I was browsing the Chrysler website and decided to build a 300 and see how much it would cost when I came across the Heritage Edition Package. Under the Details (lower half of the page) it says it has a translucent steering wheel and shift ****.

Anyone have pics of this?

 

This must be it: (looks like Austin Power's bottle of mojo)

http://www.motorpoint.com.au/car_ima...rysler3005.jpg

 

Though at first those Chrysler 300 steering wheels look like wood trim or fake wood trim, in reality it's not. Chrysler calls it "Tortise Shell" trim. Look at it it closely and it does seem to resemble the spots on a turtle shell.

 

These are actually rather nice with a warm colored interior, beige, tan, or white, not so attractive with cooler colors like black, grey, or blue. The "tortoise shell" effect was occasionally seen back when it was part of the Art Deco movement that often used "industrial" motifs, to richen and provide an organic feel to the expanses of stainless steel and glass.

I recall high-end Chryslers of the late '40's and early '50's with a similar wheel - even some dashboard trim. Other marques used it as well, but it was usually an accident of early plastics turning strange mottled colors in strong sunlight, rather than a design feature.

 

Most of the cars of that era didn't use much plastic interior trim. Even most of the ***** and switches were metal...something I like about the pre-1970's vehicles more than those of today, though, of course, those old interiors were more likely to cause injury in an accident.

 

looks dumb/cheap

 

Agreed - its not even funny how easy it is to spot an American car by its cheap/crappy interior. I'd buy an american car if it didn't feel like i was buying a kia with a cooler body style.

 

Some of you guys bash anything not made by Toyota, open your minds for a change, there are nice cars made by other manufacturers.

 

Luxury still calls for wood trim or crystal (which is rarely used in exotics), not plastic. Now, even Lexus uses plastic, but it isn't as prominent as that...

 

I have seen at least two clear, plastic wheels at my track. One of which had neon light flowing through it. Not a big fan of this, but if somebody wants it there is a market.