Chrysler Concorde

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.

Design of the future Concorde chassis began in the late 1980s after Chrysler had bought another automaker, American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987.^[3] During this time, Chrysler began designing the replacement for the Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler New Yorker, 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

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

The appearance, still based on the cab forward exterior design of the 1987

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 with a base price of US$18,341.^[7]

Out of all the LH sedans, the first generation Concorde was most closely related to the

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-grille 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 of using the area as space for a trunk-mounted license plate (as opposed to the rear bumper-mounted license plate on the Concorde). On the other hand, the Intrepid incorporated different headlight and taillight assemblies and had no grille at all.

The interior of the Concorde was also nearly identical to that of 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 system and a choice of several Infinity sound systems with CD, cassette with up to eight speakers, and an equalizer.

The upscale LXi model was distinguishable as it did not have a retractable antenna, but a fixed antenna 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.

A 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. Another achievement was being featured on Car and Driver's top 10 list for both 1993 and 1994.

Model year changes

1993

• Base 3.3 L engine had 153 hp (114 kW) and standard non-touring
  suspension. 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 L 24-valve SOHC V6 engine. A Panasonic
  cell phone with an externally mounted antenna could be ordered. The split-bench seat with column shift lever was not yet available, but planned from the beginning.

• For this year, the touring suspension became standard. Also, base engines gained 8 hp (6 kW). A front split-bench seat with twofold-down armrests with cup holders and column shift became available to make it a six-seater. Power steering added more assistance, to reduce turning effort for parking as well as deliver a greater feel at higher speeds. The 3.3 L engine was rated at 153 hp (114 kW) for 1992 and 1993 and 161 hp (120 kW) in the remaining years of the first generation. Both 3.3 L engines achieved 18 mpg_‑US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg_‑imp) city, 21 mpg_‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg_‑imp) combined, and 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp) highway. Chrysler's Visorphone was offered as well as a more conventional dealer-installed Chrysler car phone and the same Panasonic cell phone from the 1992 launch, all shown in the 1994 model year brochure.

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 corporate "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 1995 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 begun phasing out the Pentastar in 1992.

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.^[8] Sheet metal front fenders added for 1996 and later on all models as part of the structural upgrade.
• The base model now has 16' wheels standard, better insulation,
  OBD-II
  , a new finish to the front seats and more powerful headlights.
• Optional "gold" finish on the aluminum rims.

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 L engines were rated at 214 hp (160 kW) with 16 mpg_‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg_‑imp) city and 24 mpg_‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg_‑imp) with 89 octane fuel required.

Production Figures:

Second generation (1998–2004)

The Concorde was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year. The "Second Generation" design was introduced in 1996 as the Chrysler LHX concept car. This concept vehicle had large, 20-inch wheels, a centrally located instrument cluster, and a closed-circuit television system within the windshield pillars replacing conventional rearview mirrors. While the concept vehicle's wheelbase was expanded to 124 inches (3,100 mm) to allow for rear passenger supplement restraints, rear occupant entertainment center and storage compartment, production second generation LH cars retained the original's 113 inches (2,900 mm) wheelbase.

Despite overall length increasing by 7.5 inches (190 mm), the second generation's weight dropped by nearly a hundred pounds.^[10] This was achieved by extensive use of aluminum for the rear suspension, hood, as well as in the two new engines. There was a new 200 hp (149 kW) 2.7-liter V6 and 225 hp (168 kW) 3.2 L V6.^[10] The 3.5 L was redone and output upgraded to 253 hp (189 kW) and was available on the 2002 through 2004 Concorde Limited (formerly 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 sheet metal 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 set the Concorde apart from the Intrepid and 300M.

As in the previous generation, six-passenger seating with a front bench seat, folding center armrest, and a column-mounted transmission shifter was available on the base model through the 2004 model year.^[11] 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, rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 replaced the Concorde (and 300M) in early 2004 as a 2005 model.

Model year changes

• 1998: The Concorde was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year. Bodyshells were designed to be stronger and stiffer, as well as incorporating double-shear suspension mounts and integrated side impact protection.^[5]
• 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
  CD changer
  .
• 2001: Optional front side airbags and a 3-point safety belt for the rear seat's middle position were added. 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 LHS, a new trim level was added, the range-topping Limited, which featured 17-inch wheels and a "high output" 3.5 L V6 engine producing 250 hp (186 kW). With the former LHS's shorter nose, the 2002–2004 Concorde was 1.4 in (36 mm) shorter than 1998–2001 models.^[12] At midyear, Limited models became available with an optional Pro-Am Edition Group that included two-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, full-size spare tire on a matching chrome road wheel, a set of TaylorMade golf clubs (irons only), a special leather and suede Chrysler golf bag, exterior 'Pro-Am' appliques on the exterior rear windows, as well as a 'Pro-Am' trunk organizer for holding the clubs and accessories.
• 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 the 2005 model year, the Concorde was replaced by the Chrysler 300. The last Concorde was produced on August 30, 2003.

References

• "Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde, Second Generation (1998-2004) History and Reviews". allpar.com. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
• "1993-97 Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS Prices & Review". 16 September 2005. Archived from the original on 1 February 2006. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
• "1998–2004 Chrysler Concorde Prices & Review". 5 October 2006. Archived from the original on 6 December 2006. Retrieved 25 July 2014.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chrysler Concorde.

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