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Automotive Lifestyle
101 Cars: Chrysler Turbine
The Future is Now
SPEEDtv.com is celebrating the launch of the new program "101 Cars You Must Drive" with a weekly countdown of the vehicles featured in the show. Tune-in to SPEED 9pm ET on Monday nights, and to SPEEDtv.com every day for new "Must Drive" features.
SPEED Staff  |  Posted June 23, 2008   Charlotte, North Carolina
Better warn anyone standing behind you, or they'll feel the hot breath of the powerplant as it blasts out the back of the car. (Photo: SPEED)

After World War II, carmakers couldn't wait to get technologies that had been developed for military or aerospace into production automobiles. Chrysler Corporation began working on turbine-powered car development in the mid-1940's, but the program really hit its stride in 1964, when a fleet of 50 Chrysler Turbine coupes embarked on a test program in which they were loaned to 200 American families. The copper-colored, Ghia-bodied Turbine resembled a 1961 - 1963 Thunderbird, itself a jet-age-inspired design. The Turbine had many drawbacks but offered potential benefits too, such as fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine and the ability to run on a wide variety of fuels (which suddenly sounds like a good idea, these 40 years later). You fire the turbine, then let it spool up to speed and temperature. Better warn anyone standing behind you, or they'll feel the hot breath of the powerplant as it blasts out the back of the car. The Turbine's throttle response doesn't quote match the jetlike, whirring sound it makes, but there's enough power to drive normally, and it's all very smooth. This experiment didn't work at the time, but it was a bold and innovative program. Perhaps its time will come.

Specifications
Engine: Two-stage gas turbine
Horsepower: 130
0–60 mph: 15 seconds
Top Speed: 100 miles per hour
Price New: Never sold to the public
Value Now: As with most prototypes and concept cars, it's probably well into the millions, especially for a Turbine that runs.
Chrysler Turbine Photos



Claim to Fame

Well, how many other factory-produced turbine-powered cards make it into the hands of the public?


Soundtrack

“Turbine" by Neil Young


Perfect Passenger

Would that be "passenger" or "copilot"?


Behind the Wheel
There are only a few in the world that are running. Chrysler has one, so you'd better update your resume.


Did You Know?
The Turbine's powerplant idles at 18,000 rpm.


The Perfect Drive
Any runway will do.



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Would you love the ability to give a tailgater a "Turbo Blast" from your turbine engine? Leave comments below!
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