CHRYSLER 300M - A SPORT SEDAN WITH PEDIGREE

As a tribute to the Chrysler brand's performance heritage, the all new 1999 Chrysler 300M debuts as a unique sport sedan with an impressive pedigree.

Named after Chrysler's famed 300 "letter series" cars sold between 1955 and 1965, the 1999 Chrysler 300M carries on in the same spirit of those uniquely American performance icons. However, the all-new 300M is a modern-day interpretation of the original, offering a balance of powerful performance, precise handling and outstanding efficiency along with the comfort and roominess not found in most premium sport sedans.

The 1999 Chrysler 300M, which will also serve as the Chrysler brand's passenger car flagship in many of the Company's 30 international markets, has an impressive list of standard equipment designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts worldwide. Interior appointments include leather-trimmed and heated eight-way power front seats with a personalized memory system for the driver's seat, mirrors and radio pre-sets. A vehicle security system is also standard.

The Chrysler 300M provides the most passenger room of any vehicle in the five-meter class. "Because the Chrysler 300M was designed to fit into the lifestyles of both the North American and international markets, maximum interior room and trunk capacity within a five-meter overall length was a requirement from the start," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President - Product Strategy and Design. "The five-meter length is necessary for the 300M to fit into typical garages and parking spaces in some non-U.S. markets. But maximum interior space is a requirement for customers in every country who demand that they comfortably transport friends, families and personal belongings."

The 1999 Chrysler 300M is powered by an all-new, high-output 3.5-liter, SOHC V-6 engine. Rated at 253 horsepower (189 kW) at 6400 rpm and 255 lb.-ft. of torque (346 N-m) at 3950 rpm, the Chrysler 300M's multi-valve, all-aluminum engine provides more horsepower and torque than any other car in its class. In addition to the 3.5-liter V-6, the 300M is also offered with Chrysler's all-new aluminum 200 horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 engine in most non-U.S. markets.

AutoStick^®, which provides drivers the control of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic, is standard on all Chrysler 300M sedans. No other car in the 300M's class offers a selectable dual-mode transmission as standard equipment.

A specially tuned suspension delivers superb handling and crisp steering feel. Standard high-performance four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with low-speed traction control match the 300M's brisk acceleration and handling capabilities. Largest-in-class 17-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle LS touring tires are standard. Chrome wheels are available.

From the exterior, 300M reflects a design that works equally well on both sides of the Atlantic and Pacific. Beginning with the "face" of the car, the 1999 Chrysler 300M has a unique grille surrounding the Chrysler winged medallion. Quad halogen head lamps recessed in fluted bezels are swept back into the leading edge of the front fenders. The accent lines of the grille sweep across the hood and into the base of the windshield. Influences were drawn from some of the more notable Alfa Romeo and Lancia designs, while still blending cues from the Chrysler 300 cars of yesteryear.

The blending of full shapes with chiseled edges culminates in a shortened, raised deck lid, giving the 300M a muscular look in its flanks while preserving a wedge shape in its overall profile. The tail lamps, with their amber turn signal lenses, are positioned high on either side of the sharply creased deck lid. Dual exhaust tips extend from the lower fascia, underscoring the power and performance of an all-new, aluminum 3.5-liter multi-valve engine.

The interior of the 300M delivers the same sense of purpose seen in the best performance sedans, yet accentuates the space, comfort and freedom that is not only a Chrysler hallmark, but is also synonymous with the best American designs both in and out of the automotive industry. To give the Chrysler 300M its highly tailored appearance, designers used large, simple, flowing shapes throughout its interior. Every major surface has a "soft touch" feel for added luxury. The unified appearance of the instrument panel is highlighted by an invisible passenger air bag door.

Yet functionality, a key element to the exterior design, did not take a back seat in the interior design of the 300M. All controls are immediately at hand, with large twist dials for the major functions. An analog clock carries on the dial theme, and is placed at the upper center of the soft-touch instrument panel above a series of three large oval-shaped vents. A wide band with the appearance of handcrafted natural wood spans the instrument panel. Flush-mounted stereo and ventilation controls are arranged in a "center stack" bezel that flows into the center console.

Next-generation dual front air bags* and heated front seats with personalized memory controls on the driver's side are standard on all 300M sedans, as are four-way adjustable head restraints. Leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel rim and gearshift lever are standard. Also standard is a 60/40 split rear folding seat for added versatility.