posted 10-30-2001 04:02 PM         

CHRYSLER TO BUILD LIMITED RUN OF 300M SPECIALS

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 29, 2001 - Looking for something special? In the tradition of classic special edition Chrysler 300s, Chrysler will build a limited run of its new 2002 300M Special starting November 5. A total of 8,500 Chrysler 300M Specials will be built, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $32,595, which includes $655 for destination.

"In 1960, we introduced a limited run of 300F Specials built off of our 300F letter series car," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep® Global Brand Center. "We're continuing our proud heritage with the introduction of our 2002 Chrysler 300M Special. For just over $32,000, you can have that something special in your garage."

Similar to European "tuners," Chrysler 300M Special features ground effects that surround the vehicle's lower body while ride height is lowered one-half inch. The car has a more assertive stance and even lower aerodynamic drag than the stock Chrysler 300M.

Chrysler 300M Special's aerodynamic refinements are complemented with large 18-inch wheels and P245/45ZR18 uni-directional Michelin Pilot performance tires which improve handling. Additional features include a unique, higher performance brake system, a performance-tuned suspension, firm strut damping, tall rear jounce bumpers, and 17:1 ratio firm-feel steering gear which enhances on-center response characteristics.

The Chrysler 300M Special produces 255 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 258 ft.-lb. of torque at 3900 rpm, making it the most powerful version of the company's 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine. Chrysler 300M Special also features twin exhaust pipes integrated into the lower rear fascia, performance-tuned AutoStick® with a 3.89 overall top
gear ratio, a 150-mph speedometer and Chrysler 300M Special
badging. Headlamps are high intensity discharge (HID) which are 2.5 times brighter than standard halogen lamps.

Inside Chrysler 300M Special, the instrument panel and doors have a carbon fiber appearance for a sporty yet contemporary feel. Special door sill plates are brushed aluminum. Unique leather "waterfall style" seats are available in a monochromatic Deep Slate Gray or a Light Taupe/Deep Slate interior two-tone. Exterior color choices on the 300M Special are Black, Deep Sapphire Blue and Bright Silver. All
three colors are paired with a lower exterior color of Neutral Gray Metallic for the lower sills.

Additional standard features on the 2002 Chrysler 300M Special include a tire pressure monitoring system, Electronic Brake Distribution to the ABS system, the child seat "LATCH" system, and a top of the line 360-watt Infinity II 11-speaker spatial imaging sound system with in-dash four disc compact disc (CD) changer.

More than 3,000 Chrysler 300Ms are produced every month. The
Chrysler 300M Special is produced at DaimlerChrysler's Brampton, Ontario assembly plant alongside the 2002 Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid.