[LateNightCable]

Welcome everyone to another addition of the LateNight & PolarFox Analysis series!

Now that I finally got around to writing my design analysis, we can unlock this topic and see what people think. Thanks for being patient.

Before we go into the new for 2005 Chrysler 300C, lets learn a little about where this car's name comes from. The " 300 " name is legendary within the realm of Chrysler, and was bestowed upon a line of high-performance Chrysler sedans in the 1950's and through the 60's. They were called the " letter cars ", representing each successive model. The first, was the C300 of 1955, Styled by Chrysler's new chief of design, Virgil Exner ( his leadership being a high-point in Chrysler design history ), this car was very unique in that it was large, but also had a sporting character - not common in those days. It also introduced the world to Hemi power. Available in coupe or convertible and sporting 300 horsepower - the most of any American prduction car at that time, it dominated Nascar racing - back when Nascar meant something.

In the following years, there were other 300s', the 300C of 1957 which introduced Chrysler's " cab forward " approach, the 300D of 1958, 300E of 1959, 300F of 1960 and so on. 300G, 300H, 300J, 300K, 300L, etc, etc. In the 70's the 300 name continued to be used, but these were not " letter cars ". In 1999, there came the 300M. Based upon a shortened LH platform, it brought renewed fire to the 300 name. But with a V6 and front wheel drive, it was only a half hearted attempt.

This brings us to the new 2005 300C. Built largely upon the underpinnings of the previous generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but powered by the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 it remains all Chrysler, and a car that honors the letter cars in a big way. The "C" model represents the pinacle of style for the new 300, so I will critique this particular car. Lets' see how the styling of this new machine stacks up. Here we go! - LateNightCable

Front ...

At first glance the 300C may appear the same as the 300 Touring and Limited, but they are differentiated by subtle but very important details. The " C " incorporates a more upscale, and in my opinion much better looking head and tail lamp treatment, as well as exposed tail pipes, and various chrome trim pieces that the Limited and Touring models do not have. In this front angle, we see that the very large and upright egg-crate grill is the dominant detail. Some might think this tacky and overwhelming. But in the old days, this was a car's " face ", something to be shown off. The new 300 says "I'm American, I am a Chrysler and proud of it! " - That it is. The upright stance of the grill, and the car as a whole suggests dignity and formality - strength. The large size of the grill also alludes to the great power that must be under the hood. A big grill, for a big engine.

The corners of the car are softened by the round edges of the headlamps, which are clean and jewel like, adding much to the effect of " perceived quality ". They were in fact created by a former jewler turned Chrysler clay modeler. The three-spoke design of the outer lamps is a throwback to headlamps of the 1930s'. Art Deco-ish details such as this blend well with the American Industrial age asthetic that is going on here. The flat bumper could easily make the nose seem, well - flat. But the horizontal upraisings, adorned with a classy swath of chrome widen the car's appearance, keeping it close to the ground.

The simple round fog-lamps accented by slit air vents are tasteful. Mounting them to the lower far corners of the car, draws the eye to the ground, also accentuating the low and wide effect. The general " boaty " appearance of the 300 is tempered by the rather chisled and muscular fenders and wheel openings, also providing the 300 with a solid and stable presence. The mirrors are an interesting and very liquid design, and the chrome finish is icing on the cake.

Profile ...

In profile, we can really get an idea of the new 300's design philosophy. It is a return to the formal three box design, with a destinct hood, passenger compartment, and trunk. The slab sides, thick pillars, and high belt line suggest weight, but more importantly, solidity - It lends a commanding presence. This could come across as too hefty if not for a few choice body creases which slim it out a bit. The sharpness of each edge, keeps the bulk in check, while the flared wheel wells bring a muscular and in control appearance to the package. The rather flat nose and tail is fitting for the upright and noble image that the 300 projects. The flat roofline, and the small traditionally angular and horizontal glass area enhances the secure, tank-like feeling also, while at the same time " lengthening " the bulky 300. While it may be hard to see in silver, the thick chrome strip running below the windows underscores the quest for a trimmer appearance. This is a visual trick that is quite popular now. The belt line is slightly upswept towards the rear, making the front seem lower, and giving the car a kind of mobility, and athletisism of appearance.

If there is anything that seems not quite right, it would be how short the trunk lid is, it's very stubby, more fitting of a compact car with a compact image. But given the block like character of the 300, and the space the designers had to work with, it's not really bad. A note about the wheels, they are 18 inches in diameter, but they seem small compared to the equally generous proportions of the 300C. This might be one car that would actually look well with a set of 20"-22" wheels.

Tail ...

In this 3/4 tail view, we see how clean and sharp the trunk lid is. The Chrysler winged emblem in the center is the right size, prominent, without being ostentacious. In my opinion the exhaust pipes could be a little larger and more visible, but still, they are are pretty good, and the cut-outs accentuate their presence pretty well. Something the 300C has that the other two 300 models don't, are tail lamps with three clear horizontal lenses, these are subtle, and are a nice refined detail. The door handles are not particularly elegant, but they are clean, simple and functional.

In closing, I find the new Chrysler 300C to be a refreshing and worthy successor to the legendary 300 letter cars. A return to American style. I was wondering back in 1995 when they were going to come out with something like this - Now it's here.

* For information on the upcoming 300C SRT-8, see the following thread! - http://www.carpassion.com/en/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1775