Chrysler 300M Special

FAST

The 300M (LH Platform) uses the same engine as the Plymouth Prowler and Intrepid R/T. The “Special” (launched in 2002) received numerous cosmetic upgrades as well as a slight bump in power (+2 hp, +3 ft lbs) – enough to make the Special’s V6 the most powerful iteration of Chrysler’s 3.5L V6
The Special also came with a shorter final-drive ratio of 3.89 (vs 3.66 on the standard car
Unfortunately, the Special wasn’t much (if at all) faster than the base model, as it gained 70lbs from the transformation over the base car (ground effects, dual exhaust, larger wheels/tires, more standard features, etc)
The Special’s biggest appeal is arguably cosmetic: xenon headlamps, chrome-tipped dual exhaust (vs single exhaust on the base car), nicer wheels, body kit, leather-wrapped steering wheel, bespoke “waterfall” leather seats, and more
The Special also receives handling upgrades that include performance-tuned suspension and lower ride height. Steering is also improved to a 17:1 ratio. At .82g, it pulled slightly higher skidpad numbers than Acura’s TL Type S (.81g)
Braking performance is where the Special truly shines. Thanks to Euro-spec brakes, stiffer calipers, outboard-vented rotors, and higher-performance brake lines, the Special stops from 70 MPH in just 167 ft – only 4 feet shorter than the same year Porsche 911

Key Model Year Changes:

2002 is the first year of the Special
2002
ABS is updated to include electronic brake distribution Updated computer now consolidates engine/transmission controls LATCH child restraints are now built-in Revised evaporative emission monitoring was added
2003
A 6 disc CD changer replaces the 4 disc unit
2004
First and only year of optional Sirius Satellite Radio and optional stereo with DVD-based GPS navigation

Specs:

3.5L V6	4spd auto w/ AutoStick (manual shifting)
255 hp @ 6500 RPM	258 ft/lbs @ 3900 RPM
0-60 MPH: 7.8 seconds	Top speed: 138 mph
Base Price in 2002:	$33,000