First look: Chrysler brings up the rear

THIS is more than just another Yank Tank, it is proof in the metal of Chrysler's renewed commitment to rear-wheel drive.

A production version of the concept called the 300C will be on sale in the US in 2004 and should make its way to Chrysler dealers in Australia in 2005.

The 300C, which had the wraps pulled off it at the New York auto show on Wednesday (US time), is underpinned by a new rear-wheel drive platform dubbed LX, which also goes under the Dodge Mag-num wagon - also set for these shores.

New Chrysler Group Australia boss Gerry Jenkins has told GoAuto e-news that these large rear-wheel drive cars will be a key part of the growth of Chrysler and Dodge - the latter soon expected to be confirmed for a return - in Australia.

But CGA's view is that they will be niche players, too expensive to go up against Falcon and Commodore as the old locally built Valiant and Dodges did 30 years ago.

Both cars will emerge from the factory in right-hand drive as the Chrysler Group seeks to expand in foreign markets to meet its expansion plans to sell an extra one million cars per annum by 2012.

The 300C is also significant for the new design direction it previews for Chrysler, which is intended to pay tribute to the original "letter series" car, the C-300 in 1955.

Most recently, Chrysler's large cars were very much cab forward in design - as well as being front-wheel drive.

Key 300C styling signatures include the massive grille that was inspired by the Chronos concept car of 1998, a long bonnet, small side-glass area, massive 20-inch wheels and short rear deck.

"With its new shape and noble proportions, the Chrysler 300C redefines the classic American automobile, while moving the brand solidly into the premium segment of the market," said the president and CEO of the Chrysler Group, Dieter Zetsche.

Power for the concept is provided by the new generation 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine and that will also be used in the production version, along with V6 power. It will be the first time Chrysler has sold a V8 rear-wheel drive car for more than a decade.

But it is not all American technology, with a wide range of Mercedes-Benz technology in the car courtesy of the 1998 merger that created the DaimlerChrysler enterprise.

Shared components and technologies that will appear on the production version of the Chrysler 300C include a five-speed automatic transmission, suspension components, steering system, seat structures and electronic architecture.

Preliminary specifications

BASIC DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 3.048m
Overall length: 4.999m
Overall width: 1.880m
Overall height: 1.483m
Front overhang: 871mm
Rear overhang: 1.080m
Front track: 1.600m
Rear track: 1.600m
Estimated weight: 1808kg DRIVETRAIN
5.7-litre H V8
Electronically controlled five-speed automatic with "AutoStick" SUSPENSION
Front: Short and long-arm
Rear: Independent five-bar multi-link TYRE/WHEEL SIZEK
Front: 245/45R20, 20 x 8 inches
Rear: 275/40R20, 20 x 9 inches