The Patriot, Chrysler's Hoped-For LeMans Winner

Filed in archive Chrysler on July 4, 2008

Bob Lutz should have hung in with Chrysler, which would have made better use of his unique talents than GM has done to date. And Maximum Bob, I'd guess, would never have approved those ugly boxes that represent the current corporate image. During his time with Chrysler the engineers created a 200-mph hybrid electric/gas turbine race car that the company hoped to campaign in endurance races like LeMans. Representing advanced American technology, it was named the Patriot. In tests the car didn't work well because its turbine/high-speed flywheel/electric motor drivetrain was too heavy. Sadly, the Patriot was never heard from again; the brand name was eventually attached to a Jeep. Nevertheless Chrysler and its engineers deserve credit for attempting to break out of the race car design box. Hemmings offers more on this advanced concept in its most recent newsletter.