Chrysler has wisely chosen not to mess with success and therefore has made no substantial changes in 2006 to the award-winning four door, five passenger Chrysler 300 sedan, first introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model. Motor Trend magazine named the 300 “2005 Car of the Year.” Car and Driver magazine rated it the best in a comparison with a Pontiac Bonneville GXP and Ford Crown Victoria LX Sport - all using V-8 engines. What is new for 2006 is the availability of all-wheel drive for the Chrysler 300 Touring and the 300C and a new Limited option package for the 300 Touring. (The other two models are the rear-wheel drive only base Chrysler 300 and the top-of the-power chart SRT-8, with a 6.1-liter engine chugging out 425 horsepower). Our test drive was the 300C Hemi with rear wheel drive and it did its duty smoking tires on the start and holding the road when centrifugal force emerged in the turns. Speedometer top speed says 160 mph and it felt attainable.

Making the handling easy and confident was the electronic stability program that actually applies brakes and throttle control to adjust when the vehicle strays from the driver’s intended path as well as provide extra braking power if it senses the vehicle isn’t stopping as quick as the driver wants.

And there is also a traction control system that regulates wheel spin on slippery surfaces. The seemingly mandatory muscle car item - anti-lock brakes to help the driver maintain control when the car starts skidding - are included. The Mercedes-designed five-speed automatic transmission is Kokomo-built with manual shift option. The 300 is Chrysler’s flagship sedan and shares its platform with the Dodge Magnum wagon. The independent five-link suspension provides plenty of feedback, perhaps too much for a luxury-oriented sedan, even with high performance aspirations. Gas consumption is mitigated with an innovative multiple-displacement system that deactivates four of the eight cylinders when V-8 power is not needed and, seamlessly to the driver, provides it in 40 milliseconds when asked. Result: more mpg with no loss in power. Climate control has a “low auto” feature that reduces fan speed to a whisper.

Inside space will heal a claustrophobic, and chrome trim on handles, mirrors and dual exhaust tips looks expensive. Soft leather seats are comfortably firm. An $1,150 rear seat video system worked flawlessly and limits audio to rear passengers only. An optional rear park assist system illuminates red dots as you objects near. The profile is cutting edge with an impressive interlaced front grille.