 | 2002 Chrysler 300M Think of this as a big sports sedan.
By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief,
New Car Test Drive .com |
Overview
Chrysler designed the 300M as an American sports sedan, a contemporary interpretation of its historic "letter cars" sold from 1955 to 1965. With firm suspension tuning, the 300M is designed to deliver the handling and performance benefits associated with European sedans. It isn't a BMW 5 Series, but its handling is exceptional for a full-size front-wheel-drive sedan and that makes the 300M a joy to drive. Drivers who want to increase the sports appeal further should look at the new 300M Special. This special model comes with a lower, stiffer high-performance suspension, bold 18-inch wheels on massive P245/45ZR18 speed-rated tires, and other performance goodies. For 2002, all 300Ms get a new tire pressure monitoring system, Electronic Brake Distribution, and the child seat LATCH system. Model Lineup
The 300M retails for $28,340. Pricing for the 300M Special, which is being launched in mid-2002, had not been announced at press time. 300M comes with a high-output 3.5-liter V6 and AutoStick transmission. Standard tires are P225/55SR17 all-season touring tires. An optional performance handling package ($560) includes a high-performance suspension, steering, brakes, and P225/55VR17 all-season performance tires. Other options: power moonroof ($895), chrome wheels, premium 360-watt stereo system with four-disc in-dash change and 11 Infinity speakers in nine locations ($390). 300M Special comes with a specially tuned version of the high-output 3.5-liter V6 rated at 255 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque at 3900 rpm, an increase of 5 horsepower and 7 pounds-feet of torque over the standard 300M V6. 300M Special also comes with high-performance 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires, a special performance brake system, a stiffer suspension, firmer strut damping, taller rear jounce bumpers, and a firm-feel steering gear to enhance on-center response.
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