300C tranformed

An

overdue and very welcome mechanical update has finally transformed the Chrysler 300C into a car that performance-focussed Falcon and Commodore drivers will be happy to look at driving

New steering, rear-suspension changes and improvements to noise suppression mean the 2015 gangsta car drives better than ever before, even with the basic 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine turning the back wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Once the Hemi-powered SRT8 picks up the same chassis package in September it should transform the car.

The 2015 update to the 300C includes, if its possible, an even bigger grille but the bad news is prices that are up – reflecting the fall in the Australian dollar over recent months – with a bottom line from $49,000.

Predictably, the 300C’s infotainment system is even better.

The chassis work centres on electric power steering, which allows a new ‘Sport’ button and fine tuning of the suspension, and lots of work to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. There is even an underbody panel designed to cut drag and reduce noise.

The suspension package is a ‘European’ tune and Fiat Chrysler Australia says it’s a response to buyer feedback here.

“We’ve paid a lot of attention to the buyer. They are overwhelmingly male, typically over 40. They are someone that’s more self-made than anything else,” says the head of product strategy at FCA, Alan Swanson.

“They have changed suspension componentry to make it lighter. As soon as you take weight out you can change the kinematics.”

That’s engineer-speak for finer tolerances, less rubber in joints, and far less sloppiness overall.

On the road, the result is a car that tracks straighter, is more composed through dips and potholes, has better cornering grip and is more enjoyable at any speed.

Now, if only Chrysler could fit some seats that are more like a racing Recaro than a recliner from La-Z-Boy...