http://wardsauto.com/ar/chrysler_300_challenge/

 

This is the way they needed to go for a long time! Instead of making such drastic changes or total redesigns; they needed to make small changes here and there. I mean look at Ford andtheir line of vehicles. They've had the same basicdesign for the F-line Pick-ups, Ranger, and Taurus; with only minor changes through out the years, and they're still going strong.

I always thought it was a huge mistake to make such a drastic change to the Dakota back in '05, and another one last year. I think if they would have made smaller changes like change the head lights, break lights, or a small change of the grille, or something minor like that; they would have sold more of them than they did.

 

Problem with the Dakota is that it doesn't have a Hemi. It's neglected in favor of the Ram. I have even read that the Dakota is one of the vehicles Chysler is considering cutting which I think would be a travesty. The Dakota has been around for 21 years now and it offers a vehicle to a certain segment of people that don't want to drive enourmous, heavier, gas hog Rams. I love the Ram myself, but when I drive my dads for over 200 miles straight and average 14mpg in nice lukewarm sunny weather with no wind, that's pretty sad.

 

Good news. I love the 300's (and own a '05 Hemi) but the existing design is getting quite long in the tooth. I can hardly tell an '05 from an '07 etc. I just hope the "Home Depot" crew does not screw it up.

 

I'm not going to expect drastic interior improvements because it's still Chrysler and Chrysler always finds a way to screw up. They have always liked the "American" boxy plastic look, but I do give them props on the red Crossfire interior.

They say that fit and finish will be competitive to Asian models, which essentially proves my point. Fit and finish should be similar to German cars...not cheap Asian cars. I own a Honda Civic and the content, materials, fit/finish and comfort are crap! Take focus on Asian reliability, mpg and simplicity while focusing on German interior. That is where Chrysler needs to be.

 

I'd like you to keep in mind that this isn't exactly the same German-American company anymore.

 

sounds like theyre going to screw it up...

 

It's never been a German-American company. DC did pick and choose a few things out of the outdated parts bin at most.

 

I would not be surprised if there were some Daimler influences in it though, especially since they still own about 20% of Chrysler. There is still some technology being exchanged between the two.

 

Old: "Lmao plastic wooddesign" interior


Chrysler's revolutionary 300 interior spy photo:
New: