“Drive Proud” with the 2016 Chrysler 300C

What makes successful people proud?

Some people rely on their prestigious family surnames or privileged backgrounds to become successful. But several stories of the most successful people in the world show that their sense of pride comes from working hard; refusing to be restricted by physical or financial disadvantages; building themselves from nothing to something; or choosing an uncommon path and seizing challenges that come their way. 

The 2016 Chrysler 300C is a car that reflects this kind of attitude for success.  While other car companies rely on their prestigious brand names or their marketing images, the Chrysler focuses on innovation combined with its solid experience from 90 years of American ingenuity in carmaking. 

According to Chrysler president and CEO Al Gardner, the 300C is set to be the most technologically advanced sedan in its class. It has been built for the masters of the universe, the professionals, and experts who elevated themselves to king and queen status in their respective fields. 

This is a high aspiration. But it befits the philosophy behind the Chrysler 300C, as it breaks the stereotype of who deserves special treatment—“There are no royalty blood in this country. Nothing is reserved for anyone. It’s all just out there waiting for someone to reach out and take it. The ones who do, these are the kings [and queens] of [the world].”

A closer look at the Chrysler 300C proves why Gardner has the guts to say, “with this latest car innovation, we want you to drive proud.” 

Last June 2015, I had the privilege of first meeting the 2016 Chrysler 300C at the Fiat-Chrysler Automobile (FCA) Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan. I was the only Filipino, and the only international media representative from the whole Southeast Asia region to attend the unveiling of the 2016 FCA cars. 

When I met the team behind the Chrysler 300C, I came to realize that each of them was a testament to the passion and ingenuity that went into creating this sedan. Contrary to my expectations that the team would be composed of old, stuffy executives, the people who led the creation of the 300C are young, innovative, driven and highly accomplished in their respective fields—Andy Love, Senior Manager for Chrysler brand; Brandon Faurote, Head of Chrysler Design; and Alison Rahm, Chief Engineer for Chrysler Brand (who to my pleasant surprise, is a female). 

The 300C is equipped with a class-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Its best-in-class V-6 highway fuel economy with 3.6-liter Pentastar engine allows less gas consumption, while delivering a powerful 286 hp at 6,350 rpm (and 340 Nm at 4,650rpm of torque). In short, the 300C drives very fast and very smoothly, while being fuel-efficient.

The 300C offers more than 80 safety and security features along with its “Top Safety Pick” credentials from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Safety features include a “Full-speed Forward Collision Warning–Plus,” which provides autonomous braking, slowing or halting when frontal collision appears imminent. “Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist” introduces subtle steering wheel input to alert the driver of inadvertent lane departure and assist with corrective action.

The 300C includes a 7-inch customizable driver information display (DID) cluster, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with larger vehicle controls. The 300C’s Uconnect multimedia centre with the segment’s largest 8.4-inch touchscreen display is guaranteed to entertain its passengers while sitting in traffic.

Interior design elements for the 300C show thoughtful consideration for the comfort of its driver and passengers. The Nappa leather-trimmed seats are spacious and comfortable with large legroom. The colors were picked carefully—300Cs with black leather interiors were inspired by the high fashion and rock-’n’-roll edge of Fifth Avenue in New York City; while 300Cs with two-tone linen and black interiors were inspired by the “oneness” with the environment of Sausalito, California. Hydrographic and stitching accents include real Black Olive Ash Burl wood with bronze stitching. 

Among the fleet of FCA’s impressive cars, the 300C was among those that stood out. It delivered exceptional driving experience in FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Michigan and, for a limo-type sedan, I didn’t feel like a chauffer behind the wheel. 

Last August 10, the Chrysler 300C was finally launched in the Philippines by Auto Nation Group, Inc.’s chairman Greg T. Yu, its president Felix R. Ang, and its VP for Sales and Marketing Bob Shaw. 

In an intimate gathering hosted for the media by Auto Nation Group at Manila Polo Club, I shared why I could relate to the Chrysler 300C. 

When I chose to become a lawyer, some people told me I chose the wrong profession. By then, I was preceded by people who already casted a shadow on me through their own achievements in the legal field. Lawyers in our family included my parents, uncles, several cousins (both in the Philippines and abroad), and my great grandfather (who left an intimidating track record as, among others, part of the commission that drafted the Philippine’s 1935 Constitution, a distinguished law professor, and an author of one of the first books on Land Titles & Deeds). I made it my personal mission not to rely on our family name or any of my family’s past accomplishments, rather to work hard and succeed on my own. Fresh from law school, I chose to work for other people instead of our family’s law firm. I went against the stereotype of what a typical lawyer is supposed to do or become. Now I find myself with several jobs—as a lawyer (who had the privilege of serving as the only female in a team with 11 male lawyers during the impeachment, and later working with the government for Yolanda rehabilitation efforts); a law professor in Graduate Law School (the youngest and one among a handful of women professors among retired Supreme Court Justices); a TV host; and (to the initial shock of my parents) a motoring journalist/columnist. I take pride in my success because I continue to work hard and charter my own path. 

I see the Chrysler 300C as doing the same thing—it is charting its own path among luxury sedans. It breaks the mold of what luxury sedans are supposed to be. The 300C offers some of the most technologically advanced features without charging as much as comparable luxury sedans. It doesn’t employ expensive advertising tactics to gain a following, but relies on the qualities of its car. It strives to prove that the premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.

What do the Chrysler 300C and successful people have in common? They show that living like kings and queens is for everyone. It is not reserved for anyone. All you have to do is work for it, reach out and take it. Now if you want to experience the luxuries offered by the Chrysler 300C, it’s out there waiting to be taken…  Ready to make you drive proud.

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Karen Jimeno is a junior partner at Jimeno Cope & David Law Firm and a law professor.  She hosts LegalHD on CNN Philippines every Tuesday at 9:30PM. She graduated from UP Law School and Harvard Law School, and is licensed to practice law in the Philippines and in New York.