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Chrysler’s 300M Special
By Mike Williams
 In 1992 Chrysler turned the automotive world upside down with their stunning and evolutionary “cab forward” full size sedans. The Intrepid along with the Concorde and Eagle derivatives quickly became best sellers and effectively pulled the ailing company back from the brink of bankruptcy. The 1998 model year saw the introduction of the second generation of the Intrepid and its siblings including the heritage inspired 300M. While Ford and GM were still scratching their heads over the success of the 1992-97 Intrepid, Chrysler was rewriting the play-book again. As a personal side note, in my opinion, the original Intrepid still has more appeal then any of the other mid-size and full-size American sedans. I fondly remember the TV ads for the 1992 Intrepid with a proud Lee Iacocca, on the eve of his retirement declaring: “when it is your last turn at bat it is nice to hit a home run”. After driving the Intrepid I was personally inspired to write in January 1993 automotive article: “the Intrepid is not just a home run. It is a bottom of the ninth, two out, bases loaded, game winner that was crushed clear out of the park”. I only wish that I had followed my own advice at the time and loaded up on Chrysler stock.
 But what the first generation “cab-forward” cars lacked was a serious performance model. The second generation derivatives were meant to satisfy the American public’s growing demand for horsepower and handling. Enter the 300M, an Intrepid for the driver and the enthusaist. It provides an additional dose of performance to what is already a very capable car in its base form. Last year Chrysler upped the ante even further with the 300M Special.
Before looking more closely at the 300M, lets just say that this is not a car for everyone. At $44,000 buyers have a wide range of choices with some outstanding automobiles. But if size and a homegrown product proudly wearing the stars and stripes are high on your list of priorities than the 300M Special may just be the right fit.
 Sexy lines and an aggressive stance make a powerful visual statement. A short trunk lid and high set tail-lights emphasize an aerodynamic wedged profile. The front-end treatment is one of the industry’s best with bold dual headlamps and a grill that captures the spirit of the great Chryslers of a bygone era. The “Special” adds ground effects skirting and 18” wheels to set it set it apart from its sibling.
Fit and finish are still an issue for Chrysler and the 300M falls short when the measuring stick is attention to detail. For instance, the trunk is finished with the usual $0.99 per meter indoor/outdoor carpet slapped in as if no one really cares what the inside of a trunk looks like. Inside, plastics and materials lack the feel and look of those used in the benchmark German sedans. Overall, the interior feels typically American. The seats are a little more forgiving then I would expect to find in a serious road car.
In addition to some visual distinction, the 300M Special, provides a little added punch with an additional 5 hp and 8ft-lbs of torque over the standard model’s respectable 250 hp and 250 ft-lb ratings delivered via a 3.5 litre SOHC V6. While the acceleration won’t leave everyone in awe, punching the gas pedal sends a substantial surge of power through the front wheels propelling the car to highway cruising speeds effortlessly.
While front wheel drive is not the set up of choice for serious road cars, it typically offers better traction in the snow. I had the opportunity to take the 300M Special out in some serious blizzard conditions and I was impressed with the stability and sure footedness that it exhibits.
 From the driver’s seat, the 300M feels like exactly what it is: A big American sedan with some extra power on tap. While everyone is trying to emulate the German sports sedan experience, the 300M wants to rekindle your passion for American muscle. Unfortunately, even 258 hp whipped up through a V6 does not cut it in 2003. As a result, the 300M is more marketing hype than substance. I have no major complaints about this car’s performance but to say I was overwhelmed would be misleading. I was reminded of the first generation, 32-valve, 4.0 litre, V8 Oldsmobile Aurora that came to market three years earlier than the 300M. While providing a similar output, the Olds delivered a more rewarding driving experience. It provided a unique blend of European handling, sophistication and muscle that I think the 300M attempts to emulate. Its genetics, rooted in a sensible family car, just come through a little too strongly to arouse my emotional side. But wait until you see what Chrysler has in the pipeline for the new 300 Series. This will be a very different discussion next year!
 So in summary what do we have: A great looking car that tries to be great but falls a bit short. Those who opt for size and the American driving experience may find the 300M to be the car for them. But for the driving enthusiast who seeks finesse, high revving engines with big power to weight ratios and attention to detail will probally prefer something from Europe or the Land of the Rising Sun. You can more than likely detect where I sit on the spectrum. With that said, the 300M is, without question, one of my favorite American sedans. 
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