Car Auto Design

As automakers go, developing well received models is a chore all by itself. When a model becomes a hit, as has the Chrysler 300C, the result is favorable press coverage, high customer satisfaction ratings, and a "halo" effect that can extend to the entire product line. Chrysler's 300C is a hit, but the German-American automaker isn't stopping there. A stretched version of the car is being developed, one that may find a following amongst enthusiasts, but only if the price is right.

So, why would DaimlerChrysler authorize a stretched version of the 300C? For several reasons including:

The Limo Market - Although the 300C is not on the same level as the Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac DTS, the car does compete with the Ford Crown Victoria. Hence, taxi and limousine operators will be drawn to the stretched 300C as the car gives its passengers the room that they need.

Yes, the aftermarket crowd is hot in pursuit of whatever enhancements are available to improved performance for their Chryslers. Popular with the SRT8 set are performance exhaust systems and cold air intake systems. By combining the two, 300C owners can gain an extra 30 horsepower and as much as an additional 36 lb.-ft of torque!

Two manufacturers, Dub Air and Airaid, have developed performance air intake systems for the 300C SRT8 while Magnaflow Exhaust has captured the imagination of 300C SRT8 enthusiasts by developing an exhaust system that is designed to outlast your car. Each product helps to deliver more horsepower, improved torque, and the race car tone that can truly help your ride sound great and get you noticed.

Best of all, a fully enhanced Chrysler 300C SRT8 can beat the Cadillac CTS-V and you will still have more than ten thousand dollars left over. Not a bad deal for a car that competes against a Caddy that comes equipped with a Corvette engine!

There are custom grilles that can be added directly to the frame that the manufacturers installed in the factory. These are easy to attach, by following the instructions included and there aren't any fancy tools required. Grilles with spider web designs, vertical lines, horizontal lines, the Rolls Royce style front, or even the Bentley styled mesh are just a few options available. Besides a shiny new grille, there are chrome door handles, custom rims, chrome trims, and license plate frames that will add certain brilliance to the outer appearance.

The interior had the best that Chrysler had to offer. Tan leather was standard for the interior. The door panels had silver appliques and both the wheel and glove compartment had "300" medallions. The '57 Chrysler 300-C also had a TorqueFlite automatic transmission which was operated by push button. The TorqueFlite was connected to the 300-C's standard 392 Hemi V-8 engine. Chrysler's TorqueFlite transmission was a mainstay for the company from 1956 through the early 1990's, by the way and it is said to be one of the smoothest and trouble-free transmissions to have ever been designed.

Other standard features on the 1957 Chrysler 300-C included:

• a clock
• airfoam seat cushions
• backup lights
• a cushioned dash panel
• a chrome license plate frame,
• spare tire cover
• a handbrake warning
• windshield washers
• turn signals
• a "SilentFlite" fan drive which limited the fan speed to 2,500 rpm to deaden noise
• power brakes

Chrysler Sebring:The Chrysler Sebring is one model slated for big changes as two things are taking place: the Sebring is now the "200" to reflect a stronger relationship with the full-size "300" sedan. In addition, the 200 enjoys numerous changes inside and out, updates that we'll cover here.

Chrysler's sales are dismal. In 2007, Chrysler sold 2.6 million cars but in 2009 that number fell below one million units. Do the math: losing approximately two-thirds of your business in such a short period is telling. Those customers won't be coming back.

Though 2012 was quiet when it came to product updates, 2011 won't be. In fact, most Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep models have been updated or overhauled, representing the most ambitious changes ever undertaken by Chrysler in one model year.

Competition is fierce. As Chrysler's sales collapsed, competitors stepped in to fill the bill. Now that customers have tasted what others have to offer, their switch will be permanent. Nothing speaks louder in this industry than opportunity. Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen and Hyundai smell the blood.