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Chrysler For 1999 |
By Carey Russ |
Chrysler Corporation's premium brand builds cars with passionate styling and character. Its new offerings for 1999 show this well. The 300M continues the heritage of Chrysler's famed 300-series "letter cars" of the 1950s and 1960s in a very modern way. The LHS is the company's new luxury flagship.
Most Chrysler vehicles have de-powered air bags this year.
300M
The name may evoke nostalgia, but the 1999 Chrysler 300M is a completely contemporary car. It is the brand's sports sedan, and will be the company's leading offering in many countries worldwide. Its combination of expressive styling, good performance, and class- leading interior and trunk space makes it unique.
The original 300 "Letter Series" cars of the past were known for their sophisticated American character and refined performance. The 300M is a very contemporary interpretation of that heritage. It's a front-wheel-drive sedan with a new 3.5-liter, 253-hp overhead-cam, multivalve aluminum alloy V6 engine. The "AutoStick" manually- controllable four-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
Muscular but elegant styling and a spacious, well-equipped interior make the 300M stand out. A sport-tuned fully-independent suspension and four-wheel antilock disc brakes contribute to its abilities on the road. An optional sport handling package is available for the seriously sport-minded enthusiast.
LHS
Complementing the 300M at the top of the Chrysler line, the LHS emphasizes luxurious comfort. It uses the same 253-hp V6 as the 300M, and has the same fully-independent suspension design, but is tuned more softly. The 1999 LHS is the most luxurious Chrysler ever offered. Its bold exterior styling is reminiscent of a luxury coupe. Inside, chrome-rimmed instruments blend the style of a fine Swiss watch with highly-visible electroluminescent lighting. At its level, leather is expected, and leather is found, as are driver's seat memory, a high-end audio system, and an automatic climate control system.
Town & Country Minivan
Chrysler Corporation invented the minivan 15 years ago, and invented the luxury minivan with the introduction of the first- generation Town & Country. In 1999, the luxury minivan has become even more luxurious with the debut of the Town & Country Limited. It joins the other three trim levels and brings new opulence to the minivan world. How opulent? Spoil the child with an integrated reclining, leather-covered child seat.
Concorde
The Concorde led the way for the current generation of Chrysler sedans when it debuted last year. Its second year sees interior enhancements and suspension upgrades for increased comfort.
As before, two levels are offered. The Concorde LX has a 2.7- liter, 200-hp V6, and the LXi uses a 3.2-liter, 225-hp V6.
Cirrus
This year,"simplicity" is the word describing Chrysler's mid- size sedan lineup. One very well-equipped model is offered. New suspension tuning improves the ride quality, and new four-wheel antilock disc brakes improve stopping ability. There is a new instrument cluster inside, and minor trim changes outside.
Sebring Coupe
The Chrysler Sebring Coupe is offered in two trim levels. The upscale LXi has minor external trim enhancements for 1999.
Sebring Convertible
The Sebring Convertible dominates the open car segment of the automotive market. This may have something to do with its having the most spacious interior in the class. There are realignments of equipment in its three-level lineup and new exterior color choices for 1999.
