Look Back to the Future
The newest 300M rekindles thoughts of Chryslers from the past

Chrysler has quietly gone about reinventing itself over the last decade. Gone are the days of K Car sameness – DaimlerChrysler’s vision has become one of industry leadership through cutting-edge style, engineering and invigorating performance. The 300M is the latest example of what is being produced in Detroit. A 10-Best from Car and Driver since it was released, Chrysler’s flagship is a complete package.

Imagine a 3,600-pound sedan that gives more-than-respectable acceleration and handling while offering seating for five and a price in the low $30s. That’s the 300M–the car offering many things in a sporty and classy package.

The sport comes directly from its 3.6 liter V-6, delivering 253 horsepower and 255 lb. ft. of torque and impressive 0-60 times in the sub-seven second range. Its four-speed transmission with standard Autostick transaxle helps give the feel of a standard for those choosing an automatic.

The touring suspension makes sure that the driver keeps this power going in the direction intended. Combining MacPherson struts with coil springs up front with an independent, tri-link coil over strut system in the rear delivers a good sense of stability to the occupants while providing a firm, secure ride. The braking is tackled by large, power-assisted front and rear disc brakes with standard ABS.

The exterior isn’t the only area receiving praise. The popular cab-forward design principles popularized by Chrysler give extra width and wheelbase to the car to add stability and comfort. The results give the body a wedge shape that is aggressive and powerful, but with packaged efficiency.

Other exterior hits include a rakish, low windshield and wind-cheating headlight design, color-keyed bumpers and chrome wheels and exhaust pipe tips. These give the 300M a fancy appearance that sets it apart from the minimalist European sedans.

Chrysler designed the interior to offer the passengers an environment of control, serenity and comfort. The backlit instrument cluster rounds out a list of standard controls that are functional and easy to use. The nine-speaker Infinity stereo fills the spacious cabin. Power adjustments are abundant, from seat adjustments to door and window controls. Leather seating and the moonroof round out the list of extras that are icing on the cake.

The original 300M was a car that brought a new level of comfort, performance and style to the full-size American sedan, and the newest version revisits its heritage to help Chrysler appeal to a new generation of enthusiasts. The 300M is further evidence of what can and is being done in competition with the rest of the automobile world.

Chris Taylor is a contributing writer to The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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