A few months back I got a notice in the mail from Chrysler about a test driving event the were hosting across Canada, called their "Gold Medal Tour". Being a fan of Daimler Chrysler's new direction, I immediately registered for the event. I attended the "Tour" this past weekend at the Downsview Airport location. Some reflections:
The Crossfire: well built, no low-end power, and the course was far too short to properly stretch its legs. Seemed to be set up for comfort and safety rather than aggressive driving. Way too much understeer, and the "manumatic" transmission was slow and tough to get used to in the short time we had behind the wheel. The seats were excellent, but forget about rearward visibility in the coupe. The window is almost nonexistant. The adjustable rear wing is trick, but probably best left in "auto" for most driving. In the convertible, if you're over 6 feet tall, forget about it (and this was with the top down!). The windshield header is was right at eye-level, and I'm only 6 ft. tall! I think I might have been able to lower the seat a little to compensate, but the power adjuster didn't seem to be working properly. The coupe I drove was much better in this regard. The brakes were unimpressive, but keep in mind that they'd been beaten on in 4 cities already, so they may just be toast.
300C: What a brick. Although it seemed very well constructed, I couldn't believe this monster had a hemi in it. It's a land yacht, and a plow - good luck getting any power oversteer out of this thing. The stability control was locked on, so you couldn't so much as chirp the tires. I understand that the demographic this vehicle appeals to are likely much more conservative in their driving styles, but what's the point of having 340 hp on tap if you can't flex your muscle. I couldn't imagine driving the V6 version, as this brute seemed underpowered even with the big V8. Again, the course was quite short and tight, so maybe the hemi produces more midrange torque, but the low-end certainly didn't impress me. (I got repremanded by course officials for trying to make the car do things it didn't want to, but I think most people had a similar mindset!
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Jeep Liberty Sport: bleh, it's a girlie jeep.
The only other vehicles to talk about we weren't actually allowed to drive.
We got to go for a ride with "test-drivers" in the Viper, Ram SRT-10, and SRT-4. My impressions:
SRT-4: this car was apparently bone stock. Wow. 220 hp is definately underrated. I was impressed as to how solid this little car felt. No traction problems, but you could start to feel the limitations of FWD. The tail could be flicked out with ease, though! Brakes were good, too, but not jaw dropping.
Ram SRT-10: absolute beast. The sound alone is worth the price of admission. Very little body roll, and INCREDIBLE seats. I believe the seats are transplanted from the Viper, and they are simply amazing. Tons of room in the cabin (it's a pickup!) and didn't seem as tail-happy as I thought it might. I guess that's why it's got such a short box on it. I overheard one guy talking about how "there's no point since you can't carry anything around in the bed". Well, I'm pretty sure there is a point, and obviously that guy missed it.
Viper: Wow. Frickin' MONSTER. I wasn't in it long enough at any one time to properly adjust the seat, so I felt cramped in the cockpit. But if they're the same seats that are in the Ram, they'll be a treat for sure. My buddy burned his leg on the sidepipe getting in & out - those door sills are WIDE! I had a feeling the driver could have done a noseplant with the incredible brakes on that thing, and the power just dosn't stop. The course was just WAY too short - the driver didn't even get to the top of second gear before the end of the straight. The a couple of "esses" and back home. Not nearly enough time in-car, but at least now I can say I've ridden in one.
All in all, it was a decent event, the only drawback was the small course layout and the limited seat time. I'd definately go again!
