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2013-08-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

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Dodge Super Bee

2012-05-23T05:23:00.002-07:00

Departments Chrysler Performance Division Dodge and Plymouth have always competed with each other. Good sales prompted the Plymouth Road Runner Dodge Division General Manager Robert McCurry instruct division Dodge Styling a competitor. Designers were tasked to create a new name and design in the spirit of Dodge. Senior designer Harvey J. Winn (Harvey J Winn) won a competition called «Super Bee» and the new design. The first Super Bee was based on the base Dodge Coronet in 1968. The car was first shown in 1968 at the «Detroit Auto Show».

Super Bee was equipped with optional four-speed manual transmission Mopar-833, with high performance tires.

Model 1969 was offered to buyers with a coupé or hardtop. It also was given a choice of several engines:
base "383 Magnum» (6.3 liter) capacity 335 hp (250 kW)
"426 Hemi» (7.0 liter) capacity of 425 hp (317 kW).
"440 Six Pack» (7.2 L) with three two-chamber carburetor, power of 390 hp (291 kW)

Engine "800 Magnum» was not available even as an option, and was reserved for the Dodge Coronet R / T.

Chrysler Sundance

2012-05-16T04:35:00.003-07:00

The compact front-drive hatchback Plymouth Sundance was manufactured in factories to Chrysler in Sterling Heights (Michigan) and Toluca (Mexico) from August 25, 1986. It was assumed that much more car will compete with such well-known compact sets, as the Ford Escort, Honda Civic and the Geo Prizm. The predecessors of the model were the Plymouth Turismo, and Plymouth Horizon, and were similar Dodge Shadow and the Shelby CSX.

Chrysler SundanceThe base structure located pastors proven platform K. Despite the fact that the model looked like a sedan, in fact, it was a hatchback. Sundance could have both 3 - and 5-door 5-seater body, the dimensions of which version to 1987-1989 were 4361/1709/1339 mm, for cars 1990-1994 registration - 4364/1709/1349 mm at the wheel based on 2464 and 2469 mm respectively. Track pastors was 1460/1455 mm. Curb weight 3-door Sundance - 1183 kg, and 5-door - 1199 kg. The standard volume of 375 l luggage space, with the folded rear seat forward - 945 liters. Minimum ground clearance - 120 mm.

Structurally, the Sundance tradition continued with sports and car smuggle Plymouth "bias", although its interior was designed more for comfortable movement. In 1989 (for a car befell the 1990 model year) was modernized the look of the machine: changed grille and optics.

Initially, the production of Sundance consisted of only one standard, but in 1990 began production of "charged" versions of the RS, in which the facilities were turbocharged engines, fog lights, leather steering wheel, a modern sound system and tinted windows. Since 1991, the basic equipment has improved and has become divided into two levels: beginners America and the "average» Highline. These included power windows, central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors, cruise control, cassette, sunroof, height adjustable steering wheel, rear window heater, electric adjustable driver's seat and fog lights. It should be noted that Sundance was the most affordable in its class for the U.S. market in those years.

In 1992, the release of version RS was terminated by the addition of the version Sundance Duster, which established a powerful new V6 engine 3 liters. Other features include a complete set Duster can allocate special alloy wheels and unique interior details.

The range of engines, mounted on the Plymouth Sundance included the 4-cylinder 8-valve 2.2-liter petrol monovpryskovye (93 hp, 165 Nm), 2.2-liter Turbo (146 hp, 230 Nm), 2 , 5 l (100 hp, 183 Nm), 2.5-liter Turbo (152 hp, 251 Nm) and 3-liter V6 Mitsubishi 6G72 (141 hp, 232 Nm). As seen from the performance, power plants have been designed so that developed an impressive torque at a relatively small amount of horsepower. They were installed in the front cross.

Sundance with the base 2.2-liter engine developed a maximum speed of 170 km / h, consuming 7 liters of petrol AI-92 on the highway and 12 liters - in the city and flow of the 2.5-liter engine 8 hp and 14 hp respectively. 2.5-liter turbocharged engine making the car faster than 30 km / h, burning 9 gallons of gas while driving on the highway and 16 liters - in the urban cycle. Finally, the 3-liter version with the distributed injection allowed to accelerate to 190 km / h, consumption of AI-92 was 9 l and 15 l (highway / city).

At Sundance used the steering of the "gear-rack" with power. The suspension front and rear coil springs were used. The front brakes are ventilated disc, Rear - disc. The size of the standard tires 185/70 R14.

The system included the presence of active safety as standard ABS and Brake Assist. In 1990, according to the tougher requirements much more car equipped with driver air bag, and in 1994, and the front passenger seat belt was fitted with a avtomatitcheskim tensioner. According to the NHTSA tests in 1993 Sundance got top marks and was recognized as the safest car pastors of the year.

Suffice roomy, with an attractive design and robust powertrains, practical and balanced performance characteristics, Plymouth Sundance was popular until the completion of its release March 9, 1994. Sundance was the successor to the Plymouth Neon.

Dodge Spirit

2012-05-09T00:31:00.002-07:00

The Spirit was Dodge's version of the Chrysler AA platform, a stretched variation of the Chrysler K platform. It was assembled in Newark, Delaware and Toluca, Mexico, and shared its basic design with the 1990 to 1994 Chrysler LeBaron sedan, the 1989 to 1995 Plymouth Acclaim, and the export-only 1989 to 1995 Chrysler Saratoga.

The Spirit can also be considered as the de facto replacement for the smaller Aries and the hatchback Lancer, though the Shadow, new for 1987, is closer in size to the Aries and Lancer. A total of 60,000 Dodge Spirits were sold in its first year[citation needed], enough that Aries production was stopped mid-season. Spirit production ended on December 9, 1994, and the "cab-forward" Stratus was introduced as a replacement.

The Spirit could seat six with an optional front split-bench seat. It had a large trunk, a simple solid-beam rear axle, and a MacPherson strut front suspension. The Spirit differed from the other A-bodies primarily in the grille and rear lamp styling, and in the exclusive availability of the sportier, higher-performing R/T version.
1991 - Antilock four-wheel disk brake system was added as a new option.
1993 - A facelift included a body-color grille with the Dodge crossbars theme and new full-width taillamps that despite their amber lower sections, did not include amber rear turn signals. Only two trim levels went on sale: Highline and ES. The Chrysler corporate pentastar emblem was replaced with the brand's new RAM emblem. Stainless steel exhaust system and tinted glass became standard on all Spirits.
1994 - A motorized passenger's side seat belt was added to U.S.-market Spirits to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208's requirement for passive restraints. These motorized belts do not comply with Canada's safety standards; Canadian-market Spirits continued to use a manual passenger seatbelt, and 1994–1995 Spirits therefore cannot legally be permanently imported across the US/Canada border in either direction.

Chrysler Valiant

2012-05-02T03:33:00.001-07:00

The Chrysler Valiant is a passenger car which was introduced by Chrysler Australia in 1962 with production ceasing in 1981.
After the Plymouth Valiant turned out to be a success in the United States (starting with its 1959 introduction), Chrysler released Australia's first locally assembled Valiant, the RV1 (R-series). It was officially unveiled by South Australia's Premier, Sir Thomas Playford, in January 1962 and was assembled at Chrysler's Mile End facility.
The R-series Valiant was an instant success. Not everyone was taken instantly by the car's styling, but the general consensus was that the car had a modern, almost space age quality about it.
Also notable was the Valiant's performance with 145 brake horsepower (108 kW) from the 225 slant-6 engine. This was a lot of power compared to the competing Holdens and Fords, which offered only 75 bhp (56 kW) and 85 bhp (63 kW) respectively.The R-series Valiant was the first Australian car to come with an alternator instead of a generator, and instead of coil springs, the Valiant came with torsion bar suspension

Dodge Shadow

2012-04-30T02:02:00.003-07:00

Two-door convertible Dodge Shadow was produced in factories automotive concern Chrysler from 1987 to 1995. The first model came off the assembly line factory Michigan Sterlight Haights. Then it was decided to transfer production to a factory in Toluca, Mexico. In Europe, the car known as the Plymouth Sundance, Chrysler ES. The first model - an analog standard, the second - charged version with more powerful engine and high performance driving. The car was built on the platform of the well-known Dodge Charger. Dodge Shadow had five seats for passengers and five-speed mechanical gearbox type. In addition to her buyer could order a "machine" and the three-speed CVT with four. Shop model is made in all the traditions of premium cars. The approximate cost of standard Dodge Shadow was 40,000 dollars. In 1991, it updates the model range, which has strengthened this basic version. As a result, the cost of vehicles has increased to 43,000 dollars. In this charged version of the Dodge Shadow at cost 10,000 more expensive. The closest competitors were the Dodge Shadow cars like Plymouth Duster and the Shelby CSX.

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Dodge Daytona

2012-04-24T08:13:00.002-07:00

Dodge has produced three separate vehicles with the name of Dodge Daytona, all of which were a modification of the Dodge Charger.

The name "Daytona" borrowed from Daytona Beach, Fla., who was one of the first centers on an auto racing and was one of the highlights of NASCAR. The first car, which bore the name of the sports version of the Daytona was Studebaker Lark, which was issued in the years 1963-66 have with the standard bucket seats and was available with a V8 298-m (4.7 liters) 240 l / s (179 kW) engine.

1969 model year

After a crushing defeat in the 1969 Dodge Charger 500, producing a high-performance Dodge Daytona, a limited version of the Dodge Charger for the sole purpose to win the race NASCAR.
Buddy Baker (Buddy Baker) at number # 88 on the Dodge Daytona was the first driver in the history of racing NASCAR, which managed to overcome the barrier of 200 miles / hour (330 km / h), it was held March 24, 1970 at the biggest track in NASCAR - Talladega (Talladega Superspeedway), Alabama, whose length is 2.66 miles (4.3 km). The track runs to this day, turned on its territory an international museum of motor racing glory "The International Motorsports Hall of Fame Museum", where he is "happy 88th" Dodge Daytona.

Dodge Daytona is one of the most famous aerial vehicle, with its special modification of the body, including 584 mm in height and a special rear wing made of sheet metal "bow" cone, which completely replaced the traditional vertical grille and bumper.

Daytona was built at that time in the heavy-duty suspension and used a special setup in the body to cool the brakes. As standard, equipped with 440-m block Magnum 375 l / s (280 kW), and for an additional fee, to be available "simple" 425 l / s (317 kW) and is strongly modified 426-th block of the Hemi 620 l / s ( 460 kW). The latter is particularly valuable in the community of collectors, still, after all, only 70 of 503 cars had been "charged" Hemi.

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Dodge Diplomat

2012-04-20T03:29:00.003-07:00

The Diplomat name was originally used by Dodge on 2-door hardtop models from 1950 to 1954. It was also used on the export version of the DeSoto from 1946 through 1961. Between 1975 and 1977, The Diplomat name was also used on a trim package available on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop.

By 1981 Chrysler was switching to smaller front-wheel drive designs. However, its older and larger rear-wheel drive Dodge Diplomat continued to sell. Chrysler's then executive vice president for manufacturing, Steve Sharf, met with officials at American Motors (AMC) to use the extra capacity at an assembly plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin to build the full-size cars. Chrysler's tooling was moved from St. Louis to Kenosha, and over the next two and a half years, about 250,000 Chrysler and Dodge models were built by AMC at a lower cost than Chrysler could. This relationship evolved into Chrysler's purchase of AMC in 1987.
Second generation Diplomat

In 1982, the coupe and station wagon were discontinued and Canada's Plymouth version of the Diplomat came south of the border. The Plymouth Caravelle was offered in the US as the Plymouth Gran Fury. 1983 was the last year for the Slant Six, and afterwards the only available engine was the 318-cid V8 with a two-barrel carburetor. A four-barrel 318 and a 360-cid V8 remained the optional engine choices for the police package.

For 1984, an upscale series was added to the American-market Diplomat, the SE. The SE used the Fifth Avenue's front end with its parking lights located above the headlights. The grille insert used thin vertical bars with a wide trim strip dividing the grille vertically as well as horizontally. The SE had more exterior trim and an interior that placed the SE between the Diplomat Salon and the Chrysler Fifth Avenue.

As the 1980s progressed, fewer private customers purchased the Diplomat, and the M-body was eventually dropped during the 1989 model year. One reason behind the drop-off in sales was fuel economy. Despite lower gas prices in the mid- to late-1980s and a 2.26:1 rear-end gear ratio, the Diplomat's carburated engine and lack of an overdrive gear on its TorqueFlite automatic transmission resulted in poor fuel economy compared with its larger competitors from Ford and General Motors, as evidenced by comparing the EPA estimates for 1986 models:
Dodge Diplomat (5.2 L V8, 3-speed automatic): 16 city, 21 highway, 18 combined
Chevrolet Caprice (5.0 L V8, 4-speed automatic with overdrive): 17 city, 25 highway, 20 combined
Ford LTD Crown Victoria (5.0 L V8, 4-speed automatic with overdrive): 18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined

Diplomats built from mid-1988 until the end of production were among the first Chrysler-built products to have a driver's side airbag as standard equipment, some two model years before the remainder of Chrysler's lineup (They were also among the only cars at the time to offer a tilt steering column with an airbag). Diplomats with airbags differed from earlier models in that they were also equipped with a padded, color-keyed knee blocker which extended out from beneath the instrument panel in front of the driver.

When the Diplomat and similar Plymouth Gran Fury were discontinued, it marked the last rear-wheel drive non-truck model sold by the corporation until the Plymouth Prowler was introduced in 1997. The Diplomat's other rear-wheel drive sibling, the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, also ended production, but the nameplate was continued on a front-wheel drive chassis. In the Dodge lineup, the Monaco became the top-of-the-line sedan.

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Jeep Wagoneer

2012-04-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Jeep Wagoneer was an early sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the first luxury 4x4, produced under varying marques from 1963 to 1991. It was noteworthy for being in production for more than 28 years with only minor mechanical changes. This amounted to the longest continuous automotive production run, on the same platform, in US automotive history, excepting the Dodge Ram Van, in production for 32 years between 1971 and 2003, and the Ford C-Series truck, which had a 33-year run from 1957 to 1990.

The Jeep Wagoneer "created a whole new category of so-called sports-utility vehicles" and its "massive estate car design was the most car-like 4x4" that "defined the boxy, macho shape" copied by others. An overhead cam engine, along with independent front suspension (both later discontinued), supplemented with features unheard of in any other 4WD vehicle (including power steering and automatic transmission), made it revolutionary at the time. A solid front axle was available as well. Compared with offerings from International It was also one of the last few vehicles sold in the United States (and the final SUV) whose engine still used a carburetor for fuel delivery, well after most other vehicles had switched to fuel injection. Only Isuzu with its base-model pickup truck would hold out longer, selling its last carbureted vehicle in 1993.

Chrysler Vision Video

2012-04-15T02:39:00.000-07:00

Chrysler Voyager

2012-04-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Grand Voyager is a minivan sold Chrysler division of American automaker Chrysler Group LLC. For most of its existence the car with a sign Chrysler Voyager were sold only outside the United States, primarily in Europe and Mexico.

Voyager was introduced in Europe in 1988 as a rebadged version of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, sold in the United States, and developed together with the Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country with. Vehicles bearing plates Chrysler Voyager was briefly sold in the United States from 2001 to 2003, a rebadged version of the short-wheelbase version of the Plymouth Voyager after 2001, adding the Plymouth division of DaimlerChrysler AG.

The European Chrysler Voyager was first released in 1988, almost identical to its American counterpart, Plymouth Voyager, only visual difference between the two was the head / tail lights and grille. In addition, several other species, European Voyagers were sold with different engines, including diesel engines, which are popular in Europe, as well as finishing has been different. They are also available with a manual transmission and the brake pedal of an emergency.

Currently, Chrysler Grand Voyager Europe very similar to those of 2008 and later Chrysler and the country's cars and sold only in the long-wheelbase version (as in North America).

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Chrysler Windsor

2012-04-13T06:30:00.002-07:00

The Chrysler Windsor was a full-sized car built by the Chrysler Corporation of Highland Park, Michigan (USA) from 1939 through to the 1960s. The final Chrysler Windsor as known to Americans was produced in 1961, but continued production in Canada until 1966. The Canadian 1961 to 1966 Windsor model was for all intents and purposes the equivalent of the Chrysler Newport in the United States.

The Windsor was positioned above the entry-level Royal from 1939 to 1950. With the demise of the Royal for the 1951 model year the Windsor became Chrysler's price leader through to 1960. For the 1961 model year the Chrysler Newport was made the marque's price leader with the Windsor positioned one level above the Newport. Chrysler replaced the Windsor name in 1962 with the introduction of the non-lettered series Chrysler 300
In 1949,for Chrysler's 25th anniversary, Chrysler Windsor's were redesigned. For 1957, Chryler cars, including the Windsor, were restyled again. This time with taller tailfins with vertical taillights, thinner C-pillars, and a wraparound front bumper. Mid-year, dual headlights became standard

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Dodge Mirada Nascar

2012-04-07T06:51:00.001-07:00

It was hoped that the Mirada would reopen the door to Dodge success in NASCAR racing, as the nameplate had not won a race since November 1977. Lee Iaccoca personally called Richard Petty in late November 1980, asking the King to campaign one, with the promise of parts needed to build the cars and engines. Petty took Iaccoa up on his offer and had his team build a Mirada race car from the Chrysler supplied parts. Other teams in addition to the Petty's (most notably Junior Johnson), built race ready test cars and to took them to race tracks for testing. The Petty built test Mirada looked every bit as fast (Petty himself remarked "The Mirada just looked good!") as the other race cars eligible to run in competition. Up until the end of 1984, Miradas raced from time to time, but without much success, and ultimately lead to Dodge disappearing from NASCAR until 2001. On 17 January 1981 at Daytona , the testing showed the car was around 8 mph (13 km/h) slower than the GM and Ford cars of the day, and Petty and the most of other drivers moved to other makes, mostly GM. This testing of the car revealed that while it looked fairly aerodynamic, the bodystyle actually had a very high coeficient of drag that made it incapable of speeds over 185 mph. Petty's and Darrel Waltrip's (driving the Junior Johnson built Mirada race car) test results turned out to be a huge disappointment to Dodge, and took the wind out Chrysler's efforts to re-establish itself in racing. Two small and independent racing teams ,and Negre Racing however, decided to make a go of the car and campaigned it during the 1981 to 1984 racing seasons.

Dodge Mirada

2012-04-07T06:46:00.002-07:00

The Mirada would stay relatively unchanged during its 4-year run, with the exception of paint colors and engines. Because of the low production and survival rate, Miradas today are garnering some limited interest from collectors, particularly models with the 7 liter V8.
The Dodge Mirada was a full-sized, rear-wheel drive coupe built from 1980–1983, and was one of the three cars based on the Chrysler J platform, the other models being the second generation Chrysler Cordoba and the Imperial, these three vehicles being Chrysler's response to the downsizing of its car lines. The Mirada was 800 lb lighter and its wheelbase 2.3" shorter than the Magnum it replaced. Production numbers were low, with just under 53,000 units sold during its production run. V8.

Dodge Polara

2012-04-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

Dodge Polara

2012-04-04T03:39:00.001-07:00

In 1945, Dodge introduces the Power Wagon, which produced until 1968. During these years he is only slightly changed. The design and the idea was borrowed from the era of World War II, when large-wheel-drive trucks have been very successful on the battlefield.

The design of the Dodge Polara was largely the development of ideas of the previous models. A small grille accompanied by a large front bumper. The taillights were called "jet turbine". Also present were the "tail fins". For the exterior chrome is actively used. The interior of the car was decorated with plush. But all this was not enough for 1960. Most consumers choose a more stylish car of middle class Dodge Dart. Only 14,032 units were produced Dodge Polara.

Dodge Wayfarer D29-Serie

2012-04-04T03:28:00.004-07:00

The Dodge Wayfarer series was produced between 1949 and 1952, and was the lower end model during these years, compared to the Dodge Coronet used in Melbourne . Begining production in February 1949, the Wayfarer was the first new body style introduced by Dodge since the end of the war. The Wayfarer featured longer and lower bodies than the previous years. Front fenders flared into the body easily and rear fenders continued to be bolted on. The checkerboard grille had a more pronounced peak in the centre than other models.

February 1949 saw the introduction of the first new body styles since the war. New model names were adopted for the all-new sheet metal, with the Wayfarer making up the base trim level. The new Wayfarers featured longer and lower bodies than the previous year. Front fenders flared into the body easily and rear fenders continued to be bolted on.Round parking lights were located below the headlights on the front fenders. The base Wayfarer line also included an all-new roadster. It was introduced with detachable windows, but Dodge later substituted vent wings and roll-up windows during the model run. Fluid-Drive became standard for 1949, with the new Gyro-Matic semi-automatic transmission being the optional transmission.

Dodge New Value

2012-04-03T04:07:00.004-07:00

The Dodge New Value (or: Dodge DU series) was a car, the Dodge brand in Detroit, which was presented as a successor to the standard model / Special / Deluxe in January 1935.

The car had - like its predecessor standard Dodge, Dodge and Dodge Special Deluxe - a side-valve six-cylinder engine with 3569 cc, 87 bhp which carrie at 3600 rpm. Single-plate dry clutch, three-speed gearbox and rear wheel drive vehicle also had this. Upon request, was a semi-automatic (automatic vacuum operated clutch) available.

The New Value was available with two wheelbases: Most bodies were there on the chassis with 2946 mm wheelbase, the 7-seat sedan and the 5-seater "Caravan" sedan was 3251 mm wheelbase. The bodies had been revised: A narrow, inclined to the rear grille and a more sloping windshield left by the 92.5 mm lowered vehicles appear more streamlined. As a new all-steel superstructure was a 2 - or 4-door sedan, each available in "standard version" (without the boot) and "Touring Version" (with attached rear hatchback and trunk). In addition were two different 2-door coupe (Business and R / S), and a 2-door convertible on the short chassis. R / S Coupe and Cabriolet, there were either 2 or 4 seats. The chassis was too long without bodies, but with all the mechanical components supplied, so that customers can have their own farmers make of car body structures.

Of technical innovations offered the car has a launch control (semi-automatic choke), power steering and opening front windscreen.

Dodge Custom Royal

2012-03-31T00:12:00.002-07:00

It Dodge 1955 lineup, which consists of entry-level crown, royal, rich and user-Royal, was a major departure for the company. Guided almost out of business in 1953 and 1954 Chrysler Corporation was revived with a $ 250 million loan from Prudential and new models developed by the legendary Virgil Exner. Dodge lineup was positioned as the main line in the hierarchy of Chrysler, Plymouth and between Soto

The flagship model was the Custom Royal. All hardtop coupe and Custom Royal-only convertible models were called "Custom Royal Lancer", and the "Custom Royal" sedan gained the Lancer badge soon after its introduction as well. The Custom line featured unique chrome tailfins (although early model year cars went without this trim), special tail light surrounds, and an upscale interior. Backup lights were standard on the Custom line but optional on all others. The Custom Royal also featured the hemi 270CID Super Red Ram engine

Dodge Colt

2012-03-30T03:18:00.001-07:00

he Dodge Colt and the similar Plymouth Champ and Plymouth Colt, were subcompact cars sold by Dodge and Plymouth from 1970 (MY1971) to 1994. They were captive imports from Mitsubishi Motors, initially twins of the rear-wheel drive Galant and Lancer families before shifting to the smaller front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage subcompacts in 1979. With the 1994 introduction of the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, Chrysler felt no need to continue selling captive imports under these badges, although the Eagle Summit (also a Mirage clone) continued to be available until 1996.

Introduced in 1970 as model year 71, the first generation Dodge Colt was a federalized first generation Mitsubishi Colt Galant. Available as a two-door pillared coupé, 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon, the Colt had a 1,597 cc (97.5 cu in) four-cylinder engine. The unibody layout was traditional, front engine and rear-wheel drive with MacPherson struts in front and a live rear axle. Standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, with a 3-speed automatic being an option. The engine initially produced 100 hp, but this dropped to 83 in 1972 when stricter emissions standards took effect. For 1973 a sporty GT hardtop coupé was added, featuring rally stripes, sport wheels and a center console amongst other features. The Dodge Colt was originally intended to be Chrysler's answer to the AMC Gremlin, Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega but because it came from Mitsubishi Motors and was not a true Chrysler product, the first Colts actually competed more directly with Japanese imports, such as the Toyota Corolla and Datsun 510.

A four-speed manual or three-speed automatic remained available, but for 1977 a five-speed became available (standard in the GT and Carousel coupés). The Carousel, introduced in 1975 along with larger bumpers, was more luxurious and carried a blue and white paintjob. For 1977, the "Silent Shaft" version of the smaller engine became available, and was fitted as standard equipment in GT and Carousels. The introduction of the new Dodge Colt "Mileage Maker" meant that there was no second generation four-doors for 1977. The wagon was also available with an "Estate" package, including wood grain applique and adjustable reclining seats.

Dodge Omni

2012-03-29T00:13:00.002-07:00

The Dodge Omni and the similar Plymouth Horizon were front wheel drive cars introduced by the Dodge and Plymouth divisions of the Chrysler Corporation in North America in 1978, and were based on a European Simca-based design of the same name. While they are generally not credited, they were the first of many successful front-wheel drive models, such as the Dodge Aries/Plymouth Reliant and the Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager which helped return Chrysler to profitability.

Dodge Omni and similar Plymouth Horizon were front wheel drive car introduced by Dodge and Plymouth divisions of Chrysler Corporation in North America in 1978. The car left the line at $ 2500. It was a three-or five-door hatchback. Although the car had significant European ancestry (the car was actually developed by Simca, the French branch of Chrysler Europe, before that company was sold to Peugeot, who released the car Talbot Horizon), it was presented as a very large internal development, as it was assembled at Chrysler, which retained North American rights to the car. Both the Omni and Horizon were based on a new platform L Chrysler. The company managed to avoid creating a vehicle for the subcompact market before this time, preferring to use the captive imports such as Dodge Colt, a. Omni and Horizon first front-wheel drive cars Dodge and Plymouth line, the first front-wheel drive transverse engine cars manufactured in North America, and among the first American built front-wheel drive vehicles to sell in large numbers. Previous front-drive American cars, such as cable 810, Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Tornado were low volume luxury car.

Plymouth Horizon 5-door

Horizon and its corporate twin Omni came at a critical moment, when Chrysler desperately seeking government support to survive. In 1978, Chrysler and Ford beat GM to market and domestic production of front-wheel drive vehicle to challenge the Rabbit VW. News reports indicate that these new small cars, which really started to sell well, helped persuade Congress and the White House that Chrysler was worth saving the future. Omni was Motor Trend magazine Car of the Year 1978.

Despite looking almost identical, Omni and Horizon had few interchangeable parts with the European brothers and sisters. Along with the American heavy-looking body panels and bumpers, OHV Simca engines were replaced by 1.7 liter OHC engine is derived from the Volkswagen, while the MacPherson strut front suspension has taken the location of the torsion bar in the European Horizon. A small engine used Volkswagen Chrysler developed an increased cylinder head and intake manifold, and produced 75 hp (56 kW) and 90 lb · ft (120 N · m).

Previously, cars had been shaky since the magazine Consumer Reports tested one and said that he easily got out of control in hard maneuvers. This statement was widely publicized major, including the headline in Time Magazine: The storm over the horizon. Other logs are automatically reported no problems and expressed the opinion that the test is not indicative of real driving conditions. The car has been modified to incorporate a steering damper and lightweight steering wheel, and went on to success.

HVAC controls have been installed on the left of the steering wheel, and not on the center console, as in most cars. This means that only the driver can adjust the internal temperature. It was a feature not only in the Omni and Horizon, although many other Chrysler Corporation products (including the Dodge Charger and Chrysler Cordoba) and vehicles from other manufacturers (including Ford) came up with instrument panels, HVAC controls are placed in this general place in the 1970s.

2.2 L Chrysler K-car engine appeared in 1981 in the prestigious opportunity to drive a small Volkswagen. It produced 84 hp (63 kW) at first, rising to 93 hp (69 kW) and, finally, 96 hp (72 kW) to the end of production. Volkswagen 1,7 was replaced by Simca / Peugeot 1.6-liter I4 production unit in 1983. This engine produced 62 hp (46 kW) and 86 lb · ft (117 N · m), and was available only with manual transmission. 2.2-liter Chrysler was the only engine of 1987.

Omni and Horizon, finally ended production in 1990 and were replaced by Dodge Shadow / Plymouth Sundance, which was introduced in 1987. She survived the European version of a three-year, Peugeot bought Chrysler's European division in 1978 and re-branded Horizon (along with the rest of the British and French Simca Chrysler range), as Talbot, production continued until 1987 [1].

Chrysler has invested in a number of significant changes that have ended up being used only for one year, the car received a large external mirrors (borrowed from the dead body of M sedans), the driver's side airbag and a slightly redesigned instrument panel, complete with control HVAC, finally moved to the center. Since the production was in the process of liquidation of all the tools necessary for the production of cars were sold in the Tata Group in India and the car was made for several years.

Dodge Aspen

2012-03-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Dodge Aspen

Since 1967, the division Plymouth and Dodge, are part of the group Chrysler, produced very similar to each other the model Plymouth Valiant and Dodge Dart, enjoyed steady demand and good reputation as an extremely reliable and durable cars.

But by the mid-seventies leadership group decided that the A-Platform, which is based on these cars, and many varieties of them, "it is time to retire." At the end of 1975 introduced a new F-platform (to be exact - an improved version of the old), based on which were set up exactly the same except for the model Plymouth Volaré badges and Dodge Aspen.

New models were quite ordinary design in the style of the then 'mainstream »Chrysler Corporation and, in comparison with the A-Platform, a slightly larger size - although by American standards for a year starting in the series, they were still" compact "cars. However, by the end of their release, they have been designated as a medium-sized, but by the standards of the 80s could klassifitsiirovatsya even as a full-size.

The engines also grew in size and include a base 225-cid (3.7 liter) six-cylinder or a 318 - or 360-cc V8 (5,2 and 5,9 liters). Their thickness, however, was relatively low volumes of work. The range of transmission was standard - 3-foot automatic transmission or manual transmission, 4. The front suspension torsion bars retained as elastic elements, as in the A-Platform, but now they were located laterally in the manner of the two hyper-anti-roll bars, rather than longitudinally. Rear springs were reliable, solid rear axle support.

Gamma-bodies was the standard for those years - a sedan and coupe (coupe sold a lot more - such was the specificity of the market), but it was present at the time unique to this class wagon. Sedan and wagon have a longer wheelbase compared to the coupe, which, on the one hand possible to create a more harmonious appearance dvuhdverki, but on the other - has reduced the space for rear passengers feet.

Interior was a "luxury" than A-Paltform, but in and of themselves new cars were more expensive. Making the instrument panel repeated the larger models concern.

Despite the huge amount of advertising slogans of victory and, in general, good cars because of the persistent pressure from the leadership of "Chrysler" was brought on the market too early - in fact, the first buyers have served as the last test. As a result, the early years of car production assembly defects were filled and marriage - which led to a huge number of costly reviews and a sharp drop in the authority of both the "new compact" and the corporation as a whole.

In fairness it should be noted that most of the defects was subsequently manage, build quality could pull up to an acceptable level; rapidly rusting fenders were made of galvanized steel and supplied with plastic wing flaps, however, the authority has been undermined by models, in addition, has begun the next stage of "petrol crisis "so long (compared to its predecessors) Aspen and Volare on the assembly line is not delayed, replaced in 1980 by a much smaller and" Europeanized »Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant.

In many respects the failure conceived as a "national" compact F-Platform impact on the most difficult financial situation that was "Chrysler" in the late decades and from which he managed to escape only because of the unprecedented public credit.

Fiat 124

2012-03-28T00:35:00.001-07:00

Developing a model of "Fiat 124" was carried out in the second quarter of the sixties, the public first prototypes were demonstrated in 1964 and production began in 1966.

It was a classic layout car: the engine is at the front and rear wheels are leading.

In 1966, the Fiat 124 won the title - "Car of the Year." In 1966 he showed at the Paris Motor Show and in the same year he was chosen as the prototype of the new Soviet VAZ-2101.

The choice fell on the brand and model for several reasons. One of them was linked to politics (in those years the Soviet Union sought to help the Italian Communist Party). But more compelling are other reasons: Fiat 124 was conservative enough constructive, but for the mid-sixties, it is up to date, has been named European "Car of 1966" [1] and soon became quite popular in his homeland and the rest of Europe had classic layout, simple and familiar to Soviet motorists, was relatively spacious inside, quite affordable and technologically advanced in the industry.

Before launching into a series of Fiat 124 in the Soviet Union passed a comprehensive test in us, which resulted in the design of the car the Italian side was made over 800 changes, including the most serious of them: the replacement of the engine nizhnevalnogo verhnevalny, completely revised design of the rear suspension while preserving its fundamental spring -rigging scheme, replacing rear disc brakes on the drum, the increase in clearance of 30 mm (170 mm), increased thickness of the critical elements of the carrier body, including spars, an introduction to the design of the engine to start the motor ratchet drive handle, adding towing eyelets, reinforced heater, four points instead of two, jacking, etc. Accordingly, prepared for the car has received the Soviet Union Index of FIAT 124R (Russo), there is a strengthened and adapted car, and was a direct prototype for VAZ-2101. In addition, to trim the VAZ-2101 used the highest quality imported materials [citation needed 149 days], for example, was seating for printing from palm fiber, which is in line with the European market is usually more high-end models. Nevertheless, even in those years in the Soviet Union were heard some voices, it was felt that the model was not chosen the best way: it was believed that the outstanding achievement of motor vehicles or design "Fiat" was not specific reserves for subsequent modernization had, to the same in all those years, the world's leading automakers began a rapid transition to front-wheel circuit, for example, FIAT has released its first front-wheel drive model 128 in 1969. However, the car made a very positive impression on the majority of Soviet experts and ordinary motorists, especially because of the integrated set of consumer qualities he certainly surpassed developed at the turn of the fifties and sixties, the then Soviet model of the same class - as obsolete Moskvich-408, and in fact the product of his former shallow modernization Moskvich-412, and subsequently developed by the Soviet counterparts (see article Muscovites series 3-5 and IL-13) in the series and did not.

Because of the relatively high consumer qualities with a rather primitive design, and mainly - the liberal policy of the manufacturer in respect of know-how, willingly enter into contracts for such cooperation, Fiat 124 has taken root not only in the USSR. Licensed by it (in the original Italian specifications) produces a large number of firms in countries such as Spain (SEAT 124)

SEAT 124

India (Premier 118NE) 1989

South Korea, (Fiat-KIA 124), India (Premier 118NE), Turkey (TOFAŞ Murat 124), in addition, "screwdriver" assembly model kit of parts of the Italian engaged in the NRB, the NDP and Yugoslavia.

Concurrent production of VAZ-2101 and FIAT 124 continued in the years 1970-1976 [citation needed 149 days]. Moreover, in the 1972-1977 model years are directly competing in the European market, including even Italy [citation needed 149 days]. This in turn led to the mid-'70s to the legal proceedings of the USSR with the concern FIAT SA Since that combines heightened body strength, high-quality interior trim and practicality (high ground clearance, the presence of no longer applicable to foreign cars "starter curve" and the towing eyelets) in combination with virtually dumping price Lada 1200 (export name of the VAZ-2101) had a clear competitive advantage over its rapidly deprecated progenitor FIAT 124 [citation needed 149 days], caused a boom in popularity that has led to a very considerable increase in exports of Soviet cars not only in the Soviet bloc countries, but also in Western Europe and the markets of third world countries, but the direct damage inflicted needs of the domestic market, supporting the long-term queue of cars within the USSR. As a result, in the 90's began the reverse process of mass re-brand Lada in Russia.

In 1967, launched a large-scale model with upgraded furnishings Fiat 125 that is sufficiently close to the model 124, but with a 90-horsepower twin-shaft motor and a spring rear suspension. At the same time appeared superior «Fiat 124 Special» with a 70-strong unit verhnevalnym. He became the prototype for the "luxury" VAZ-2103 - although the original designs of the Italians 'third zero' was supposed to be similar to other models, Fiat 125. By the way, Fiat 125P (Polacco) produced in the years 1967-1991 in Poland at the FSO plant in Warsaw.

Version of two-shaft engine put on a Fiat 124 "Sport Spider" and "Coupe" with bodies from the studio, "Pininfarina". They are, however, be considered direct descendants of the utilitarian "124th" still can not - they were expensive limited-edition model, separating them with only the elements of mechanical parts and finishes.

There was also a more utilitarian version of the passenger with a body "wagon» - Fiat 124 Familiare (became the prototype for VAZ-2102).

In Italy, the FIAT 124 production ended in 1976, while in others it was not until the 90s. In the USSR, VAZ-2101 (Fiat 124R) stopped doing in 1983, his modernized version of VAZ-21013 - in 1988, and production of direct descendants continues at the present time - the classic model of VAZ-2105 (production ceased in December 2010) and VAZ-2107.

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Fiat History

2012-03-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

Founded in 1899 by a group of investors, among whom was Giovanni Agnelli. In 1902, Agnelli became manager of the company, which has become one of the world's largest automakers. Signor Agnelli was a retired officer, and the company he established an army discipline and rigid order. Shortly after visiting head of FIAT enterprises Henry Ford Torino was installed Europe's first car assembly conveyor. During the First World War and early postwar years, the concern involved in the release of aircraft and tanks, such as the Fiat 3000. In the 1919-1920's of Fiat plants have survived a number of serious strikes, organized by the Communist Antonio Gramsci and Palmiro Togliatti. In fact, the concern to the management of Giovanni Agnelli returned only after coming to power of Benito Mussolini, but in 1945 he was a supporter of the fascist regime was removed from management. Shortly thereafter, Giovanni Agnelli died. In 1966, after the appointment of the president Vittorio Valletta, Fiat, signed an agreement to provide technical assistance to organizations in the USSR, the production of the Fiat 124, known in our country as the VAZ-2101. In 1969, Fiat Group companies gained control of the automaker Lancia, founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia . In 1979, the holding also included Autobianchi and Ferrari, were later absorbed by brand Maserati and Alfa Romeo. By the 1980s, Fiat became the de facto monopoly of Italian car market. [1] In the 1980s, and especially in the 1990s due to problems with reliability of brand name Fiat has fallen dramatically. In 1984, Fiat was forced to resign from the U.S. market in 1989 - the market in Australia. In the late 1990s, Fiat Auto (Automotive Division) has become unprofitable. Losses reached a record high in 2002 - 4.2 billion euros. In January 2003, died on the permanent president George Agnelli Jnr. However, in 2005 for the first time Fiat has long been able to finish the year with a profit. In 2006, Fiat in the European market rose to 7.6%. In 2007, Fiat Group's net profit grew by 78% - to 2.05 billion euros. In 2007 «Fiat Veicoli Commerciali» underwent a rebranding «Fiat Professional». In 2008, due to the global economic crisis has decreased earnings of concern, but the share of Fiat in the European market rose to 8.3%. In 2009, the group once again faced with serious financial difficulties. Losses of Fiat Group for the I half of 2009 amounted to 590 million euros, while for the same period a year earlier the company posted a net profit of 1.07 billion euros . Net loss for the Fiat Group end of 2009 amounted to 838 million euros . Unlike passenger cars, the Fiat has traditionally strong positions in the field of commercial vehicles. In April 2009, the Fiat Professional brand has set a historical record of sales, reaching a 14.9% share of the market in Western Europe. This figure led Fiat to first place among manufacturers of commercial vehicles.

1936 Chrysler Airflow

2012-03-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

Airstream Chrysler was a car produced by the division of Chrysler in Chrysler Corporation in 1935-1936 gg.Vozdushny flow was normal looking car, which was cut to evoke a sense of streamlined design. The same car with the same name was sold to a satellite Airstream DeSoto Chrysler brand during the reporting period.

Create Airstream was the result of the unpopularity of the streamlined Chrysler Airflow, which consumers could not prinyat.Vozdushny flow was established in 1933 at the Chrysler "CO" model, which was moved in 1934 model year as Chrysler "CA". When the air flow is not able to attract the attention of the public purchasing, Chrysler retrimmed "CA", gave the car rear fender skirts and rolled out a model, which they hoped would appeal to the Depression era buyers. In addition to marketing Airstream Airflow, Chrysler can meet the needs of the public, hoping to produce enough air flow to compensate for their development.

In the two years of production, Airstream has surpassed Airflow 12:55 in the first year, and nearly nine to one in 1936.

Chrysler has stopped "Airstream" model name for the Chrysler and DeSoto in the early 1937 model year.

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