This Over The Prime Minivan Might Be The Worst Idea Automotive We have Ever Seen

Tom Gale, who would go on to design the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler, got here up with the Voyager III plans (by way of 95Octane). The rear unit had seating for an extra 5 passengers, and it got here with some somewhat distinctive options, together with its personal 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Apparently, the rear engine did not have to be used, however given the added weight, the 1.6-liter most likely did not present sufficient horses in most conditions. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant characteristic to have.

Each engines have been electronically linked and had the identical mixed horsepower as a small V8. Linking the 2 engines allowed the Voyager III to have all-wheel drive. When the 2 items have been hooked collectively, the rear wheels on the minicar retracted up into the body, and aerodynamic aspect skirts slid throughout the highest to maintain down drag (by way of Hemmings).

The entrance minicar portion was 104 inches lengthy, whereas the again half measured 94 inches, for a complete size of 198 inches (by way of All Automotive Index). By comparability, a Jeep Grand Wagoneer measured virtually 215 inches (by way of 95Octane).

Although Plymouth displayed the automotive all alongside the auto present circuit in 1990, it admitted it was a superb 10 years “from sensible implementation,” and Lutz himself reportedly stated the probabilities of it getting made weren’t nice “as a result of it is extremely costly” (by way of Hemmings). After the 1990 present 12 months, the Voyager III — very similar to the “Ark II” in 1976 — light into oblivion.