The front fenders look stock, but the one at the rear is heavily modified, stretched farther rearward and then cut off abruptly to mirror the California Cruiser's aft styling. New clear lens taillights finish off the altered rear quarter view. Up front, a new chrome grille sits between modified headlamp clusters, both looking down onto a reworked lower fascia incorporating big, round foglamps. Just above, its sculpted hood incorporates seven ridges a la Crossfire, tapering back toward the windshield.
"The California Cruiser introduces the new face of Chrysler by making a 'Next Wave' design statement," stated Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design. "Scalloped headlamps, a chrome-accented grille and an integrated bumper reflect the direction of Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica while taking inspiration from our heritage of award-winning style and design. The crisp, precise styling themes of those vehicles influenced the profile and rear design of Chrysler California Cruiser."
You think that it looks cool on the outside? Get inside! First, to fully appreciate its unique ambience, push a button and what is probably the world's largest glass sunroof - actually made up of eight glass panels - transforms the hardtop into an open-air cruiser. This sheds some light on the interior's silver door panels, quarter panels and hatchback trim insert, mirroring the exterior appliqué. Each silver and blue striped seat, both in front and back, folds completely flat to accommodate large loads, and even lies flush with both center consoles to provide an optimal sleeping area.
"We created modular seats with a layout that exudes cool, hip images," said Jeff Godshall, Senior Manager of Exterior/Interior Design. "All four head restraints retract into the seat backs, allowing clearance for the seats to fold flat. There also are chromed winged badges in the seat backs for clear brand recognition that this is a Chrysler, through and through."