As automakers go, developing well received models is a chore all by itself. When a model becomes a triumph, as has the Chrysler 300C, the result’s favorable press coverage, high shopper satisfaction ratings, and a “halo” effect that will extend to the entire product line. Chrysler’s 300C is a success, but the German-American automaker isn’t stopping there. A stretched version of the auto is being developed, one that could find a following among enthusiasts, but only if the price is right.

So, why would DaimlerChrysler authorize a stretched version of the 300C? For several reasons including:

The Limousine Market – Although the 300C is not on the same level as the Lincoln City Vehicle or Cadillac DTS, the vehicle does compete with the Ford Crown Victoria. Thus , taxi and limousine operators will be drawn to the stretched 300C as the car gives its passengers the room that they need.

The Pursuit Market – The Ford Crown Victoria is the hottest police pursuit car followed by the Chevy Impala. Chrysler way back conceded this market when they quit building bigger rear wheel drive automobiles. The stretched 300C could fit in nicely and give the automaker some extra sales to boost market share. Look for a similarly stretched Dodge Charger to also be built once 300C demand has been proven.

The Luxury Market – No, the 300C isn’t an expensive car, but a model coming down the pike 3-4 years from now will be. Yes, the Chrysler Imperial will be returning and it, too, will be a stretched version of the 300C, but even longer and bigger than the stretched version of the 300C. Do not think for a moment that DaimlerChrysler will not be measuring demand for its new 300C to determine Imperial demand.

For the record, there are a couple of things that we know about the bigger 300C: the vehicle will be stretched only by 6 inches and all of those gains will show up in the rear passenger area. In addition, Chrysler will not be building the stretched 300C, instead an exterior provider will handle the job of taking existing inches and reworking them.

Prices for the bigger 300C haven’t been finalized yet, but they may carry a premium of as much as $5000 over the shorter model. This is a concern, as the price could be more than what some livery drivers could explain. Maybe DaimlerChrysler will eat some of the expenses and hold the price down to a $1000 premium. If they do not, the shorter model. This is a rude awakening and find requirement for the stretched 300C to be luke warm at best.

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