I saw the 300C in person for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show last month. My thought is that it is not as bad looking up close in person, as it is in photographs. But then again, did you ever see a brand new car that was not nice looking? They even smell good! This car has a high beltline. Which means the window sills are even higher, or the roof, in relation to the windows is proportionally lower. The net effect being, the side window glass is not as tall as you might expect to find on a modern day, full size car. I did not sit in the car, much less drive it, so I don't know if driving safety is comprised for design sake. The high beltline on the car reminds me of "Old Uncle High-water", who pulled his pants up inches over his belly button, and then buckled his belt. The design change itself - 2004 300M to 2005 300C - reminds me of the design change from 1956 to 1957, quite a radical change. Only now, the change is the other way around. The 2004 is a modern looking design, and the 2005 seems like a step backward in design. As for Automatic Transmission versus Stick Shift Transmission - I haven't wanted anything but an Automatic since the 426 Hemi's w/Automatic Transmissions ruled the Dragstrips in the early 60's. Regards, Tom Barrett 300 C ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rusty & Thelma Roe" saxblowr@xxxx To: <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 11:19 AM Subject: [Chrysler300] Chrysler 300 Hemi C 2005 Yesterday my wife and I went to the Portland Oregon International car show.....they had a silver 2005 Chrysler 300 Hemi C.........found out that it replaces 3 of the present Chrysler sedans currently made........any car buyer looking for a bigger 4 door sedan will be able to buy one of these in three different engine sizes.........2 v6 models and the Hemi ........the Hemi produces 340 horses and is available with a 5 speed or automatic.........the car has sort of an upside down 300C grill but is real square and blocky looking.....as far as new cars go it looks as good if not better than most but it would have been real neat with FINS on the back fenders..........I'm sure they could have added some fins but what the heck does the modern generation know about a real car anyway........Rusty & Thelma 300C Parade Green coupe in Oregon!!!!!!!!!! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To send a message to this group, send an email to: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm Yahoo! Groups Links