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[GMLind]

I originally posted this on another forum, but thought it would be better here, as this one get's started.

First I must say as a new guy to take interest in Chrysler...Good Job! I keep a close watch on most all manufactureres new products (foreign and domestic), and love to see new innovation that includes, power, efficiency, handling, and style, all come togather in an affordable package. The 300C is such a package.

When I saw some of the early "chop top", "lead sled" style pictures of this 4 door sedan with mention of the Hemi V8 being an option, I thought, "Now we're talking, I'll have to keep my eye on that!" So, when I started searching for a replacement for the 2002 Lincoln LS V8, and found out that the Hemi 300C was just released, I started building my portfolio of info on it.

Went to a dealership over on the KS side of KC and found one with a Hemi to test drive. Unfortunately, the sales guys don't know anything about the car unless it is in the brochure, and even then...not really. But that's OK, I've done my reasearch and have already decided it's a great concept and looks good, just need to see how well it has been executed.

Finally, Test Drive:

They had a magnesium pearl 300C with Sound Group II, and Protection Package with about 350 demo miles on it. I thought the ride and handling was very good and comparable to German Luxury car quality. In other words, sporty for a big car. The steering was responsive with the right amount of feedback, without having to feel all the potholes, through the steering wheel. Cornering was nice and flat as you would expect from a sport tourer. Reminded me a lot of how an Audi A8 rode and handled.

Power was good, obviously. Barked the tires a few times at stop lights, without even trying to, (ESP turned off, ). Ride was nice and quiet the whole time. The 300C certainly seems to be put togather well. I hope it is still as tight after 60,000 miles. That will be the real quality test, if it is still as quiet, squeek and rattle free, a year or two from now, as the miles add up.

I thought the Stareo was just OK. I only listened to a couple of FM stations, and didn't get the chance to play with it much. but the front seat sound staging seemed bias more for the back seat. The Bose sounded better from my experience. Caviot is, the Boston Acoustic package will be easier to tweek and modify than Bose.

Interior layout looks good to me. I thought the quality of the interior was fine for the price of the 300C and domestic/german mixed upbringing. the center console view from the rear seat is a bit cheap and plastic looking. Aftermarket dress up pieces will be popular, I think.

Finally, really love the looks of the 300c. The aggessive sculpted muscular shape with short windows, was exactly what I was looking for in a 4 door sport sedan. Through in the Hemi (with multi-displacement 8 to 4 cylender) power and economy, and it's a "No Brainer" for me, and easy to sell my wife. "Honey, it's got the power I like, and turns into a 4 banger for fuel economy, we both get what we want!" She agrees! The 300C designers are geniuses without a doubt.

So, I did some haggling on my trade in, and placed an order for a Black 300C that day.