test drove a 300c

[lowhsv]

Well today i had the chance to test drive a chrysler 300c 5.7 hemi, I was actually shocked on how these things drive..... Although i wasnt impressed with the power of vehicle but it did preform well. The handling was exceptionally good and has a very tight turning circle for the size (just under 5m). I did find the suspension was a bit spongey but its no sports car so it still passed my test. The interior i found was a nice soft and very comfortable leather with great seat adjustment and leg room, and i really like the safety features like ESP and side curtin airbags.
The dealer i went to was very good, he was telling us how much better the brakes were then hsv's (bigger disc and less piston calipers) and i sorta rolled my eyes, but he prooved his point in the test drive. At 50kph he launched on the stop pedal and the car stop with in a length of it self (5m)...... I was shocked well once i climbed back out of the seat after the seat belt threw back into it....
You can you see how its merc based with all the features and luxary feel of these cars, hell the dealler was telling us that its chassis is from a e-class merc, learn something new everyday.
All in all i love the look and driveability of these beasts but lack the one thing i like POWER.....
Has anyone on here test drove one if so whats your thoughts

[vh-holden]

what did you think of the interior space. i managed to score a ride in the WPS course car at the v8s in darwin the other weekend. The interior felt kinda cramped. I think it might have been that everything was the same creamy colour so it all just morphed into itself. It was also a left hand drive.

[McobraR]

All in all i love the look and driveability of these beasts but lack the one thing i like POWER.....


Thats why u test drive the 6.1 SRT-8 version with 317kw....maybe that will fix the 'small' 250kw/5.7L problem :nyuk:

[vt350phantom]

Its real tough to get a drive in an SRT-8. They are rare as, I approached a chrysler dealer re a test drive about a month ago and am still waiting!!

There is a possibility that the next SRT (2009) will have a 392 ci motor with almost 500hp! :flamin:

[PhatAs]

yes but by that time we will have the "Challenger" :evil: :evil: :evil:
i damm well hope that we get that, allong with the 6 speed manual the concept has :headbang:

[VE Turbo]

I have seen a 300c and an 04 Rex go at it from the lights.
There was absolutely nothing in it.
They went up to about 120 kmh.
This Rex was moded as well.

On a side note,
I blew off a Gen 3 ute with modified exhaust tonight. Manual.
It was on as soon as he pulled up, he was riding the clutch for all it was worth.
I drive a VT2 auto 3.8 sedan, lol.
Had him by 4 car lengths over the 1st 200 metres, then he gave up.
A Torque Converter can be a beautiful thing.....

[markone2]

I have seen a 300c and an 04 Rex go at it from the lights.
There was absolutely nothing in it.
They went up to about 120 kmh.
This Rex was moded as well.

On a side note,
I blew off a Gen 3 ute with modified exhaust tonight. Manual.
It was on as soon as he pulled up, he was riding the clutch for all it was worth.
I drive a VT2 auto 3.8 sedan, lol.
Had him by 4 car lengths over the 1st 200 metres, then he gave up.
A Torque Converter can be a beautiful thing.....


Much informative input can be gained from such a simple item as one's *sig*..imho

[lowhsv]

The dealer told us that only 2200 300c were getting imported in the first year or two and only 80 of them will be srt version.
i found the interior was alot better then our z series clubsport, proberly becasue i perfer leather of cotton. It was sorta roomy wouldnt go all out and say its as roomy as a statesman though.
i say bring on the challenger i seen an old school one kicking around the other day just been restored and looked sweet.

[vt350phantom]

The problem is that they are not building nearly enough SRT's to meet demand.

[VE Turbo]

Much informative input can be gained from such a simple item as one's *sig*..imho

Very funny,
My VT is not turbo charged, it is stock.

[SV99]

The only thing i didnt like about the 300c was the driving position as the steering wheel felt off centre.

apart from that a very nice machine !!

[markone2]

Very funny,
My VT is not turbo charged, it is stock.


Precisely to what I inferred……….whilst you may labour under the miss-apprehension your stock VT V6 can out launch a Gen111 equipped Commodore to the 200mtr mark.........the remainder of us humble LS1 drivers... harbour no such illusions :nono: naturally anytime you wish to demonstrate to me the awesome acceleration of the V6 please advise…I’d be more than happy to accommodate .:dance:

[vt350phantom]

the remainder of us humble LS1 drivers... harbour no such illusions :nono: naturally anytime you wish to demonstrate to me the awesome acceleration of the V6 please advise…I’d be more than happy to accommodate .:dance:

LOL!!! :lol:

[muzza]

Markone2:
Precisely to what I inferred……….whilst you may labour under the miss-apprehension your stock VT V6 can out launch a Gen111 equipped Commodore to the 200mtr mark.........the remainder of us humble LS1 drivers... harbour no such illusions naturally anytime you wish to demonstrate to me the awesome acceleration of the V6 please advise…I’d be more than happy to accommodate .
:bravo:

VE Turbo: :flip2: .......and then you woke up.:lol:

[VZSS250]

I have also test driven a 300C and I must say that the interior is seriously flawed.

-The driving position is out of whack because the sterring wheel is a little to the left.

-The leather is soft...though you have to wonder if its true leather or a synthetic imitation, because it feels a lot like vinyl.

-The sides of the bottom cushion that cannot be seen are covered in cloth to save on cost;

-the back of the front seats look like the back of your couch...no styling, just one big single patch of vinyl. Compare to SS leather back seats that have beautiful leather stitching and net map pockets.

-The back seat lacks detail and has 4 stupid grey plastic safety badges the size of 50c coins at the bottom of the seat backs which look awful;

- the door trims are very plain;

- the steering wheel's wood trim scratches if you breath on it.

As for the drive, well it drives the way it looks - big. It has no performance edge to it at all...unless you've been driving magnas all your life.

This car is a one trick pony...the styling is amazingly good.

And the salesman will not discount because of all the publicity this car got on release.

[powerman_dsr]

there nice cars but they lack power, if your gonna get one get a SRT-8 version

[VZSS250]

SRT-8 has a very long waiting list and doesnt come cheap.

People keep saying its a HSV eater, but in reality it is priced at $80k on road, whereas a fully optioned Clubby R8 can be had for $20k less on the road.

And when the equally priced VE Clubby R8 comes out, people's fascination with this car will become a long forgotten, short-lived anomaly.

[RICHO]

SRT-8 has a very long waiting list and doesnt come cheap.

People keep saying its a HSV eater, but in reality it is priced at $80k on road, whereas a fully optioned Clubby R8 can be had for $20k less on the road.

And when the equally priced VE Clubby R8 comes out, people's fascination with this car will become a long forgotten, short-lived anomaly.

A fully optioned clubby R8 at recommended retail is not $60k on the road, RRP is just over $70k before ORC, almost exactly the same as an SRT8.

The price difference at the moment is due to the value people are placing on the car versus available supply. There are more clubby's than demand hence the discounts, more demand for SRT's than supply hence full RRP.

And at VE...I doubt that supply will exceed demand for a few months, so no discounts there....It'll be a comparison between 2 cars of near equal cost on road...and even then the SRT will ultimately be more exclusive (smaller supply) and hold is likely to hold it's value better.

A better car than VE?? Probably not (okay make the definitely IMO) but its comaprative exclusivity and distinctive appearance are very big selling points!!

[markone2]

[QUOTE=RICHO]A fully optioned clubby R8 at recommended retail is not $60k on the road, RRP is just over $70k before ORC, almost exactly the same as an SRT8.

:dance: no it ain't

[lowhsv]

well some idiot tried to tell me that z series clubsport are $46k drive away BRAND NEW...... lol i know what we paid and it was alot more then that :nopity:

[phat-dave]

richo : i can assure you, regardless of what demand/supply rates are... no daimler chrysler product holds its value :shiner:

i dare say, a hemi 300c wholesale will be around 32k within twelve months

[vh-holden]

-The leather is soft...though you have to wonder if its true leather or a synthetic imitation, because it feels a lot like vinyl.

- the steering wheel's wood trim scratches if you breath on it.

As for the drive, well it drives the way it looks - big. It has no performance edge to it at all...unless you've been driving magnas all your life.


they were the things i noticed in my "moderately warm" lap (it wasn't hot - stupid HQ was limping back to the pits after it's race)

the leather was weird. i wondered if that was because it was an early version from america. it was left hand drive. sounds like it is still the same

the steering wheel just looked wrong - too fake

when the driver gunned it out of the pits, it gave a bit of a kick, but nothing compared to some of the ls1's i've ridden in.

unfortunately, we didnt' get to go full pelt around the the first turn of hidden valley. i was looking forward to that one to see how it went.

i must admit though, that it did sound rather nice. removing some mufflers will do that though.

i still want one. the whole pimped image and being a teacher amuses me.

[Aussie V8]

richo : i can assure you, regardless of what demand/supply rates are... no daimler chrysler product holds its value :shiner:

i dare say, a hemi 300c wholesale will be around 32k within twelve months

I very much doubt that with supply limited and order books full and not letting up for the past 8 - 9 months since the 300C was released. Have you even seen the one or two ads which have appeared for demo 300Cs? They are pulling about the same price as a new one if you factor in the driveaway (Stamp duty, etc) costs.

Also on the subject of the wood on the steering wheel. I have seen plenty of 300Cs, some of which are 8 - 9 months old and there isn't a mark on the wood.

On the subject of the fabric on the console side of the seat, that is a great feature, a) it doesn't rub on the console and make noise b) it is out of sight and what benefit would the leather be there anyway & c) yeah maybe they only have leather on the seat facings but the savings are pumped into the other really useful stuff like Xenons, rain sensing wipers, heated seats, full electric outside mirrors, top quality sound system, top class engineering, and the list goes on.

Before you dump on the Chrysler you should spend and afternoon in one and you will experience NVH is better than any local product.

[Scud]

We are looking at the 300C Touring (Wagon). Bang for Buck it can't be beat. It has all the options included unlike Volvo and BMW who want extra for Xenons, memory seats etc.

Being 6'4 and my wife being 5'5 having memory seats and mirrors is a big selling point.The BMW X5 was over $90k plus ORC and the Volvo was around $80k.

The 300C Touring 5.7 V8 is $62,990 plus ORC I think so it's definitely on the list. I was steering her towards a Turbo Territory but they (the Ghia) are more expensive and Territories over all are common as. I have not seen a 300C on the freeway at all in the last 3 weeks commuting into the city, have seen toms of Territories tho!

[lowhsv]

thats it you cant bag them untill you have personally driven one. IMO i like it very much and wouldnt hesitate in buying one if there are power options available when i finish building.

[zorro]

are they still outselling statesmans & fairlanes??

[lowhsv]

We are looking at the 300C Touring (Wagon). Bang for Buck it can't be beat. It has all the options included unlike Volvo and BMW who want extra for Xenons, memory seats etc.

Being 6'4 and my wife being 5'5 having memory seats and mirrors is a big selling point.The BMW X5 was over $90k plus ORC and the Volvo was around $80k.

The 300C Touring 5.7 V8 is $62,990 plus ORC I think so it's definitely on the list. I was steering her towards a Turbo Territory but they (the Ghia) are more expensive and Territories over all are common as. I have not seen a 300C on the freeway at all in the last 3 weeks commuting into the city, have seen toms of Territories tho!

yeah those wagons are even better looking, we were going to go in one but i only wanted to drive the 5.7 and not the 6 banger (thats all they had there) they are one mean looking wagon.
what one would you go for the v8, 6cyc or diesel?

[Aussie V8]

are they still outselling statesmans & fairlanes??

They have killed the future of the Fairlane which is currntly struggling to sell up to 40 units/month. The press says Ford will not develop a new Fairlane. Statemans are selling about the same as the 300C but the Chrysler is held back by limited supply. They must be loosing so many sales when the tell prospective buyers to place and order and delivery will be in about 3 months.

[Scud]

...............what one would you go for the v8, 6cyc or diesel?

Definitely the V8, and depending on $$$ and the such I hear that an SRT8 version of the 300C Touring is due before the end of the year

Info (http://www.driveguide.com.au/cars/chrysler/Chrysler_Reveals_New_300C_SRT8_Touring_200306.html )


http://www.driveguide.com.au/uploads/image25537_a.jpg

[JNP304]

Still waiting for a test drive of the wagon. Went down to dealer in Mornington. Saw the wagon there and it looked awesome. Its based on the older W210 E class chassis not the current W211. which is good because the 211 is a renowned dud anyhow. Look on carsales cant even get a used or demo one for under 58k with the HEMI. Looks like still holding good value so far.

[Aussie V8]

There was a SRT8 on one of the web car sale sites which was listed at about 20k over list a while back. The wait on SRT8s is up to about 9 months going by some rumours.

[markone2]

well some idiot tried to tell me that z series clubsport are $46k drive away BRAND NEW...... lol i know what we paid and it was alot more then that :nopity:

Ignorance is no excuse......an no amount of name calling is going to help justify the fact you paid a premium ....Period...walk into a dealership with your hands held high and…….well, you now know exactly what happens …….read and weep :nopity:

Perhaps in hindsight you should have called an *Idiot* ...........at time of purchase:lol:

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=546244&highlight=Clubbie#post546244










.

[vt350phantom]

The wait on SRT8s is up to about 9 months going by some rumours.

Thats conservative, more like 12 to 15 months. The SRT-8 will have reasonable resale value as they are making so few of the bloddy things! As for performance, one of my mates in LA has one and claims that even stock with 317kw and 570 odd Nm that is a real ball tearer!!!

Also, the car will be about 75 large on the road.

:flip2:

[VE Turbo]

well some idiot tried to tell me that z series clubsport are $46k drive away BRAND NEW...... lol i know what we paid and it was alot more then that :nopity:

The Zupps dealership had that advert in the local paper today.
It was actually less than $45k.

[VE Turbo]

Markone2:
:bravo:

VE Turbo: :flip2: .......and then you woke up.:lol:


Yeah, funny ha ha.
If you read it properly, you would have seen that I had 4 car lengths on him 200 metres after we took off.
He gave up.
I reckon he must have fried his clutch at the lights.
The guy having a ute would have made it hard for him to get a good launch I suspect,ie wheel spin.
Still, it was funny anyway.
The ute was empty as well, so very light in the back.
Sure, over a qtr he would have cained me, but the ol Vt aint bad for the traffic light drags.

[lowhsv]

The Zupps dealership had that advert in the local paper today.
It was actually less than $45k.
what less then $45,000 drive away for a brand new 2006 model z series clubsport???? for some reason i find that hard to beleive that makes r8's and senators go for under $60k... wow the ve must be taking its toll on the vz series allready if they are goin g at that price!!!!
local dealer here has a vy clubsport for $43k with 22,000ks.... carpoint and carsales didnt have anything under $45,000 with less then 20,000ks in the z series last time i looked.

[lowhsv]

heres a list of all new cars, dealer new cars, demo cars, dealer used, private used clubsport z series. please take note of the prices and kms. I highly doubt they were advertised for under $45k........:whip: :stick:
http://www.carpoint.com.au/new-cars/search.aspx?N=281%204294967075%204294966814
http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-cars/search.aspx?N=279%204294967075%204294966814%20498% 20494
http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.dealer_new_results?category_id=7&selected_model=1&selected_region=0&search_type=20&make_id=81&model_id=546&keyword=&state_id=-1&region_id=
http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.demo_results?category_id=4&selected_model=2&selected_region=0&search_type=20&price_min=&price_max=&make_id=81&model_id=546&keyword=&state_id=-1&region_id=&search_postcode=&search_distance=25
http://www2.carsales.com.au/new-cars/search.aspx?category_id=2&selected_model=1&selected_region=-1&search_type=20&price_min=&price_max=&make_name=HSV&model_name=CLUBSPORT&keyword=&new_flag=1&state_id=-1&region_id=&search_postcode=&search_distance=25
http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_results?category_id=3&selected_model=3&selected_region=&search_type=20&price_min=&price_max=&make_id=81&model_id=546&keyword=z+series&state_id=-1&search_postcode=&search_distance=25

[fyreblade2000]

:argue:
A fully optioned clubby R8 at recommended retail is not $60k on the road, RRP is just over $70k before ORC, almost exactly the same as an SRT8.

The price difference at the moment is due to the value people are placing on the car versus available supply. There are more clubby's than demand hence the discounts, more demand for SRT's than supply hence full RRP.

And at VE...I doubt that supply will exceed demand for a few months, so no discounts there....It'll be a comparison between 2 cars of near equal cost on road...and even then the SRT will ultimately be more exclusive (smaller supply) and hold is likely to hold it's value better.

A better car than VE?? Probably not (okay make the definitely IMO) but its comaprative exclusivity and distinctive appearance are very big selling points!!

Aren't we comparing chalk and cheese here?

The Chysler 300C's direct competition is the Statesman.

Current Statesman International with a Gen 4 AUTO (4 Speed) is $61,690.00 RRP (on holdens website) LSD is optional!?
Chrysler 300C 5.7 HEMI AUTO (5 Speed) is From RRP $59,990 AUD (on Chryslers website) LSD is Standard.

Holden Caprice is $75,290.00 RRP*
Chrysler Touring 5.7 HEMI is Auto From RRP $62,990 AUD

Plus the 5.7 HEMI has the Fuel saving feature where it switches off 4 cylinders to save fuel. Holden won't release this feature till the VE series 2 I guess!?

HSV Grange with optional 19' wheels, AP 4 pot brakes $ 92,650 RRP *
Chysler 300C SRT-8 with 20' wheels, Brembo 4 pots (standard) From RRP $71,990 AUD

The Fuel saving feature is not installed in the SRT-8 model.

300C is approx 170mm shy from the statesman but almost 200mm longer than the Calais\Senator.

Prices are on Holdens and Chrysler's WebSite.

If you are going to compare the Clubby R8 with a Chrysler it have to be the Charger is suppose!?

Overall I still think Chysler is better value for money.

I am not taking a dig on Holdens but any means but when it comes to how much you get for your $$$ Chysler has all the ticks

[Venom XR]

They have killed the future of the Fairlane which is currntly struggling to sell up to 40 units/month. The press says Ford will not develop a new Fairlane. Statemans are selling about the same as the 300C but the Chrysler is held back by limited supply. They must be loosing so many sales when the tell prospective buyers to place and order and delivery will be in about 3 months.

Fairlane sold 157 units in June (LTD a measly 5, and combined, 1 more than this time last year). They are struggling against 300C (be interesting to see if the sales strength is maintainable) and have been soundly beaten by Statesman for ages (with Caprice sold 211 units in June, down from 275 last year.)

[fyreblade2000]

Forgot to mention thet 300C also comes in AWD in the US not sure if they are bringing it out to Australia though?

[jamesd]

:argue:

Aren't we comparing chalk and cheese here?

The Chysler 300C's direct competition is the Statesman.

Current Statesman International with a Gen 4 AUTO (4 Speed) is $61,690.00 RRP (on holdens website) LSD is optional!?
Chrysler 300C 5.7 HEMI AUTO (5 Speed) is From RRP $59,990 AUD (on Chryslers website) LSD is Standard.

Holden Caprice is $75,290.00 RRP*
Chrysler Touring 5.7 HEMI is Auto From RRP $62,990 AUD

Plus the 5.7 HEMI has the Fuel saving feature where it switches off 4 cylinders to save fuel. Holden won't release this feature till the VE series 2 I guess!?

HSV Grange with optional 19' wheels, AP 4 pot brakes $ 92,650 RRP *
Chysler 300C SRT-8 with 20' wheels, Brembo 4 pots (standard) From RRP $71,990 AUD

The Fuel saving feature is not installed in the SRT-8 model.

300C is approx 170mm shy from the statesman but almost 200mm longer than the Calais\Senator.

Prices are on Holdens and Chrysler's WebSite.

If you are going to compare the Clubby R8 with a Chrysler it have to be the Charger is suppose!?

Overall I still think Chysler is better value for money.

I am not taking a dig on Holdens but any means but when it comes to how much you get for your $$$ Chysler has all the ticks
You're probably going to get what you pay for though. From reviews i've seen, it handles and drives like a typical american car. The grange would probably run rings around it. Can't really compare the Grange and 300C SRT8, since the Grange is a LWB. The Senator or Clubby would be a better comparision. Anyone seen the LWB version of the 300C? It just looks waaaay out of proportion.

[Dacious]

And the 5.7 300, DoD (DCX version = MDS) or no DoD, still drinks more juice than a LS1 Caprice, tested back/back by Wheels. The SRT8 has no DoD, so it will be even worse.

When the VT-based Statesman came out, six years ago, there was a seven + month wait on them, too. I think like prospective VE buyers, people with $70-80K large will be waiting for WM. The poo-bah posh limo world is fashion-conscious too. Despite a shorter wheelbase, the current Statesman has more rear seat room than the 300 - the WM is supposed to have more.

[fyreblade2000]

And the 5.7 300, DoD (DCX version = MDS) or no DoD, still drinks more juice than a LS1 Caprice, tested back/back by Wheels. The SRT8 has no DoD, so it will be even worse.

When the VT-based Statesman came out, six years ago, there was a seven + month wait on them, too. I think like prospective VE buyers, people with $70-80K large will be waiting for WM. The poo-bah posh limo world is fashion-conscious too. Despite a shorter wheelbase, the current Statesman has more rear seat room than the 300 - the WM is supposed to have more.

One of a few reasons why I am sticking with my international for quite a while longer.

VT based (WH) I still think was the BEST looking Statesman\Grange holden\HSV has produced!........next to the WB of course :love2:

[Aussie V8]

Fairlane sold 157 units in June (LTD a measly 5, and combined, 1 more than this time last year). They are struggling against 300C (be interesting to see if the sales strength is maintainable) and have been soundly beaten by Statesman for ages (with Caprice sold 211 units in June, down from 275 last year.)

Not sure where you are getting your stats from. Here are what I have been informed for the first 5 months. June is alway a big month for these type of cars, ie. end of financial year sales jump.

Fairlane
Jan 55 sales
Feb 87
Mar 146
Apr 81
May 67

Statesman
Jan 120 sales
Feb 204
Mar 229
Apr 126
May 138

300C
Jan 131 sales
Feb 130
Mar 159
Apr 131
May 157

[VE Turbo]

One of a few reasons why I am sticking with my international for quite a while longer.

VT based (WH) I still think was the BEST looking Statesman\Grange holden\HSV has produced!........next to the WB of course :love2:

That car was the beginning of Bob Lutz's love of all things Holden.
He and his wife drove a right hand drive Caprice in the US for a couple of weeks.
He called a meeting of the entire GM board and said to them,"This is the standard of car we should be building here".
Then he made a trip to Melb, and the GTO was born.

[tuff304]

Fairlane sold 157 units in June (LTD a measly 5, and combined, 1 more than this time last year). They are struggling against 300C (be interesting to see if the sales strength is maintainable) and have been soundly beaten by Statesman for ages (with Caprice sold 211 units in June, down from 275 last year.)

from what I've heard and read Ford are probably going to axe the fairlane/ LTD due to extremely poor sales. Not sure when this will take effect BF II or Orion.

[sandmanls1]

given what Holden jsut came out with in terms of the new Stato / Caprice, I think they would be better off spending the dollars on the BFII / Orion and leaving the segment to Holden / Chrysler etc.