A year ago, Chrysler announced a second quarter loss of 436 million dollars. This year’s second quarter figures show a profit of 370 million, on track for a projected earnings of 1.5 billion dollars for 2012. What could possibly account for a quarterly turnaround of $806,000,000? Sure, you can cite the fact that last year Chrysler refinanced government bailout loans, while this year they didn’t. But the real reason for the tectonic shift is product. Chrysler is building cars that consumers want to buy. And the 300S is a perfect example of that philosophy.
Start with the fact that no other domestic car builder currently offers a full-size 4-door sedan like the 300. Ford’s Taurus and Chevy’s Impala are mere shadows of this once abundant species. The 112 inch wheelbase of the Taurus and the 110 inch wheelbase of the Impala both fall nearly a foot short of the Chrysler’s 120 inch wheelbase. So if you’re looking for stretch-out space for the buck, there’s simply no comparison. The 300’s cabin is so large that it will easily accommodate five passengers and all their belongings. And if it’s appointed with Customer Preferred Package 27G ($2,420) and the Luxury Group ($3,250), then the Canadian-built 300S will rival the finest European sedans in fit, finish and level of comfort.


But the real sweetness of the 300S lies under the hood, where a 3.6 liter V6 issues 292hp to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. This combination produces more than enough surge to make passing maneuvers sweat-free, yet also yield EPA mileage (MPG) numbers of 18 City and 27 Highway. The 300S proves conclusively that a V6 powertrain is sufficient to propel a 2 ton sedan with alacrity. Combine this turbine urge with a palatial interior and you’ve got a sedan that trounces its domestic competitors while rivaling the best from abroad.