Dodge Lancer
|
|
The Dodge Lancer was a model of the Dodge Division of the Chrysler Corporation. Dodge used the Lancer name to denote models three times in its history before the creation of DaimlerChrysler.
| Contents |
1950s
Dodge introduced the Lancer as a premium trim level for hardtops and convertibles in the Coronet and Royal lines for 1955 and added the Custom Royal line for 1956. Between 1957 and 1959, the Lancer name was also applied to the four-door hardtops offered in each full sized series. In 1955 and 1956 Lancer's served as the base model for the Dodge La Femme option.
Along with the Coronet, the Royal and Custom Royal model range, the Lancer designation for hardtops and convertibles was dropped for the 1960 models when all full sized cars by Dodge adopted the Dodge Matador and Dodge Polara names.
1960s
For the 1961 model year, Dodge again fielded Dodge Lancer, which was essentially a Dodge trimmed Plymouth Valiant. The model was introduced when Chrysler assigned the Valiant to its Plymouth division for the 1961 model year, leaving Dodge dealers without a compact to sell. Dodge Lancers were given round tail lights and full width grilles, which differed from the Plymouth's canted oval tail lights and stand alone grille. This compact Lancer used the Chrysler Slant 6 engine, but could also be ordered with Chrysler's "HyperPack" modifications which gave the engine more power. Sales for the Dodge Lancer never met Chrysler's expectations and in 1963 the Lancer name was discontinued. Compacts for 1963 through 1976 were renamed Dodge Dart, a name that had previously been assigned to a smaller full-sized cars produced by Dodge.
1980s
The Dodge Lancer was re-introduced in 1985 as a 5-door hatchback. It was a clone to the Chrysler LeBaron GTS and was based on the Chrysler K platform. All Lancers were built in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Production ended on April 7, 1989.
Lancer Shelby
Not to be confused with the 1987 Shelby Lancer is the 1988-1989 Lancer Shelby. This was a factory appearance and handling package and included upgraded sway bars, shorter springs, and quicker steering along with an assortment of comfort and convenience features.
The intercooled Turbo II engine with the manual transmission model provided 175 hp (130 kW) and a flat torque curve. The automatic made do with the 146 hp Turbo I.
Although not a limited edition, Lancer Shelbys are rare. Just 279 were produced in 1988 and 208 in 1989.
Today's Lancers
Today, the Lancer name has been picked up by Mitsubishi Motors, who uses it on their four-door midsize sedan.