| Chrysler-Plymouth
Division Chrysler Corporation Detroit, Mich. |
| Engine |
335-hp, 383
cu. in. V-8 |
| Transmission |
4-speed manual |
| Steering |
Standard |
| Suspension |
Heavy-duty |
| Brakes |
Drum F, Drum R |
Check
list |
| Engine |
| Throttle Response |
Excellent |
| Noise Insulation |
Poor |
| Drive
train |
| Shift Linkage |
Poor |
| Synchro Action |
Very
Good |
| Steering |
| Effort |
Fair |
| Response |
Good |
| Handling |
| Predictability |
Very
Good |
| Evasive Maneuverability |
Good |
| Brakes |
| Directional Stability |
Very
Good |
| Fade Resistance |
Good |
| Interior |
| Ease of Entry/Exit |
Very
Good |
| Driving Position |
Good |
| Front Seating Comfort |
Good |
| Rear Seating Comfort |
Poor |
| General |
| Vision |
VeryGood |
| Heater/ Defroster |
Very
Good |
| Weather Sealing |
Very
Good |
| Trunk Space |
Very
Good |
|
The Road Runner was
originally conceived as a stripped Plymouth Belvedere, stuffed
full of enough horsepower to make it a showroom version of the
dechromed, super-cool Q-ships that Young America presently drives
on the street. The project
has, by-and-large, been completed without compromise, although
the stylists and product planners couldn't resist overstating
the non-functional hood scoops. Within the context of this
market, the name is a stroke of genius, and Plymouth will
doubtlessly exploit it for all it's worth.
The Road Runner is basically
a Belvedere 1, which is Plymouth's low-buck fleet special,
equipped with a specially-tuned 383 cu. in., 4-bbl. V-8 and
heavy-duty suspension. The result is the world's fastest club
coupe. The interior trim is a bit sparse although improved
upholstery is on the way. The car, like all Chrysler intermediates
with heavy-duty suspension, handles very well, and the 383
gives it plenty of power for the street racing scene. However,
if you are really serious about the whole thing, you'll spend
the extra money for the fabled Hemi, which should put the
Road Runner right there with the 427 Corvette.
This is the first car since the
GTO to be aimed directly at American youth and it very probably
is dead on target. But just wait till ol' Nader hears about
it. |
