Chrysler Phaeton concept 1997

Production year

1997

Engine type

V12

Engine name

5.4L (2x 2.7L LH)

Max Speed

n/a km/h

Power

425 hp

Max RPM

7000

0-100 km/h

n/a sec

Torque Peak

663 Nm

Transmission

4-AT

Weight

1600 kg

Layout

FR

Number Produced

1

Manufactured in

USA

© gtsundaycup.com

Another car we know from Gran Turismo universe.

John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation’s Vice President of Product Design, said, “Phaeton embraces and contemporizes elegant, classic design cues from historic touring automobiles of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.”

Designer: Tom Gale

Wheelbase 3353 mm

Length 5461 mm

Width 1981 mm

Height 1397 mm

Color: Light Hazel Pearlescent

suspension similar to Viper

If ever a car was designed to appeal to the well-heeled, then the Chrysler Phaeton concept car is it. The Phaeton is a throwback to the glamour days of Hollywood, and certainly your average silver screen superstar wouldn’t look out of place behind the wheel. For a start the Phaeton is huge. In fact there’s over five and a half metres of swooping steel bodywork sitting upon its tall and shiny eight inch wide and 22 inch high wheels. Just as big as the body and wheels is the engine. With a whopping 425 BHP of power it will come as no surprise that under the bonnet lurks a 5.4 litre V12 engine. Chrysler has never released official performance figures, but a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds and a 140 mph plus top speed would not be inconceivable. More surprising than the performance however is just how Chrysler created this V12. The engine is made from the sections of three 2.7 litre V6s; the front of one, the middle of another and a portion of the rear of yet another. All three are then welded together to create one massive 425 BHP monster. According to Chrysler the advantages of such an engine are power and refinement. Like the historic cars that inspired it, the Phaeton boasts separate front and rear compartments (chauffeur and chauffeured), while the rear screen that separates the two is automatically lowered when the convertible roof is raised. Meanwhile an instrument panel in the rear allows the back seat passengers to know exactly how fast they’re going – if they’re not too busy posing that is. Of all Chrysler’s recent concept cars, the extravagant Phaeton is extremely unlikely to make it into production. Still, at least you can drive it in Gran Turismo.