Carmakers' visions become reality

By Alastair Sloane

MERCEDES-BENZ celebrated its merger last year with Chrysler Corp with the Vision SLR, a study of what the Grand Turismo of the 21st century might look like.

But the concept quickly became reality. Nine months after the Vision SLR appeared at the Detroit motor show, its new production plant is being built in Britain ready for the car's launch in 2003.

Now Chrysler Corp is celebrating its role in the merger with a concept of its own, helped by bits and pieces from its German partner.

The design study is called the Chrysler Java, a small car voted best concept at last month's Frankfurt motor show.

And if Chrysler moves as quickly as Mercedes-Benz did with the Vision SLR, the Java could indeed go into production sooner than expected.

Chrysler certainly didn't waste time with its past concepts - the V10 Viper sports car, Prowler hotrod and retro PT Cruiser, due in New Zealand next year.

The five-door Java borrows some of its mechanicals from the A-Class Mercedes-Benz. But it is larger than the A-Class and uses Chrysler's "cab forward" design theme to maximise its compact dimensions and give it a style of its own.

The Java sits on a 2488 wheelbase, long for its class, and its tall cabin and floorpan design allows rear passengers to sit higher than front-seat occupants.

The cabin is detailed with maple wood, brushed aluminium and cream and light-green leather.