Chrysler to Introduce New Concept Car -- Pronto Cruizer -- At the Geneva Motor Show
3 February 1998
Chrysler to Introduce New Concept Car -- Pronto Cruizer -- At the Geneva Motor Show
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 3 -- It has been 10 years since
Chrysler Corporation introduced a concept car at a European motor
show. But when the Geneva Motor Show opens next month, showgoers could be
looking into the company's future product window for Europe and around the
world.
On March 3, Chrysler will unveil the Chrysler Pronto Cruizer, its first
concept car built specifically for a European show since the Portofino -- the
company's first iteration of its famed cab-forward design -- introduced in
Frankfurt in 1987.
"The Pronto Cruizer concept is a distinctive and unique combination of the
best of American passion for automobiles and the most desired elements of
European dynamics and efficiency," said Thomas C. Gale, Executive Vice
President of Product Strategy, Design and External Affairs. "It has the same
extreme sense of American spirit and daring like Viper and Prowler, but in a
package that could potentially be developed for a much broader market. We
think it showcases Chrysler's growing expertise in melding our signature
American design to global use and needs."
This "American" approach is reflected in Pronto Cruizer's exterior and
interior design themes inspired by 1940s American Art Deco design. The Pronto
Cruizer takes that classic appeal and refines it in a contemporary form with
cutting edge styling, efficient packaging, precision craftmanship and a heavy
dose of American fun and freedom.
Furthermore, the Pronto Cruizer mates these cues with a vehicle that
features an aggressive, fun-to-drive ride and handling package, and a highly
efficient 1.6-liter gasoline engine being developed as part of the
Chrysler/BMW joint venture. The 1.6-liter engine, to be built in Brazil,
produces 115 horsepower (86 kW) @ 5600 rpm and 113 lb-ft (153 Nm) @ 4400 rpm.
The engine is mated to the five-speed manual transmission from the Neon
American Club Racing (ACR) package, a high performance option package offered
to American racing enthusiasts participating in races sanctioned by the Sports
Car Club of America (SCCA).
The three-door Aztec Yellow coupe has an exaggerated grill and fenders,
drawing immediate comparisons to the Prowler. The running boards, which flow
smoothly into the fenders, are reminiscent of the vehicle architecture of the
1940s. The Pronto Cruizer's aggressive stance combined with the vehicle's
flowing lines give the appearance of movement, even when stationary. Its
18-inch (475 mm) front and 19-inch (483 mm) rear wheels and tires give Pronto
Cruizer a wedge-like shape that "wants to pounce."
The roll-back fabric top, with carbon fiber header, is reminiscent of past
Chrysler concept cars including the Chrysler Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV)
and the Plymouth Pronto.
Inside, the Pronto Cruizer's materials, color, space and symbols comprise
an interior that is irreverent, yet highly capable. The interior volume is
larger than that of a production Neon, yet its exterior length is considerably
shorter. Both vehicles share the same at 104 inches (2642 mm) wheelbase,
providing an abundance of space for passengers.
The interior package incorporates body color accents found in classic
American hot rods, similar to the Prowler. An aluminum finish defines all of
the functional interior areas like the instrument cluster, armrest,
centerstack, door handles, steering wheel and stick shift knob and plate. The
interior is designed with an eye for simplicity, but still evokes a feeling of
precision craftsmanship.
Consistent with its use on exterior components, carbon fiber accents the
door map pockets and textures the leather on both front and rear seats.
The instrument cluster face is colored in a pale blue which illuminates to
a deeper blue using electro-luminescent technology. The combination is
easy on the eyes during day and night driving.
The Pronto Cruizer also offers a navigation system by Alpine in its
centerstack that is connected with the radio and Heating, Ventilation and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) functions. Each unit is displayed through the Cathode Ray
Tube (CRT), but is operated by its own knobs and buttons, promoting a
fingertip free CRT screen.
Other unique details on the Pronto Cruizer are the retro-influenced three-
spoke steering wheel with chrome accents, floor mats with aluminum accent rub
strips, a storage area behind the rear seat in the hatch compartment, an
aluminum grab handle mounted on the front seats for easier seat adjustment,
and embroidered Chrysler winged-badge on the steering wheel and rear seat
division. The aluminum foot pedals and shift knob with expressive "happy
faces" are an unexpected final touch on a vehicle that embodies Chrysler's
signature American design with international appeal.
Chrysler Pronto Cruizer Concept Car
Fact Sheet
DIMENSIONS (inches/mm)
Overall Length: 167.2 (4247)
Overall Width: 68.4 (1737)
Overall Height 58.5 (1486)
Wheelbase: 104 (2642)
Front Track: 59.1 (1501)
Rear Track: 59.1 (1501)
Wheels: Cast Aluminum
Front 18 x 7.0
Rear 19 x 7.5
Tires:
Front 205/55R18
Rear 215/55R19
Engine: Chrysler/BMW joint venture 1.6L
115 horsepower (86 kW) @ 5600 rpm
113 lb-ft (153 Nm) @ 4400 rpm
Drivetrain: 5 speed manual transmission
Body: Unitized body, three door, steel
Suspension: McPherson Strut
SOURCE Chrysler Corporation
