2003 Chrysler 300C Touring Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi October 5, 2003
Rear wheel drive architecture creates a longer hood and shorter front and rear overhangs.
Dual chrome exhaust pipes signal the planned return of HEMI V8 power to Chrysler.
The cabin combines faux tortoise shell trim, chrome detailing and 102 cm of rear legroom.
The 2003 Chrysler 300C Touring Concept appeared at Frankfurt alongside its sedan counterpart as a production-ready look at Chrysler's new design direction. While the company referred to it as both the 300C Touring and wagon, the important change sat beneath the body: Chrysler was moving its next generation sedans to rear wheel drive.
That decision altered the proportions dramatically. The hood could stretch forward, both overhangs became shorter, and the cabin remained spacious despite the more traditional rear-drive stance.
Chronos Inspired Grille Defines The Front
The 300C's front end was built around a tall grille inspired by the V10-powered Chrysler Chronos concept shown in 1998. Chrysler intended this treatment to become a recurring brand identifier, complete with the winged emblem flowing into the grille header.
Sculpted headlamps incorporated high-intensity discharge projectors, while chrome bumper accents added detail lower down. The long hood is particularly important visually, giving the Touring a different proportion from the front-drive wagons common at the time.
Wagon Body Keeps A High Beltline
Viewed from the side, the Touring combines its extended roof with a raised beltline and relatively low glass-to-body ratio. Chrome appears on the bodyside mouldings, door handles and window surrounds.
The same restrained treatment continues around the rear, where Chrysler highlighted clean lines, subtle taillamp detailing and another winged emblem. Dual chrome exhaust pipes are the more obvious mechanical clue.
Those exhausts signalled the planned return of HEMI V8 power to a Chrysler-brand car after an absence of more than 30 years. The supplied release does not provide displacement, horsepower, torque, transmission or performance figures for the Touring Concept.
Tortoise Shell Details Shape The Cabin
Inside, Chrysler pursued what it described as a handcrafted feel. Faux tortoise shell accents appear on the steering wheel rim, gear selector and interior door pulls, complemented by chrome and satin silver finishes derived from the Chronos.
A four-gauge instrument cluster uses chrome surrounds, while the centre of the dashboard houses an analogue clock, navigation system, heated-seat switches and chrome-accented climate controls.
There was useful space behind the design work too. Chrysler claimed 102 cm of rear legroom, described at the time as best in class.
Production Ready Concept Previewed Chrysler's Future
Chrysler described both 300C variants as production-ready concepts rather than isolated show cars. The Touring therefore served as more than a styling exercise, previewing how the company's new rear-drive proportions could translate into a wagon while retaining a generous passenger compartment.
The press material does not specify wheel dimensions, cargo capacity or detailed chassis hardware. What it does make clear is the design brief: long hood, short overhangs, a strong beltline and a cabin intended to move Chrysler toward a more distinctive rear-drive identity.