That is gorgeous! Beautiful car, and V8 rwd to boot! My only questions are,
how much and are they going to make a coupe? I can't help but think how nice a
special edition Plymouth Neon roadster based on the coupe body would look next
to one of these, in either matching or contrasting color.
Dave Stragand wrote:
> I want one. I NEED one.
>
> -Dave
>
> http://us.media.daimlerchrysler.com/special/naias_2000/concepts/hemi_e.htm
>
> Adventures in FREEDOM CHRYSLER 300 HEMI® C
>
> DaimlerChrysler today unveiled the Chrysler 300 Hemi® C, a
> four-passenger V-8 rear-wheel drive convertible, at the 2000 North
> American International Auto Show in Detroit.
>
> The quintessential Chrysler, this concept combines contemporary
> design, elegance, luxury and legendary Hemi-power.
>
> "This vehicle explores a direction we might take if we were to return
> to an all-American V-8, rear-wheel drive luxury performance car such
> as the famed '57 Chrysler 300 C convertible," said Tom Gale,
> Executive Vice President - Product Development and Design.
>
> "The epitome of motoring elegance and affordable luxury, the
> Chrysler 300 Hemi C concept adds the heritage only this company
> can offer: a powerful V-8 Hemi engine."
>
> The prototype all-aluminum 353 cubic inch (5.7-liter) pushrod V-8
> engine features hemispherical combustion chambers and two spark
> plugs per cylinder. Its estimated power of 353 horsepower and 353
> lb.-ft. of torque is delivered to the rear wheels via a robust
> four-speed
> automatic transmission.
>
> The powerful V-8 Hemi engine has improved fuel efficiency and
> emissions through seamless automatic deactivation of four of the
> eight cylinders during highway driving and deceleration.
>
> A hydraulically shifted lost-motion feature deactivates the valves while
>
> the motor management system interrupts ignition and fuel supply to
> those cylinders. The system maintains full engine performance for
> acceleration and overtaking.
>
> The concept's independent suspension has modified MacPherson
> struts in front and an aluminum five-link coil-over-shock rear set-up.
>
> For increased body stiffness and crisp ride and handling
> characteristics, a unique structural door latch design is being
> developed for the Hemi C concept.
>
> Fourteen-inch ventilated front and rear disc brakes with four-piston
> calipers, 19-inch front wheels and tires and 20-inch rear wheels and
> tires amply live up to the Chrysler 300 Hemi C's estimated
> performance.
>
> Reflecting its Hemi heritage, the vehicle will sprint to 60 mph in 5.9
> seconds and clock a top speed of 160 mph.
>
> In a thoroughly modern way, the Chrysler 300 Hemi C design pays
> homage to the legendary '57 300 C. Terrific proportions, a
> monocoque profile with pronounced wheel flares and a seemingly
> endless hood are some of its design characteristics.
>
> Said Joe Dehner, Senior Design Manager and responsible for the
> exterior design: "It is as if we stretched the body around the V-8
> Hemi engine. The concept's rear-wheel drive set-up allowed for a
> minimal front overhang, while the front fender air exhaust ports and
> the centrally placed chrome twin exhaust pipes signal its
> performance. And similar to the world's best-selling convertible, the
> Chrysler Sebring, this concept is a true four-seat convertible."
>
> Elegance and affordable luxury are reflected by the concept's clean,
> sleek and athletic lines. The sculpted hood focuses attention on the
> high-placed Chrysler winged badge and enlarged 300M-style chrome
> grille.
>
> A center peakline runs from the front to the rear and works with the
> raked chrome bodyside moldings to give the Chrysler 300 Hemi C its
> chiseled appearance.
>
> Dehner's loving attention to detail is shown in the front and rear light
>
> units that provide a visual link to the 300M, the sculpted chrome door
> handles and the center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) wrapped
> around the Chrysler winged badge.
>
> The Chrysler 300 Hemi C interior is in harmony with its refined
> exterior. Mimicking the chrome bodyside molding, a wedged
> California walnut molding links the instrument panel to the hard-cover
> tonneau with integrated automatic roll-over bar.
>
> An understated monochromatic taupe-based color palette and
> purposeful use of chrome enhances the elegant atmosphere in the
> concept car. Adjustable pedals guarantee a comfortable seating
> position for short and tall drivers.
>
> "The design and execution of this interior emphasize craftsmanship,"
> said Lance Wagner, Senior Design Manager and responsible for the
> Chrysler 300 Hemi C interior.
>
> "That is apparent in the California walnut application on the steering
> wheel, the chrome details, the leather-tailored seats, the one-touch
> power top and tonneau cover and the location and fabrication of the
> Chrysler winged badges, the ignition in the instrument panel and the
> gated gear shift."
>
> The concept comes equipped with a driver "Infotronic" system. This
> unique feature includes a global positioning system, a trunk-mounted
> "plug-and-play" laptop computer, Internet access for real-time
> weather and traffic information and e-mail.
>
> A fingerprint scanner hooked up to a tiny camera provides added
> security, important in any vehicle and especially in a soft top
> convertible. The vehicle will not function if the driver's fingerprint
> and
> picture don't match the system's information.
>
> The Infotronic system is directed by voice commands or through its
> liquid crystal display in the instrument panel. Voice commands also
> control the vehicle's audio, climate control, diagnostics, phone and
> security systems and the driver's home security system.
>
> "The straight-line power of the '50s and '60s has been replaced by a
> balance of crisp handling and sophisticated performance," said Gale.
> "Yet the Chrysler 300 Hemi C still reflects the same
> philosophy and pedigree of those early letter series cars."
>
> The Chrysler 300 Hemi C concept is custom painted with a Frosted
> Mocha Pearlcoat finish and rolls on custom Goodyear tires.
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