For your viewing pleasure, I present the 2004 Chrysler 300M Special. Argueably, the "big dog" of Chrysler's (now discontinued) LH series. A limited edition model originally released in 2002, it was intended to compete with the BMW 5 series. However, it was "hobbled" by it's front wheel drive platform and it came out on more on a 3 series level in performance.
It did meet the handling goals set forth by Chrysler in it's conception though. When skidpad tested, it posted a .91 G. The target 540i posted a .84g that year and even the Corvette only posted a .87g.
Good stuff!
Keep in mind, this is limited edition for a North American manufacturer, Which means... well...not quite that limited. Chrysler, anticipating a small market share, built 1500 the first year of production, close to the same in 2003, and estimates put it at a bit less for 2004 due to the end of the model line that year. Somewhere around 4-5000 in total would probably be a fair guess. Now consider that estimates place it at 500 imported (seems weird to say imported when they were all manufactured in Ontario!) per year to all of Canada, and you're looking somewhere just shy of 1500 in total in country. Not too bad, fairly exclusive "club" there. That being said, there's 5 here in my little rural town of around 7500 people! Go figure, what are the odds..........
"Sporty handling" was a term often applied to it by the press, but something that weights close to 4000 lbs is only ever going to be so "sporty". Quick ratio steering, lowered suspension, higher spring and shock valving rates, with larger sway bars front and rear and 18" Michelin Pilot Sport rubber made for a satisfying (if not a little rough) drive. The engine was given a small workover from the base 300M for 5 more hp out of the 3.5L, but the real fun is in the revised transmission shift points, which work well with spirited driving
An understated "body lower kit", 18" wheels, HID lights, turn signal mirrors dual exhaust and Special badging were all that distinguished it from a base model M on the outside.
Rated at 22 city and 35 mpg highway, real world returns around a 24-28 mpg average. Considering the size of the car, more than respectable. On the highway, she'll return 30-33 mpg (with the cruise control set at a sane speed) to our cottage up the coast. A figure certainly welcome in these days of rising gas prices (although 35 mpg would be even more welcome!)
Inside, every option Chrysler had for the M series was called up by the build sheet. Nicely appointed with leather, power/heat and memory everything. These options combined with the shear amount of real-estate the car takes up, makes for a very comfy cabin for four to five occupants.
Now that I've crossed to 40 mark, the car compliments my style very nicely. Able to get out of it's own way, and cornering like a rat in sneakers, she willingly indulges my ........*ahem*.........slightly immature impuses....
Nearly perfect for where I am in my life right now.
Canadian Driver 2004 300M Special test drive:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/04300m.htm
Pictures of (what I like to call) my "sports executive" machine:
Page 1 - Intro - you are here!
Page 2 - First day home
Page 3 - Mputer
Page 4 - Sub box
page 5 - Sub box con't
Page 6 - Touchscreen/interior
Page 7 - Miscellaneous pics
Page 8 - Mputer cooling
Page 9 - Newer miscellaneous pics
