When the Prowler made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, it seemedto be just another of those nifty but unproduceable show cars. And then
Chrysler confounded us all--again--by putting it into production. The design
is full of unusual elements, including the blade bumpers with integrated
turn signals, encased projector-beam headlamps flanking the grille, motorcycle
fenders for the front tires, composite trim pieces, the stamped aluminum
body shell and the aluminum-intensive chassis and suspension.
The Prowler has a very neat, clean and sculptured appearance, whether
you're used to looking at hot rods or not. From its chin pieces to its
imitation 1937 Ford grille, the nose flows back into the short windshield,
getting wider and taller all the way to the firewall. From the firewall
back to the leading edges of the rear fenders, there is a very strong lower
body sculpture that looks great and also stiffens the body.
From there, the fenders and decklid curve down gracefully to the minimalist
rear bumperettes. The taillamps are integrated into the rear fenders, and