The Chrysler Java was a concept car introduced at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its design was based on Chrysler’s minivans, and it was styled like a European compact car, with an egg-shaped body, a tall roofline and short overhangs to make the interior as spacious as possible.
Chrysler Java at a glance
| Type | concept car |
|---|---|
| Shown | 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show |
| Based on | Chrysler minivans |
| Engine | 1.4 L four-cylinder, 80 hp (60 kW) |
| Torque | 95 lb·ft (129 N·m) |
| Transmission | five-speed manual |
| 0–60 mph | about 12.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 105 mph (169 km/h) |
| Body | egg-shaped, tall roof, short overhangs |
| Interior | theatre-style rear seating |
| Colour | black, later repainted light green-silver |
This page is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Chrysler Java. No free photographs of the concept were found, so the page keeps the existing lead image.
History of the Chrysler Java
A European idea in Chrysler form
The Java was created as a concept for the European market, where compact cars dominate. Its design was described as more architectural than automotive, with an egg-like shape, a tall roofline and short overhangs that made the most of a small footprint. It was originally painted black and was later repainted in a light green-silver metallic.
Inside
The interior was arranged for comfort and practicality, with theatre-style seating for the rear passengers, who sat higher than those in front. Despite its small-car proportions, the concept was developed from Chrysler’s minivan architecture, which is where its space efficiency came from.
Mechanical package
The Java was powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 80 hp and 95 lb·ft, matched to a five-speed manual gearbox. Chrysler quoted acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in about 12.9 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph — modest figures that suited a car designed around economy and interior space rather than performance. It remained a show car and did not reach production.
Design and features
- Minivan-based packaging: the concept’s space came from Chrysler’s minivan thinking applied to a small car.
- Egg-shaped body: a tall roofline and short overhangs designed to maximise interior room.
- Theatre-style rear seats: rear passengers sat higher than those in front.
- Small petrol engine: a 1.4-litre four with 80 hp and a five-speed manual.
Chrysler Java versions
- Java concept (1999): the single show car, first black and later light green-silver.
The Java applied the packaging ideas of the Chrysler Voyager to a small car, at a time when Chrysler was also showing the Citadel and Atlantic concepts. More cars are in the Chrysler collection.
Video: Chrysler Java concept car
Video by Men and Motors on YouTube.
Sources
- Chrysler Java, English Wikipedia: design, interior, engine, performance
