A winged Chrysler medallion adorns the deck lid, while wrap-around taillamps have a red/amber split to delineate the stop and turn functions. Oversized reverse lamps, molded into the lower part of the fascia, are brighter and highly functional, an improvement over the previous model. A pair of stainless steel oval exhaust tips indicates the added power and performance of the new V6 engine.
The new all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 is unique to LHS and 300M delivers 253 horsepower and 255 foot-pounds of torque. Designed to deliver power across a broad torque range, it emulates the power characteristics of classic American V8s. With 24 valves and single overhead cams, it delivers an 18-percent increase in power over the cast-iron engine it replaces. Mid-grade 89-octane gasoline delivers the best performance, but it will run fine on 87 octane. A host of new features, such as six-bolt main bearing caps, help reduce vibration. A highly refined four-speed electronically controlled transmission is standard.
The LHS uses the same suspension architecture as the new 300M, but the LHS strut valves were tuned with longer ride motions than on the 300M for a more luxurious ride quality. That's not to say the LHS is sloppy; it provides excellent handling response and agility for a car of its size. It does not feel like a traditional American luxobarge.
The front suspension and powertrain are mounted on a new system of four hydroformed steel tubes that are lighter, stiffer and dimensionally more accurate than the previous setup. Hydroforming involves forcing water into a tube at extremely high pressures to form the subframe, resulting in a structure that is far more rigid than welded parts. This system improves handling and ride quality, while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The rear suspension uses multiple links and a Chapman Strut at each wheel. The geometry has been revised slightly over the previous model.
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard; ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control during hard braking. The LHS comes with a new brake system that provides better pedal feel, improved stopping performance with less noise and vibration from the ABS. Electronic traction control is also standard; it provides improved control when accelerating on slippery surfaces by limiting wheel spin. All-season Goodyear EagleLS touring tires, size P225/55R17, are standard and provide good handling characteristics on wet or dry roads with low tread noise and good snow traction.
LHS was designed to compete with Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental. LHS retails for $28,995 and comes standard with everything: ABS and traction control, leather seats with heaters, memory presets for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors. Options are limited to items Chrysler knew some customers would not want: a $795 moonroof, a $600 set of chrome wheels that come with a full-size spare, and a 320-watt Infinity audio system. Next Page