2002
Chrysler 300M reviews and buying guide.
2002 Chrysler 300M
The award-winning 2002
Chrysler 300M keeps performance, handling and distinctive
design at the forefront of the sport sedan segment with
a modern interpretation of the brand's prestigious "letter
series" cars.
New is the 2002 Chrysler
300M Special, which moves performance and handling to
a more extreme level. The most apparent changes are
the ground effects skirts that surround the 2002 300M
Special's lower body. While the aerodynamics are already
exemplary, Chrysler 300M Special's ground effects system
and the one-inch drop in ride height give this car a
more assertive stance, resulting in an estimated 2-percent
reduction in aerodynamic drag.
300M Special's aerodynamic
refinements are complemented by more than just a pretty
face. Handling is greatly improved via larger 18-inch
"Special" wheels, P245/45ZR18 uni-directional
Michelin Pilot® sport tires and a unique performance
brake system, as well as a stiffer performance-tuned
suspension, plus firm strut damping, taller rear jounce
bumpers and firm-feel steering gear to enhance on-center
response characteristics.
Powered by the highest-output
3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine, the 300M Special is given
an additional five horsepower and seven ft.-lb. of torque
for a rating of 255 horsepower at 6500 rpm, and 258
ft.-lb. of torque at 3900 rpm. 300M Special also features
twin exhaust pipes integrated into the rear lower sill,
AutoStick®, a 150-mph speedometer and 300M Special
badge.
"From every angle
inside and out, Chrysler 300M Special projects an unmistakable
appearance of confidence and sophisticated performance,"
said Tom Marinelli, Vice President—Chrysler/Jeep®
Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "While
the appearance alone will make it stand out in the near
luxury market, it's the dynamic handling that will attract
enthusiast buyers to the 300M Special."
Inside 300M Special,
the instrument panel and doors have silver tone laminates
for a sporty yet contemporary feel. Exterior color options
on the 300M Special are Black, Deep Sapphire Blue and
Bright Silver. All three colors are paired with a lower
exterior color of Dark Gray Metallic for the lower sills.
Other features new on
all 300Ms are the tire pressure monitor system, the
addition of Electronic Brake Distribution to the ABS
system and the child seat "LATCH" system.
New exterior colors include Onyx Green and Light Pearl
Metallic.
As before, the Chrysler
300M comes with a full complement of safety and security
features including next-generation driver and front-passenger
air bags(a), four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with low-speed
traction control, a vehicle theft-deterrent system with
the Sentry Key™ engine immobilizer, internal emergency
trunk release and optional side air bags for front seat
occupants.
Every 300M is equipped
with leather-trimmed and heated, eight-way power front
seats with a personalized memory system for the driver's
seat, dual heated exterior mirrors and radio station
presets. Continuing is a choice of three leather interior
colors: Sandstone, Taupe and Dark Slate Gray.
Continuing for the new
model year is the optional luxury group, which includes
a genuine California Walnut wood trim dash, partial
wood steering wheel, automatic adjusting outside mirrors,
automatic dimming driver-side outside mirror and an
overhead Console-Mounted Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC).
The 300M is powered by
a high-output 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine, rated at 250
horsepower at 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at
3900 rpm. This engine is coupled to the AutoStick transaxle,
which offers the convenience of an automatic transaxle
and control of a manual. The Chrysler 300M meets Low
Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards for all 50 states.
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(a) Certified to federal
regulations that allow less forceful front air bags.
Always use seat belts. Children 12 and under should
always be in a back seat correctly using an infant or
child restraint system, or a seat belt that is right
for their age and size.
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