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The Chrysler Airflite Concept, unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show, showcased a blend of sporty design elements and practical sedan functionality, drawing inspiration from Chrysler's Crossfire and Pacifica models.
Based on a shortened version of Chrysler's LX platform, also used in the Chrysler 300, the Airflite Concept featured a 90-degree V6 engine, although specific power and torque figures were not disclosed publicly. Its exterior design combined the sleek aesthetics of a sporty coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan, embodying a unique blend of style and functionality.
The Airflite's exterior design borrowed heavily from the Chrysler Crossfire, evident in its front and rear styling cues, including the distinctive seven-spoke road wheel design and satin-trimmed windshield. Inside, the Airflite offered a spacious and upscale interior, characterized by a dominant center spine that extended from the dashboard to the rear, with a stepped-up floor behind the rear seats to create a raised cargo area.
Many of the styling cues introduced with the Airflite Concept eventually influenced the design of the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan, showcasing the concept car's lasting impact on Chrysler's production lineup.
The name "Airflite" harkened back to the Nash "Airflyte," a pioneering car introduced in 1949 by Nash Motors (later part of American Motors, then acquired by Chrysler in 1987). The original Nash Airflyte was known for its advanced design, featuring aerodynamic styling developed in a wind tunnel to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce drag coefficient—a testament to the innovative spirit shared by both the classic Nash model and Chrysler's modern Airflite Concept.
Source & Images: DaimlerChrysler
