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Chrysler Prowler Will Cruise Into Sunset in 2002 As Projected

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Chrysler announced that it will discontinue production of its head-turning two seat roadster in 2002. Originally offered in purple, Chrysler will offer its last 300 Prowlers in a new color called Deep Candy Red. See Original at bottom of this story

Last 300 Prowlers to Be Painted Deep Candy Red

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 19 -- It's last call for Prowlers in 2002. First offered only in Prowler Purple, Chrysler will offer its final run of 300 Prowlers in Deep Candy Red.

``Our last Prowlers will be painted Deep Candy Red, a color that will be instantly recognizable in the hot rod community,'' said Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep® Global Brand Center. ``The color will feature a new paint technology in its pearl coat that will actually make the car sparkle in bright light.''

Prowler represents yet another great chapter in Chrysler's storied history of bringing concept cars to reality. The two-seat roadster easily ranks alongside Dodge Viper, Chrysler PT Cruiser and the all-new 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, which will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in early 2002.

``We anticipated a five-year run for Prowler when we started production in 1997,'' said Marinelli. ``Like Dodge Viper and Chrysler PT Cruiser, Prowler showcases the innovation, technology and creativity within this company. While we're discontinuing Prowler production, I can assure you that we've got even more head-turning vehicles in our pipeline.''

Prowler first appeared as a concept car at the 1993 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Favorable response prompted the former Chrysler Corporation to unveil a production version of Plymouth Prowler at the 1996 North American International Auto Show. Official production for Plymouth Prowler began in July, 1997 as a 1997 model at Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. With the discontinuation of the Plymouth brand in January of 2000, Prowler continued as a Chrysler. The last Prowler will be manufactured in February of 2002.

Prowler features a 3.5-liter 24-valve sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection, 60-degree single overhead cam, all-aluminum V-6 engine that produces 253 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. In addition, Prowler's electronic four-speed rear-wheel drive automatic transaxle features an AutoStick® shifter, which allows the driver to shift gears by simply tapping the gear lever.

Visually, Prowler pays tribute to the rolling art of hot rods. Prowler also embodies some of the most advanced technology and materials, and has the distinction of being North America's most aluminum-intensive vehicle. To date, Prowler has cruised into the hearts and garages of more than 11,000 passionate automotive enthusiasts throughout North America.

Prowler Facts and Figures

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for 2002 Chrysler Prowler is $44,625, plus $775 for destination. A matching Prowler trailer is $5,075. Approximately 20 percent of all Prowlers are sold with a matching trailer.

Through November of 2001, more than 11,000 Prowlers have been sold.

Of total Prowlers sold, 1,530 were purple, 1,576 were yellow, 1,911 were black, 1,573 were red, 151 were black/red two-tone (``Woodward Edition''), 1,342 were silver, 163 were silver/black two-tone (``Black Tie Edition''), 1,039 were orange, 1,278 were Mulholland Blue and 616 were Inca Gold.

Demographics for a Prowler owner: nearly 90 percent male, 70 percent are married, median age of 52 with a median income of $190,000.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
With Great Hopes and Fanfare A production version of Prowler was introduced at the 1997 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by former Chrysler executives Robert J. Eaton(Gone) (left) and Robert A. Lutz (Now At GM). At the time, Chrysler anticipated a five year lifecycle for Prowler.