The company isn't publicizing it too widely yet, but for 2004, Chrysler is coming up with a new "Special" version of its upscale and sporty 300M sedan. The car includes a wide range of engineering and cosmetic upgrades to make this model even more of a competitor for European "mid-luxury" sports sedans.

But first a little backtracking on the 300M to bring everyone up to date. In recent model years, several makers have come up with creditable efforts to tackle the European spots sedan sector, including the Lincoln LS and the Cadillac CTS. Chrysler's contribution to this key segment is the stylish 300M.

The 300M is aimed at a market dominated by European imports - products from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Jaguar and Saab. Although based on the same platform and wheelbase as its Concorde cousin, the 300M is shorter by almost ten inches.

The base 300M uses a similar all-aluminum 3.5-litre V-6 as the Concorde, but its lighter weight gives it a performance edge. The V-6 is of single overhead cam design with four valves per cylinder and develops a sporty 250 horsepower. Another performance booster is Chrysler's slick-shifting AutoStick transmission which delivers the performance of a manual box with the convenience of an automatic. You can drive the car using a conventional automatic, or switch to semi-manual and select gears.

This is a stunning car to look at, with low slung lines, a highly distinctive nose job and an even more stylish rear treatment than its Concorde cousin.  I could argue that this new Chrysler has superior styling to rival mid-sized 4-door automobiles from Mercedes and BMW (2003 model). It looks great from its classic grille with retro Chrysler badge to its neatly sculptured rear end.

The interior of this car is a delight and is one of the best in the business. No automaker does a more easily readable instrument cluster than Chrysler. I don't care what kind of eyesight you have or what strength of prescription glasses you wear - you'll have no trouble reading these dials.

Interestingly, Chrysler sought inspiration from the past for this performance sedan. In 1955, the corporation produced the C-300 which was developed to combine the speed and handling of a sports car with the comfort of a full-size sedan.

It was something of a landmark car in its day, but it would be more than three decades before Chrysler was to explore this concept again. 300-series Chryslers continued until 1965.

The new ''lettercar,'' as enthusiasts call the classic series, comes with a very high level of equipment, including all-round ABS disc brakes, largest in class 17-inch wheels, leather trim, eight-way power front seats and lots of other good stuff.

On the road, it's a taut, responsive automobile in which people used to BMW and Mercedes-Benz products will feel right at home. Steering is progressive and accurate and the ride is comfortable without being mushy.

Our test car was drum-tight without a squeak or rattle anywhere. Despite its shortened length, it still has a huge trunk, which left me wondering why the Concorde series has to be as long as it is. The compact 300M is easier to park than its relatives without giving up any interior space at all. Chrysler's designers did a great job with interior ergonomics and one touch I loved was a proper analog clock - so much better than those digital things that get mixed up with the stereo displays.

Chrysler says that it drew design influences for the 300M from notable Alfa Romeo and Lancia products and nobody's going to complain about that.

The "Special" has optional 18-inch wheels, five more horsepower, standard AutoStick, dual exhaust pipes integrated into the rear fascia, a performance axle ratio, 17:1 ratio steering for a better feel, sport tuned suspension, an aerodynamic ground effects package and either chrome spoke or aluminum wheels (for the 18-inch option). The transaxle has been performance tuned to match the engine and Michelin Pilot Sport unidirectional performance tires are a no-cost option. In short, this is a refined version of the basic 300M, which is pretty good even without the performance upgrades.

For corporate buyers with a "buy domestic" policy, the 300M could be a tempting choice. It has most of the attributes of its import rivals and costs considerably less than anything with the same passenger and trunk space. It offers performance and prestige and apart from the aforementioned Cadillac CTS and Lincoln LS, it has no serious rivals among North American nameplate products.

I've been told by executives within the DaimlerChrysler organization that there are quite  few top corporate types at the head office in Stuttgart, Germany, who are driving 300Ms when they could opt for any Mercedes model. The cars are popular in Europe and I've seen quite a few of them on my frequent trips over there.

Prices will be announced later in the year, but your dealer may have details ready for release.
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