translucent steering wheel??

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Jul 22, 2007 | 05:22 PM

RX_330

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Lexus Test Driver

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From: Michigan

translucent steering wheel??

I was browsing the Chrysler website and decided to build a 300 and see how much it would cost when I came across the Heritage Edition Package. Under the Details (lower half of the page) it says it has a translucent steering wheel and shift ****.

Anyone have pics of this?

Jul 23, 2007 | 06:06 AM

ff_

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From: FL

This must be it: (looks like Austin Power's bottle of mojo)

http://www.motorpoint.com.au/car_ima...rysler3005.jpg

Jul 23, 2007 | 06:09 AM

mmarshall

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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Though at first those Chrysler 300 steering wheels look like wood trim or fake wood trim, in reality it's not. Chrysler calls it "Tortise Shell" trim. Look at it it closely and it does seem to resemble the spots on a turtle shell.

Jul 23, 2007 | 06:31 AM

Lil4X

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From: Houston, Republic of Texas

These are actually rather nice with a warm colored interior, beige, tan, or white, not so attractive with cooler colors like black, grey, or blue. The "tortoise shell" effect was occasionally seen back when it was part of the Art Deco movement that often used "industrial" motifs, to richen and provide an organic feel to the expanses of stainless steel and glass.

I recall high-end Chryslers of the late '40's and early '50's with a similar wheel - even some dashboard trim. Other marques used it as well, but it was usually an accident of early plastics turning strange mottled colors in strong sunlight, rather than a design feature.

Jul 23, 2007 | 06:39 AM

mmarshall

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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil4X

I recall high-end Chryslers of the late '40's and early '50's with a similar wheel - even some dashboard trim. Other marques used it as well, but it was usually an accident of early plastics turning strange mottled colors in strong sunlight, rather than a design feature.

Most of the cars of that era didn't use much plastic interior trim. Even most of the ***** and switches were metal...something I like about the pre-1970's vehicles more than those of today, though, of course, those old interiors were more likely to cause injury in an accident.

Last edited by mmarshall; Jul 23, 2007 at 06:52 AM.

Jul 23, 2007 | 07:07 AM

4TehNguyen

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From: Houston, Texas

looks dumb/cheap

Jul 23, 2007 | 09:17 AM

jdoggg1

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From: ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4TehNguyen

looks dumb/cheap

Agreed - its not even funny how easy it is to spot an American car by its cheap/crappy interior. I'd buy an american car if it didn't feel like i was buying a kia with a cooler body style.

Jul 23, 2007 | 02:35 PM

PhilipMSPT

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From: In rehab...

Luxury still calls for wood trim or crystal (which is rarely used in exotics), not plastic. Now, even Lexus uses plastic, but it isn't as prominent as that...

Jul 23, 2007 | 02:37 PM

#10

Lexmex

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From: Miami, Florida

I have seen at least two clear, plastic wheels at my track. One of which had neon light flowing through it. Not a big fan of this, but if somebody wants it there is a market.