1999 Chrysler 300M - Engine - First Test

Engineers were given a similar task as designers in developing the 300M: to create a driver-oriented car in the spirit of the original letter-series cars but in an updated fashion. The original letter-series cars were best known for their fast straight-line acceleration, though they also had a reputation for handling better than many hot rods of the era. The focus of the 300M is not on sheer power and speed but on overall performance, with a heavy emphasis on handling.

Powered by the all-new all-aluminum 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6 exclusive to the 300M and LHS, the 300M attained respectable acceleration. In MT testing, the 300M achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, identical to the Lexus ES 300, class volume leader among entry-luxury automobiles, though a second slower than the Infiniti I30. Still, the performance turned in by the 300M remained in the general ballpark with other competitors, including the Pontiac Bonneville SE, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Taurus SHO, and Buick Regal LS, which range between 7.5 and 7.8 seconds. The 300M's solid acceleration comes not at the expense of fuel economy, however. Chrysler estimates fuel efficiency at 18/27 mpg city/highway. And unlike some of its competitors that require premium gasoline, the 300M operates on mid-grade fuel.

More impressive is the 300M's braking capability. The sexy sedan came to a halt from 60 mph in 129 feet, surpassing all the above mentioned competitors but the Camry, at 128 feet.

Likewise, the 300M excelled on the skidpad, displaying more grip than any of its competitors mentioned. Handling on Arizona's open roads and a slalom course at Chrysler's test track proved its strong suit, especially when outfitted with the optional performance package.

This option, expected to be ordered by about 20 percent of 300M buyers, includes a specially tuned steering gear and suspension for an even sportier feel and tighter cornering capability. The option also includes Michelin XGTV4 performance tires and heftier brakes, being considered for the base 300M in the future.

The 300M's sport sedan flavor is topped off with Chrysler's AutoStick transmission, a standard feature that allows manual, though clutchless, shifting of the automatic transmission. Such a feature is unique to the 300M in this segment, which generally includes more traditional four-speed automatics as included with the LHS.

Featuring the same touring suspension as the LHS, the 300M's calibration is set toward sporty more than the LHS' luxury, softer ride. The LHS has variable effort steering to reduce steering effort at slow speeds; the 300M does not, which provides a strong connection with the road. Both ride on class-leading 17-inch wheels and tires.

In the end, the association with the original 300 letter-series proved interesting to the historians of our staff but of little real comparative consequence. Chrysler deserves credit for remaining true to its heritage in a contemporary manner, though that heritage is unlikely to resonate with the largely female audience and overseas buyers Chrysler is targeting. No matter. The new 300M stands firmly on its own as a stylish, luxurious, fun-to-drive five-seater at a bargain price. And that's worthly of its own legend, pedigree or no pedigree.