Chrysler 300M

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Chrysler 300M
1999-2001 Chrysler 300M
Manufacturer Chrysler
Parent company DaimlerChrysler
Production 1999–2004
Assembly Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor Eagle Vision
Successor Chrysler 300
Class Full-size luxury car
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform Chrysler LH platform
Engine(s) 3.5 L EGG V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed 42LE automatic
Wheelbase 113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length 197.8 in (5,020 mm)
Width 74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height 56.0 in (1,420 mm)
Special: 55.5 in (1,410 mm)
Related Chrysler Concorde
Chrysler LHS
Dodge Intrepid

For the 1999 model year, DaimlerChrysler revived the 300 name on the 300M. This time it was a front-wheel drive, V6 engined car using the Chrysler LH platform. While not technically part of the famous "letter series" of the 1950s and 1960s, Chrysler did use the next letter after the last of the series, the 300L. It was 10 inches (250 mm) shorter than the Chrysler Concorde, and was priced above the Concorde. The 300M was a luxury car as opposed to the mainstream status on the Concorde, and, along with the LHS, was portrayed as one of Chrysler's "flagship" vehicles.

When Chrysler redesigned the LH-cars in 1998, the Eagle Vision was discontinued. In order to fill the "import-fighter" gap, the Eagle Vision's position, Chrysler brought back the 300 name. Chrysler once stated that if the Eagle brand had not been dropped, the 300M would instead be sold as a redesigned Eagle Vision. Indeed, design images surfaced on the Internet showing a 300M with an Eagle badge on the grille. The 300M was similar in exterior and almost identical in the interior as the Concorde. The 300M also fit the European "5 metre" size class for export, unlike the substantially similar, yet larger LHS. It had the same wheelbase as the Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and pre-2003 Chrysler Concorde, reducing its length by cutting front and rear overhangs.

Only one engine was available, the Chrysler-engineered 3.5 L V6, designed for the LH line and shared with the Plymouth Prowler until its demise in 2002 and a limited edition R/T variant of the Dodge Intrepid. It was not used on another vehicle until the arrival of the Chrysler Pacifica in 2004. For 1999, it was rated at 253 horsepower (189 kW), and 255 pound-feet (346 N·m) of torque. It was connected to the 42LE, a four-speed automatic transmission with Autostick, which allowed manual selection of gears. Standard gear ratio on the 300M was 3.66:1. The 300M Special was offered beginning midyear of 2002. This model included imitation-carbon-fiber interior trim panels, replacing the woodgrain trim panels (which come in the standard 300M), 255 hp (190 kW) 3.5 liter engine on 91+ octane with 258 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque, and a 3.89 final drive ratio. Performance dual exhaust, high-intensity discharge headlamps, and 18-inch Z-rated wheels and tires were also standard on the Special. Other standard features of the Special included premium "Waterfall" leather seats, signal mirrors, body cladding, and slightly lower ride height.[1]

2002-2004 Chrysler 300M
2002-2004 Chrysler 300M

The 300M was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1999. It also was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1999 and 2000.

The 300M received "jeweled" taillights for the 2001 model year, and a redesigned grille for the 2002 model year, with only a few other minor changes over its lifespan.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Allpar 300M section

[edit] External links

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