What's Wrong With This Picture: The 300 Edition
For the last several years the 300C has been Chrysler’s band of Spartans, fighting off the apathy and irrelevance that has threatened to overwhelm the brand. And it didn’t just keep Chrysler clawing onto relevance, but it also revived an art form that was also circling the drain: the large, RWD American car. As Cadillac moved towards a sharply-tailored, Euro-fighter positioning, the 300 became the ride of choice for everyone from traditionalist suburbanites to ghetto CEOs. And now it’s back, and like its Charger cousin, the new 300 is a subtle, delicate thing compared to its rough-hewn, unabashedly Bentley-aping predecessor. But has a more sophisticated look actually improved the 300’s appeal? Will concessions to aerodynamics and originality inspire fans of the 300, or is progress a fundamental problem for a car that seems to live in the past? One thing is certain: Chrysler needs its 300 now as badly as it ever did. [Please surf over to Motor Trend for more non-official pictures]
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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I for one am really getting tired of the "what's wrong with this picture" tack that TTAC keeps taking. So is this some sort of bully journalism that titillates its readers by disemboweling a weekly weakling before the readers' eyes? Give me an article that makes the case that the Aveo really is a decent car, that Chrysler is digging its way out of hole... or really anything creative for that matter. And if this isn't clear enough: be positive, be factual and curb your lack of enthusiasm.
I really don't know what to think...I like the front end, but it reminds me too much of an Audi (also: Chrome mirrors?). I think it should have gotten a more "American" face because that would be more in line with what the 300 stands for. But don't get me wrong, it's still a good looking front end. The side view however is very American, which I also like. Unfortunately it's not a perfect fit for the Audi like front end. But still not bad The trunk however looks somewhat Hyundai-esque with its unnecessary dent. They should have sticked to the clean design language of the rest of the car. Even though this is just a minor point, it almost ruins the car for me... Overall I preferred the predecessor in terms of general shape. This 300 however looks more classy and up-scale. But I guess I'd rather get an Audi...
This is an excellent update. It brings a touch of class to a very distinctive design. Along with the new Charger, Durango, Grand Cherokee and Ram, it shows that Chrysler's styling, at least, is still among the best. In many respects, this car has more "mojo" and better displays its American heritage in a good way than any Cadillac or Lincoln.
Typically, recent Chrysler products don't photograph as well as they look in the flesh, but this redesign looks like a winner to me. It offers a nice upgrade for the faithful, who've been waiting a long time for a new flagship, and a more refined appearance to appeal to a broader clientele worldwide. I predict this will be a hit, maybe not out of the park, but a good three bagger. And please, please give us North Americans a wagon (estate) version!