Chrysler has made some impressive concept cars in its time. Although these efforts have not come to fruition and may seem like a waste of time, they go to show how inventive and futuristic the manufacturer's ideas are, even if the models they do produce are somewhat traditional.
The 1994 Chrysler Aviat is one that proves just how futuristic the brand's ideas were. It boasts some pretty fun mechanical and technical features, which make the mid-90s ride look like something of the 21st century.
Let's take a closer look at the 1994 Chrysler Aviat.
Better Aerodynamics For Chrysler
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The Chrysler Aviat was first seen at the North American International Auto Show in 1994. Unlike its typical sedans and coupes, the Aviat was much more aerodynamic than existing Chrysler cars at the time. The most important part of Aviat's aerodynamics was Chrysler's decision to fit the cooling system within Aviat's rear end surely contributed to the concept's low-slung looks and mid-engine proportions. It enabled more airflow around the body and therefore, would perform much faster than previous Chrysler's.
Despite these efforts and its mid-engine-like styling, the Aviat retained its Dodge and Plymouth front-engine and front-wheel-drive architecture. This still allows plenty of airflow, but the positioning of the cooling system was key.
To make the Aviat look like a true sports car, Chrysler kit it out with sleek curves and windows. This enables the concept car to look the part and also perform like a sports car. Sleeker and rounder cars always offer optimal aerodynamics as it allows the air to brush over the smooth and soft surfaces.
Under The Hood
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What was under the hood of the Aviat was in the true style of a sports car, especially for its time. It features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which can offer up to 145-hp. For a mid-90s model, these performance figures are pretty typical of a sports car. They are similar to that of a Subaru SVX.
The engine was economical too. It was extremely aerodynamic and light in weight, which meant that the engine wouldn't chug fuel as many sports cars do. This made it more attractive in the sports car market, as it meant that customers could enjoy cheaper maintenance.
The early success of the Aviat faltered when buyers started having problems with the frameless windows, noisy exhaust donuts, and, later, head gaskets. The latter two problems were fixed in 1998, but the frameless windows would be a problem until they were eliminated in 2000.
Overall, the Chrysler Aviat from 1994 looked the part and performed the part. Yet, some issues meant that the production did need to come to an end. It certainly did fulfill the expectations of Chrysler, which was to create a smooth, stylish, and fast sports car. However, the problems and response from the public meant that the Aviat was not in production for long.