Plymouth Caravelle

Infobox Automobile
name = Plymouth Caravelle


manufacturer = Plymouth
parent_company = Chrysler Corporation
production = 1985-1988 (U.S.)
1983-1988 (Canada)
class = Mid-size
platform = E-body (Sedan)
K-body (Coupe)
layout = FF layout
body_style = 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
engine = 2.2 L "K" I4
2.2 L "Turbo I" I4
2.5 L "K" I4
2.6 L Mitsubishi "G54B" I4
transmission = 5-speed "A520" manual
5-speed "A525" manual
3-speed "A413" automatic
3-speed "A470" automatic
predecessor = Chrysler E-Class
successor = Plymouth Acclaim
wheelbase = Auto in|103.3|0
length = Auto in|185.2|0
width = Auto in|68.0|0
height = Auto in|53.1|0
weight = Auto lb|2598|0
fuel_capacity = Convert|14|usgal|L impgal|1
related = Chrysler New Yorker
Dodge 600

:"For the pre-1982 Plymouth Caravelle and 1983-1989 Caravelle Salon sold in Canada, see Plymouth Gran Fury."

The Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-sized sedan that was originally a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989.

United States

For 1985, Chrysler dropped its unsuccessful entry-level variant of the E platform, the Chrysler E-Class (the idea of a more mainstream Chrysler was not well received by consumers). Even though the Dodge 600 was mainstream, Dodges were not generally sold with Chryslers, so rather than only having the upscale New Yorker on Chrysler-Plymouth dealer lots, the former E-class was given a new grille, and thus the U.S. Caravelle was born. This model was slotted between the compact Reliant K and the large rear-wheel drive Gran Fury.

For its first year the Caravelle came in one trim level with a number of standard features, the Caravelle SE. These standard features including: AM/FM stereo, power windows, power locks, power adjustable mirrors, deck lid release, cruise control, air conditioning, and a 50/50 split-folding front bench seat, with dual recliners. model was never offered in the U.S.

Engines

*2.2L I4 - 96 hp (72 kW) and convert|119|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on of torque - 1985-1988
*2.2L I4 Turbo - 146 hp (109 kW) and convert|168|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on of torque - 1985-1988
*2.5L I4 - 100 hp (75 kW) and convert|136|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on of torque - 1986-1988
*2.6L I4 - 1986 (replaced by Chrysler's 2.5 L engine)

Trim levels

Trim levels for U.S. version, 1985-1988
*"SE" - 1985-1988
*base - 1986-1988

Canada

In Canada, the Caravelle first appeared for the 1977 model year, as a version of the Dodge Diplomat for Canadian Chrysler-Plymouth dealers. As all Chrysler Canada dealers sold Chryslers, only the top of the line LeBaron was sold in Canada, and the Diplomat and Caravelle did not offer the top line models. In 1983, Chrysler Canada added the E-body version of the Dodge 600, also calling it the Caravelle. The rear wheel drive Caravelle then became the Caravelle Salon, rather than taking the American "Gran Fury" name. Also in 1983, Chrysler Canada added a Caravelle version of the Dodge 400 2-door coupe. Thus the Caravelle came in three sizes based on three platforms - K, E, and M.

The coupe was dropped after 1986 while sedan production came to an end in 1988. Like the U.S. version, the Canadian Caravelle was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim for 1989. The Caravelle Salon, which was the original rear wheel drive version, survived until 1989.

References

* [http://www.allpar.com/model/caravelle.html Allpar.com] - Plymouth Caravelle front wheel drive
* [http://www.allpar.com/model/dodge-diplomat.html Allpar.com] - Plymouth Caravelle Salon rear whell drive

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