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Why is this article important? It shares the same platform with the Dodge Charger....
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Feature: Chrysler Airflite Driven in Miami - 20th August 2004
Chrysler Airflite: The hoi polloi assembled on Miami's famous Ocean Drive was immediately drawn to the Chrysler Airflite. Built out of carbonfibre, the Airflite is a fastback four-seater that's roughly the size of BMW's new 5-Series. Its styling echoes the Crossfire coupe, but a more aggressive front end hints at Chrysler's new corporate face.
25-year-old designer Greg Howell styled the Airflite in Detroit. He explains that it "emerged from 20-30 sketches" and that he worked 20 hours days to ensure that it was ready for its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. "We wanted a practical, five-door car that was also a piece of artwork," he says. "It was styled for Europe but it has art deco, Americana influences. The 'boat tail' rear, with its thick shoulder lines, is powerful, graceful and functional."
The interior has both a nautical and aeronautical feel - in fact Howell looked towards classic 'flying boats' that became popular in the '30s for ideas. The flooring, with its wood panels offset by brushed aluminium strips, makes you feel as though you're travelling in a '50s powerboat. A satin-finished raised central 'spine' extends from the dash all the way to the rear seats. In effect the big seam quarters the cabin into distinct seating areas, its elevated red-and-silver elliptical control console giving the impression that you're in one of Edward Hopper's diners. A strange blend of influences, perhaps, but it's elegantly done. The frameless side windows give a great view out, too, and if you're behind the wheel, you'll find the instrument dials are all detached from the dashboard on separate pods, a la the Smart City-Coupe.
The Airflite is built on a shortened version of Chrysler's LX platform and it's powered by the familiar 3.5-litre V6. Putting it into production - presumably with a toned-down interior - should be straightforward and Chrysler's top brass have hinted that the project may get the green light. It's an enticing thought, but doubts must remain about the company's ability to sell such a large and potentially expensive car in Europe. Renault's experiences with the Avantime suggest that radical design may not tempt that many executives away from more conformist German offerings.
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Feature: Chrysler Airflite Driven in Miami - 20th August 2004
Chrysler Airflite: The hoi polloi assembled on Miami's famous Ocean Drive was immediately drawn to the Chrysler Airflite. Built out of carbonfibre, the Airflite is a fastback four-seater that's roughly the size of BMW's new 5-Series. Its styling echoes the Crossfire coupe, but a more aggressive front end hints at Chrysler's new corporate face.
25-year-old designer Greg Howell styled the Airflite in Detroit. He explains that it "emerged from 20-30 sketches" and that he worked 20 hours days to ensure that it was ready for its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. "We wanted a practical, five-door car that was also a piece of artwork," he says. "It was styled for Europe but it has art deco, Americana influences. The 'boat tail' rear, with its thick shoulder lines, is powerful, graceful and functional."
The interior has both a nautical and aeronautical feel - in fact Howell looked towards classic 'flying boats' that became popular in the '30s for ideas. The flooring, with its wood panels offset by brushed aluminium strips, makes you feel as though you're travelling in a '50s powerboat. A satin-finished raised central 'spine' extends from the dash all the way to the rear seats. In effect the big seam quarters the cabin into distinct seating areas, its elevated red-and-silver elliptical control console giving the impression that you're in one of Edward Hopper's diners. A strange blend of influences, perhaps, but it's elegantly done. The frameless side windows give a great view out, too, and if you're behind the wheel, you'll find the instrument dials are all detached from the dashboard on separate pods, a la the Smart City-Coupe.
The Airflite is built on a shortened version of Chrysler's LX platform and it's powered by the familiar 3.5-litre V6. Putting it into production - presumably with a toned-down interior - should be straightforward and Chrysler's top brass have hinted that the project may get the green light. It's an enticing thought, but doubts must remain about the company's ability to sell such a large and potentially expensive car in Europe. Renault's experiences with the Avantime suggest that radical design may not tempt that many executives away from more conformist German offerings.
