Minor glitches can't detract from the overall driving feel of the 300M. (Photo: Chrysler)

The only minor glitches I could detect were a somewhat cheap plastic wiper/turn signal stalk that seemed pulled from lower in the corporate parts bin, and questionable placement/design of the front cup holders, whose spring-release clasps seemed reluctant to hug my coffee mug and bottled water firmly. But turn the key and let the personalized memory system swing into action by adjusting your seating position, mirror and pre-set radio station preferences, crank open the enormous made-for-summer sunroof, and these small annoyances immediately fade into the rearview as the wide open throttle seduces me from belief to a sure knowledge, the 300M Special is a real driver's car.

The 300M tips the scales at nearly 3,650 lbs. (Photo: Chrysler)

I'll admit my first impression was one of heft and weight while maneuvering at slow speeds around town. At nearly 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg), this is the heavy weight sedan of the class, carrying 123 kg (270 lbs) of additional metal around than the G35, 100 more than the Acura Type S, and beating the Cadillac CTS by 150 at the scales.

Yet the surprise comes with how well balanced this big sedan is at speed, demonstrating reasonably flat turn in with very moderate body roll and good control in the corners. There's nice on-center feel to the steering, a brilliantly tight turning radius and those 18-inch unidirectional Michelin Pilots just grab the road and take the car where you point it. In fact, I felt as confident and assured pushing the 300M through the twisties as I did recently driving the same route in an Audi A4 quattro, or more recently in Honda's V6 and 6-speed equipped 2004 Accord Coupe. Outwardly a sleek highway tourer, the 300 M's "driver's car" persona emerges the harder and faster you push.