By Robert Tate Award Winning Automotive Historian/Researcher.
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation Historical Collection MMC Detroit
Published 4.29.2026
The year was 1993 and the Chrysler Design team in Auburn Hills Michigan was led by the talented automotive designer Tom Gale.
Tom Gale/Chrysler Design
Chrysler introduced the cab-forward designs that brought renewed success and profit to the automotive industry. For many years Chrysler had built and manufactured a great automotive legacy that was part of the fabric of the American automobile industry. The 1993 Chrysler products were great-looking automotive designs that most consumers thoroughly enjoyed for their great styling details.
1993 Chrysler engineering
During the 1990’s, the Chrysler Corporation set new standards for research and development by introducing innovative, great looking vehicles. Tom Gale famously said, “I’ve always believed that good designs add value faster than it adds cost.” This philosophy was evident when the Chrysler Corporation first used the cab-forward theme on a new family of front wheel-drive vehicles in which the firewall, along with the base of the windshield design, were pushed farther forward for a modern styling theme.
1993 Chrysler rear end design
In 1993, the LH platform supplied as the basis for the Chrysler Concorde, LHS, 300 M, Dodge Intrepid and others. The platform created Chrysler’s cab-forward design look and quickly became a hallmark of the brand. The new LH Platform Design team was supervised by Francois Castaing who was responsible for product engineering and development in his previous role at American Motors Corporation.
In advertising, Chrysler introduced its cab-forward designs to the public with huge advertising campaign that many Americans liked and admired. The first generation 1993-1997 were very popular among Americans.
Automotive historians have noted that some of the exterior styling features were heavily influenced by the popular Lamborghini Portofino show car, a concept model introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show. The model generated worldwide enthusiasm and gave a glimpse into Chrysler’s future design direction. The Lamborghini Portofino was designed by Kevin Verduyn, who was one of Chrysler’s chief designers. The fully functional four-door sport sedan influenced the blueprint for the popular cab-forward design models in 1993.
1987 Lamborghini Portofino concept model
The Dodge Division launched the new Intrepid models in 1993 to replace the popular K car series. The 1993 models not just offered great styling features but also more interior space for the driver and passengers.
Dodge Intrepid advertising
Chrysler has built a great image of automotive designs that American consumers respect. According to Ward’s Automotive reports, Chrysler truck and car sales surged 20% in the first two weeks in the year of 1993. I can remember going to the Chrysler Dealership when the new 1993 models were introduced to the public. I was filled with enthusiasm about how impressive the cars looked and how strongly the public responded to the introduction of the 1993 LH cars.
1993 Chrysler advertising
Automotive history will ultimately record that the Chrysler Corporation, under the leadership of Bob Lutz and Tom Gale, created product designs and technologies that will remain an important part of America’s automotive legacy.
Biography
Daimler Chrysler Corporation. “Walter P. Chrysler Museum: The American Heritage of Daimler Chrysler Zenda Inc. 1999.
Dennis Adler Thomas C. Gale. “Chrysler Dodge De Soto Plymouth Imperial” MBI Publishing Company 2000.