The 300C re-introduces the letter car tradition by offering bona fide muscle under the hood, in the form of a 5.7 liter Hemi head V8. While the Hemi made its celebrated return to the Mopar lineup packed in a truck, Chrysler has massaged the 300 (and Dodge Magnum) motors with a torque curve tuned for passenger car performance. New intake and exhaust manifolds have been fitted, and a high flow dual exhaust system added for better breathing and a muscular tone that’s more muted than the pickups. Laced into the 300C platform, the Hemi rocks. Power flows smoothly through the five gears of the Mercedes automatic transmission - the same unit found in the E-Class (V-6 cars get a four speed auto). It shifts seamlessly and offers an AutoStick mode if you’re in a manumatic mood. In 300C trim, the Hemi rates 340 hp (@5,000 rpm) and 390 lb. ft. of torque (@4,000 rpm). The HEMI offers fine throttle response at all engine speeds . Chrysler reports a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds and some buff books claim that’s conservative (I’ve seen a published best of 5.6 seconds). Autobahn bummer: top speed is limited to 126 mph. Stop watch or seat of the pants, the 300C is plainly quick, and satisfying to drive. Acceleration off the line is crisp and there’s plenty under foot at passing speed. The 300C cruises easily at highway speeds, very easily, as it turns out, thanks to some new technology onboard. A Multi-Displacement System deactivates four cylinders in lighter load conditions (like highway cruising or city puttering) for better fuel economy.
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