Tom Gale, who would go on to design the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler, came up with the Voyager III plans (via 95Octane). The rear unit had seating for an additional five passengers, and it came with some rather unique features, including its own 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Interestingly, the rear engine didn’t need to be used, but given the added weight, the 1.6-liter probably didn’t provide enough horses in most situations. Still, it was a nice feature to have.
Both engines were electronically linked and had the same combined horsepower as a small V8. Linking the two engines allowed the Voyager III to have all-wheel drive. When the two units were hooked together, the rear wheels on the minicar retracted up into the frame, and aerodynamic side skirts slid across the top to keep down drag (via Hemmings).
The front minicar portion was 104 inches long, while the back half measured 94 inches, for a total length of 198 inches (via All Car Index). By comparison, a Jeep Grand Wagoneer measured almost 215 inches (via 95Octane).
Even though Plymouth displayed the car all along the auto show circuit in 1990, it admitted it was a good 10 years “from practical implementation,” and Lutz himself reportedly said the chances of it getting made weren’t great “because it is very expensive” (via Hemmings). After the 1990 show year, the Voyager III — much like the “Ark II” in 1976 — faded into oblivion.
