Chrysler Akino – more info and pics
More information on Chrysler's Akino concept has been released today, and it includes an interesting note about the
vehicle's name. It means "autumn field" and comes from the vehicle's designer, Akino Tsuchiya, a 37-year-old Japanese
native who is based out of Chrysler's Pacifica Design Studios in California.
Even more surprising is this small car's interior, which features arm chair-like front seats and a rear bench seat
inspired by your living room sofa, complete with throw pillows. The Akino has three entry doors, one on the driver's
side and two on the passenger side that open opposite to each other.
We're keeping our eye on the Akino, as ever since the Neon went to that junkyard in the sky, the Chrysler Group has
been left with nothing to offer in the small car segment.
Bunches of high-rez pics after the jump…
[Source: Chrysler]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joseph Willemssen 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Since the steering wheel's on the right and the suicide doors are on the left, doesn't it seem like this is a design for the Japanese market?
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Marcus 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
What's the surprise again? That it's named after a person? Wow.
Really, for a small car concept, this thing doesn't look that original. It's drab, even. And the seating configuration has been seen many times on many other concepts.
Check out what those designers are wearing...Zzz. These are the people putting Chrysler at the forefront of small car design?
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John Neff 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
OF course it's for the Japanese market as it's debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, but that doesn't preclude Chrysler from using the design of the Akino as the basis for a new small car in North America. I don't necessarily think it's likely, but I'd be surprised if Chrysler didn't do something to plug this hole in its product lineup. There have also been rumors of Chrysler working with one of its Chinese partners to develop a new small car that would slot under the Caliber.
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Mongo City 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Small cars in America:
I think the point of this excercise is to help chrysler develop not just a new word to replace "Neon", but a whole vocabulary of small car language. Sure this seating may exist on Renault, Honda or Geely concepts but Chrysler hasnt explored its own interpretation yet. Unfortunately what this concept currently lacks is the dynamic and funky look of the concept sketch.
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olderty 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Chrysler has the Calibur coming out soon, it's smaller than you think. Similar size as the PT Cruiser. I bet this is no bigger and would most likely (if it saw the light of day) be built on the same chassis.
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Arnie 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
This is a seriously unappealing car. I'm not sure I've seen anything as sterile in my life!
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Dave 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Sitting here in Japan for a week, looking at what is nominally on the road now, I suspect that this concept will go over well, here. If that's the target, perhaps they're not far off the mark. I have yet to see a Neon here (but I did shake my head when a late model Cavalier passed by).
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lexie 11:07PM (12/18/2005)
Maybe it's just a guy thing but us women out in car buying land are looking for something just like this. I love it! Cute, funky, and it has personality. I drive a PT Cruiser now and want another fun looking car,with the many seat and hatch configuations. The Scion has that look but I hate to buy non American. I hope that Chrysler builds this for the US market. I'd be one of the first to get one.Ps...Chrysler if you are listening,please don't make it too small (PT size is perfect) and priced around $15,000.(ok ,I can dream about the price).
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