Jalopnik: 300c

Chrysler Hires Italian Agency To Make This Crappy Car Ad With Taxpayer Dollars

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST

Chrysler's Italian masters at Fiat fired BBDO Detroit, bringing in an Italian agency to do one commercial for the 300C gansgter-mobile. The ad stars Mikhail Gorbachev and calls for Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi's release. My name is-what the fuck?

Since this is a new ad agency we're sort of surprised this follows essentially the same trite pattern they use in the My Name Is Ram commercial. You know, mixing images and video of the car with inspirational pictures and video. And the imagery they chose? Mikhail Gorbachev, Lech Walesa, a Trabant, a painting of Nelson Mandela and the Chrysler 300 mowing down a flock of doves. Seriously — talk about a mixed metaphor.

AdAge tells us ~~Fiat~~ Chrysler Group's Olivier Francois, the president-CEO of the Chrysler vehicle brand, tapped Armando Testa, his ad agency for Italian Lancia, to warm up a leftover Lancia commercial for the U.S. market.

Hmm, somehow we've got to believe hiring an Italian agency for the work may not sit well with American taxpayers, who bailed out Chrysler earlier this year with billions of dollars in loans. And this while several hundred staffers of Chrysler Group's longtime ad agency, BBDO Detroit, will be out of work at the end of January when the contract expires.

But back to the spot itself. It's a mish-mash of images that have nothing to do with the Chrylser 300C. All this does is continue to beg the question: Why the hell is Chrysler still alive and why did the American taxpayer help keep it alive?

Also, is that a European license plate? Make that a "what the fuck" times two.

[AdAge]

2011 Chrysler 300C Reveals Previously Unseen Clay Rump

The Auto Insider — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:00:00 EDT

Chrysler's Viability Plan earlier this year revealed the design direction for the 2011 Chrysler 300C. Now, thanks to Chrysler PR, we've got a partial view of the new Detroit gangsta-mobile's rump.

Also depicted is a quarter scale clay model just above the head o Chrysler's Senior VP of Design Ralph Gilles. Seeing as it's in quarter scale, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a true future production model, but judging by the looks of it, we'd guess it's the replacement for the uglier-than-sin Chrysler Sebring with the retractable hardtop. [via Chrysler]

2010 Chrysler 300C Interior Gets Massive Touchscreen

Andrew Didorosi — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:12:38 EDT

This image, pilfered from today's Chrysler conference at the NY Auto Show by Cars.com, demonstrates the 2010 Chrysler 300 may finally get a big boy interior and humongous touchscreen.

After a strong showing from the upscale new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it seems Chrysler may have finally stopped sticking Fischer Price interiors into their $30k+ vehicles and started using real materials. Gone are the days of gashing yourself on a seam-welded grab handle or smacking your not-so-funny bone on a rock solid armrest — or so we hope.

It's clear the interior isn't quite as advanced as what's found in the Chrylser 200C Concept, but it appears to take on the concept's philosophy of an MMI-centered layout.

[Cars.com]

2010 Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300C: Profiled!

The Auto Insider — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

Another peak at Chrysler's Viability Plan gave us two profile views of the 2010 Dodge Charger and 2010 Chrysler 300C we missed the first time around. Time for a new-vs-old comparison!

Thankfully we decided to take another peak at the documents because we found two profile views we'd missed previously. The first is of the 2010 Chrysler 300C, of which we've already seen the front 3/4 and the interior; the second is of the 2010 Dodge Charger, which we have not seen yet. We've put together a couple of comparison images for you to see the differences in both models, but we'll explain for those that think they're the same.

The 2010 Chrysler 300C remains fairly similar to the current '09 model, but has a much more pronounced forward rake to the entire vehicle stance. The front end has a much more fluid design with headlights that wrap around the front corners. The top surface of the headlights visually meets the character line on the shoulder of the car and runs towards the rear corners. The biggest and most noticeable change is the rear profile. The rear bumper is now executed without a protrusion and it appears similar to the 2010 Ford Taurus in its forward sweep.

The second in the mix is the 2010 Dodge Charger and it receives a much larger design refresh in its profile design. The most noticeable change is the lack of the rear quarter panel kick-up that previously ran along the car's shoulder line. This kick-up is now much more gradual and appears to start from the front doors and softly runs rearward executing into the deck lid surface. This change has also adjusted the form of the day light opening and it now features a much more generic form. Unlike the 2010 300C, the 2010 Charger's rear appears to have lost its forward sweep and now appears to be more upright likely increasing usable trunk space as a result. The tail lamps no longer wrap around the rear corners. The front design appears to be similar to the current model with the exception of a much smoother bumper surface that no longer protrudes from the front surface. It's likely that the 2010 Charger will receive an all-new front end design, it's hard to tell any details due to the low resolution/size of the image.

We'll keep you up to date when we receive more information regarding Chrysler's 2010 model range, until then keep on wishing, hoping and crossing your fingers that they'll make it until then.

2010 Chrysler 300C: Imaginary Hotness

Ray Wert — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST

In addition to the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the Chrysler viability plan, there's also this rendering of the 2010 Chrysler 300C. Great, Chrysler's now breaking their own embargo.

Barack Obama's Chrysler 300C Auction Getting Scammed On EBay

Ray Wert — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:30:00 EST

Obviously someone's playing games, but the EBay auction for President-Elect Barack Obama's Chrysler 300C has rocketed up to an astonishingly fraudulent $99,999,999.00. Somebody missed out on that "Buy It Now" price of $1,000,000. UPDATE BELOW.

UPDATE: Either EBay or the seller have pulled the listing, ending it early, with the high price back down to the still-expensive-as-all-get-out $100,000. Probably a good idea they did, because at the price of $99,999,999.00, you could probably buy Chrysler. All of it. [EBay]

Chinese Automaker Merges Taurus, 300C, E-Class And Norelco For The Ultimate Shaving Sensation Sedan

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:15:00 EDT

We haven't written much about China's JAC Motors, primarily because the company hasn't taken us on any surreal test drives, made a phallic car or given us a giant tea set. But these photos from China Car Times show a new Chinese sedan that's part Ford Taurus, part Chrysler 300C and partMercedes E-Class. Topped off with a Norelco electric-shaver grille just for kicks. The new JAC certainly caught our attention and makes this guy look like a total poser.

[China Car Times]

Starbucks Coffee Shop Takes A Chrysler 300 Break

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Patrons at a Bellingham, Washington Starbucks got quite the surprise yesterday when a 2008 Chrysler 300 driven by an elderly man crashed through the floor to ceiling window and across the shop. Five people were injured in the incident, though none seriously, and the driver is facing a charge of second degree negligent driving. Fortunately for us, a table was embedded in the grille and it makes it look like the 300 is sticking it's tongue out. We're assuming the injured will be suing for millions to cover the cost of spilled coffee. (Hat tip to R_Evolution)

[Source And More Photos: Bellingham Herald]

2011 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger To Remain Rear-Wheel Drive, Get Makeover

Ray Wert — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST

It's no news that the 300's been a hit for Chrysler — and we here at the Jalop obviously are fans of the Dodge Charger SRT8, and the new Dodge Challenger's certainly got itself a purdy mouth. But there's potentially going to be some fuel economy issues inherent with a RWD, Hemi-powered platform given the current desire by Washington to focus toward beating up automakers and away from a more common-sensical Euro approach to increasing fuel economy. So what's the three-headed dog-owned car company going to do? According to the website for the lovers, the dreamers and me the answer is — not a whole lot.

The Car Connection is reporting:

"Chrysler's plans for its large 300/Charger sedans include a major makeover for the 2011 model year. But while Chrysler's new managers have been dropping hints about the future of the HEMI engine, there's not much they can do about the rear-drive layout of the big sedans."

Although we can barely contain our glee about continuing a vehicular line-up including a rear-wheel drive power sedan, we are wondering why they're not looking to change that somewhat inefficient in fuel economy, but always efficient in fun, drivetrain plan. TCC's got an answer for that too:

"A switch to front-wheel drive could improve the fuel economy of the sedans, but reports to TCC say that there's no money set aside to make the switch to front-wheel drive."

Whatever happened to the mountains of dollars private equity's able to drop on an automaker? [via The Car Connection]

Chrysler MyGig Infotainment Center Review, Part 3

Travis Hudson — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST

So you've seen the brief introduction to Chrysler's MyGig entertainment center and you've watched me get my hands dirty setting it all up, so what's the final verdict? Well, watch the talking head above and see. I am very happy to bear witness to Chrysler taking another step towards the future of car entertainment and infotainment centers—which amounts to simply slapping a complete PC into the dash. So which manufacturer wants to be the first to have a factory installed Windows- or OS X-powered machine that is completely open to customization? Any takers? I guess I'll just to do it myself.

Chrysler MyGig Infotainment Center Review, Part 2

Travis Hudson — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST

Last week, I gave you a brief introduction to the Chrysler MyGig system in a 2008 300c Heritage Edition, and now I'm here to show how all of this hard drive mumbo-jumbo works. All in all, it's a really, really easy system to use. So easy I would be comfortable letting my grandmother attempt to save music to the hard drive. Stay tuned for part three when I give a final verdict, including putting on my favorite Negative Nancy hat.

Chrysler MyGig Infotainment Center Review, Part 1

Travis Hudson — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST

Now that we've finished putting the Microsoft Sync system through the grinder, it's time to take a look at the MyGig system featured in a variety of Chrysler vehicles. To simplify, MyGig is a pretty standard infotainment center, but with a "ruggedized" hard drive slapped behind it. Check out the video preview of the MyGig system above and stay tuned for Part 2, in which I slip on my Speedo and dive into the MyGig system like nobody's business.

2007 Chrysler 300 SRT-8

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:02:49 EDT

[UPDATE: Oh well — it's expired. D'oh. You can still get the '07 300C at a $3500 rebate and zero-rate up to 36 months.] Tired of the performance models always being excluded from automakers' incentive deals? Well, pop a No Doze and check out today's — hold please — Deal of the Week. It's the 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT-8, a car that combines last-gen Mercedes underpinnings with last-gen Chrysler design and factors in a ground-smooshing, 425-horsepower American V8. With cash back of $2000 or zero-rate financing up to 36 months, you'll need some capital to take advantage of the come-on, but at least you won't be upside-down when the sub-prime mortgage crisis starts pulling the securities markets into the fourth ring of hell. In other words, dump that mutual fund now while it's still worth something. Of course, if you live in NYC or a similar premium-insurance state, the five-year cost estimate adds 40 grand to the sticker. But c'mon, it could be way worse, especially for this much fun. And you can always get a used Prius after the next Great Depression. [Yahoo! Autos]

Why Do People Pimp Their Rides?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EDT

Today's question hearkens back to Philosophy Week, but with a slight comedic twist. Seriously, yesterday's QOTD proved that we've all seen pimped rides (or at least what in the owner's mind qualified as "pimped") and with very few exceptions they're all pathetic. How many times have you seen a base model 300C with its anemic 2.7-liter V6 barely able to rotate the 22" dubs and sporting at least $5,000 worth of bling? Why not initially spend all that money on a HEMI? Or better yet, the SRT8 6.1-Liter HEMI? Who chooses looks over power? Obviously, these are the kind of thoughts that kept me out of the really good schools. But still, what possesses a person to do these terrible things?

Chrysler Moving Assembly Of Chrysler 300 From Austria To Ontario, Also It'll Get A Diesel Engine

Ray Wert — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EDT

The group soon-to-be-formerly the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid confirmed today they'll be moving production of the 300 series sedan from a Magna International owned plant in Graz, Austria to the Brampton, Ontario plant in 2010. The plan will push up the new generation of the model by one year so as to coincide with the production shift. Also, they'll be dropping $1.2 billion on vehicle development and retooling costs so the plant can build both left-hand and right-hand drive models — oh, and drop diesel CRD engines into them. Sounds like some torque-y fun if you ask us. [via thestar.com]

The Chrysler 300EX

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 17 May 2007 21:30:00 EDT

Oof. We find the front end treatment of the Rolls-Royce 100EX to be imposing, if more than a tad fussy and lacking in the pure class we expect from a Roller. But when a similar treatment is applied to the front end of a Chrysler LX car, the result is cheesier than an asiago-feta-swiss-jarlsberg-ricotta-pepper jack log topped with parmesan and romano. Somehow we think the guys yelling way too loud at the backyard party next door would be totally into it. We, on the other hand, are going to take a colonic now in an attempt to leach its toxins from our subconscious. – Davey G. Johnson

Rolls Royce 100EX Concept Wannabe Replica Based On Chrysler 300C [Carscoop]

Spy Photos: Refreshed Chrysler 300C

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 07:18:24 EST

Although Chrysler's 300C is heading into its third model year, the model's nowhere near ready for a radical reimagining. That's because Ralph Gillies' design still appears fresh, despite the virtual Napoleonic army of 300Cs on the road. But something's changing, judging by the cladding over this test car's rear-view. A subtle broadening of the taillight assembly, perhaps? A minor stylistic warping of the rear deck? We say bollocks. Bring back the fake spare-tire bulge. – Mike Spinelli

MORE PHOTOS: 2008 Chrysler 300C [The Car Connection]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 [internal]

SEMAture Ejaculation: Wert's Exclusive "Interview" With Chrysler Design Guru Ralph Gilles

Ray Wert — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:20:16 EST

While attempting to get my full fill of the Chrysler Group's SkunkWerks team SEMA 'splosion in Auburn Hills on Friday, I had the chance to sit down (and by sit down, I mean I stood behind a camera, question-filled notepad in hand) with none other than Chrysler Group design guru Ralph Gilles. Gilles is the artistic genius behind some of the automaker's most innovative and polarizing designs of the past few years. The gangster-land Chrysler 300, the mean-looking Dodge Charger and the power wagon for the soccer dad Dodge Magnum all are considered to be the children of his wonderfully wired-for-the-masses mind. I have to give Gilles a lot of credit for taking my interrogation in stride — I'm not known for asking the world's most likely, or even relevant, questions — and this case was no different. On top of letting us know he's a reader of Jalopnik, Chrysler's non-Stuttgartian bringer of SexyBack to...

...the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid stood his ground while quickly riffing with us on the "relevancy" of American design in the face of European prettiness, the direction of the next generation of Chrysler Group trucks and SUV's, and even takes a moment to deny rumors* of alcohol use by certain product teams. Yup, it was that kind of an interview — and all YouTube'd up for your pleasure. – Ray Wert

*Even if we did start them here, they're still totally rumors.

Related:
All our SEMA coverage [internal]

Rumored! 2010 Iteration of Four-Door Chrysler 300 To Get Drop-Top Treatment?

Ray Wert — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 10:37:09 EDT

Although specialty builder and supplier ASC Incorporated unveiled its Helios concept, a lattice-structured ragtop based on a 300C four-door sedan, at the Detroit show last year, word on the street is the German-American hybrid's rejected the ASC design due to cost considerations and feasability studies. Instead, Motor Trend is reporting the 'merican side of the cross-Atlantic merger of equals has contracted with another cross-Atlantic merger of equals, the Austrian/Canadian killer combo of Magna-Steyr to build a Karmann-style retractable folding steel roof for the next design iteration of the big gangsta sedan. Of course, they've been mulling over this idea forever — so who knows whether this is real or Memorex.

Spied: 2010 Chrysler 300 Four-door Convertible [Motor Trend]

Big, Orange, Different: Chrysler 300C Parotech

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 08:31:24 EDT

Some rabid tuners from Lithuania's Parotech took a perfectly non-orange Chrysler 300C and turned it into an orange-et-orange street machine. A set of suicide doors, a suspension kit and 22" rims and other tweaks, and French-language narration complete the moving picture. We've got a sudden craving for a Sunkist.

[Via Autoblog.nl]