If you drop for the first time you see it, you'd think it was a concept car. However, the Prowler for a time produced by Plymouth / Chrysler.
The idea for the Prowler go back to the early 90s. The engineers at Chrysler were asked a reincarnation of the hot rod or "sports star" to create. The engineers were not alone in their mission. They were, though not officially supported by Chip Foose, whose design of the Hemisfear evolved to the Prowler. In 1993, the Prowler concept car as indeed was shown at the North American International Auto Show. With the enthusiastic responses of the specimen was received, Chrysler was considering mass production. Yet it was in 1994 again entered as a concept, because Chrysler simply doubts about the commercial value of the Prowler. In 1996 the big day and started the production of the Prowler.
For the construction of the Prowler was full of aluminum drawn map. The chassis was constructed primarily of aluminum, usually with glue to put together.
At the start of production was the Prowler a drivetrain from the LH platform, the platform upon which time the Concorde, New Yorker and 300M were constructed. The 3.5L SOHC V6 that came daruit, producing 214 hp. Since 1999, a year after production had been lying quiet, this engine was increased to 253 hp. Both versions were linked to an automatic with four speeds. The gearbox was located behind, which led to an almost perfect weight distribution. The connection between engine and transmission was achieved through a flexible shaft, which is also reflected in the Alfa 75, Corvette and Porsche 944. With these settings the Prowler got the 000-100 in a respectable 5.6 seconds, the summit was strange enough but just over 200 km / h.
So enthusiastic was the audience during the performance of the Prowler concept, so they were disappointed with the performance of the production model. The concept car was located because a more powerful version of the 3.5 V6 with 270 hp. Plymouth that that power had returned to the series model, was not greeted cheers. The four-speed gearbox choice was not really be called sporting. Anyone who thinks a hot rod, thinks a big engine with a slick-shifting gears there. Remember that you are currently counts down a good $ 40,000 for such toys. Therefore, the production falters after 1997 here, because a lot of unsold Plymouth Prowler stays.
The capital increase brings solace and in 1998 production is restarted. Still gets the Prowler never projected sales of 5,000 units per year. When Chrysler decided to name the Plymouth gradually between, there is no future for other concepts of the brand. This keeps the Howler, a coupe based on the Prowler but with a 4.7 V8 Jeep workmanship, stabbing in the refrigerator. In 2002 it was completely done with the Prowler, who quietly disappeared from the catalog.
The rise of the retro trend is linked to the Prowler, as he had many similarities with the hot rods that you here and there in the street sees U.S.. So you see on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Prowler details of the return, but the Chevrolet HHR and the Camaro today are still based on the Prowler.
In 1996, 18 pieces left the factory, though these first units are built by hand. In 1997, 457 pieces produced on tape, warna production in 1998 a year stops. In 1999 it started again and roll band of 3921 pieces. In 2000 there were 2746 in 2001 are still built and sold 3142 copies. Since 2001 the brand Chrysler Plymouth deleted and the car renamed Chrysler Prowler. Under that umbrella are still 1436 units built in February 2002 finally the curtain falls. Total production is thus to 11,702 units.
Who today Prowler in his collection will add touch quite deep into his bag. The asking price for these units start at just under 25,000 euros not. The last copy of the Prowler, a unique high-voltage blue Prowler, was auctioned at Christie's for $ 175,000.via
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