[longlivechrysler]

Yeah, I always thought that you could split the crosshairs in half like that. That way, you could have the original Charger's split grill look then add another split grill on the bottom which keeps the crosshair look. Some time ago I tried this with a Dart remake for a Motor Trend design contest. It worked out pretty good.

I just hope the headlights come out different. The stock car's remind me of the old Dodge and not the new direction the current and future Dodge headlams are (although I have a few thoughts about those too [Durango, Dakota])

[FreeLantz]

The Houston Auto Show opened today at noon. The press preview was this morning beginning around 7 am. Chrysler had a press conference at 11 am.

There was nothing specific announced at the Houston show that we dont already know, but nonetheless journalists were able to see the 300/Magnum, Dakota, and new minivans up close and climb in and out of them. This was my first encounter with the 300 and Magnum in the flesh, and I must say I was impressed. These are two very substantial automobiles. The 300 in particular seemed to draw a lot of positive comments from the media attending the show. There was a similar reaction to the Magnum, but maybe not quite as strong as to the 300.

The Dakota didnt seem to get much attention, which is odd since this auto show is in the largest pickup truck market in the world. But it was there, and it looked good! Oddly though, they brought a base model rather than an SLT, and it didnt even have full chrome bumpers. <_<

The real stars of the show for DCX were the Town and Country and Grand Caravan. The "Stow-n-go" seating demonstration captivated the journalists and drew a round of applause! The consensus seems to be that Chrysler is on top of the minivan segment once again. :)

Other vehicles on display........ the Ram Rumble Bee and a Quad Cab "Hemi Sport" (a new model for Texas), numerous "Lone Star" edition Ram's, an SRT-4, SRT-10 truck, and a silver Viper! Over at Jeep, the Wrangler Unlimited was featured but was high on a platform and completely inaccessable. :huh:

Compared to the previous two auto shows in Houston, Chrysler's display as a company was 100% better, and it was much larger than its been since the late 1990's. I was impressed with how the emphasis was on vehicles in production, rather than concepts. The general public is going to look up at the Magnum spinning around on the turntable thinking its a concept car.... only to learn its available right now!

Another thing I liked about Chrysler and Dodge's displays in particular was the signage comparing DCX vehicles with others in their respective classes. For example, the minivans are compared to the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar, etc., with a list of features and pricing. The Dodge and Chrysler products seem to be priced lower than all of their competitors! I think many folks will be surprised to see this.

Chrysler also sent down three public relations people for the Houston show this year, after only sending one the previous few years (and last year he was late getting there at that). I felt that for the first time in years Chrysler was well represented at the show, and every other journalist I spoke to agreed.

Now........ on to New York....... and let's have a CHARGER already! :D

[hawk]

Here is a link to a page filled with DC training videos. they have great information on the 300C and magnum

http://www.dcxmedias...wms/dctv/Mar04/

I recommend 300SUVPS and Retail_300C1

[BigM]

http://superdave369....00cdrifting.avi

I saw this posted on another forum and had to share it, check out that link for a crazy tire smoking video of the 300C.

I love the way the guy laughs at the end of it, I wonder what the story is on that car dealer demo?

*drools*

This post has been edited by BigM: 03 April 2004 - 02:13 AM

[J. D. Harmon]

DAYUM!!! That dude's nuckin' futs...

[hemicharger]

Super Dave

Someone disconnected the traction control...hahahaha.

[BigM]

I posted this before I went to bed and it got about 30 views now this morning the post is gone.... *scratches head*

Oh well it is a great clip I love how the guy laughs at the end. I hope that is his car and not a dealer demo or something ;)

Oh I found my post they moved it to sightings, reviews etc. thread. I wish the LX forum was up I thought it would get the most hits here.

This post has been edited by BigM: 03 April 2004 - 09:15 AM

[mikelauw]

BigM, on Apr 3 2004, 09:13 AM, said:

I posted this before I went to bed and it got about 30 views now this morning the post is gone.... *scratches head*

Oh well it is a great clip I love how the guy laughs at the end. I hope that is his car and not a dealer demo or something ;)

Oh I found my post they moved it to sightings, reviews etc. thread. I wish the LX forum was up I thought it would get the most hits here.

check the "Sightings - Commercials, Reviews, Etc " thread. It just got moved.

[JRX]

way cool...thanks for posting it!

[eaglecars]

Cool! Burn that rubber! :)

[Kerryman]

Right at the end of the clip, you can see the big tents set up. Looks to me like the DCX Spring launch tour where the Dealers get to drive 'em for the first time. I'd say they figured out how to get around the traction control fer sure!!

[wnorman1192]

http://superdave369....00cdrifting.avi

This video may make be go out and buy a 300c or magnum. I could imagine what I would look like doing that in a wagon! It has been a long time since a chrysler has excited me as much as these vehicles.

[georgejetson]

wnorman1192, on Apr 3 2004, 12:18 PM, said:

It has been a long time since a chrysler has excited me as much as these vehicles.

I hear a lot of people saying this.

One can almost hear the conversation that must have taken place in product planning some years ago:

"What's behind the enthsiasm of our most loyal customers?"

"Memories of Hemi-powered musclecars."

"What are we waiting for? Let's build some new ones."

They're on to something. I saw a 300 for the first time in person today. Wow. It was parked in front of the dealer, in a pedestrian-oriented town center. It's a cold rainy day here but people were gathered around it -- and Concord, Massachusetts is not a car geek town, by any means.

I can't wait to drive one.

[Partsman Pat]

KerrymanMopar, on Apr 3 2004, 08:19 AM, said:

I'd say they figured out how to get around the traction control fer sure!!

Actually quite easy to do, just push the switch on the dash... :D

[eaglecars]

well, the C&D site showed previews and models unveiled in the NYC show, but lacked the JGC. :(

[eaglecars]

btw, where is the concept cars forum? i can't seem to find it.

This post has been edited by eaglecars: 09 April 2004 - 03:17 PM

[FStephenMasek]

One of the best reviews, including photos nobody else has, of the 300 is at

http://www.auto123.com

they also have a review of the Magnum.

I posted this in more than one place, as it fits more than one discussion.

This post has been edited by FStephenMasek: 16 April 2004 - 08:15 PM

[georgejetson]

FStephenMasek, on Apr 9 2004, 03:47 PM, said:

One of the best reviews, including photos nobody else has, is at

http://www.auto123.com

Reviews and photos of what? The Charger? The one that hasn't been unveiled yet?

I do notice that this is your second post (of seven so far) promoting the auto123.com website. Coincidence?

This post has been edited by georgejetson: 09 April 2004 - 03:58 PM

[Mr.LH]

I've seen two new 300s on the road so far. One was a manesium base model that looked pretty good. The other I just saw last night. It was a Black 300C, looked loaded. The thing was FLYING down the Long Island Expressway just outside queens. We tried to catch up to the C in my friend's corrola but it wasn't even funny how much better that car accelerates and handles than anything else on the road.