PRESS RELEASE

Chrysler Introduces Dual Cowl Phaeton at North American Auto Show

                     Chrysler Presents Dual Cowl Phaeton;
               Concept Car Showcases Elegance of Chrysler Brand
  


    DETROIT, Jan. 5 -- Sometime during the next century, the
well-dressed crowd might draw a gasp, set down their long-stem champagne
glasses, and clap approvingly as the Chrysler Phaeton concept car glides
quietly up the drive to the judging stand at Pebble Beach's Concours
d' Elegance.  Chrysler Phaeton, presented today by Chrysler Corporation
at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, could
drive home with top honors from one of the world's most prestigious automotive
exhibitions.
    "Phaeton will definitely capture the imagination of the Pebble Beach
classic car aficionado," said John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation's Vice
President of Product Design.  "Phaeton embraces and contemporizes elegant,
classic design cues from historic touring automobiles of the 1930s, 40s and
50s."
    The imposing dual cowl four-door hard-top convertible was inspired by
Chrysler's dual cowl 1940 Newport parade car, a vehicle used primarily for
transporting dignitaries and members of elite families during that time
period.  "With Phaeton, we expanded the use of today's convertible by giving
it four doors and two windshields," said K. Neil Walling, Chrysler
Corporation's Design Director.  "We took an elegant design execution that was
originally intended for the wealthy and created a practical, contemporary
convertible."
    Phaeton's exterior is a two-tone Champagne Pearl with machine-polished
wheels and trim.  The dual cowl has expressive flowing lines with a
hand-crafted "coach built" quality; finely drawn details in the egg-crate
grille; and a retractable rear compartment windshield.  "Chrysler Phaeton
effectively captures classic images from the Chrysler LHX and Chrysler
Atlantic and translates them into a convertible format," said Walling.
    Richness, comfort and attention-to-detail are communicated throughout the
vehicle's interior which features cream and brown-colored leather trim, woven
cream leather inserts, satin metal details, and Zebrano wood accents.  Both
front and rear passenger compartments are separate and have their own radio,
climate controls, luxurious seats, arm rests and center consoles.  Speedometer
and tachometer gauges are also featured in both compartments which allow rear
passengers to monitor vehicle performance at-a-glance.
    Phaeton's imposing size is supported by impressive performance.  Its
132-inch wheelbase and 22-inch wheels are powered by a 48-valve 5.4 liter
aluminum V12 engine.  Ride and handling are enhanced by an advanced
suspension, similar to that of the Dodge Viper.
    "We wanted Phaeton's performance characteristics to be comparable to that
of its inspirational father, the Newport," said Walling.  "After all, the
Newport was the pace car of the Indianapolis 500 in 1941."

    Dimensions (Inches)
                   Overall Length:     215.0
                   Overall Width:      78.0
                   Overall Height:     55.0
                   Wheelbase:          132.0
                   Front Track:        63.0
                   Rear Track:         61.5
                   Wheels:             Cast Aluminum
                                       Front 8 x 22
                                       Rear 8 x 22
                   Tires:              Goodyear
                                       Front P245/55R22
                                       Rear P245/55R22
                   Engine:             5.4 Liter, V12
                                       425 Horsepower (ACT)
                   Drivetrain:         Four Speed Automatic Transmission
                                       Rear-Wheel Drive
                                       Rear Axle Dana 40
                   Body:               Dual Cowl Four Door
                                       All-Steel Body On Frame
                   Suspension:         Front Modified Double Wishbone
                                       Rear Independent Double "A" Arm
                   Brakes:             ABS
                                       Four Wheel Disc
                   Color:              Exterior: Two-tone Champagne Pearl
                                       Interior: Cream Leather with Brown
                                       Leather Trim and Woven Cream Leather
                                       Inserts/Zebrano Wood Accents