Following the roaring success of the Viper, Chrysler, riding a wave of confidence, decided to unleash its engineers and designers, granting them carte blanche to create something truly exceptional. The result was the Plymouth Prowler, a vehicle that defied convention and turned heads with its audacious retro styling.
The Prowler was the brainchild of Thomas C. Gale, Chrysler’s design director at the time. Inspired by the classic American hot rods of the 1930s, Gale envisioned a modern interpretation of these iconic machines for the 1990s automotive landscape. Legend has it that Gale’s own hot-rodded 1932 Ford served as a primary source of inspiration, setting the stage for the Prowler’s distinctive aesthetic. Ultimately, it was the renowned hot rod designer Chip Foose who refined and finalized the Prowler’s striking and unforgettable appearance.
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of a purple Plymouth Prowler parked on asphalt, showcasing its open-wheel design and retro hot rod styling.
It’s crucial to remember the context of the American automotive industry during the Prowler’s development. Chrysler, in particular, was struggling to produce truly compelling vehicles. Their lineup at the time included models like the Neon, Intrepid, 300M, Sebring, and Caravan. While some of these vehicles served their purpose, they generally fell short of competing effectively against their Japanese and European counterparts in terms of excitement and desirability. None of these cars captured the imagination or generated significant buzz.
Image alt text: Side profile of a silver Plymouth Prowler in motion on a winding road, highlighting its long hood, raked windshield, and rear-mounted wheels.
The Plymouth Prowler’s mission was clear: to shatter this perception and demonstrate Chrysler’s ability to still create thrilling and desirable automobiles. It was intended to be a statement car, a halo vehicle that would inject excitement and passion back into the Chrysler brand.
However, the harsh realities of Chrysler’s financial situation at the time soon tempered these ambitions. The Prowler, conceived as a limited-production model, had to adhere to strict cost-effectiveness guidelines. This meant that the only way to bring the Prowler to production was to heavily rely on existing Chrysler components, a decision that would ultimately define its character, for better or worse.
Image alt text: Close-up of the front grille and hood of a black Plymouth Prowler, emphasizing its distinctive chrome accents and aggressive stance.
The most significant compromise was under the hood. The Prowler’s aggressive styling suggested a powerful V8 engine, befitting its hot rod inspiration. Instead, it received a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the same powerplant found in Chrysler’s more mainstream and less inspiring sedans.
This V6 produced a somewhat underwhelming 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Adding to the disappointment was the transmission: a four-speed “Autostick” automatic gearbox borrowed from the Eagle Vision. The absence of a manual transmission option further alienated driving enthusiasts who felt it was a critical omission for a car with sporting aspirations.
Image alt text: Interior view of a Plymouth Prowler, showing the retro-styled dashboard, steering wheel, and gear selector, emphasizing the blend of classic and modern design elements.
Despite these powertrain limitations, Chrysler engineers worked diligently to ensure the Prowler delivered a respectable driving experience. While the transmission was originally designed for front-wheel-drive applications, it was cleverly adapted for rear-wheel-drive in the Prowler. It was then connected to the front-mounted engine via a torque tube, a design feature reminiscent of the C5 Corvette, enhancing structural rigidity and weight distribution.
To further enhance its sporting credentials, the Prowler made extensive use of aluminum in its construction to minimize weight. Tipping the scales at around 2,800 pounds, the Prowler was surprisingly light, even lighter than contemporary sports cars like the Porsche 911 or Acura NSX.
Image alt text: Rear view of a red Plymouth Prowler with its top down, parked in a scenic location, showcasing its unique rear styling and open-top configuration.
The model featured here represents the 1999 facelifted version of the Prowler, a design that remained largely unchanged until production ceased in 2002. The most notable upgrade for the 1999 model year was a more potent V6 engine, now producing a more respectable 253 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. This power increase improved the Prowler’s off-the-line performance, bringing its 0-60 mph acceleration time down to around six seconds.
Despite its engine shortcomings, the Plymouth Prowler remains a significant and memorable vehicle. It served its intended purpose of injecting excitement into the Chrysler brand and demonstrated a willingness to take design risks. The Prowler stands as a testament to retro design done boldly and a unique chapter in American automotive history.
