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Chrysler 300M Special souped-up sedan set in limited numbers
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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GRAPEVINE, Tex. -- Sparse traffic on Northwest Highway, which slices through the Dallas suburb of Grapevine near DFW airport, flows at a quick pace and affords some wiggle room to flex the muscles on a souped-up special performance sedan from Chrysler.
With a one-inch drop in ride height, the sleek machine hunkers against the highway as it rolls on huge 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels capped by sporty low-profile Michelin Pilot tires.
To emphasize its low stance, special ground effects skirts wrap around the body and improve aerodynamic efficiency when running at high speed.
And, understand this, it can run.
A break in the traffic quickly demonstrates the point with a neck-snapping surge that pops us well ahead of the freeway pack.
Beneath the crimped hoodline, the car packs a progressive 3.5-liter V6 with single cam configuration and four valves in each cylinder. Special tuning boosts the output to 255 hp at 6500 rpm, with torque skewed to 258 lb-ft at 3900 rpm.
The beauty of this Chrysler engine is that it delivers dynamic power yet still operates on regular gas and earns respectable fuel economy figures -- up to 26 miles a gallon.
The plant teams with an electronically-controlled automatic four-speed transmission that's quiet and efficient. To animate the action, Chrysler adds an AutoStick, which brings shift-it-yourself choices like a manual stick only without having to ply a clutch.
Twin exhaust pipes at the tail have been integrated into the lower sill and foretell the performance stance of this special sedan, which also carries a stiffer suspension with firm strut damping and taller rear jounce bumpers plus a firm-feel character to the steering gear on a rack and pinion system for improved on-center steering responses.
Other special hardware includes beefy disc brakes with computerized connections to anti-lock and low-speed traction controls, and, to cast clear light on a dark road, vivid xenon quad headlamps grouped in corner pairs recessed behind fluted bezels.
Everything about this Chrysler seems special, in fact, which perhaps gives purpose to the nameplate: 300M Special.
Consider it a spin-off from Chrysler's flagship 300M sedan in a quantity limited to only 8,500 units.
The name traces to performance cars in Chrysler's past.
Beginning in 1955 with the C-300, Chrysler produced a series of powerful flagship vehicles that blended the speed of a sports car with the comfort of a full-size sedan. The 300 sedans, which continued through the 300L of 1965, became hallmarks of high performance and engineering advancements for Chrysler in that era.
In 1960, a limited-edition 300F Special sedan emerged based on the Chrysler 300F but with special performance equipment aboard.
This 2002 extension of the 300 series shows its best face -- a sporty character with the sure-footed manners of an international sports touring car -- when pushed through a wiggly set of curves over hilly terrain.
Expect the windswept body to maintain a flat stance around every bend despite lateral forces of motion at work.
A taut independent strut suspension stifles tire chatter from pavement swells as the quick rack and pinion steering tells a driver's fingers on a steering wheel what they need to feel to sense nuances of irregular pavement.
Foundation for the current 300M traces to Chrysler's Concorde, with shared platform, door panels, roof and front fenders. Chassis of both cars extend in length and width beyond normal measures, although the 300M's stretches even longer as wheels pin at extreme corners.
Compared against Concorde's platform, the 300M foundation gains strength at crucial flex points to set up a stiffer structure for smoother ride sensations and more precise handling traits.
The wide-track stance and long wheelbase work to create a stable base and contribute to the aggressive attitude 300M exhibits when pushed.
And 300M Special seems to beg for hard work -- as expressed by a 150-mph speedometer among the gauges.
Front suspension elements include a MacPherson strut tied to a single-pivot lower control arm and tension strut. In the rear, a multi-link Chapman strut mates with an aluminum cross member.
New 2002 editions of 300M and 300M Special also show ABS brakes linked to electronic brake distribution (EBD).
The dramatic shape and styling of this Chrysler cannot be overlooked: It seems like an exotic sportster from the future beginning with an abbreviated prow and bold face featuring the articulated quad headlamps and bulging low hood followed by a massive canted windshield.
Smooth glass initiates a graceful arch projected to a roof that extends over sensuously shaped doors and merges with rear pillars flowing off to a curt high tail.
It looks clean and crisp and pure in the absence of superfluous ornamentation, a sophisticated theme of gentle curves and contrasting sharp creases that continues inside in a luxurious cabin accommodating five passengers in space that's spacious and airy.
Two firm bucket seats upholstered in plush leather flank a center console in front of a back bench for three with 60/40 folding split seatback and trunk access. Despite a slinky exterior profile with the low roofline, adults riding in back will find more than adequate headroom and enough space to stretch legs too.
The dashboard, anchored by a magnesium structure that cradles the steering column, contains dual concealed air bags and analog gauges scored in bold black-on-white graphics ringed by chrome bezels.
Even the base issue 300M as a 2002 model presents a long list of standard equipment. Gear includes power controls for seats, windows and door locks, automatic climate system and safety devices like the ABS brakes.
With optional gear, changes for 2002 models extend to supplemental side-impact air bags and an electronic vehicle information center, plus a Luxury Group adding automatic adjusting outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel trimmed in California walnut wood, tire pressure monitoring system plus walnut wood trimming front doors and the instrument panel.
The 300M Special stickers at $32,595, which includes a $655 delivery fee.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2002 CHRYSLER 300M SPECIAL Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size sports sedan
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| Model Options: |
Full-size sports sedan
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| Wheelbase: |
113.0 inches
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| Overall Length: |
197.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
300M: SOHC 3.5-L V6
Special: SOHC 3.5-L V6 HO
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 AutoStick
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| Drive: |
Front
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/EBD/TCS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + opt. 2 (side)
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| Gas Mileage: |
18/26 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 29,000 to $ 34,000 |
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