2005 Chrysler Akino Review

Specifications

Chrysler Debuts Zen-Lounge on Wheels

Of all North American brands that are sold across the world, Chrysler is the brightest shining beacon. Its latest products are smart, advanced, and quite often deliciously retro, a reflection of the 1930s Airflow, and the landmark Chrysler Building in New York City. Its latest creation, the Akino Concept, takes Chryslers truly unique current styling theme into uncharted territory thats sure to have more than a few brows furrowed.

For last months Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler emanated a new kind of presence for the pan-Asian market, as far removed from the 300 sedan as could be possible with four wheels. After bringing over cars that import the statement “American Dream Machine” to the heart of Japan, Chrysler has decided to put together an interpretation of the modern Japanese city car, influenced by its own rich history.

As with many Honda, Toyota and Nissan urban-centric concepts, the Chrysler Akino is a miniscule, one-box vehicle with the sole purpose of providing a mobile sanctuary; sort of a personal, private space where up to five people can hide away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This is the reason for some of its slightly abstract features inside and out, such as texture-coated rear privacy glass, bamboo flooring, a throw rug, lighting sconces and even throw pillows. Car or portable Zen lounge? You decide.

On the outside, the Akino takes many of Chryslers most distinctive new styling traits and integrates them into an unfamiliar shape, with virtually nonexistent overhangs. Its amorphous nose is adorned with the big-chrome winged Chrysler badge, and angular headlamps. Other than a few minor items, such as ornamental grooves cut into the hatch lid, similar to the Crossfires hood, and a smaller version of that same winged logo attached to the rear hatch, theres little styling shared with other Chryslers. Distinctively pointed slivers form tail lamps, bumper edges and the side cladding.

And if you were wondering a little bit more about the concepts name, it pays tribute to the interior and exterior designer, Akino Tsuchiya, the 37-year-old native to Japan who penned it. While a Japanese stylist designed the car specifically for a Japanese motor show, work on the Akino was centralized at DaimlerChryslers Pacifica Advanced Design Center, located in Carlsbad, California.

Tokyo has previously brought out some unseen sides of DaimlerChrysler; at the last event Jeep unveiled the rather odd Treo, a mind-bending exercise of styling and three-seat packaging that knocked traditional Jeep enthusiasts right off their feet.

Dodge did the same when it unveiled its smart roadster based Sling Shot concept in Europe; a sporty micro-rocket that looked every bit like a pocket-sized Viper.

While theres no official intent to produce such vehicles, from the tiny Dodge sports car to the winged, electrically-powered three-seat Jeep off-roader, or even this unorthodox “port-a-home”, DaimlerChrysler is establishing a specialty-catered, off-beat presence in Asia as well as around the rest of the globe. Truly, with concepts such as these, the innovative American automakers intent definitely wont go unnoticed.