Chrysler 300 Press (Release March 1, 2004)

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All-New 2005 Chrysler 300 Signals Return of Great American Car

All-New Platform Features Contemporary HEMI® Power and Rear-Wheel-Drive Performance

Industry First Multi-Displacement System (MDS) Increases HEMI Fuel Efficiency

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 01, 2004 -With an entirely new shape based on the company’s all-new rear-drive architecture, the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300 features classic proportions. A long hood, short deck and dramatic profile complete with available 18-inch wheels give Chrysler 300 its stunning presence.

"The all-new 2005 Chrysler 300 is the new standard for American large cars," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "And this is just one of nine new products we’re bringing to market in calendar year 2004."

The Chrysler 300C model marks the return of the HEMI® engine to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years. The legendary engine design that powered Chrysler’s ‘letter series’ cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. With 340 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, the Chrysler 300C can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.

The 2005 Chrysler 300C will be the first modern volume production vehicle in North America to feature cylinder deactivation when it goes on sale in the spring of 2004. The Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS) seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine when V-8 power is not needed. This provides a world class combination of performance and fuel economy.

"Our new generation of vehicles will separate us from the pack,“ said Zetsche. "The MDS system on our HEMI V-8 will be a first for a modern volume car in North America and will deliver a 10- to 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency.“

Transferring all this power to the pavement is Chrysler’s new rear-drive architecture. Rear-wheel drive offers improved handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels driving. With tremendous advances in tire technology and electronic stability control, Chrysler brings back the rear-wheel drive passenger sedan.

"Rear-wheel drive is the right architecture for performance,“ added Zetsche. "With the advances that have been made in technology, for large cars rear-wheel drive guarantees the best performance and handling.“