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How big of a hit will the Chrysler's 300C LWB be?
Rick Kranz of Automotive News recently penned a piece asking just how popular will the upcoming Chrysler 300C LWB (Long Wheelbase) be, and is Chrysler underestimating its appeal to the public. DCX is saying it expects to sell around 70 percent of its LWB models to the livery business, which includes limo and high-end taxi services. But Myles Kovacs, president of Dub magazine, thinks the company is underestimating the car's appeal to the public, which includes the superstar athletes and entertainers that grace his mag's covers.
And it's not just the 300C's image, but also it's practical increase in interior volume, that will endear it to the big and tall among us. Its wheelbase is stretched by a full six inches, and we can tell you after sitting in one at the New York Auto Show that the difference in interior volume is profound. Back seat passengers sit so far back that an intercom system should be standard equipment so they can communicate with those up front.
And don't forget about all the old money out there that Lincoln has been attracting with its Town Car Executive L. While prices of the 300C LWB have yet to be announced, Chrysler has assured us that it will be substantially under the Town Car's price of around $51,345.
[Source: Automotive News via Winding Road]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeffrey 12:12PM (6/21/2006)
Sorry, but all I can think of is the stretched K-car of the '80s. I know there's no comparison between the cars, but *shrug* that's what sticks in my mind.
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Eddiecoaster 12:31PM (6/21/2006)
I always thought that someone should make a long wheel base mid priced luxury car. All of the A8s, 7s, and S's come in lwb... why not a lwb A6, 5 and E?
Looks like Chrysler is entering a largly untapped market, I think they will do well.
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Observer 12:47PM (6/21/2006)
Maybe it just me but I don't see super star athletes buying a car that is used as a taxi.
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Matt 12:54PM (6/21/2006)
Someone should start a betting pool to guess the date on which someone puts the first faux viynl top on it. Gonna need a lot more viynl!
I guess what's at the heart of my comment is reiteration of #1's comment. You can take the brand out of the past, but it's much harder to take the past out of the brand.
Also, I wonder how excited DCX is to get the endorsement of DUB. They can't exactly say something to get the car out of DUB and into Barron's, or it will be "Jay-Z v. Cristal" v. 2.0.
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Gardiner Westbound 12:57PM (6/21/2006)
I think it will be very popular if it's reasonably priced.
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John M. 1:12PM (6/21/2006)
#2 There is a A6L, they only sell it in China though. Pretty much every luxury hotel in China has a fleet of them. They also have a really nice Buick, the Royaum, and, shockingly, there are brand new 725Li rolling around. Exactly like a new BMW750Li, except with a 2.5 litre i6. I can't imagine what it's like to drive that around town.
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Noah 1:18PM (6/21/2006)
Every professional town car driver in the world will have a poster of this baby on his bedroom wall.
--Noah
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Michael Karesh 1:18PM (6/21/2006)
Tell me the price, and I'll venture a guess on how popular it'll be. Without a price it's not worth talking about.
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James Fabin 1:30PM (6/21/2006)
I agree that Chrysler will do very well with the Long Wheelbased 300. In Southern California the 300C is very popular and I'm certain it wont take long till I'll see the LWB version during my daily drive to work. I see it as being the next Escalade with sports stars and musicians.
James
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Sean 1:39PM (6/21/2006)
This will be very popular with people with kids too.
My number one problem with most sedans is that I can't put a rear facing car seat in the back. I was practically forced to an SUV because of it (the SUV's front seats are more upright, making more room).
Also you won't have the "kicking the seatback" as easily :D
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Hank 2:19PM (6/21/2006)
Just back from yet another NYC trip, and I wonder how much impact these will make there. You can't swing your arm without hitting a couple of Town Executive L's downtown. They're like gnats. This will give an interesting alternative.
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Richard Warren 2:40PM (6/21/2006)
In a word, BIG
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Chrysler 300C 3:24PM (6/21/2006)
I think it'll sell 'briskly' -- but it wont break any records.
http://www.300cforums.com
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PJ 3:33PM (6/21/2006)
I don't think any carmaker would turn down DUB's blessing after watching the success of the Cadillac Escalade. It's largely thanks to followers of that aesthetic that Caddy's sales and product budget are where they are now.
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Mike 3:39PM (6/21/2006)
Personally, I hope it sells well enough to cause DCX to consider making a Magnum LWB. Put 2" in the back seat and 4" in the cargo area.
Agreed that DCX is underestimating its common appeal. There are TONS of cars designed for the 5' and under crowd, but not many non SUV options for folks 6'2" and taller (a - wait for it - growing segment of the population...)
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Galley 8:46AM (6/22/2006)
This will be perfect for families and the enormous space those car seats with removable bases require.
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Ross 3:03PM (6/26/2006)
I saw one driving on the highway near Baltimore, looked a little bigger and had the LWB decal on the back.
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