Once underway, the 300M Special is a handling gem. I was quite astounded by its ability to alter direction as quickly and securely as it does given its full-size sedan status. The steering is quite heavy, however, with a fair tug needed to pull it side to side.
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| For a large sedan, the 300M Special is a handling gem. I was astounded by its ability to alter direction quickly. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Some of the resistance is no doubt attributable to the low profile 18-inch Michelin Pilots sticking each of the four-corners to the roadway, and some of it no doubt is engineered-in by Chrysler as a means of enhancing road-feel, with yet more as the result of its front-wheel driveline adding load to the steering mechanism. When push comes to shove some drivers may find the resistance a bit much, especially if they anticipate the 300M Special to deliver more of a luxury car feel. Chrysler's answer to that, of course, would be the Concorde Limited. About the only time the Special delivers that luxury car presence is when it's standing still, otherwise it delivers a performance car feel - meaning a firm ride and sharp handling. The slightly lowered Special devours corners with an insatiable appetite. In doing so very little body lean, sway or roll is detectable. Cornering is prairie-flat and understeer marginally evident until the right foot is sunk deeply into the throttle at which point the 300M Special finds tenacious traction
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| The 300M Special may look like a luxury car, but once it's moving it delivers a performance car feel. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
and cornering grip. I had to constantly remind myself that I was executing such maneuvers in a near-luxury, four-door sedan tipping the weight scale at 1,656 kg (3,650 lbs) - again, not bad at all. Unfortunately, with Herculean handling something's-gotta-give and with the Special it is ride quality. With the outgoing 300 Chrysler chassis engineers could never seem to achieve the ride quality versus handling Nirvana that other premium manufacturers have. They came close, but deleterious road surfaces are not absorbed by the stiffened 300M suspension as well as and with the same finesse than by some competitors, the Acura TL being one. The re-calibrated suspension assemblage supporting the front of the Special consists of gas-charged MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar. Working to hold up the rear is an independent multi-link setup featuring Chapman struts and a stabilizer bar.
