Chrysler's new plans; New engine

Like a freshly baked loaf of traditional bread straight from a hi-tech oven, Chrysler has unveiled what could be one of its most important models yet at the 2003 New York Motor Show.

The brand is essentially trying to 'redefine' itself, not unlike Nissan's impressive turnaround that kicked off with Renualt's help in 2001.

One of the most important moves for Chrysler was to offer a up a radical new vehicle, not necessarily a flagship, but something that will be instantly recognisable, not to mention desirable. Think Mazda's RX-8.

This is where the 300C concept comes in, wearing an elegant revision of the Chrysler ‘face’, it gets a grille inspired by the memorable V-10-powered Chronos concept car that made its debut in 1998.

This grille design, featuring the Chrysler winged emblem, is the ‘master mold’ for all future Chrysler vehicles, providing what will come to be - the company hopes - a proud and instantly recognisable design cue.

So why the change in direction? Chrysler cars are improving, but are ultimately boring and they all look pretty average and sales haven't reached their ultimate potential in US markets.

But the new breed, which includes the 300C concept, the Crossfire and Pacifica, look to be the start of Chrysler's 'redefinition'.

"The Chrysler 300C is a production-ready concept in which we have explored the pure emotional cues and spirit of the Chrysler brand," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design, DaimlerChrysler.

"Just like the all-new 2004 Pacifica and Crossfire, the 300C will embody the very essence of the Chrysler brand, while evoking the proud lines that once made the American automobile such an icon."

Creed is of course talking about the 'iconic' C-300, introduced into the US in 1955.

During this time, a horsepower war was being waged between Chrysler and Cadillac, and the C-300 was to end all arguaments with its 300bhp 'Hemi' V8 engine.

It was also one of the first super high performance 'prestige' cars ever built, and like so many popular classic cars the name is now making a comeback.

The striking new proportions of the 300C concept were made possible by the decision to move the next generation of Chrysler sedans to rear-drive, after more than 10 years of front-drive designs.

Used widely among premium and luxury brands, the rear-drive configuration gave company designers the freedom to sculpt a longer bonnet and perhaps even add more noble proportions, while maintaining an excellent interior package.

"Modern elegance and innovation have always been hallmarks of the Chrysler brand, and the 300C concept illustrates those values in a very strong and proud way, just as the first ‘letter series’ C-300 did nearly 50 years ago," noted Creed.

As far as styling goes, the 300C concept bears a slight resemblance to the BMW-built Rolls Royce Phanton, while the long bonnet and short deck give the Chrysler 300C an unmistakably strong road presence, and its raised beltline and low glass-to-body ratio provide a sense of stability and protection.

Chromed details, such as the body side moldings, door handles and window surrounds, add a touch of elegance without being overstated.

Gargantuan tyres on 20-inch rims suggest ample reserves of power, with the rear wheels wider than the front ones to underscore the rear-drive layout. The large 10-spoke rims also leave plenty of room for serious brake hardware and are shod with P245/45R20 (front) and P275/40R20 tyres (rear).

The Chrysler 300C's crisp, clean lines continue to the rear, with subtle yet elegant detail found in the taillamps and the winged emblem.

Chromed dual exhaust pipes announce the long-awaited return to Hemi V8 power after more than 30 years for a Chrysler car.

"The new Chrysler 300C embodies what we call a holistic approach to design," continued Creed.

"Every line, every angle and every proportion must not only work together inside and out, but provide a visual promise for the rest of the automobile, including the driving experience."

Indeed, the return of the fabled Hemi V8 is big news in the States, and may pique the interest of many Valiant fans in Australia.

Built in Canada, the new 350-odd cubic inch (5.7-litre) V8 is called a Hemi because it makes use of a free breathing hemispherical combustion chamber cylinder head design, also used on some Harley Davidson motorcycles (aka the 'shovel head').

In laymans terms, a hemispherical combustion chamber cylinder head design means that more power can be gained from the engine without having to increase compression ratios, which was one of the reasons why it was developed by Chrysler in the 50s. High octane fuel wasn't available, and hence the pusuit of power resulted in the Hemi.

The 2003 Hemi V8, while still making use of the fancy cylinder head design, is a rather tasty new proposition however, with two spark plugs per cylinder increasing power and efficiency.

The 5.7-litre eight-cylinder mill has an aluminium head, overhead camshafts, all-new engine management software, not to mention two valves per cylinder (OHV) and a 90° vee angle, which help elevate its peak power. While no concrete figures are being offered, credible sources suggest that the range-topping Hemi V8 (in 5.7-litre guise) will make 257kW @ 5400rpm and (375-lb.ft) 508Nm of torque @ about 4100rpm.

Now, the 300C is no welter-weight, and with an estimated kerb weight of just under 2000kg, it's likely to hit 100km/h from rest in 7.0 seconds, give or take.

Technically speaking, the engine actually has a capacity of 5.785-litres, which equates to 353ci, is front mounted and drives the rear wheels via a five speed auto gearbox.

The 300C, which will go on sale in the US as an '05 model in 2004, makes use of Mercedes componentry for the suspension rig, suggesting that it could be quite nice to drive, too. Chrysler has stated that what you see in the photos will not change dramatically for the production model, though the massive wheels will be reduced to 18-inch items.

So, the mighty Hemi V8 is back, and with it a new face for Chrysler, which is determined to carve out a new market for itself with a slew of 'inspired' designs towards the middle of the decade.

While Chrysler's influence in the local market is fairly insubstantial at present, what with a handful of Jeeps, the Voyager, PT Cruiser and V10 Viper, its presence isn't likely to wane either. It's unlikely that we'll see the return of the Hemi V8 to Australia in the short term, though it's not completely off the cards, and would provide interesting competition for the likes of Lexus and Audi, not to mention Ford's Fairlane and Holden's new Statesman/Caprice.