The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is giving car enthusiasts a rare treat with its “Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past” exhibit — and one of its most fascinating hidden gems is the 1996 Chrysler Lugano clay mockup. This never-before-seen concept car offers a glimpse into what could have been one of Chrysler’s most daring and elegant sports cars.
Designed to be based on the same PR platform as the Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler, the Lugano was designed at Chrysler’s Pacifica Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California. The goal was to create a two-seat, fixed-roof sports coupe with a sleek and sophisticated design. Kevin Verduyn, the lead designer, took inspiration from the iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe — the world’s most expensive car, which sold for a staggering $149.6 million (€143 million). The Lugano’s resemblance to the classic Mercedes is clear, with its long hood, distinctive Panamericana-style grille, and large side vents.
Though only a clay model, the Lugano’s styling hints at the potential for a powerful production car. Its aggressive stance, quad exhaust tips, and extended dash-to-axle ratio suggest that Chrysler likely envisioned a V8 under the hood — a step up from the Prowler’s naturally aspirated V6 and four-speed automatic transmission. The coupe’s body shape and styling cues also hint at a balance of elegance and performance that Chrysler rarely explored.
One of the most striking features of the Lugano is its unique front end. The headlights resemble those found on the 1998 Chrysler LHS and Concorde, with turn signals that sit like small fins on the fenders. Combined with the wide grille and compact cabin, the car’s face has a quirky, almost amphibian look. The rear end, while sleek and clean, carries a more European design language — a departure from Chrysler’s typical styling of the era.
Unfortunately, the Lugano never advanced beyond the clay model stage and was never shown to the public — until now. The Petersen’s exhibit finally gives this forgotten concept its moment in the spotlight. Alongside other standout 2000s-era concepts like the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, Cadillac Cien, and Ford GT90, the Lugano holds its own as a fascinating “what if” in Chrysler’s design history.
For those who want to see this rare design study in person, the “Modern Concepts” exhibit runs until July 2025. With a mix of hypercars, coachbuilt classics, and futuristic concepts, it’s a must-see for anyone with a passion for automotive design.
Source: Petersen Automotive Museum
