2011 Chrysler 300C first impressions
The 2011 Chrysler 300 is a completely overworked car and shares very little with the original 300C that was introduced 6 years ago. Chrysler has taken lots of feedback from its customers and also stepped up their game when it comes to their competitors. The original 300C that hit the streets as a 2005 model, looked cool from the outside (if you don't mind the striking resemblance to a Bentley....) but the inside was very bland and the base engines were pretty weak.
Well thankfully Chrysler has corrected a lot of these problems. The 2011 300C comes with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
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When AWD is not needed, all of the power is transfer to the rear wheels. Unfortunately, Chrysler is still stuck in the past when it comes to transmission. The Hemi is mated to a 5-speed automatic but we can't help but wonder what if Chrysler hooked it up with a 7-speed automatic.
The interior is all new and is far more pleasant and inviting. At the center of the dash you will find a large 8.4-inch touch screen display that looks great and works well. A Garmin based navigation system is optional but either way you still get the large touch screen display. The exterior is not has bold and muscular as the outgoing 300C but that's not a bad thing. The exterior still could use some tweaks but all in all it looks decent. I am curious to see what the year to year changes will look like.
It's a good thing Chrysler stepped it up and made some of these changes. While the 300C is not an industry leader, it is definitely able to compete now thanks to these new refinements. If they keep moving the company in this direction, it will be interesting to see what the 300 will evolve into.
When taking the Hemi equipped 300C AWD on some twisting roads it is a far superior ride to the previous 300C. It rides smoother and is more quiet. All of this can be had for a very reasonable cost. The base 300C model will start at $28,000 and the rear drive 300Cs will start at bout $39,000. Oh and don't forget, Chyrsler has an SRT8 in the works that we just can't wait to get our hands on.
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