Stepping out of the car and opening the front hood will reveal a high-output 3.5-liter (215 cu-in) SOHC V6, featuring 24-valves and sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection. In the standard 300M this unit
 |
| A high-output 255-hp, 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC V6 engine powers the 300M Special. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
generates a respectable 250-horsepower and a matching 250 pounds-feet of torque. In the Special, Chrysler bumped-up the output slightly to 255-horsepower and 257 pounds-feet of torque. The power ratings of both engines ensure the 300M won't be labeled as an automotive under-achiever. With the Special's slight energy boost, power hits the tarmac the moment the throttle is engaged and doesn't diminish until free of right foot pressure. Look for a spirited 7.5 second 0-96-kph (0-60 mph) time - not bad for a large car. Although I can't really quibble about the ability of Chrysler's aging V6 to move the Special with appropriate gusto, I take issue with its level of refinement. Many other manufacturers are equipping their luxury offerings with V6 engines that run as smooth as warm honey. Chrysler's isn't. Some of the less than satin notes from the 3.5 may be
 |
| The 4-speed automatic transmission shifts with competence, although rapid acceleration and deceleration can catch it off guard. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
attributable to an attempt by Chrysler to attain a performance note from the 300M's exhaust tubing, but it doesn't work. The engine is growly in a less than appealing way. Of course, exhaust notes, like opera, can be music to one person's ears and pain to another's. The 300M Special's mid-pack V6 colludes with a 4-speed autobox in order to deliver torque to the front wheels. This chore is undertaken with competence, although rapid acceleration and deceleration patterns can confuse the transmission, leaving it searching for the next most suitable cog and then shifting abruptly. Otherwise smooth shifting occurs at the appropriate points depending on the demands of the right foot. For those preferring to inject greater driver administration into the gear selection process, the autostick features a manual-mode gate Chrysler has long dubbed AutoStick.
