....over developing the Hummer over hybrids. I knew there was a reason I liked him....

CNN Story

 

his latest success .. the "critically acclaimed 300"

Ughh

 

The 300, especially in V6 form wagon form, is more efficient and effective than most SUV's. The V8 employs cylinder shutdown so it can run as a 4-cylinder when full power is not needed. The 300 is a good car, and a great way to transition away to the larger, less aerodynamically efficient SUV's that are so popular these days.

 

Unfortunately what it's more likely doing is hooking car buyers on the "bigger is better" deal, and the next vehicle they want will be even larger.

 

EPA: 17 city, 21 highway for the V8 with the fancy cylinder deactivation.
The V6 is better -- it reaches CAFE. Barely.

 

Compared to a V8 SUV of similar interior volume, say, Chrysler Group's Jeep Grand Cherokee which is rated at 17/22 for the 6 cylinder and 15/20 for the 4.7l V8 and 14/19 for the 5.7l V8, the 300 looks pretty good. If you look at the 300C wagon's ads, it's pretty clear they are demonstrating it as an SUV alternative.

 

What I dislike about the latest 300 and similar cars is they have that "platform shoe" look - i.e. a car that looks like an SUV. It may be the lesser of evils, but is the oversized wheels, higher body, and blunt grill necessary?

 

AZCivic, I suggest comparing the 300 to a Hummer. Then it should really look like a step up.

BTW, anybody know why the cylinder deactivation does not give better results ?