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The luxury Chrysler sedan has been judged the Supreme Winner in the 2006 AMI Insurance / Driver Magazine Car of the Year Awards.
Introduced to New Zealand at the end of 2005, the Chrysler 300C is already one of the hottest properties in the car business, with demand ahead of predictions and glowing praise from critics.
Little wonder, said AMI contest organiser Driver Magazine. The Chrysler 300C is “simply the best American car since the 1960s…..and has the WoW factor to make it a sensation”.
Judges said the Chrysler 300C brings “something entirely fresh and new” to the marketplace.
They added: “The overall package is quite sensational, offering bold styling with Mercedes-Benz underpinnings, that fabulous HEMI V8 and the overall quality and refinement of the interior.
“Add this to a list of specification that would fill an exercise book, a price that is $10k below what was expected, the sheer presence and driveability of the car and you’ve got a winner.”
The magazine concluded: “It really is a wonderful experience to drive and a totally worthy winner. There is a single word that was used by all the judges to sum up their feelings for the car – Wow.”
Editor and chief of the panel of judges, Allan Dick, said at the presentation of the award, Chrysler should be congratulated on developing a car that arrouses so much passion, a key ingredient in the win.
His comments echo those of National Business Review motoring writer Peter Gill, who said in a recent column: “That the Americans could design a car I could quickly come to love represents a sea change. When it comes to American cars I have rarely had great expectations.
“The Chrysler 300C has changed all that. Its automotive achievement makes me feel so very ‘umble”.
The Chrysler 300C arrived in New Zealand with impeccable credentials, having won almost 150 awards around the world over the past 18 months, including 2005 North American Car of the Year – making it the most awarded new car in Chrysler’s 76-year history.
Alongside the 300C, everything else on the road looks ordinary. Few cars have the same road presence as the Chrysler 300C with its dramatic styling that features a long bonnet, large and imposing grille, truncated boot, huge 18 inch polished alloy wheels, high waistline and narrow glass area. The 300C is also unique in that the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine can produce thunderous performance, as well as having the ability to deactivate 4 cylinders when full power is not needed and deliver impressive fuel economy.
In addition to the HEMI V8 model, which sells for NZ$69,900, a 3.5-litre V6-powered model is available for NZ$59,900. These prices are very competitive with Holden Statesman, Ford Fairmont Ghia and Volvo S80, as well as being half the price of an Audi A6. Both 300C models have identical, luxury specification equipment levels. The 300C Touring station wagon will join the range later in 2006, as will the high performance SRT8 model.
