{{for|the [[Volkswagen]] automobile|Volkswagen Phaeton}} {{for|the [[limousine]]|Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton}} {{refimprove|date=December 2010}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Phaeton | image = Chrysler Phaeton 2.JPG | manufacturer = [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]] | class = [[Concept car]] | body_style = 4-door cabriolet sedan dual-cowl [[phaeton body|phaeton]] | production = 1997 | assembly = | predecessor = | designer = [[Tom Gale (designer)|Tom Gale]] | layout = [[FR layout]] | engine = 5.4L (5400 cc, 330 ci) Dodge/Chrysler [[V12 engine|V12]] | transmission = 4-speed ''[[TorqueFlite|31TH]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]] | length = 5461 mm (213 in) | width = 1981 mm (77 in) | height = 1397 mm (55 in) | wheelbase = 3353 mm (132 in) }}
The '''Chrysler Phaeton''' was a four-door convertible sedan [[concept car]] built by [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]] in 1997.
== Background == The Phaeton was inspired by Chrysler's historic [[Chrysler Newport#1940s|Newport Phaeton]], and the [[Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton|Imperial Parade Phaeton]]. 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."
The dual cowl four-door hard-top convertible design 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1998-02-13 |title=Neil Walling - Chrysler Phaeton |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-enquirer-neil-walling-c/44698373/ |access-date=2025-07-27 |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |pages=61}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baruffaldi |first=Silvia |date=1997-02-20 |title=Detroit 1997 - L'arte automobilistica |url=https://autodesignmagazine.com/1997/02/detroit-1997-larte-automobilistica/ |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=Auto&Design |language=it-IT}}</ref> "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."
The Phaeton features 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.
The interior 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, 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. Another unique feature of the interior is the gauges in the rear seats.
The power retractable convertible hardtop was developed and built by [[American Specialty Cars|ASC]], who made convertible tops for Chrysler (until the 2007 Sebring).
== Specifications == The Phaeton is powered by a 48-valve 5.4 liter aluminum V12 engine, made from two [[Chrysler LH engine#2.7 L|2.7L Chrysler LH]] V6 engines, and producing {{Convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Ride and handling are handled by a [[double wishbone suspension]] up front, and an independent double "A" arm suspension in the rear, similar to that of the [[Dodge Viper]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-03-02 |title=Dodge Copperhead - Trends |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/dodge-copperhead-concept |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}}</ref> The body-on-frame, rear wheel drive car used a four-speed automatic with a [[Dana 44|Dana 40]] axle. It rides on 22x8 inch cast aluminum wheels with four wheel disc brakes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/1997-phaeton.html|title = The outrageous Chrysler Phaeton 1997 concept car}}</ref>
"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."
Measurements are in inches/millimeters, unless otherwise specified. front track: 63.0/1600 rear track: 61.5/1562 tires: Goodyear front P245/55R22 rear P245/55R22 == Production == Plans for the Phaeton never materialized, and neither it, nor any clear successors, have entered production.
== In popular media == The car was also included as a selection in the [[PlayStation]] video game ''[[Gran Turismo 2]]'' as a special vehicle that could only be won.
== Gallery == <gallery mode="packed"> File:Chrysler Phaeton 1.jpg|{{center|Side}} File:Chrysler Phaeton interior.jpg|{{center|Interior}} </gallery>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Chrysler}}
[[Category:Chrysler concept vehicles|Phaeton]] [[Category:Retro-style automobiles]]