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For
nearly a decade, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine has set the tone
for automotive perfection with its Car of the Year award.
To win, an auto has to possess a blend of thrilling performance,
a sense of passion, drop dead good looks and an innate feel
that this one is a winner. For 2005 International Car of the
Year, our choice is a natural. For overflowing those most
challenging requirements, we herald the Chrysler 300C.
Nothing
can compare to the raw thrust of the reborn legendary Hemi
powerhouse, underneath a bold-lined, contemporary classic
wrapping filled with opulent amenities. The thrill of native
born rear drive-based performance merges into a dominating
feel of own-the-road power. A distinctive exhaust sound
reveals the presence of the commanding 5.7-liter V-8, riding
on 18-inch wheels with self-sealing tires. It cruises in
roomy, ultra-lush style, pampering with elegantly crafted
leather and walnut, adjustable pedals, purified air and
state-of-the-art safety systems. Pulse-pounding Boston Acoustics
premium sound is the heart of the most advanced entertainment,
communications and navigation systems.
Fulfilling such high expectations won't be costly as the
premium luxury autos it challenges. The low base price is
in the eye-opening $33,000 range. The 340 HP Hemi's power
management system that idles four cylinders when unneeded
keeps performance and mileage in balance.
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Cadillac
STS
The chiseled good looks of the new STS, Cadillac's
first rear-drive-based luxury performance sedan in
a quarter-century, resecures American automotive royalty
firmly to its pedestal. Going from 0 to 60 in less
than 6 seconds, then refining individual driving dynamics
sets it squarely in the driver's seat. Cadillac proves
again its formula of fun behind the wheel in a high
quality, luxury ensemble is a welcome evolution that's
here to stay.
Ford
Mustang
Clean, sculpted lines on the all-new chassis of Ford's
next generation classic don't whisper Mustang. They
shout it. Ford calls this version, "eye magnet."
The 300 horses that pound under the hood from 4.6-liter
V-8 power, give stallion kick to this long-lived pony
car in GT version. A runner-up in our sexy sports
car of the year category, we welcome it back for its
near best showing in the Car-of-the-Year field.
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