The vehicle that marked the return of the great American car in 2004 now has the distinguished title of the most-awarded new car in automotive history. The striking proportions, classic American design and advanced technologies of the Chrysler 300C have captured the imagination of drivers around the world, helping the Chrysler brand to achieve record-breaking sales in the Middle East.
"The Chrysler 300C is a perfect combination of beautiful styling and incredible performance, creating a package unlike any other in the marketplace," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "We are honoured and proud of the recognition we have received for the 300C - a truly remarkable vehicle that is the result of the highly creative approach and dedication of the Chrysler design and engineering teams."
Chrysler has a long-standing tradition of innovative design, and the modern elegance of the 300C makes everything else on the road seem ordinary. With many of today's cars looking so similar, its dramatic exterior design, sophisticated interior features and advanced technologies that put the driver firmly in control, set a whole new set of large-car benchmarks, offering style and performance that will not easily be imitated.
The award-winning Chrysler 300C returns for 2006 with the same elements of its successful 2005 formula - strikingly beautiful styling, incredible performance, dynamic and controlled handling plus unsurpassed luxury, comfort and spaciousness - all at a stunningly affordable price.
The 2006 Chrysler 300C is available with Chrysler's legendary 5.7 litre HEMI V8 engine with Multiple Displacement System (MDS) - this highly advanced piece of technology seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the HEMI engine when V8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy by as much as 20%. The HEMI engine is linked to a five speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. Generating 340 horsepower (254 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. (525 Nm) of torque, the HEMI-powered Chrysler 300C effortlessly accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.
The 2006 300C also provides the option for a brand new Video Entertainment System that comprises of a centre console cover-mounted DVD player and 7-inch LCD screen, a remote control and two wireless headsets. The hinged LCD screen can be fully stored into the armrest or flipped up for viewing, providing easy access for rear seat passengers.
In addition to video DVDs, the system can also play audio DVDs, Windows Media Audio (WMA), audio CDs, MP3 audio discs and video CDs. Auxiliary plug-in jacks are included on the faceplate so that rear-seat passengers can view video directly from a video camera, play games from a video game console or play music directly from a portable MP3 player.
Another unique feature of the system is that the vehicle speakers can play audio from a disc in the DVD player while rear-seat passengers can listen to audio from the AM or FM radio, or a disc in the radio CD player on the headphones.
New safety technology has also been added to the 2006 Chrysler 300C - the Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system monitors the pressure inside each tyre and alerts the driver to improper tyre pressures, is now standard on the 2006 model.
Chrysler 300C customers were highly enthusiastic about the return to rear-wheel drive in 2005. Technologies such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) helped control Chrysler 300C cars in ways that were transparent to the driver, yet provided exceptional ride and handling characteristics. The 2006 Chrysler 300C continues to feature these technologies.
"Chrysler's rear-wheel-drive architecture transfers power to the road, while the ESP, traction control and ABS offer safe control of the vehicle," added Barcroft. "The 300C's five-link independent suspension delivers excellent handling and responsiveness to provide an incredibly smooth ride."
ESP enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability, including uneven surface conditions. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver indicates through the steering and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle control to put the car back onto the driver's intended path. The system is calibrated for improved control of the vehicle under a variety of conditions and operates in a manner that is not intrusive under normal driving. ESP also offers Brake Assist, which detects when maximum braking is required by sensing the rate of brake application - by applying full brake pressure to all four brakes, this improves stopping distances.
All-speed TCS enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. It also provides a measure of directional stability control - an advance beyond prior traction control systems. ABS keeps the vehicle straight, while retaining steering capability when braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up.
"The 2006 Chrysler 300C will continue to delight drivers throughout the Middle East." concluded Barcroft. "The record sales achieved since its launch into the region clearly show how it has captured the imagination of drivers who demand the very best from their vehicle, and with the addition of the 5.7 litre V8 HEMI and more luxury features, can only go from strength to strength."
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Neil Tyrer
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Integra - Integrated Marketing Communications
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E-mail: Neil.tyrer@integramarcoms.com
Website: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
© Press Release 2005
