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
CONTACT: Bryan Zvibleman, 810-512-2686, or Tony Cervone, 810-512-2700, both of Chrysler