2007 Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase

• Competes with: Lincoln Town Car L
• Looks like: A Chrysler 300 with longer rear doors
• Drivetrain: 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or 340-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2006

While many models have extended-length cousins — including the BMW 760, Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Arnage — few of them are priced within the reach of drivers who don't have a personal chauffer. Though pricing has not been released, the 2007 Chrysler 300 and 300C Long Wheelbase models will be more affordable than those megabuck sedans and will likely start north of $30,000 when they arrive at dealerships this fall. Chrysler expects buyers will include livery services in addition to regular Joes.

Specialty manufacturer Accubuilt modifies regular 300s to create the long-wheelbase version. Chrysler 300 brand manager Michael Perugi says one of the reasons the automaker entered this segment was so it could offer customers a range of options, like writing tables for rear passengers.

Exterior
A discerning eye is needed to tell the difference between a regular- and long-wheelbase 300; at 202.8 inches overall, the stretched version measures just 6 inches longer. The extra length occurs just aft of the B-pillar and results in longer back doors. The result is well proportioned and eliminates some of the snub-tail look of the regular 300. The long-wheelbase model is about 100 pounds heavier, and a wide range of paint colors is available.

Interior
Rear legroom has grown about 6 inches and measures 46 inches. Legroom in the back is vast, and right rear passengers can increase theirs with optional controls for the front passenger seat. Though special, longer interior panels have been designed to fit the longer rear side doors, they have a low-quality appearance.

If you're a harried exec who actually has a driver, accessories can transform the rear of the 300 Long Wheelbase into a mobile office. Besides writing tables, options include footrests, illuminated vanity mirrors, adjustable reading lights and 12V power plugs for charging BlackBerrys or other mobile electronic devices.

Under the Hood
Two engines are available. The 300 Touring Long Wheelbase has a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and the 300C Long Wheelbase features a 340-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation technology that shuts off some of the V-8's cylinders during light load conditions to save fuel. Both engines drive the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.

Safety
An electronic stability system and power adjustable pedals, which help the driver maintain a proper distance from the steering wheel, are available.
source : car