Chrysler
Phaeton
Back
in the mid-to-late 90s Chrysler was particularly fond of developing curvaceous,
voluptuous concept cars that had an air of classic beauty about them. They
produced a number of such concepts, including the Atlantic, the Chronos, and
this, the Chrysler Phaeton. The Chrysler Phaeton's styling was actually
inspired by the 1941 Chrysler Newport Phaeton.
The
Chrysler Phaeton, unlike the Volkswagen Phaeton, actually lives up to its name.
That's because the word 'Phaeton' - aside from being difficult to spell - is
also used in formal automotive parlance to describe a four-door convertible.
One
of the ideas behind the concept was to create a vehicle in which the rear seat
passengers would feel especially important. There were even instrument gauges
located on a panel behind the front seats so those in the back could keep an
eye on the driver's performance. The front and rear compartments also had their
own separate media systems and climate control. All the occupants enjoyed soft,
pillowy leather seats, and the high-quality trim was a mix of woven leather
inserts, satin metal highlights and Zebrano wood accents.
Powering
the Chrysler Phaeton was a 5.4-litre V-12 which produced 425 horsepower. The
transmission was 4-speed auto which drove the rear wheels.
Oddly,
for a car designed to waft its occupants down the road in unhurried and
self-important grace, the suspension system of the Phaeton was derived from
that of the manic first-generation Dodge Viper.
