I'm wearing boxer briefs right now.
Why on earth would I share such information?
Because we have the same man to thank for both these comfortable men's undergarments
and this limited edition Chrysler; fashion designer and Detroit native John Varvatos.
2014 Chrysler 300C John VarvatosOne look at the way I dress and it should be no surprise
that I hadn’t a clue as to who John Varvatos was before driving this car.
Among his long list of fashion achievements is pioneering the boxer brief and being named
GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007.
And unlike the Canadian born 300, Varvatos really is imported from Detroit.
Now, there are 2 different John Varvatos 300 models; the pricier and heavily urbanized
Limited Edition and this – the Luxury Edition, with a starting MSRP of $42,890.
It has been designed to be the brand’s most luxurious and fuel-efficient flagship sedan
ever.
The luxury part of that equation definitely hits its mark but at 15mpg city/25mpg highway
on midgrade gas, the latter proclamation rings a bit hollow.
I’ve always been a fan of the HEMI-powered 300C and this current generation is truly
a unique car, full of American-inspired opulence.
It harkens back to a time when owning a big Chrysler represented power and prestige.
After driving so many sports models lately the 300C has been a pleasant reminder that
American luxury still lives on.
Sure it's got a HEMI but this Chrysler's main focus is to envelop you in big car comfort
with a forgiving ride quality that's difficult to find these days.
The Varvatos treatment is a nice touch of elegance and the electronics are typical Chrysler
excellence.
This would be a great car to live with in a daily basis.
Varvatos has helped craft the 300C in his image through the use of this very attractive,
Dark Mocha ultra-premium leather and the fine look of hand-sanded wood in a matte finish.
Both the driver’s and passenger’s seat are 12 way power-adjustable with ventilation
and heat and the steering wheel includes die-cast paddle shifters and a chrome accent ring.
Moving outside, there are 20” polished aluminum wheels with painted pockets fitted with high
performance Firestone Firehawk GT tires, platinum accents and a specific mesh grille.
And of course, you get this cool looking Varvatos hieroglyphic in a number of locations.
Backed by the robust power of the optional 363 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 which also makes
nearly 400 pound feet of torque, the 300C will occasionally spin its rear tires on its
way to lively acceleration runs…the power delivery is silky smooth.
The 8-speed auto gets left behind though, in favor of a, 5-speed, which seems unfathomable
these days at this price point.
It does come with a sport mode, a performance brake package and an uprated touring-tuned
suspension, but this car is not concerned with trying to be a sports sedan.
It handles itself confidently but comfortably.
My tester packs in nearly all the available options and as such plays like a luxury sedan
well out of its class.
The Beats Audio Group is here with 10 speakers and a sub, the comprehensive SafetyTec package
adds the full pantry of driver assistance features, the Light Group invites adaptive
bi-xenon headlamps with auto high beam control and rear fog lights and lastly, the dualpane
panoramic sunroof adds airiness to the spacious cabin.
And I love everything about Uconnect; from its breadth of features and touchscreen interface
to its ease of use and big, bright displays.
The cabin is uncluttered and classy.
$51,730 scores you a Chrysler just like this - a first-class ticket to Varvatos.