Experienced by Leon Brittain
It’s hard to believe a year has come and gone with one of my personal favorite Automotive Rhythms’ long-term experiences, our 2015 Chrysler 300C aka the Smooth Operator. We started with a well-equipped vehicle consisting of 20×8″ polished aluminum wheels, a Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio system, Adaptive Cruise Control & Forward Collision Warning Plus with power emanating from a silky smooth, but beefy 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
Of course being the men of the streets we are, team Automotive Rhythms simply couldn’t leave the vehicle stock so we reached out to our friends at Mopar for a few mods. Keeping the spirit and essence of the 300C in mind we went with a Stage 1 Performance package for an added 20-horsepower and 23 lb-ft of torque and stepped up the wheels to gloss 20” black spins tucked in 245/45R20 Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S tires for that menacing look. For additional improved handling and that race-ready feel our dealer installed strut tower braces, a cat-back exhaust, cold air intake and a high flow oil filter, a bright pedal kit and Mopar emblem floor mats added that final touch.
Throughout the journey this smooth operator did me well and met the needs of this adrenaline fueled Fit Father with a family of five. The 300C embodies a level of sophistication and style you would be hard pressed to find in any vehicle at this price point starting at $38,070. Our model modestly tipped the scale at $49,340 before the Mopar accessories because we loaded it like a baked potato. From dropping off the kiddies at school to showing off at custom car shows to attending events at the upscale Strathmore Music and Arts Hall to running the track for FCA’s Open House Media Drive, the Chrysler 300C fit each setting comfortably with unapologetic grace.
There is nothing like planting your foot on the pedal for that rush of 383 horses that pushes everyone firmly into their seats combined with the accompanying growl from the exhaust. But then it becomes relaxed and calm shortly before pulling up to a venue as elegant as the Strathmore with that mischievous cat-that-ate-the-canary grin. Smooth Operator, you will be sorely missed!
