Large But Lively Sports Sedan Like that somewhat "full figured" relative who surprises you with their elegant and athletic moves on the dance floor, the
2004 Chrysler 300M Special hides its real charm and character under a deceivingly large, although certainly attractive body.
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| The european styled 300M has an assertive and distinctive look. (Photo: Chrysler) |
Endowed with a distinctive look that Chrysler calls a "sculptured physique" meant to evoke a European "tuner" sedan image, the Special stands out with 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels shod with 245/45ZR18 Michelin Pilot tires that completely fill the wheel wells. They combine with a half-inch lowered ride height to create an assertive stance that shouts "Action"!
Facing off against such worthy contenders as the
Acura 3.2 TL Type-S,
Infiniti G35, BMW 3-Series,
Cadillac CTS, Jaguar X-Type, Maxima SL/SE, and
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, to name just a few players in this crowded and competitive $40-45K sport sedan segment, the 300M takes off the gloves to match the competition move for move in attempting to woo a European/Japanese brand-obsessed buying public. How does it stack up? On paper, great.
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| Powered by a 3.5-litre SOHC V6, the 300M can easily keep up with the rest in its class. (Photo: Chrysler)/td> |
Churning out 255-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5-litre SOHC V6, up 5-hp and 8 lb-ft from the standard 300M, the Special antes up the necessary power to run with this crowd. While some of the competition may claim a few more ponies (the Infiniti G35 boasts 260 hp and the Nissan Maxima 265) the differences are inconsequential.
