2007 Chrysler 300c Review
The Chrysler 300c of this generation is an
impressive vehicle, with power and an aggressive look. This model
represents the V-8-powered sedan in the 300 lineup. EPA Fuel Economy
comes in at City: 14 – 17 and Highway: 20 – 25. The Dodge Charger sedan
and Magnum wagon are closely related to the Chrysler 300; both offer
optional Hemi V-8s. The Chrysler 300C is a carryover from 2006. The only
minor change is redesigned wheels. There are plenty of safety features
on this model. Standard SmartBeam headlamps automatically dim if they
sense approaching traffic, and high-intensity-discharge headlights are
optional. An optional adaptive cruise control system regulates speed
based on the distance to the vehicle in front. Four-wheel-disc antilock
brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard
on the 300C. Front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are
optional.
300c Handling
The 2007 Chrysler 330c is actually relatively
easy to handle in tight situations, desoite its large size. The Hemi V-8
is quiet, yet delivers a nice hum when accelerating hard. Only the upper
models have Park Assist, which beeps an audible tone, increasing the
frequency as you back toward an object. The Chrysler 300 base model
drives nice. Also, the four-speed automatic transmission lacks the
responsiveness and flexibility of a five-speed automatic. Steering and
stability feel even more certain and secure in the 300C, which takes
winding mountain roads confidently. Engine response is virtually
immediate, and passing/merging reactions are seriously energetic. The
five-speed automatic transmission is near-perfect. Snow and ice
performance with the electronic stability system is amazing.
2007 Chrysler 300c Exterior
For 2007, the 300C gets a new shape which is
simply put - bold and imposing. It is not easy to tell the difference
between a regular- and long-wheelbase 300C; at 202.8 inches overall, the
stretched version measures just 6 inches longer. The extra length occurs
just aft of the B-pillar and results in longer back doors. The result is
well-proportioned and eliminates some of the snub-tail look of the
regular 300C. The long-wheelbase model is about 100 pounds heavier, and
a wide range of paint colors is available. Aluminum is used for the hood
and deck lid. Built on a 120-inch wheelbase, the 300C is 196.8 inches
long overall. Sizable wheel openings encircle 18-inch tires that mount
on chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
Inside the 300c
The 300c offers a luxurious cabin space with a
lot of room. Seats are reasonably supportive and invitingly comfortable,
though a bit on the hard side. Long seat bottoms are pleasing, though
they do tilt forward a bit. Abundant glass area helps visibility, as do
the large mirrors. Backseat space is abundant, promising plenty of
legroom and acceptable headroom. Standard features include a power
tilt/telescoping steering wheel with a memory feature, premium leather
seat trim, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors with a memory
feature. Two Boston Acoustics audio systems and rear parking assist are
available. In the long-wheelbase edition, rear legroom has grown about 6
inches and measures 46 inches. Legroom in the back is vast, and right
rear passengers can increase theirs with optional controls for the front
passenger seat.
Power Option for 2007
To save on fuel consumption, an innovative
Multi-Displacement System automatically shuts down half of the Hemi's
cylinders when the car is cruising easily. The system shuts off valves
and fuel injectors for unused cylinders, which Chrysler says can yield a
10 to 20 percent improvement in gas mileage. Chrysler's first 300 series
premiered in 1955 as a high-performance hardtop coupe that held a
300-horsepower Hemi V-8. In its 1999 to 2004 iteration, the Chrysler
300M was a front-wheel-drive sedan with V-6 power. In the 300C,
Chrysler's 340-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 390 pounds-feet of torque
and drives a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates
AutoStick for manually selected gear changes. To counteract concerns
that the rear-drive 300C wouldn't handle properly on snow and ice,
Chrysler installed an electronic stability system. An all-wheel-drive
version is also available.
Summary
An extended-length 300C Long Wheelbase debuted at the 2006 New York auto
show, and was rolled out for 2007. The Chrysler 300 was among the first
to adapt an increasingly popular high seating position, with seats that
rise several inches above those in the typical sedan before it. This
blueprint was no doubt a response to the booming popularity of
sport-utility vehicles. The windshield rake is relatively modest, so
visibility forward is enhanced over the 300's long hood. Visibility to
the rear is excellent, without much intrusion from the roofline