Chrysler christens a fresh flagship for 2005, switching from a front-wheel-drive V6 sedan to one that offers a choice of rear-drive and all-wheel drive, plus V8 power. The luxury-oriented 300 sedan shares its platform with the Dodge Magnum wagon and Charger sedan. Four models are offered: base, Touring, 300C, and 300C SRT-8. The base has a 190-hp V6, the Touring a 250-hp V6. The high-performance 300C and SRT-8 get V8s bearing Chrysler's Hemi badge. The 300C has a 340-hp 5.7-liter, the SRT-8 a 425-hp 6.1. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 is Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. AWD is available on Touring and 300C models. Rear-drive V6 models have a 4-speed automatic transmission. AWD and V8 versions use a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. The SRT-8 has Brembo-brand brakes, sport suspension, and special seats and trim. ABS and antiskid/traction control are optional on the base 300, standard on the others. Tilt/telescope steering wheel and power driver seat are also standard. The SRT-8 has 20-inch wheels, the 300C and AWD Touring 18s, the others 17s. Available features include curtain side airbags, adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones.