We couldn't get away with any tire-melting burnouts in this priceless one-off. But we did get a chance to stretch its V-8 legs on a winding two-lane. Drop the shifter into third, stand on the gas, and the Howler thunders away with a torque-laden yank and a proper V-8 wail that only a tweaked Mustang Cobra or an open-mufflered Vette can match. The nose feels a tad heavy with those extra cylinders out front, but the steering responses remain pretty crisp.
One final fussy detail that caught our attention was the retention of the car's air conditioning system. No doubt this significantly complicated the engine and transmission swap. It's a system rarely used in a showstand vehicle. And it might not be considered absolutely necessary in a parade queen that would see limited street use. So, we wondered if Chrysler designers retained the A/C on this concept toy because they wanted to know if the V-8 and this critical production-car system were compatible in a V-8 version of the Prowler? It sure is.
Yes, sometimes loves hurts-but hope springs eternal.
| Base price | $42,000* |
| Price as tested | $45,000* |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, rwd,2-pass |
| Engine | 90 V-8, SOHC,2-valves/cyl |
| Displacement, ci/cc | 287.0/4701 |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 250 @ 5000* |
| Torque @ rpm | 300 @ 3200* |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Curb weight, lb | 3100* |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 6.9* |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy | 18/20* |
| On sale in U.S. | June 2002* |
What's Hot
Great looks, V-8 snarl, cargo stowage
What's Not
Shiftgate feel, no front bumpers, no "job 1" date estimated