Chrysler 300M
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| Chrysler 300M<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Chrysler-300M.jpg</tr> | |
| Manufacturer: | DaimlerChrysler<tr><th>Production:<td>1999–2004</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Chrysler New Yorker Eagle Vision</tr><tr><th>Successor:<td>Chrysler 300</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Full-size luxury car</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>4-door sedan</tr><tr><th>Platform:<td>FF LH</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>3.5 L EGJ V6</tr><tr><th>Transmission:<td>4-speed 42LE automatic</tr><tr><th>Wheelbase:<td>113.00 in.</tr><tr><th>Length:<td>197.80 in.</tr><tr><th>Width:<td>74.40 in.</tr><tr><th>Height:<td>56.00 in.</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Chrysler Concorde Chrysler LHS Dodge Intrepid</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Acura TL BMW 5-Series Infiniti I Lexus GS Lincoln LS Oldsmobile Aurora</tr> |
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For the 1999 model year, DaimlerChrysler revived the 300 name on the 300M. This time it was a front-wheel drive, V6-engined car using the Chrysler LH platform. While not technically part of the famous "letter series" of the 1950s and 1960s, Chrysler did have a sense of continuity, using the next letter, M, after the last 300L. It was 10 inches shorter than the Concorde, and was priced above the Concorde. The 300M was a luxury car as opposed to the mainstream status on the Concorde.
When Chrysler redesigned the LH-cars in 1998, the Eagle Vision was discontinued. In order to fill the "import-fighter" gap, the Eagle Vision's position, Chrysler brought back the 300 name. Chrysler once stated that if the Eagle brand wasn't dropped, the 300M would instead be sold as a redesigned Eagle Vision. Indeed, a couple of design images surfaced on the Internet showing a 300M with an Eagle badge on the grille. The 300M is similar in exterior and almost identical in the interior as the Chrysler Concorde. The 300M also fit the European "5 metre" size class for export, unlike the substantially similar LHS. It had the same wheelbase as the Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and pre-2003 Chrysler Concorde, reducing its length by cutting front and rear overhangs.
Only one engine was available, the Chrysler-engineered 3.5 liter V6 designed for the LH line and not used on any other vehicle until the arrival of the Chrysler Pacifica; it was connected to a four-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, which allowed manual selection of gears. Gear ratios differed from other LH models, for better acceleration at the cost of gas mileage. A 300M Special model included plastic imitation-carbon-fiber trim panels, replacing the woodgrain trim panels, along with a slightly more powerful engine and high-intensity discharge headlamps. <ref>Allpar 300M section</ref>
The 300M was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1999. It also was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1999 and 2000.The 300M received a redesigned grille for the 2002 model year, but few other changes of note over its lifespan.
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| DaimlerChrysler AG | Chrysler road vehicle timeline, North American market, 1990s-present - | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Mid-size | LeBaron | Sebring | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cirrus | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Fifth Avenue | Concorde | |||||||||||||||||||
| Imperial | LHS | ||||||||||||||||||||
| New Yorker | 300M | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Prowler | Crossfire | |||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | Pacifica | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Aspen | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | Town and Country | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Voyager | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GT | TC | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Chrysler Corporation | Category | Vehicles | | |
| Current: | |
| Cars: | 300 | Crossfire | PT Cruiser | Sebring |
| Vans / SUVs: | Aspen | Pacifica | Town and Country | Voyager / Grand Voyager (outside North America) |
| Historic: | |
| Cars: | 300 series | 300M | Airflow | Airstream | Cirrus | Concorde | Conquest | Cordoba | E-Class | Fifth Avenue | Imperial | Imperial Parade Phaeton | Laser | LeBaron | LHS | Neon | Newport | New Yorker | Prowler | Royal | Saratoga | TC by Maserati | Town and Country | Turbine Car | Windsor |
| Vans / SUVs: | TEVan | Voyager |
| Concept: | |
| Cars: | Airflite | Akino | Atlantic | California Cruiser | CCV | Chronos | Citadel | Falcon | Firepower | Imperial Concept | Java | ME Four-Twelve | Nassau | Norseman | Phaeton | Pronto Cruizer |
