Now in its second year, the Chrysler 300 receives several changes for 2006. A five-speed automatic transmission with Auto/Stick manual mode is now available with the 3.5-litre V6; variable line pressure is added to the four-speed automatic; the 300 receives a new tire pressure monitor warning lamp; the 300C receives a new tire pressure monitor display; and the 300 Touring gets new 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels.
Inside, an eight-way power passenger seat with power recline replaces the six-way; a cruise control indicator light has been added to the instrument panel; an audio input jack is added to the radio; and there’s an optional DVD video entertainment system available for the centre console. Outside, Linen Gold Metallic Pearl Coat replaces Deep Lava Red.
Changes to the SRT8 include new standard and optional tire packages, a tire pressure monitoring system, and four-wheel Brembo performance disc brakes with four-piston calipers and anti-lock brakes.
Also offered at Dodge as the Magnum station wagon and the Charger sedan, the Chrysler 300 shares underpinnings and some interior components with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Its rear-wheel-drive can be optioned up to all-wheel-drive.
There are three engine choices, starting with a 250 hp, 3.5-litre V6 in the 300. The 300C carries a 340 hp, 5.7-litre Hemi V8, while the 300C SRT8 contains a 425 hp, 6.1-litre Hemi. The 5.7-litre Hemi features a fuel-saving multi-displacement system (MDS), which seamlessly deactivates four of the eight cylinders when full power isn’t needed, such as when highway cruising. The 6.1-litre Hemi is fully active at all times.
The 3.5-litre starts as a base 300, including four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, 17-inch wheels (18-inch on AWD), air conditioning, fog lamps, rolling power locks, power heated mirrors, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, CD player with four speakers and cruise control. The Touring adds leather interior, cargo net, six speakers, and wheel-mounted audio controls. The Limited adds dual-zone climate control, Homelink garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power driver’s seat, heated seating, Boston Acoustics stereo and walnut trim.
The 300C adds memory seats and auto-dimming outside mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, enhanced stereo, leather and tortoise-shell power tilt and telescoping wheel, dual exhaust, touring suspension and 18-inch wheels.
Extras on the SRT8 include 20-inch, 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels with Z-rated performance tires, high-flow exhaust system, lowered suspension with Bilstein shocks, larger-diameter sway bars, a unique front fascia and trunk spoiler, and SRT8-embossed leather seats.
Chrysler claims that the 300 is the most-awarded new car in automotive history, including Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year, and justifiably so: it’s a pleasure to drive even in base form, with wide stance, taut handling, exceptional interior room and comfort, and an extremely quiet cabin. The 5.7-litre Hemi is all the horsepower most drivers will ever need, but the SRT8 is a contender even among much pricier performance sedans. The narrow greenhouse makes for an attractive design that provides more rearward visibility than the more sloping Magnum, and the extra chrome gives it a bit more flair than the Charger. And best of all, all three are Canadian-built.
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