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2005 Chrysler 300C Road Test

The "Cool" HEMI Authority

In Roman numerals "C" denotes a quantity of 100; in a Chrysler 300 the letter "C" denotes a quantity of horsepower more than three times that at 340, an impressive figure indeed - especially when backed-up by a torque rating of 390 pounds-feet! This palpitation inducing power is generated by a 5.7-liter (345 cu-in) HEMI V8, the likes of which we havent seen since the Mopar heydays of the 1960s and 70s. If world conflicts, famine and plagues arent enough to convince the skeptical that history repeats itself, utter the word "HEMI" and await an affirmation.

During the horsepower wars that besieged the domestic auto industry during the decade of hippies and flower power, the phrase "426 Hemi" commanded awesome respect among performance enthusiasts and weekend racers. For 2005 that respect has returned to the automotive arena, once again under the tutelage of Chrysler. The original

In Roman numerals "C" denotes a quantity of 100; in a Chrysler 300 the letter "C" denotes a quantity of horsepower more than three times that at 340. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Hemi engine was unwrapped by Chrysler way back in 1951. It displaced 5.4-liters of atmosphere (331 cu-in) and milled out 180-horsepower, which some 53-years ago was hugely impressive. The Hemi legend culminated in 1965 when the power-drunk 426 hit the street, slamming out no less than 425 time-warping horsepower. So whats the Hemis secret? Well for those too young to remember the 60s or those still recovering from them, "Hemi" refers to the hemispherical shape of the cylinder heads at the top of the combustion chambers.

The secret to the HEMIs power is the hemispherical shape of the cylinder heads at the top of the combustion chambers. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Each cylinder head is shaped like half a sphere; picture a tennis ball sliced in two, place one of the halves pointing upward, atop a cylinder and - you get the idea.

A Hemi design improves the air and fuel flow efficiency into the cylinder, the combustion of this mixture and the discharge of the exhaust it produces. Due to valve angle limitations, a Hemi engine relies exclusively on 2-valve per-cylinder technology; however the hemispherical shape of the head provides sufficient space to accommodate large, low restriction valves. To ensure a complete burn of the fuel during the combustion phase,

To appreciate todays HEMI you need one of Chrysler Groups 5.7-liter V8-powered models, with the 300C being the best of the lot. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Chrysler ignites the volatile mixture with two spark plugs per cylinder. The Hemis leg-up on combustion efficiency translates into improved performance and power output, leaving many Hemi rivals sucking for air - literally.

But enough of the techno-babble, to appreciate todays HEMI you need one of Chrysler Groups 5.7-liter V8-powered models, and the 300C is the newest and, in my opinion, best of the lot. Another prerequisite is a heavy right foot, and thanks to Chryslers press fleet administrator and the inheritance of genes from Moms side of the family, I recently had both.

Not long ago, I put a V6-equipped Chrysler

There is nothing subtle about the leap from a 250-horsepower V6 to a 340-horsepower HEMI V8. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

300 Limited through its paces during a road test. That review and several others of Chryslers 300 Series are available under the archives heading of this site. Preferring not to repeat myself, which is a definite sign of aging, Ill focus this road test on the aspects of the 300 that accompany the "C" designation and leave you, the reader, to check out the previous articles for a full range of 300 series attributes.

Adding the "C" proclamation to the 300s bodywork transforms a comparatively docile sedan into something spellbinding and formidable. Similar in scope to the way the devil transformed a child-like Linda Blair into a terrifying servant of evil in the cult horror classic, the Exorcist. Okay, that may be a little over-the-top

The extremely quiet 5.7-liter HEMI lurking beneath the hood fires up like any other smooth-running overhead-valve V8. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

- but you get my point. There is nothing subtle about the leap from a 250-horsepower V6 to a 340-horsepower HEMI V8. Compare the torque ratings and the contrast becomes even more compelling: 250 versus 390 pounds-feet of twist.

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