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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