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2004 Chrysler 300M Special Road Test

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Rob Rothwell
Time is Running Out

With the introduction of the 2005 Chrysler 300 series, time is rapidly ticking away in the life span of the appealing

With the introduction of the new 2005 Chrysler 300, the end of the current 300M's availability is in sight. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
300M. During the automotive hay-days of the '50s and '60s, and as late as 1971, Chrysler utilized the "300" designation to mark its performance oriented offerings. This tradition was resurrected in 1998 with the introduction of the Europe-bound 300M, which was based on Chrysler's forward thinking cab-forward, LH architecture. Admirably, when developing the 300M, Chrysler set their sights high by benchmarking the BMW M5 rather than a domestic product. Despite its reversed drive configuration, the domestic M is front-wheel drive, such ambition led to a car that didn't necessarily dethrone the revered M5, but at least exhibited a taste of Bavaria - and I am not talking bratwurst and lager.

The 300M has been removed from production to make way for the 300C as Chrysler's top sedan, that latter which features

When designing and building the 300M, Chrysler set its sights high, aiming for the BMW M5 benchmark. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
rear-wheel and soon to be, all-wheel drive. Some will view the evolution of the model to rear-wheel drive as progress and others regress. There is no doubt that FWD delivers certain benefits that elude a RWD setup, the most apparent being foul-weather traction. Placing the weight of the engine over the drive wheels increases their adhesion and traction values. Of course, while true in the past this dogma doesn't factor in the advancement of driver aids such as traction and stability control, which come standard on the 300C. To quell concerns further, the new 300's all-wheel drive option will offer even greater safety for those that live in colder regions - although fuel economy will no doubt be negatively affected.
Rob Rothwell
Rob Rothwell
Automotive expert
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