Phaeton’s 132-inch (3353 mm) wheelbase and 22-inch wheels are powered by a 48-valve 5.4 liter aluminum V12 engine. Ride and handling are enhanced by an advanced suspension, similar to that of the Dodge Viper. The body-on-frame, rear wheel drive car used a four-speed automatic with a Dana 40 axle.
“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. Length: 215.0/5461 Width: 78.0/1981 Height: 55.0/1397 Wheelbase: 132.0/3353 Front Track: 63.0/1600 Rear Track: 61.5/1562 Wheels: Cast Aluminum Front 8 x 22 Rear 8 x 22 Tires: Goodyear Front P245/55R22 Rear P245/55R22 Engine: 5.4 Liter V-12 425 hp (313 kW) (ACT) Suspension: Front Modified Double Wishbone Rear Independent Double “A” Arm Brakes ABS, four-wheel disc Transmission: Four-speed automatic Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive Dana 40 rear axle [1]
The Phaeton was inspired by Chrysler’s historic Newport Phaeton, and the Imperial Parade Phaeton. It had a 48-valve 5.4 L aluminum V12 rated at 425 hp. The suspension was a modified double wishbone with independent double A-arms. Another unique feature of the car was that it had gauges in the rear seats.
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.”