Some historical cycles seem like they happen too often: Hip-huggers. Dickies. Starsky and Hutch. The world can credit American Specialty Cars with the latest revival from the past, the Chrysler 300C-based ASC Helios.
The Helios is a full-size, four-seat, four-door American convertible, the first on these shores since the demise of the 1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible. Since then, because of federal safety regulations, cars of this ilk have been prohibitive to build. That was before ASC applied for seven patents ranging from a unique roof package system to a double-tunnel brace that allows Helios to meet or exceed structural rigidity mandates and crashworthiness standards in computer simulation. ASC has been working on Helios for more than a year.
Though this is a project car only, and one that has yet to be approved by DaimlerChrysler, ASC executives say it could be in limited production less than two years after approval. ASC says this roadster renaissance can be applied to other large four-door cars, like the Cadillac STS or Ford Five Hundred.
Helios has some trick features. Its front-seat mechanism is modified so rear passengers don’t feel intrusion if the seats are pushed all the way back; a six-foot-plus passenger can fit comfortably in the rear. The five-foot-eight-inch convertible top folds into an 18-inch opening, due to a unique system designed by ASC. Also, between the rear-reclining bucket seats is an integrated console. A state-of-the-art Sony multi-media and navigational system is imbedded in the front headrests, which marks the first effort from a relationship between ASC and the Japanese consum*er electronics maker.
A lattice-like frame beneath Helios allows for a frameless, half-B-pillar opening; there is no “basket handle” extension that separates the front and rear passengers like an ill-fitting roll bar. The added structure increases the vehicle’s weight by 300 pounds. During computer simulations the Helios showed torsional-rigidity traits better than the Mercedes-Benz CLK cabriolet and Lexus SC 430 coupe/convertible. The company also says Helios’ side-impact safety characteristics are comparable to its hard-topped 300 sedan brother.
ASC officials have not said what Helios would cost. Considering the hot-selling 300C sedan sells in the mid-$30,000 range, $50,000 for a limited-edition American classic doesn’t seem unreasonable.
The only question is which company will be the first to reignite the flame?
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101631
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