2005 Chrysler 300C - Hemi
Die Cast Car

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Motor Trend names Chrysler 300 top car for 2005. By John Porretto / AP Auto Writer

DETROIT - The Chrysler 300, the uniquely styled sedan that's attracted buyers from rappers to grandmothers and helped the automaker revive its U.S. business, has claimed the honor of 2005 Car of the Year from Motor Trend magazineDubbed "baby Bentley" by some because of its likeness to versions of the luxury English brand, the 300 beat out 23 other new or significantly revised models.Dubbed "baby Bentley" by some because of its likeness to versions of the luxury English brand, the 300 beat out 23 other new or significantly revised models.

"The Chrysler 300 is an extremely compelling combination of power, responsiveness, room and refinement," said Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend's editor-in-chief.

MacKenzie called the car "a home run on significance, a slam dunk on value and clearly superior to its rivals in every way."

Analysts, owners and dealers say one of the car's biggest attractions is its price tag _ $23,000 to $38,000 depending on options _ which most consider reasonable given its styling and content. But it's the look and performance of the 300 that's garnered the most attention.

The car features a large, distinctive grill _ similar to a Bentley _ and a long nose and short rear that gives it a bold stance. With rear-wheel drive and the Hemi option, the 300 also has received kudos for its power and handling.

In the 300's first six months on sale, the Chrysler Group sold about 82,000 of the cars in the United States, nearly four times more than its predecessor, the 300M, in the first 10 months of 2003, according to Autodata Corp.

Dubbed "baby Bentley" by some because of its likeness to versions of the luxury English brand, the 300 beat out 23 other new or significantly revised models.

"The Chrysler 300 is an extremely compelling combination of power, responsiveness, room and refinement," said Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend's editor.
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