Phaeton body almost any vehicle with two axles and a row or rows of seats across the body could be called a phaeton. Convertibles and pillarless hardtops were marketed as "phaetons" after actual phaetons were phased out. The term "phaeton" had historically described a light, open four-wheeled carriage. When automobiles arrived it was applied to a light two-seater with minimal coachwork. The term was interchangeable with "spyder", derived from a light form of phaeton carriage known as a "spider". Originally meant to denote a faster and lighter vehicle than a touring car, the two terms eventually became interchangeable. A detachable folding or
Chrysler Phaeton Rear Independent Double "A" Arm Brakes ABS, four-wheel disc Transmission: Four-speed automatic Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive Dana 40 rear axle Chrysler Phaeton The Chrysler Phaeton was a four-door convertible sedan concept car built by Chrysler in 1997. The Phaeton was inspired by Chrysler's historic Newport Phaeton, and the Imperial Parade Phaeton. It had a 48-valve 5.4 L aluminum V12 rated at 425 hp. The suspension was a modified double wishbone with independent double A-arms. Another unique feature of the car was that it had gauges in the rear seats. John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation's Vice President of Product Design, said,