Yeah its a Chrysler, I remember reading an article about it. Its suppose to replace the 300M AKA 300C.
NEW YORK, Oct. 7--Shown for the first time today as near-production models that will debut in 2004, the Chrysler 300C (bottom photo) and Dodge Magnum are more of the first fruits of the DaimlerChrysler merger. With about 20 percent of their parts shared with Mercedes-Benz, and boasting the return to a rear-wheel-drive architecture, we're finally about to see some fresh sheetmetal from the Chrysler Group, the American arm of DC.
The 300C continues Chrysler's revived letter series. It will be equipped with the new-generation Hemi V8 producing more than 300 hp. This slab-sided sedan is intended to take the Chrysler brand upmarket to compete with the likes of Acura and Audi. The 300C's instrument faces look like that of a fine, elegant, analog timepiece. Chrysler went out of its way to find just the right font for the speedometer's and tachometer's numbers, and both gauges are trimmed with classy-looking bezels (much like the current 300M's gauges).
The Magnum will be just what it looks like: a hot-rod family wagon. We'll have to wait and see if the concept Magnum's supercharged Hemi V8 makes it into production. The rear hatch pivot point is located about a foot forward of the D-pillars, so it doesn't swing out much past the rear bumper when you open it--you don't have to step back a lot like you do with a minivan. The rear seats fold to form a flat load floor, and there's a storage compartment under that floor.
Both the 300C and Magnum will be driven by a 5-speed automatic transmission and come equipped with a modified version of Bosch's Electronic Stability Program--which is standard on every Mercedes. PHOTOS BY KEN JURAN
