back of headrest that match the OEM headrests. Also wondering what do some of you think about needing the AWD feature that will not be available until August. I live in CT and we can get some bad weather. Will the car's handling be excellent enough so I wouldn't need the AWD? (I saw that review of the guy driving the 300 on an ice covered lake who said he couldn't get the car to skid- do you believe that?) Don't know why they just don't offer ever option available on the initial release of the car. Are people that buy the car now living in areas where the weather can get bad going to regret they didn't wait to get AWD? Any idea how much AWD will cost? Thanks for your help.
Above is an article about the Magnum and 300 that is completely devoted to how these two vehicles handle in bad weather. It appears that AWD on the 300 and Magnum may not be necessary.
said "wonder if dgepley has seen an actual 300, or just photos? Is he/she a Ford/GM/Nissan/whatever employee? I have my doubts about the visibility, but photos are not enough to make a sound decision on the appearance of anything."
I don't work for any car company. And pictures tell me enough to know this car angers the design senses. There is nothing good looking about it. The grill area is huge, the car is boxy and doors to glass ratio is totally out of whack. Its just ugly, not much more I can say.
What page of the catalog did you find the battery placement info? My dealer was able to give me the last 8 characters of my VIN and told me it was D status. I told him about the March Event Letter. He told me he heard the date was April 21st and that was when they would receive their first 300's. I told him I heard they were storing built units for release to coincide with a marketing event. Of course I am hoping my car will be shipped by then as well. How long has it been taking to get from D to JS?
Hi Dale, the battery placement thing is found on the cream-colored page with the word "PERFORMANCE".
As for how long it took for my vehicle to go from "D" to "JS", I posted both, so I do have the actual dates when I inquired about it. It doesn't truley represent the actual build time, but you can use it as a guideline. My VON# was:12157108
Placed the order: Jan 16th In "D" status by: Feb 9th In "JS" status by: Feb 26th
My dealership is planning an unvailing of sorts, complete with brats & coke, on April 22. So, they need to have a few vehicles in-place by that tme, so guessing that I should have mine on, or around, April 15th.....
The battery is in the trunk improve performance and "to defy convention". I'll bet the design engineers are rolling their eyes at what the marketing guys are saying about "their" car. Next they will tell us we don't need the enlargement supplements if we drive a 300c.
Soozpk, thanks for the info. It appears I started a month behind you with an order on Feb 16th. I'm not sure when I hit D status but it was on or before March 12. If I extrapolate your timing, mine should be built by the end of the month and perhaps a delivery on or before the April 22 event. I hope they don't let the coke drinkers into your or my car.
The battery was moved to the trunk to assist weight distribution. That would be good for me as I make certain my cars never point into the wind on windy sub-zero days. The battery hold's it's charge better. Just sitting parked, a good battery will lose about 25% of it's cranking power in that enviornment. The trunk may be a good place for it.
If I see a bunch of strangers in my car tweaking with the bells and whistles, maybe I can get the dealer to knock off a few hundred as it would then be classified as a demo??? LOL
Think about how much a battery weighs, then think of that weight at the end of a pole. In most cars, the battery is towards the front of the underhood area. It will be cooler in the trunk, and heat is what kills batteries (they can also freeze, but that is far less common than heat damage). Anything you can do to move weight down low and towards the center helps handling and braking.
I have been studying the new 300 brochure and am wondering about the "vehicle information center." It says that on the 300 Limited the electronic VIC includes compass, Homelink, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, in-cluster reconfigurable display and trip computer.
Can I assume that the "trip computer" would include things such as inst and avg mpg? Has anyone got any info on the functions that will be available in the VIC? Thanks..
kvilleboy asked: Can I assume that the "trip computer" would include things such as inst and avg mpg? Has anyone got any info on the functions that will be available in the VIC?
I have the trip computer on my '94 Lebaron. I use it generally to see the average miles per gallon I'm getting. It also shows distance to empty, and can be set for kilometers. It also has a digital compass, and outside temperture reading. It has a few more goodies, but I don't use it enough to remember. Like I said, I pretty much use it just for the mpg.
The VIC is where you will set the his & her things, such as steering wheel height, power pedels, mirrors, seat adjustment, radio settings, and whatever.
"My dealership is planning an unvailing of sorts, complete with brats & coke, on April 22."
Brats and coke?
Your dealership has a Bobby Brown daycare onsite?
As for the "trip computer", it is surely the same one they've been putting in Dodge's, Chryslers and Jeeps for the past six years. Temp and direction, a running tally of current fuel MPG average, a couple other options I can't recall because I never needed them, and the DTE indicator.
Damn Tank Empty indicator. It supposedly tells you how many more miles you can push fate before running out of gas. On my Durango the unit will claim "0 miles" until I run out, when in fact the tank still has five gallons left in it (this is because Durangos cool the oil pump in the gas tank and it needs five gallons to do so, so they tweaked the guage...scary yes). I discovered quickly however that my Jeep's DTE indicator is spot on perfect.
We ran out of gas the second day we owned it....cause I'd grown accustomed to the Durango's innacurate readings on the same issue.
Brats as in bratwurst.... Actually, after shelling out about $38,000+ after the smoke clears, it would be nicer to take all the new owners out for steak !!! LOL
Swung by my 5* on Saturday to see if they had any 300C's secreted out back yet. Needless to say at 0830 no salesmen were around, and the clerk at the desk had no idea. Didn't see any on the floor though, but they did have a PT Criser convertible. It really, really looked nice, but I almost fainted when I saw the sticker at $28.5+. Yow...
They did have the big format 300 C brochure and a smaller one with a mail-in interest card. I agree with whoever mentioned the waste of premier large format pages. Geez, at least 4 big pages were wasted with a picturre of a pile of clay, and two with the Chrysler logo. They could have used a couple of those pages for more of the specs, pics of the trunk area, etc. And because of the reflective lighting when they took the pictures the exact colors of the cars were difficult to ascertain except for one shot of the titanium silver color. Another great plus for the marketing people. Geez...
hey, does anyone else here think chrysler would have been smart to attach the 300 and magnum grills to the hood? i hate the way you can see the cut lines between the hood and front fascia on these cars, especially near the grill. the attached grills would have looked smoother imo...any comments?
Attach the grill to the hood? With a grill that rivals some garage doors in size and space, I'm not sure anything short of the jaws of life would grant access to the engine bay had they tried that.
The Pacifica's grill is not attached to the hood either and it garnered a five star crash rating. I'm guessing that the crash tests have something to do with the decision. Well, that and the fact that anyone over 5'2 would have to duck just to check the oil if they had attached the rent-a- fence grill to the hood.
Personally I would have preferred a full tilting front end, ala Corvette, but I am assuming that they will include that option, five point harnesses, roll cage, and factory supercharger when the 300C SRT-12 is introduced later in my dreams.
Aside from pure styling pursuits and marketing slogans, the article addresses several very meaningful reasons for moving to the taller, high-beltline look. Some of the issues are equally applicable to drivers of all demographic groups. If you spend any significant amount of time driving on urban interstates, traditional mid-size cars with low beltlines have become places where you feel logically threatened as you are surrounded by vehicles with bumpers positioned somewhere near your chest and shoulders. Many of the SUVs and trucks have bumper and other primary points of energy transfer sitting well above the steel side beams designed to give us a safety zone in collisions.
As long as people keep populating the roads with more of these very large vehicles, designers are going to respond by raising the height and sides of the cars that need to share the road with them. I just had the experience of having a full sized truck come over the top of the bumper of my 98 Camry. It did no discernable damage to the truck and 2K$ to my Camry. This was in a 5 mph collision. In a higher speed collision, the taller vehicles will tend to cause severe upper body injuries to the occupants of the lower-slung vehicles as they plow over the top of them. Taller cars with higher steel sides may not be the most esthetically pleasing solution or the best handling solution, but they address the present reality of sharing the highways with a still increasing percentage of tall/massive vehicles. Everyone is preparing for urban combat with their ride.
The domestic makers also seem to have addressed many of the worst quality issues. I have been riding in foreign cars for 20 years, but I now have 2 serious domestic options for my list for a new daily driver: the 300C and the Cadillac CTS. Frankly, I would have preferred a slightly more modest grill on the 300, but both they and Cadillac seem to sense the need to make a bold statement with their latest cars. I just hope the grandiose grill doesn’t get perceived as something like a woman of modest means wearing too much costume jewelry. Realistically, nobody with any knowledge of cars is going to mistake the 300 for a Bentley or a RR. I just want a “premium” brand with good performance, quality, comfort and safety at an attractive price-point and I could certainly live with a less flashy look. I want to see the 300C in person before I buy.
Earlier today I drove by the DaimlerChrysler Northeast Business, Technical Training, and Parts Distribution Center, which is just over the NY/NJ border in Tappan, NY, about 20 minutes from NYC and 5 minutes from my house. Parked among employee cars was a Midnight Blue base 300. Very nice, inside and out. Notice the 17 inch hubcaps (not too bad looking, in my opinion) and lack of chrome on the grille. I also have one shot of the interior, but it didn't come out very well since it was taken through the glass under direct sunlight. Interior looks nice even without the "brushed aluminum" trim seen in 300C photos. Notice the "ESP Off" button beneath the clock.
fastdriver: While "Inspiration Comes Standard" might not be the catchiest tagline, I think the new commercials are very well done. Perhaps not as beautiful as the black and white Celine ads, but certainly much more informative. Either way, I really like the new campaign.
There were multiple earlier posts in this thread talking about how the grill looked like a Bentley. Other people are proclaiming the entire car is hideous and lots of people are complaining about the high beltline and limited glass. Chrysler is trying to produce a mainstream hit with this car, not another niche retro-look product, so they had better hope this car sells a bit better than the DeSoto did.
I think the grill will draw negative reactions from some people who would otherwise buy the car. Some people may love it for differing reasons. This car, like any other car, isn't perfect, but I am still thinking about spending my hard earned money for one. I wouldn't take any comments about cosmetic design personally unless I was part of the design team.
Fast--The last paragraph of the review actually gave one of the best lines within it. "Simply unacceptable." Given the appearance of the new 300C that phrase seems to hit the nail on the head.
area seems to be a trend that the 300 has magnified. Many of the latest redesigns are showing smaller glass area. My wife's Matrix has such small side rear windows as to be totally useless and the overall beltline is pretty high. I've noticed that the latest Accord and Camry have a higher beltline too.
Re: the BIG grilles from the past; after looking at the photos of the 300F and the DeSoto from 1960, I'd like to see Chrysler just retrieve the tooling for the '60 300F and make more of them, of course with updated engine/transmission/suspension, etc.. Those cars made a STATEMENT..! (OK, now there's an open ended lead-in for you pundits!)
Comments
As I said - the tire choice bothers me the most ("touring all seasons" for the top of the line Hemi-C - they are what you comes on family sedans!). This makes me worry that the suspension/brake upgrades are still not quite sports package stuff. However, some of the early reviews (Autoweek,....) were extremely positive on many fronts so there is hope that the "C" option upgrades work.
Hopefully, the next reviewers will push them on the regard - as to the tire choice/lack of performance package. Seems like a simple PHP like option for tires/wheels, brakes, suspension upgrade would do it - but if they didn't put it together for this major launch when will they?
So for my guesses:
1. Saving for Dodge Magnum w/RT Sedan - 50%
2. Will add PHP option to 300C - 10%
3. Bless an aftermarket tuner package - 10% (dare I think AMG! Would be very cool, but probably many $$$)
4. Saving for Dodge Charger - 10%
5. None will be offered on this model line - 0%(hope not)
So I'm afraid I think #1 is most likely but its odd in that they would then be positioning their 300 series performance heritage car as the high end luxury car but cede the performance top end to Dodge?
is listed, along with a statement saying "Late availability". Meaning the early buyers won't have it equipped on their vehicles, meaning that when it will be available, the Hems C's price will need
to be adjusted upward. Okay, I guess that's plausable.
Also, we had kicked the battery placement here already, but the catalog reveals that the battery is indeed "in the trunk". Back in the 70's the Vette's had their battery in the rear,
not sure if they still do, but how did / does Chevy vent the battery case to prevent hydrogen buildup??
Best Regards,
Shipo
My 96 Buick Riviera had the battery under the BACK SEAT! Don't know how it was vented because I never had a problem.
fastdriver
Has anyone heard anything as to if they will ever plan to offer laser cruise control?
I love gadgets, and as far as I can tell, these are the following items the new 300 will not have, however the only places you can usually get them are on outrageously expensive cars:
1. Laser cruise control.
2. Parking radar in the front.
3. Rear looking camera.
4. Adaptive suspension(s)? (does the new 300 do
anything in that department, or is it
a normal suspension straight up?)
5. Massaging Seats
6. Keyless entry and drive (ya know, just
walk up and it unlocks)
7. Air bladders in seats that adjust to
help you take the curves (mercedes has that)
For the new 300c to only be missing these
ultra fancy options, is a testament to how
incredible this car may/will be. $37,000 maxxed
out? Incredible. I would love to go into
all the features that car DOES have, but
everyone here already knows!
P.S.-If anyone else can think of any other
fancy pants features (they are cool of course),
that already exist in the world, it would be
fun to hear them.
Does anyone know about how long it takes for the cars to ship from Brampton to the Detroit area? Going through customs and into the local distribution system. It is a half day drive from Brampton to Detroit but we all know that is the easy part of the trip.
I often wondered why Detroit never thought of the use of a fuel tank-like access door mounted flush on the rear of the hood to provide an easy way to refill the windshield washer tank.
"I love gadgets..."
Have I got a car for you! :-)) My cousin stopped by yesterday with his new black BMW 745Li. Talk about gadgets. Now I know why all the tests I've read about this car talk about how complicated it is to "operate". You almost need a co-pilot! ;-) I don't want to get yelled at for being off topic here, so do a Google search and read about all the gadgets this thing has. One quick one- push a button on the bottom left part of the steering wheel if you are in bumper to bumper traffic and every time you stop, you can take your foot off the brake and the car will stay. Touch the gas and off you go. Stop again and it repeats itself.
Glad to hear that the 300's are ROLLING now. Maybe all those who ordered one will be on the road soon.
fastdriver
To fleet sales only.
He claims he was told (salesman's honor) that the JS coded cars for customers and dealerships will not begin shipping until March 29th.
How they could possibly calculate any specific date when there is a rail strike on is beyond my level of BS purchasing power.
I have to say, the more I see it, the more it grows on me. It's different that anything out there and if I were to buy a car, I kind of want that. Plus, this one ad is about as many as ever saw for the 300M. And, they got rid of that stupid Drive=Love slogan.
Above is an article about the Magnum and 300 that is completely devoted to how these two vehicles handle in bad weather. It appears that AWD on the 300 and Magnum may not be necessary.
I don't work for any car company. And pictures tell me enough to know this car angers the design senses. There is nothing good looking about it. The grill area is huge, the car is boxy and doors to glass ratio is totally out of whack. Its just ugly, not much more I can say.
I don't think it looks bad, I just wish Mopar would take a good close look at those awful choice of colors being offered to the public.
My dealer was able to give me the last 8 characters of my VIN and told me it was D status.
I told him about the March Event Letter.
He told me he heard the date was April 21st and that was when they would receive their first 300's.
I told him I heard they were storing built units for release to coincide with a marketing event.
Of course I am hoping my car will be shipped by then as well.
How long has it been taking to get from D to JS?
If you are brave and have a strong stomach click here.
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.jsp?query=amc+pacer&p- age=1&offset=2&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26amp%3- BrequestId%3D7a8410421fb446bb%26amp%3BclickedItemRank%3D2%26amp%3- BuserQuery%3Damc%2Bpacer%26amp%3BclickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%- 252Fwww.amcpacer.com%252Fabout%252F%26amp%3BinvocationType%3D-%26- amp%3BfromPage%3DnsBrowserRoll&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.am- cpacer.com%2Fabout%2F
The 300c has a distinctive style. Some people will
think it is obnoxious, many will find it attractive.
As styles change, some times what initially appears odd becomes a classic beauty.
In the case of the above link however we have classically hideous.
To each his own.
http://www.cars-on-line.com/50merc14151.html
Yea, if you had a 50's MERC it would be nice!
fastdriver
As for how long it took for my vehicle to go from "D" to "JS", I posted both, so I do have the actual dates when I inquired about it. It doesn't truley represent the actual build time, but you can use it as a guideline. My VON# was:12157108
Placed the order: Jan 16th
In "D" status by: Feb 9th
In "JS" status by: Feb 26th
My dealership is planning an unvailing of sorts, complete with brats & coke, on April 22. So, they need to have a few vehicles in-place by that tme, so guessing that I should have mine on, or around, April 15th.....
Next they will tell us we don't need the enlargement supplements if we drive a 300c.
Soozpk, thanks for the info. It appears I started a month behind you with an order on Feb 16th.
I'm not sure when I hit D status but it was on or before March 12. If I extrapolate your timing, mine should be built by the end of the month and perhaps a delivery on or before the April 22 event.
I hope they don't let the coke drinkers into your or my car.
If I see a bunch of strangers in my car tweaking with the bells and whistles, maybe I can get the dealer to knock off a few hundred as it would then be classified as a demo??? LOL
"The battery was moved to the trunk to assist weight distribution."
How MUCH could a battery help with weight distribution. I think it's more because there's no room under the hood! Just a guess.
fastdriver
Can I assume that the "trip computer" would include things such as inst and avg mpg? Has anyone got any info on the functions that will be available in the VIC? Thanks..
I was quite impressed with it too. I guess this might be a replacement for our Grand Marquis. Oh, she wants the Hemi!
I have the trip computer on my '94 Lebaron. I use it generally to see the average miles per gallon I'm getting. It also shows distance to empty, and can be set for kilometers. It also has a digital compass, and outside temperture reading. It has a few more goodies, but I don't use it enough to remember. Like I said, I pretty much use it just for the mpg.
The VIC is where you will set the his & her things, such as steering wheel height, power pedels,
mirrors, seat adjustment, radio settings, and whatever.
Brats and coke?
Your dealership has a Bobby Brown daycare onsite?
As for the "trip computer", it is surely the same one they've been putting in Dodge's, Chryslers and Jeeps for the past six years. Temp and direction, a running tally of current fuel MPG average, a couple other options I can't recall because I never needed them, and the DTE indicator.
Damn Tank Empty indicator. It supposedly tells you how many more miles you can push fate before running out of gas. On my Durango the unit will claim "0 miles" until I run out, when in fact the tank still has five gallons left in it (this is because Durangos cool the oil pump in the gas tank and it needs five gallons to do so, so they tweaked the guage...scary yes). I discovered quickly however that my Jeep's DTE indicator is spot on perfect.
We ran out of gas the second day we owned it....cause I'd grown accustomed to the Durango's innacurate readings on the same issue.
Actually, after shelling out about $38,000+ after the smoke clears, it would be nicer to take all the new owners out for steak !!! LOL
They did have the big format 300 C brochure and a smaller one with a mail-in interest card. I agree with whoever mentioned the waste of premier large format pages. Geez, at least 4 big pages were wasted with a picturre of a pile of clay, and two with the Chrysler logo. They could have used a couple of those pages for more of the specs, pics of the trunk area, etc. And because of the reflective lighting when they took the pictures the exact colors of the cars were difficult to ascertain except for one shot of the titanium silver color. Another great plus for the marketing people. Geez...
The Pacifica's grill is not attached to the hood either and it garnered a five star crash rating. I'm guessing that the crash tests have something to do with the decision. Well, that and the fact that anyone over 5'2 would have to duck just to check the oil if they had attached the rent-a- fence grill to the hood.
Personally I would have preferred a full tilting front end, ala Corvette, but I am assuming that they will include that option, five point harnesses, roll cage, and factory supercharger when the 300C SRT-12 is introduced later in my dreams.
http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=40037
fastdriver
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0403/15/autos-92110.htm
As long as people keep populating the roads with more of these very large vehicles, designers are going to respond by raising the height and sides of the cars that need to share the road with them. I just had the experience of having a full sized truck come over the top of the bumper of my 98 Camry. It did no discernable damage to the truck and 2K$ to my Camry. This was in a 5 mph collision. In a higher speed collision, the taller vehicles will tend to cause severe upper body injuries to the occupants of the lower-slung vehicles as they plow over the top of them. Taller cars with higher steel sides may not be the most esthetically pleasing solution or the best handling solution, but they address the present reality of sharing the highways with a still increasing percentage of tall/massive vehicles. Everyone is preparing for urban combat with their ride.
The domestic makers also seem to have addressed many of the worst quality issues. I have been riding in foreign cars for 20 years, but I now have 2 serious domestic options for my list for a new daily driver: the 300C and the Cadillac CTS. Frankly, I would have preferred a slightly more modest grill on the 300, but both they and Cadillac seem to sense the need to make a bold statement with their latest cars. I just hope the grandiose grill doesn’t get perceived as something like a woman of modest means wearing too much costume jewelry. Realistically, nobody with any knowledge of cars is going to mistake the 300 for a Bentley or a RR. I just want a “premium” brand with good performance, quality, comfort and safety at an attractive price-point and I could certainly live with a less flashy look. I want to see the 300C in person before I buy.
of cars is going to mistake the
300 for a Bentley"
Those of us that like the grille aren't Bentley wannabees. We like the massive grilles of the 1960 Chrysler 300F and the 1960 DeSoto.
http://www.moparpicturebook.com/newpage64.htm
http://www.moparpicturebook.com/newpage73.htm
stephen
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287429343
fastdriver: While "Inspiration Comes Standard" might not be the catchiest tagline, I think the new commercials are very well done. Perhaps not as beautiful as the black and white Celine ads, but certainly much more informative. Either way, I really like the new campaign.
-- Mark
I think the grill will draw negative reactions from some people who would otherwise buy the car. Some people may love it for differing reasons. This car, like any other car, isn't perfect, but I am still thinking about spending my hard earned money for one. I wouldn't take any comments about cosmetic design personally unless I was part of the design team.
Re: the BIG grilles from the past; after looking at the photos of the 300F and the DeSoto from 1960, I'd like to see Chrysler just retrieve the tooling for the '60 300F and make more of them, of course with updated engine/transmission/suspension, etc.. Those cars made a STATEMENT..! (OK, now there's an open ended lead-in for you pundits!)