Chrysler Concorde

Chrysler Concorde

Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1993–2004
Assembly	Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor	Chrysler Fifth Avenue Chrysler LHS (for Concorde Limited)
Successor	Chrysler 300
Class	Full-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler LH platform
Transmission	4-speed 42LE automatic

The Chrysler Concorde was a large four-door, full-size, front wheel drive sedan produced by Chrysler from 1993 to 2004. It replaced the Chrysler Fifth Avenue on the lineup. One of Chrysler's 3 original Chrysler LH platform models derived from the American Motors/Renault-designed Eagle Premier, it used revolutionary cab forward design. The Concorde was related to the Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler LHS, and the eleventh and final generation Chrysler New Yorker. It was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1993 and 1994.

Design Background

The Concorde's design can be traced to 1986, when designer Kevin Verduyn completed the initial exterior design of a new aerodynamic concept sedan called Navajo. The design never passed the clay model stage.

It was also at this time that the Chrysler Corporation purchased bankrupt Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini. The Navajo's exterior design was reworked and became the Lamborghini Portofino, released as a concept at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Portofino was heralded as a design triumph, setting in motion Chrysler's decision to produce a production sedan with the Portofino's revolutionary exterior design, called "cab-forward".

The cab forward design was characterized by the long, low slung windshield, and relatively short overhangs. The wheels were effectively pushed to the corners of the car, creating a much larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time.

Design of the chassis began in the late 1980s, after Chrysler had bought another automaker: American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987. During this time, Chrysler began designing the replacement for the Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler Fifth Avenue, as well as a potential Plymouth. The initial design of Dodge's LH bore resemblance to the Dynasty, and this design was scrapped entirely after François Castaing, formerly AMC's Vice President of product engineering and development, became Chrysler's Vice President of vehicle engineering in 1988. The new design, under Castaing's leadership, began with the Eagle Premier, also sold later as the Dodge Monaco.

The Premier's longitudinal engine mounting layout was inherited, as was the front suspension geometry, and parts of the braking system. The chassis itself became a flexible architecture capable of supporting front or rear-wheel drive (designated "LH" and "LX" respectively).

The chassis design was continually refined throughout the following years, as it underpinned more Chrysler prototypes: the 1989 Chrysler Millennium and the 1990 Eagle Optima.

The transmission was inspired by the Premier's Audi and ZF automatics. Borrowing heavily from Chrysler's A604 (41TE) "Ultradrive" transversely-mounted automatic, it became the A606 (also known as 42LE). This "Ultradrive" transmission however was not without critics as The New York Times reported on January 25, 1991 that Consumers Union would publish in the February 1991 issue of the magazine Consumer Reports a warning for consumers to NOT purchase a vehicle with this "Ultradrive" transmission citing poor reliability and safety hazards.

By 1990, it was decided that the new technologically-advanced car would need a new technologically-advanced engine to power it. Until that time, the only engine confirmed for use was Chrysler's 3.3 L pushrod V6. The 3.3 L engine's 60° block was bored out to 3.5 L, while the pushrod-actuated valves were replaced with SOHC cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, creating an advanced 3.5 L V6.

The appearance, still based on the cab forward exterior design of the 1987 Lamborghini Portofino concept, with its aerodynamic shape, made for little wind noise inside this large car. This sleek styling gives the Concorde a low drag coefficient which was ahead of its time.

Although American Motors' Eagle Premier (and Dodge Monaco) was discontinued by Chrysler after the 1992 model year, the new Concorde's packaging was derived from the Premier, and all the suspension and drivetrain development mules were Premiers.^[1] Other design features found their way into the Chrysler LH platform, most notably the longitudinal engine layout, a hallmark of Renault's front-wheel-drive designs.^[2] This design allowed Chrysler to lower the hoodline, made maintenance/servicing simpler, and tightened the car's turning diameter.

First generation (1993–1997)

First generation

Production	1993–1997
Engine	3.3 L EGA V6 3.5 L EGJ V6
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length	1993-94: 202.8 in (5,151 mm) 1995-97: 201.5 in (5,118 mm)
Width	74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height	56.3 in (1,430 mm)
Related	Dodge Intrepid Eagle Vision Chrysler LHS Chrysler New Yorker

First generation featured full width taillamp design

The first generation of the Concorde debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a 1993 model. It debuted as a single, well-equipped model that was priced at US$18,341.^[3]

Out of all the LH sedans, the first generation Concorde was most closely related to the Eagle Vision. The Concorde was given a more traditional image than the Vision. The two shared nearly all sheetmetal in common with the main differences limited to their grilles, rear fascias, body side moldings, and wheel choices. The Concorde featured a modern take on Chrysler's signature waterfall grille. It was split into six sections divided by body colored strips with the Chrysler Pentastar logo on the center strip. The Concorde's rear fascia was highlighted by a full-width and full-height lightbar between the taillights, giving the appearance that the taillights stretched across the entire trunk. In keeping with its upscale position, Concorde's body side moldings incorporated bright chrome (later golden colored) work not found on its Dodge or Eagle siblings. On Concordes with gray lower body paint color, the gray came all the way up to the chrome beltline; on Visions the gray lower body paint area was smaller and much more subtle. Wheel styles, which included available aluminum wheels with a Spiralcast design, were also unique to the Chrysler LH sedans (Concorde, LHS, New Yorker); Dodge and Eagle had their own different wheel styles.

The similar Eagle Vision, featured a smaller split-grill with a large Eagle badge in the center. The Vision's taillights, although the same shape as the Concorde's were clustered differently and featured European-inspired amber turn signals. The Vision did not share the Concorde's lightbar, instead using the area as space for a trunk-mounted license plate (as opposed to rear bumper-mounted licence plate on the Concorde). On the other hand, the Intrepid incorporated very different headlight and taillight assemblies, and had no grille at all. The interior of the Concorde was also nearly identical to that the Vision, the main difference being the Concorde's faux wood trim and steering wheel emblem; the Intrepid's interior was substantially different from the Concorde and Vision. Concordes and Intrepids could be equipped with a front bench seat and column shifter, bringing total capacity to six. The Vision could only be equipped with front bucket seats. Unlike its Dodge and Eagle siblings, Chrysler Concordes never had the option of autostick transmission and its special instrument cluster. It was only available with an automatic transmission.

The upscale Concorde models featured leather-trimmed seats, steering wheels, shift knobs and door inserts. Other interior options included rear seat vents (in the five-seater), rear center rear armrest, and eight-way power seats for both the driver and passenger, as well as personal reading lamps. Power windows and central door locks were standard on all Concordes, as were dual airbags. Other options included remote keyless entry and a choice of several Infinity sound systems with CD, cassette, and up to eight speakers and an equalizer.

The upscale LXi model was distinguishable as it did not have a fixed mast antenna, but a retractable power antenna that stored itself inside the rear passenger-side fender. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, with traction control optional.

Dual-way power sunroofs were available on this car. They were designed and installed by American Sunroof (now American Specialty Cars) from its Columbus, Ohio plant, not by Mopar itself. An installed sunroof eliminated most of the front overhead console that featured storage bins for a garage door opener and sunglasses. However, the Overhead Travel Information System (OTIS), or on-board computer with integrated map lights, was retained.

Prices

The Concorde was generally the top offering of the original three LH cars, with the Vision ESi starting between a base Intrepid and a base Concorde (usually just under the Concorde by a few hundred dollars). However the Vision TSi's base price was more than a base Concorde. Later, longer LH cars, the New Yorker and LHS, started higher than the Concorde. The "First Generation" Design was based on the exterior design of the 1987 concept Lamborghini Portofino.^[4]

One notable achievement included the Center for Auto Safety ranking the 1993 Concorde as superior in crashworthiness after testing it at 35 miles per hour (56.3 km/h) into a wall.

Model year changes

• 1993: Its debut year, the Concorde was praised by most of the auto press. This would be the only year that the base 3.3-liter engine would only have 153 hp (114 kW) and the only year for the standard non-touring suspension on Concorde. A six-disc trunk-mounted Mopar CD changer with wire remote and an alarm system were dealer installed options. This was the first car, along with Intrepid and Vision, to have the 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC V6. A Panasonic cell phone with externally mounted antenna could be ordered. The split bench seat with column shift lever was not yet available, but planned from the beginning.

• 1994: For this year, the touring suspension became standard. Also, base engines gained 8 hp (6 kW). A front split bench seat with twofold-down arm rests with cup holders and column shift became available to make it a six-seater. Power steering added more assist, to reduce turning effort for parking but delivered greater feel at higher speeds. The 3.3-liter engine had 153 hp (114 kW) in 1993 and 161 hp (120 kW) in the following years of the first generation. Both 3.3-liter engines were rated at 18/21/26 MPG. Chrysler's Visorphone is offered as well as a more conventional dealer installed Chrysler car phone and the same Panasonic cell phone from 1993 all shown in the 1994 Chrysler Concorde brochure.

1996 Chrysler Concorde LXi

• 1995: Improvements made to the transaxle, a modification to the optional remote keyless entry system and the addition of 'thumb-touch' acceleration and cancel features, placed on the steering wheel spokes, to the cruise control. Later 1995 models were produced with sheet metal front fenders, which replaced the composite fenders on earlier models to improve structural integrity. The "Pentastar" logo was replaced by the Chrysler wreath on the grille, horn pad, and various other places (except the keyless entry key fob and keys, which still had the old "Pentastar" logo). Chrysler waited until 1996 for this change on its other models with the exception of the Cirrus and Sebring, with the Plymouth brand getting a related new logo on all 1996 and later models. Dodge had already began phasing out the Pentastar in 1993.

• 1996: The Concorde gained two distinguished trim levels for 1996: lower-level LX and higher-level LXi. Extra sound insulation and revised structural engineering promised to make the Concorde quieter. Sheet metal front fenders added for 1996 and later on all models as part of the structural upgrade.

• 1997: The only major change for this year was that on the base LX model, the 3.3 L V6 was dropped as the standard engine.

All of the first-generation 3.5-liter engines were rated at 217 hp (162 kW) with 16/24 city/hwy mpg and called for 89 octane.

Second generation (1998–2004)

Second generation

Production	1998–2004
Engine	2.7 L EER V6 3.2 L V6 3.5 L EGJ V6 3.5 L EGG V6
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length	1998-2001: 209.1 in (5,311 mm) 2002-04: 207.7 in (5,276 mm)
Width	74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height	55.9 in (1,420 mm) 1999-2001 LX: 56.2 in (1,427 mm)
Curb weight	3,495 lb (1,585 kg) (LX) 3,566 lb (1,618 kg) (LXi)
Related	Chrysler LHS Chrysler 300M Dodge Intrepid

The Concorde was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year. The new design was similar to the new Chrysler LHS, however the two models each had a unique front end shape and different rear fascias. The "Second Generation" design was introduced in 1996 as the Chrysler LHX Concept Car. This concept vehicle had large 20" wheels, and a centrally located instrument cluster. The wheelbase was expanded to 124 inches (3,100 mm) to allow for rear passenger supplement restraints, rear occupant entertainment center and storage compartment.

Despite overall length increasing by 7.5 inches (190 mm), the second generation's weight dropped by nearly a hundred pounds.^[5] This was achieved by extensive use of aluminum for the rear suspension, hood, as well as the two new engines. In addition the 214 hp (160 kW) 3.5-liter V6 engine, there was also a new 200 hp (149 kW) 2.7-liter V6 and 225 hp (168 kW) 3.2-liter V6.^[5] The 3.5-liter was redone and output upgraded to 253 hp (189 kW) and was available on the 2002-2004 Concorde Limited (nee LHS).

Much was done in the design process to make the second generation LH sedans look more distinct from each other. The 1998 Concorde differed far greater from the Dodge Intrepid and the new 1999 Chrysler 300M (successor to the Eagle Vision), than did the first generation models. With the exception of the doors and roof, the Concorde shared little sheetmetal with the Intrepid and 300M. The new Concorde's front end was underscored by a striking full-width grille, relocated to the front bumper to give the impression of a bottom breather. Sweeping curves and a more rounded front end also helped set the Concorde apart from the Intrepid and 300M. The second generation Chrysler LHS had an appearance very similar to the Concorde; The only major differences being its more centrally located single frame grille and amber turn signals on the taillights.

As in the previous generation, six passenger seating with a front bench seat and column shifter was optional.^[6] Cloth seating was standard on base LX with leather seating optional. Leather was standard on upscale LXi and later Limited models.

The Concorde, 300M, and Intrepid were discontinued in 2004. The all-new Chrysler 300 replaced the Concorde (and 300M) in late 2004 as a 2005 model.

Model year changes

• 1998: The Concorde was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year. Body shells were designed to be stronger and stiffer, as well as incorporating double-shear suspension mounts and integrated side impact protection.^[7]

• 1999: The Concorde's suspension system was softened to enhance ride comfort and reduce road noise. Thicker carpeting was installed inside, and a new standard cargo net went into the trunk. LXi models added a new CD player and Chrysler's Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, which disabled the ignition unless the proper key was used to start the engine.

• 2000: A new factory-installed power sunroof was available on both base LX and upscale LXi models. The Concorde also earned additional suspension changes designed to provide a quieter, smoother ride. Tires grew to 16 in for the LX, to match those of the LXi. The LXi edition gained standard speed-sensitive, variable-assist steering, as well as an optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer.

• 2001: For this year, optional front side airbags and a 3-point safety belt for the rear seat's middle position were added for 2001. The LX's 22D option package now included alloy wheels. Also, the LXi's optional Infinity sound system gained steering wheel-mounted controls.

• 2002: Adopting the body of the discontinued Chrysler LHS, a new trim level was added, the range-topping Limited for 2002, which featured 17-inch wheels and a "high output" 3.5L V6 engine with 250 horsepower (190 kW). With the former LHS's shorter nose, the 2002-2004 Concorde was 1.4 in (36 mm) shorter than 1998-2001 models.^[8] At midyear, Limited models got an optional Pro-Am Edition Group that included 2-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, matching chrome rimmed spare tire, a set of Taylor Made golf clubs (irons only), a special leather/suede Chrysler golf bag, exterior 'Pro-Am' appliques on the exterior rear windows, and a 'Pro-Am' trunk organizer for holding the clubs and other golf paraphernalia.

• 2003: For 2003 no major changes were made except the optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer was replaced with the optional 6-disc in-dash CD changer.

• 2004: The Concorde's last year. For 2005, the Concorde was replaced by the Chrysler 300. The last Concorde rolled off the assembly line on August 28, 2003

References

1. ^ "1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and Chrysler Concorde, New Yorker, and LHS", allpar.com, retrieved on 2009–08–02.
2. ^ Gold, Aaron. "Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco: American-branded Eurocars" About.com Cars, retrieved on 2009–08–02.
3. ^ "How Chrysler Works: The Chrysler Concorde" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, 2007-06-01, retrieved on 2009–08–02.
4. ^ http://www.lamborghiniregistry.com/Portofino/index.html^{[dead link]}
5. ^ ^{a b} "1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde: Overview" Consumer Guide Automotive, retrieved on 29 April 2010.
6. ^ "2001 Chrysler Concorde" Kelly Blue Book, retrieved on 29 April 2010.
7. ^ "The 1999-2004 Chrysler Concorde / Dodge Intrepid Body" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2009–08–02.
8. ^ "2002 Chrysler Concorde Features and Specs", retrieved on 28 February 2011.

• http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2016/
• http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2302/

External links

• Chrysler.com - 2001 Chrysler Concorde homepage, courtesy of Internet Archive