Teresa’s View: Eye-popping styling only part of 300’s appeal

The Chrysler 300 has heritage, style and now, with the introduction of the 300C, it is once again powered by a hemi engine.

Few cars can boast a legacy as wholly American as the 300. The original Chrysler C300 was introduced in 1955 as the first 300-horsepower car available for the masses. The rough-‘n-ready coupe featured leather seats and a beefy Hemi V-8.

A 5.7-liter hemi V-8 engine powers the new 300C. This time Chrysler adds a multi-displacement system that helps offset the fuel hit by shutting down four of the cylinders during straightforward driving. Still, the 300C gets an unexceptional 17-mpg city and 25-mpg on the highway.

Two other engine options, both V-6s, are also offered — a 2.7-liter power plant that produces 190 horsepower and a 340-horsepower, 3.5-liter engine.

The 300, which replaces the Concorde and the 300M, gets a further nod to the past — the manly machine features rear-wheel drive. An all-wheel-drive option helps deliver an exciting on-road experience with the added bonus of not being a sled in the snow.

Eye-popping styling gives homage to the chop-top design and produces a chilling image in anyone’s rear view mirror. No one is going to lose this car in the parking lot.

But the 300 also has a softer side. Its cavernous cabin is swathed in chrome-complemented leather. The new seats have raised a ruckus by failing to appeal to traditional Chrysler buyers. It seems some find them less all-American recliner and more European-style bench, than the previous version. Ouch.

What Is It? The 300 is a four-door, five-passenger full-size sedan from Chrysler. Trims include a base model; touring and limited edition versions, each available with AWD; and the all-new 300C in regular or AWD. The 300C SRT8 represents the shining pinnacle of 300-dom, with its 6.1-liter “hemi” engine and $40K price tag. The base trim is priced at $23,500.

And the Winner Is…: So far for 2005, the Chrysler 300 has been named Car of the Year by Motor Trend and Money magazines, Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine and one of the Ten Best Cars by Car and Driver.

Trivia: The 300 and the Dodge Magnum are closely related siblings.

Cheat Sheet: Chrysler is a member of the DaimlerChrysler family.