Dodge Charger (L-body)
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- See also Dodge Charger for other models using this name and Shelby Charger, a high-performance version
| Dodge Charger<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Plymouth Duster EEK.jpg</tr>
<tr><th>Also called:<td>Plymouth Duster | |
| Manufacturer: | Chrysler Corporation<tr><th>Production:<td>1983-1987</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Dodge Omni 024</tr><tr><th>Successor:<td>Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Subcompact</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>3-door hatchback</tr><tr><th>Platform:<td>FF L-body</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>1.7 L Peugeot I4 2.2 L K I4 2.2 L Turbo I I4 2.2 L Turbo II I4</tr><tr><th>Transmission:<td>5-speed manual 3-speed A413 automatic</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Dodge Omni Dodge Rampage Plymouth Horizon Plymouth Scamp Shelby GLHS</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Ford EXP Nissan Pulsar</tr> |
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There have been a number of vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate, but the name has generally denoted a performance model in the Dodge range. The 1983 to 1987 Chargers were based on the front-wheel drive Chrysler L platform.
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[edit] History
For 1979, Chrysler brought out sporty versions of the L-body Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon called the Dodge Omni 024 and the Plymouth Horizon TC3. The two cars shared Chrysler's 2.2 L K I4 as their top powertrain choice, producing 84 hp (63 kW). The cars shared a 70 hp (52 kW) 1.7 L Volkswagen I4 as the standard engine.
In 1981, the Charger nameplate returned as a performance package on the Omni O24. Called the Charger 2.2, it cost $399 extra and came with a hood scoop, quarter-window appliques, special gearing, rear spoiler and "Charger 2.2" tape graphics and the new 84 hp 2.2 L I4 which was designed and built by Chrysler. 7,306 were built.
In 1982, the Dodge Charger returned for a second year as the performance option for the 024. Nothing was changed from 1981 except for a Pentastar emblem on the hood for 1982.
In 1983 the Volkswagen engine was out of production, so a joint Chrysler/Peugeot 1.7 L engine was used instead. The Omni O24 was renamed the Charger. But the big news was that Carroll Shelby would create a sporty version of the car later during the year (see Dodge Shelby Charger below).
The transformation continued in 1984, with quad headlights now differentiating the Charger from its Omni origins. The Plymouth Turismo would share the same front end. In fact, apart from the badging, both cars were exactly the same.
For 1985, the Shelby and Charger names were shuffled to reflect the addition of a turbocharged engine (see Dodge Charger Shelby below). Two new colors were added for 1985 — Black and Garnet Red with silver stripes. Plymouth also got a version of the old Shelby Charger, reviving the Duster name as the Plymouth Turismo/Duster. However, Plymouth would never get a turbocharged version of the Shelby Charger. Two turbochargered Turismos, using the Shelby front end, were paraded around Chrysler headquarters and used a famous Plymouth badge of 'Cuda, but Carroll Shelby put a stop to any serious thought of putting them into production. He felt that having a Plymouth version of his Shelby Charger would take away from the mystique. The previous high-compression 107 hp (80 kW) Shelby Charger engine was now an option on regular Dodge Chargers. For 1986, the mandated center high-mounted stop light was added, and the 96 hp (72 kW) 2.2 L engine made its way down to the base models.
1987 was the last year for the Omni/Horizon-derived Charger and Turismo. 2,011 Chargers with the hotter 174 hp (130 kW) Turbo II engine were now badged the Shelby Charger Turbo (not "Dodge"). For 1987, they were replaced by the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance. These should not be confused with the real 1987 Shelby Charger, though — Carroll Shelby bought 1,000 of the last Chargers and packed them with the Omni GLH's engine and suspension to be sold under this name. The Plymouth Duster name continued on the new Plymouth Sundance line mid-year in 1992.
[edit] Dodge Shelby Charger
For 1983, Carroll Shelby modified the Dodge Charger, to be sold at Dodge dealers as the Dodge Shelby Charger. Rather than focusing on speed, Shelby modified the suspension and styling. The engine compression was raised for 107 hp (80 kW), and the manual transmission had revised ratios. Shorter springs and special wheels and tires complemented stronger brakes and quicker steering. Outside, a new nose and stripes accented the performance image. The body kits, among other parts, were often shipped to dealerships along with the car to be put on after delivery. The reasoning behind this varied, but was said to speed delivery and compensate for ground clearance issues that the cars faced on many car carriers. Production was 8,251 for that first year.
For 1984, the Shelby Charger had a new red exterior color and an optional automatic transmission. 7,552 were sold. The high-output engine (now up to 110 hp) was also available in regular Chargers, though it was rare.
[edit] Dodge Charger Shelby
The MPFI/turbocharged Turbo I engine was added for 1985's Dodge Charger Shelby. This engine produced 146 hp (109 kW) and was much changed from its first appearance in the Daytona Turbo the previous year. 7,709 Charger Shelbys were made that year, and 7,669 were produced in 1986. 1987 was the final year, with just 1,011 produced, plus 1,000 more that Shelby modified as the 1987 Shelby GLHS. Dodge Charger Shelbys would be available in four different color combonations: Black w/silver stripes, Blue w/silver stripes, Red w/silver stripes and Silver w/blue stripes.
[edit] Shelby Charger Turbo
2,100 of the 1987 Dodge Chargers were sold as the Shelby Charger Turbo. Not exactly Charger Shelbys, and not yet Shelby Chargers, these cars were sold by Dodge dealers but without the Dodge name.
[edit] Charger GLHS
Carrol Shelby purchased 1,000 of the last Dodge Shelby Chargers and converted them into GLHSs in his facility at Whittier, California. Every single one was built and optioned the same way and all had special badging that marked them as Shelby, not as a Dodge. This was a continuation of the Omni GLHS from the previous year. Shelby used the Turbo I engine uprated with the intercooler and plumbing of the Turbo II engine, but without the stronger forged crank, full-floating pin pistons and other durability enhancements of that engine, good for 175 hp (130 kW) and 175 ft•lbf of torque. The suspension was upgraded with Koni adjustable struts/shocks and uprated Z tires. The only color was black and they were all equipped the same. A special sticker on the speedometer upped the readout to 135 mph. A special numbered Shelby Automotive badge went in place of the normal Charger badge. The cost of this special Charger was US$12,995.
[edit] See also
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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