Chrysler 300C is 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year

In the January 2005 issue of MOTOR TREND, editors herald the car as, "the rejuvenation of the great American full-size sedan," and say the Chrysler 300C "evokes the vibrant American sedans of yesteryear - and steals the show in a highly competitive Car of the Year field."

The 2005 Chrysler 300C faced intense competition from other vehicles in the year's competition, but emerged as the clear-cut winner due its unique combination of contemporary styling and powerful performance delivered by its 340-horsepower 5.7-litre V-8 HEMI® engine with its industry-leading Multi-Displacement System (MDS).

"Chrysler's industry-only MDS seamlessly turns off fuel consumption in four of the 300C HEMI engine's eight cylinders when cruising resulting in world class performance and 10 to 20 percent better fuel economy," said Bruce Ohms, Vice President, Director, Sales and Marketing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, Middle East. "By combining technologies such as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control and an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Chrysler engineers were able to develop a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that provides the best handling and driving experience without compromises in performance or luxury."

Added to this the Canadian-built 300C is setting sales records in North America and selling out in nearly every other world market.

Comparing the Chrysler 300's combination of performance and styling with others in the running for the award, MOTOR TREND editors said the car, "far exceeds its competitors in style, fit and finish and daring," calling it an "extremely compelling combo of power, responsiveness, room and refinement." They also noted that, "When design chiefs at rival automakers are overheard saying things like, 'You're going to start seeing cars like the 300 from us soon,' well, you know you're not just looking at a new automobile, you're witnessing the onset of a paradigm shift."