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Chronological History of Chrysler CorporationPart VII: 1981-1992, The K-Car Years

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Chronological History of Chrysler Corporation
Part VII: 1981-1992, The K-Car Years


1864-1911
1912-19
1920-39
1940-49 1950-63 1964-19711972-801981-92 • 1993-97
History By Year • Coming: 1998-2007 (Daimler disaster) • 2007-09 (Cerberus) • 2008-2015 (FCA)

by the Allpar staff, continuing the work of Bill Watson

The first of Chrysler's comebacks builds on cars started during the dark days of imminent bankruptcy; under Lee Iacocca, Chrysler revolutionized its lineup, and then stagnated, falling prey to many of the same problems that had hurt it in the 1970s. Under the surface, another revolution was building.

1981 Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth: the K-cars are coming

  • The first model-year of the K-cars, the Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries. They used torque-biased engines for a familiar feel, with a semi-independent rear suspension, McPherson struts, rack-and-pinion steering, and excellent packaging. The cars were small outside, yet have interiors competitive with the Volare/Aspen. Most important, they felt much more "American" than most small cars. The K-cars were a near-instant hit, after a moderately slow start, and 300,000 K-cars were sold every single year until 1989.

Vehicle Car Automotive design Compact car Full-size car


  • The new 2.2 liter engine was launched at the same time; durable, efficient, reliable...though there are some head gasket issues in early years (not unusual for the time). Computers controlled the electronic ignition, spark timing, and carburetor (Toyota, Honda, and other still used carburetors, too). The engine had much more torque than horsepower, and feels more "American" than Asian competitors with lower torque.
  • The LA 360 V8 was dropped, except in trucks; oddly, the efficient Super Six was also dropped, making 1980 its last year.
  • Re-designed Dodge Ram pickups debuted.
  • A new Imperial was launched, the very last V8 Imperial - a gussied-up, reskinned Volare.
  • Now on all V8-powered vehicles was the modern lockup torque converter, a Chrysler invention from 1978.
  • Wide-ratio automatics for each engine range increased economy without hurting performance; V8s got an economy-ratio axle.
  • Door locks and wiring quality were improved. Radios could tune to new information channels. A 1.8 horsepower starter was launched on sixes and eights.
  • Cordoba and Mirada got upgraded interiors; and New Yorker, Newport, St. Regis, and Gran Fury got new models and appearance packages. Mirada gained CMX and S packages and Cabriolet became standard.
  • AMC creates Spirit Liftback off the Gremlin, and created new Eagle cars based on the Spirit; they dropped the AMX and made the CJ-8 Scrambler, the only convertible pickup.
  • Sales in 1981 were similar to 1980, but the mix was more favorable; Chrysler still lost money. See our 1981 Chrysler Corporation page.
1982

  • Chrysler-Huntsville and National Semiconductor create the world's first all-digital car radio, with digital tuning.
  • Launch of the Dodge 400 and Chrysler LeBaron K, upscale versions of the K-cars (mainly trim changes).
  • The 5/50 Protection Plan covered the powertrain for five years or 50,000 miles, bringing back an old plan.
  • Work began on the Chrysler Technology Center.
  • Chrysler started a $287 million investment in Windsor to boost minivan production.
  • Market share rose to 10% and Chrysler declared its first third quarter profit in five years.
  • AMC debuted Select Drive, switching between RWD and 4x4 easily, and dropped the GM 2.5 in favor of their own four-cylinder. Renault bought more stock and put their executives onto the board; AMC had to sell AM General as a result, since, at the time, foreign companies could not have a major role in defense contractors. (Today, some very large defense contractors are foreign.)

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1983


Combat vehicle Tank Self-propelled artillery Vehicle Military vehicle


1984

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Classic car Family car


  • The famous Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan (in order of production) were launched; based on the K-car, with numerous shared parts from powertrain to door panels, they were a hit from the start. Minivans provided more interior space than traditional extended wheelbase wagons, but had greater flexibility and gas mileage, were easier to park, could handle bulkier cargo, and fit into a garage.
  • The first in a long series of turbocharged engines appears, bringing the 2.2 up by a full 55 horsepower, to a usable 142 hp. The ordinary version of the 2.2 engine gets numerous upgrades and a power boost. Electronic fuel injection is finally used on the 2.2 but only in Daytona, Laser, and New Yorker. A-525 manual transmission appears.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Coupé Sedan


  • Dodge Daytona hogs magazine covers; its handling is far above domestic competitors, though performance is mediocre without the turbocharged 2.2. Daytona is loosely based on the Reliant, but was heavily modified to compete with Mustang and Camaro; its turbo engine generated greater horsepower than the contemporary 318 V8. Its stablemate, the Chrysler Laser, quickly faded. See our separate Dodge Daytona chronology.
  • The Dodge Rampage and Plymouth Scamp appeared in 1984, with pickup beds instead of hatchbacks, and a "Shelby" 2.2 was available with 110 hp. They were based on the original Horizon chassis.
  • Land vehicle Vehicle Car Full-size car Sedan
    The Mini Ram Van name was switched to a cargo version of the minivan; the little B-van was dropped (larger B-vans continued).
  • Chrysler established a design center in California (Pacifica) to get a head start on new styling trends. Until its closure, Pacifica was responsible for some of Chrysler's most advanced designs.
  • The Limousine and Executive were launched; Reliant and Aries, face-lifted inside and out.
  • Colt GTS Turbo appeared.
  • Sales rose to 2 million (worldwide) and net profits rose even further. Profits would peak in 1985 (for the era) but sales would keep rising.
  • The last rear wheel drive car was the M-body - Gran Fury, Diplomat, and Fifth Avenue. It stayed on through 1989, mainly as a police car and taxi.
  • All radios had a digital clock and electronic tuning.
  • Chrysler had the best gas mileage of the Big Three.
  • Perhaps the most popular sport utilities of all time, the SportWagon Cherokee and Wagoneer replaced their larger predecessors. Though lighter and shorter (bumper to bumper), the new Jeep XJ had more passenger room than the old ones, which dated back to 1963.
  • The only true AMC car left was the Eagle, in four-door sedan and wagon bodystyles; it was joined by a little sister to the Alliance, the Renault Encore, late in the year.
  • For more, see our detailed 1984 Chrysler Corporation page.
1985

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Coupé Sedan


  • Launch of the "H bodies," Chrysler LeBaron GTS and Dodge Lancer, smooth sport-luxury cars with (optional) turbocharged engines that prove popular despite relatively high prices. LeBaron GTS gains a minor following in Germany, with one Business Week article quoting owners comparing the $35,000 (in Germany) car favorably against more expensive BMWs.
  • 2.2 engines get new upgrades, turbo versions get computer controlled boost and a slight power upgrade. First year for the Shelby Charger Turbo.
  • Five-lug wheels replace four-lug wheels on FWD cars. The Ultimate Sound System appears, with a graphic equalizer and much more.
  • At AMC, a Renault turbo-diesel was available for Cherokee and Wagoneer. A pioneering deal was made with China to build the new Cherokee at a plant in Beijing, a partnership that would last for decades until usurped by Mercedes.
1986

  • Starting a partnership that would have much greater impact in 1989, AMC agrees to build the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, along with the slow-selling Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury, in their Kenosha plant.
  • Chrysler LeBaron "J" car launch and move of Dodge/Plymouth Conquest to Chrysler Conquest combine to eliminate the Chrysler Laser, leaving Dodge Daytona the sole car on its slow-selling platform (still beating Conquest). Conquest remains a Mitsubishi, mildly restyled, made in Japan.
  • Daytona gets its first (minor) refresh at the age of two (modified front and rear fascias, new nerf extensions, integrated body side moldings, and third brake lights); a serious makeover will come next year. The Dodge Daytona Turbo Z had wrap-around front and rear fascias which extended to the wheel openings; accent tape striping; and Turbo Z nameplates on the tail lamp lenses. Tinted glass and new 14-inch cast aluminum wheels were standard, and a new center brake light was integrated into the rear spoiler.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Coupé Sedan


  • Chrysler announced that it would expand its Huntsville complex, creating the $65 million Chrysler Electronics City at 100 Electronics Boulevard to build electronic parts for automotive, commercial, and military uses
  • Minor facelift for the B-vans - around 100,000 are sold for 1986 (both "vans" and "wagons")
  • A515 "fast burn" cylinder head and notched "fast burn" pistons cut 2.2 engine emissions, with little or no effect on power. The 2.5 liter four was launched, using the 2.2 heads with standard single point throttle body injection, a taller block, and balance shafts in the oil pan. A new throttle body design for the TBI injection system improved fuel-air distribution; there were many other changes to the system as well, including a new distributor and numerous engine efficiency and durability upgrades.
  • Head bolts on all 2.2 / 2.5 engines went from 10mm to 11mm for greater strength.
  • The Jeep Comanche pickup debuted. Comanche was a classy compact truck, and could be ordered in any trim for any buyer; light and fast, the unit-body pickup had a high capacity for its class, but could outrun many cars. Stagnant production lines in the Kenosha plant were put to use building the Diplomat, Fifth Avenue, and Gran Fury under contract for Chrysler.
  • See Plymouths, Dodges, and Chryslers of 1986
1987

  • Lee Iacoca made an under-the-table deal with Renault to purchase their stake in AMC. At the beginning of August, the deal was finalized, and 2% more was purchased on the open market to give Chrysler controlling interest in AMC. The payments totaled $1.1 billion in all. Thus, Chrysler Corporation bought American Motors, including Jeep, from Renault, a moved that most likely saved Chrysler's life and led directly to the 1993 resurrection.
    • Jeep J-series pickup production was halted and the Kenosha plant, making cars since the first Rambler in 1897, was torn down. AMC employees were absorbed by Chrysler.
    • Evan Boberg wrote: "Engineering departments were reorganized into an AMC fashion. After the first few years, it looked as if AMC had taken over Chrysler...the merger with AMC brought Chrysler back to life...many of the AMC brain trust had been former Chrysler employees..." (Common Sense Not Required)

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Pickup truck Sport utility vehicle


  • New Dodge Dakota launched with new 3.9 liter V6, based closely on the venerable 318 V8. Dakota, largely done under contract for Chrysler, was billed as America's first mid-sized truck. A new version of the 2.2 four cylinder was also used - carbureted.
  • A520 manual five-speed transmission debuted.
  • "P" body Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance launched - Shelby CSX version comes later in the year. Meant to replace the original K-cars, they are up-contented because of continued Reliant/Aries/LeBaron popularity - Chrysler sold almost 350,000 of the K-cars in 1987, had sold over 300,000 in 1986, and would go on to sell close to 350,000 in 1988. Even in their final partial year, over 100,000 Reliants and Aries would find owners. Sundance and Shadow styling was (deliberately) almost identical to the high-line LeBaron GTS and Lancer.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Full-size car Sedan


  • The Shelby CSX and the factory Turbo II debut; the factory Turbo II had many changes for durability which were not adopted by the Shelby people.
  • New (119 inch) long wheelbase Dodge Mini Ram Van
  • Ram 100 and Power Ram 100 added (economy versions of Ram 150 and Power Ram 150)
  • Dodge Raider mini-SUV, made by Mitsubishi, added to lineup; Mitsubishi-made Ram 50 and Power Ram 50 updated
  • Four-cylinder engines all got fuel injection; power ratings dropped to 93 hp on the 2.2, with no explanation. Rocker camshafts were adopted in all 2.2 and 2.5 engines; post-hardening of the nodular iron camshaft was believed to be an industry first. The new system cut friction by 20%, raising city gas mileage by 4% (automatics) or 3% (manuals).
  • Computer modules were combined into a single-module engine controller (SMEC) with two circuit boards; the CPU was upgraded and programming was refined, allowing for the engine to cancel limp-in mode
  • Turbochargers changed, turbo manifolds changed, minor change to Turbo I control systems.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Off-road vehicle


  • AMC launched the Jeep Wrangler, which replaced the CJ. More stable, to avoid killing a new breed of "fun-seeking" buyers, it had a more car-like interior; one goal was to get more repeat buyers. Despite square headlights, sales rose over the old CJ.
  • Encore rebadged as Alliance Hatchback, and a new hi-po version, GTA, launches.
  • The old 258 was refined and equipped with fuel injection to become the Jeep "Power-Tech Six." It produced 173 hp and 220ft/lb torque. It replaced the GM 2.8 V-6 in Cherokee, Comanche and Wagoneer. A new 5-speed manual and 4-speed auto accompanied the new SUV efficiency leader. For more details, see our 1987-1989 Jeep page.
  • Renault Medallion and Premier were introduced.
  • Land vehicle Vehicle Car Coupé Sports car
    Dodge Daytona got its first major restyle, with pop-up headlights that brought a resemblance to its 1969 namesake. A new rear
    spoiler was optional, the taillights became wrap arounds, and options were added. The interior was updated.
    • The
      Shelby Z edition appeared, with charge air cooling that brought 174
      hp (the Turbo II); it had a deep chin spoiler and
      225/50-15 tires, with top speed in the 130s and 0-60 in 7.2-8.0 sec. To handle the power, the Turbo II had a stronger bottom end with a cross-drilled block, forged crankshaft, the larger 1984-85 turbo rods, stronger bearing caps and full-floating pins, and Mahle cast pistons (the engine development work was done by Chrysler). The base Daytona engine changed from the 2.2 to the 2.5.
    • The
      Daytona Pacifica launched with the turbo engine
      standard and a common option group. The C/S package was dropped.
  • See Jeep 1987-1989
1988

  • The Military/Public Electronic Systems division was renamed to Pentastar Electronics, Inc (PEI). PEI began to set up systems for testing Chrysler's cars and military systems alike; their work is still the primary test and diagnostic system for Abrams and Bradley tranks, and the Marines' LAV.
  • Last year for the K-based Chrysler LeBaron

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Full-size car Sedan


  • Launch of the Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler New Yorker, AC bodies: they look like luxury cars outside, but the interior materials are much lower-end. The cars sell relatively well, mainly to older buyers who appreciate the chrome and boxy styling, but do not garner critical accolades; some would say they were a sign of Chrysler's decline.
  • In trucks, the ancient slant six is finally replaced by the 3.9 V6, with single-point fuel injection. Ram 50 got a Club Cab with 11 more inches of cab length.
  • Chrysler started offering the powerful, highly rated Infinity stereo systems as an option.
  • Daytona regained C/S packages, but only on base models.
  • Ramcharger 100 added to SUV line in RWD and 4x4 configurations
  • New: 7/70 warranty protection for the powertrain and outer panel rust-through on all domestic cars and trucks
  • Four-speed automatic (essentially a TorqueFlite with an overdrive unit included) replaces the three speed.
  • Also see Chrysler Corporation 1988 and Jeep 1987-1989
1989

  • Midyear, the Reliant and Aries are finally dropped, despite high sales. One of their best sales years had been 1988, and even in their final year, over 100,000 were sold.
  • A new, stronger common block was used for turbo, standard, and 2.5 liter engines. Non-turbo engines got a new injector and higher fuel pressure, and cam drive sprockets and belt were changed to a quieter design. 2.5 gained Turbo I setup, 150 @ 4,800 (180 lb-ft @ 2,000). The turbocharger exhaust was enlarged, and the throttle body was gained automatic cable locks. The 2.5 Turbo I now shared the Turbo II's internal cooling. The air cleaner went from round to oval, and the Turbo I wastegate control was revised, providing initial boost at a lower speed, and more boost at medium and high speeds. Turbo II engines used a milder cam for smoother idles. The CPU on the SMEC was upgraded again.
  • Chrysler added a pioneering 2.2 Turbo IV VNT (variable nozzle turbo) without a wastegate, using the Garrett VNT25. It made the same 174hp as the Turbo II, but slashed lag. This revolutionary design would stay state of the art for years.
  • The Ultradrive four-speed automatic makes its debut, nearly-instantly slamming Chrysler's reputation for quality again, and destroying the idea that Chrysler transmissions were bulletproof. Hundreds of changes were made starting almost from its launch to get reliability up to normal standards. Despite horrific reliability concerns, Consumer Reports, after harping on the transmission for a decade, would finally admit that the Ford Taurus/Lincoln Continental four-speed was actually worse.
  • A new turbo powered 2.5 liter four-cylinder with 150 HP joined the lineup, providing less power overall than 2.2 Turbo II but with a smoother transition from launch to redline.
  • The
    Daytona Pacifica model became the ES and gained new ground effects, rear
    bumper, and spoiler, with 2.5 turbo standard. New alloy wheels were available. It was the last year for T-tops; the "Turbo Z" was no longer available. Last year for the digital dash. This year was the sales peak for the Daytona, despite the Turbo IV and V6 options to come in 1990.
  • Also see Jeep 1987-1989
1990

  • Mechanic Vehicle Bicycle Auto part Engine
    Introduced in 1990, the 3.3L V6 was the second-ever Chrysler-designed V6 engine; it was also the first to be used in cars, and the first to be designed from the ground up to be a V6 (not a V8 with two cylinders cut missing). The 3.3 was used for decades, and was successful as a 255-horsepower racing engine (as used in Shelby Can Am cars). The 3.3 had a traditional cast-iron block, aluminum head, overhead-valve design along with sequential, multiple-port fuel injection (SMPI) and an integrated electronic ignition system.
  • Front-drive manual transmissions were upgraded for smoother shifting; standard driver airbags start to appear.
  • A single board computer replaced the dual-board unit. Numerous durability and sealing improvements to the 2.2 and 2.5 engine.
  • The revolutionary (due to the turbocharger design) Turbo IV VNT engine became factory production, with 174 hp, 210 lb-ft of torque, reaching full boost in half the time of the Turbo II, with a smoother response. Turbo I and IV engines both got new air cleaners and an integral turbo bypass valve.
  • Chrysler TC Maserati switches from the hot 2.2 Turbo II to a more luxurious, but tamer, Mitsubishi V6, with an Ultradrive four-speed automatic.
  • The Mitsubishi 3.0 V6 was upgraded with roller rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters, along with numerous other upgrades. The PRV 3.0 V6 used in Monaco was also upgraded to improve engine sealing. The various LA family V-engines got a new valve stem seal design and dual-lip crankshaft seal.
  • High-end cars all got dual hydro-elastic engine mounts to reduce engine shaking when driving over bumps.
  • Imperial gained an electronically controlled air suspension option.
  • Daytona Shelby and LeBaron GTC (coupe and convertible) both gained a driver-adjustable suspension dampening system with firm, normal, and soft levels. 3-liter V6 joined Daytona line, with power similar to 2.5 turbo and much lower than Turbo II or Turbo IV. Daytona interior is changed to a wraparound "cockpit style" setup. Daytonas are used in IROC races with Chrysler 355 V8 engines.
  • All domestic cars (and TC) other than Omni/Horizon and minivans switched to oval rear suspension bushings to improve ride; they also got front strut jounce bumpers made of urethane.
  • A new four wheel antilock brake system was used for Imperial, New Yorker Fifth Avenue and Landau, Chrysler Salon, and Dodge Dynasty. LeBaron coupe and convertible and Daytona got a new center mounted parking brake system. Standard rear wheel antilock brakes were added to Ram van/wagon, Ram club cab pickup, and Ramcharger.
  • Trucks with the 3.9 V6 and manual transmission got a new clutch to avoid driveline clunking. Ram pickup, B-vans, and Ramcharger also gained a new instrument cluster with an electronic speedometer and magnetic gauges; the speedometer cable was now in the past. All trucks got improved exhaust systems.
  • Most cars got a new corporate steering column and improved ignition switch with halo light, and a new, simpler multifunction control stalk. A new tilt-steering column was also available.
  • LeBaron coupe and convertible and Daytona got a new instrument panel, guage cluster, overhead console, and seats with manual or power adjustments. There were both analog and electronic-readout clusters. LeBaron Coupe and Convertible got a very well equipped EVIC (electronic vehicle information cluster); the EVIC for Imperial and Fifth Avenue were also upgraded. Some cars got auto-dimming rear view mirrors.
  • The standard electronic cruise control system was upgraded on all vehicles. Washer/wiper systems were also improved on minivans and all domestic-production cars other than Omni/Horizon and Premier/Monaco; it included a new airfoil element, new wiper blades, arm-mounted washers, a faster motor, and pulse wipe system.
  • Dodge trucks finally moved to double-bitted keys (double sided) with molded plastic heads covering the brass. There were still separate single-sided keys for the glove box and storage area.
  • Daytime running lights (DRLs) were added to Canadian vehicles to meet a new law; they used the high beams at reduced intensity, as encouraged by research.
  • Side-by-side electric cooling fans were used on New Yorker Fifth Avenue and Salon.
1991

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Minivan Van


  • The big news for 1991 was the minivan refresh, an extensive re-engineering of the basic K-car based platform which conquered the economy feel of the minivans. Chrysler had the two top selling minivans in the US.
  • The dual-cam, returnless-injection, distributorless-ignition Turbo III appeared, generating an amazing 225 hp from 2.2 liters - propelling the five-passenger Spirit R/T sedan from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. It was used in just two cars in the US, the Spirit R/T and Daytona R/T (in Mexico, the LeBaron R/T also used it).
  • Jeep improved its 2.5 liter and 4.0 liter engines, both of which
  • The 2.5 turbo had an increased torque peak due to software changes.
  • Chrysler brought in $1.9 billion in sales, and lost $795 million.
  • The Dodge Dakota became the only mid-sized pickup to have a V8, and had a five-speed manual transmission option.
  • The
    Dodge Daytona Shelby model was killed off in favor of the IROC, halfway through the
    year. The IROC was only available with the 2.5L Turbo or the V6. Daytona sales plummeted to under 20,000.
  • The final Jeep Wagoneer was sold.
1992

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Automotive design


  • The New York Times profiled Chrysler's upcoming 1993-model-year "LH" large cars; the stock price tripled within a week. Launching the vehicle slowly and listening to assembly line workers resulted in what Chrysler claimed was the highest-quality launch in the company's history.
  • Dodge Viper, the first car engineered in the company's new platform-team system, could do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, easily beating the Corvette and Stealth R/T Turbo; and could reach 100 mph and stop again in 14.5 seconds.
  • Lee Iaccoca was company chairman throughout 1992, retiring on December 31, 1992.
  • Imperial was the highest rated American car by Consumer Attitude Research
  • Chrysler earned a $723 million profit on $37 billion of overall revenues, selling 2.2 million vehicles in 80 countries through 8,000 dealers, with 13 assembly plants, 10 powertrain plants, 3 stamping operations, 21 component plants, and 123,000 employees (as of December 1991, and including all subsidiaries).

  • Chrysler's first child care center opened in Huntsville, Alabama.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Sport utility vehicle


  • The Grand Cherokee won "of the year" awards by Petersen's, Four Wheeler, and Motor Trend. The Grand Cherokee was brought out in April 1992, selling over 86,000 units by the end of the year in the United States alone. Cherokee continued to sell, going up 6% to nearly 129,000 units in the US. The last Comanche was produced midyear, and Wrangler moved from Ontario back to Toledo.
  • Chrysler sold more minivans than all competitors combined; and they opened the Steyr-Daimler-Puch joint venture plant in Austria to build the 25,000 minivans per year sold in Europe (one fifth of the Eurominivan market).
  • Corporate change was in the wind, with engineering already completely revamped, and the supplier idea program saving over $200 million. The CustomerOne training initiative, including 360 degree feedback for zone reps, had started, and the new Chrysler Technology Center was in nearly full swing by the end of the year, with 6,200 workers in the state-of-the-art building.
  • Chrysler raised cash by selling its share of Diamond Star Motors (for $100 million and debt release) and $215 million of Mitsubishi stock.
  • LeBaron coupe and convertible gained optional four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and, with the 3.0 V6, sequential multi-point fuel injection, raising power to 141 hp. The base engine was the 2.5, with an optional Turbo I.
  • Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance were carried through with numerous minor modifications, mainly to increase perceived and real quality. For 1992, the turbocharged engines were dropped (and the Sundance RS was converted to Sundance Duster) in favor of the Mitsubishi V6.
  • Final year for Dodge Monaco, the AMC/Renault designed car.
  • Dodge Daytona got its final major facelift in 1992. The IROC came with the 3 liter V6, and the rare 2.5 liter turbo as an option. Fewer than 11,000 were sold.
  • Ram Van and Wagon were given minor upgrades; a one-inch diameter front stabilizer bar was used with gas-charged shocks in front and back. The alternator was up to 75 amps, and three-point seat belts were added to outboard positions of the rear seat.
  • Minivans were given standard driver airbags, even in the C/V, and an integrated child
    seat option.
  • The 3.9 liter V6 and the 318 V8 were given the Magnum treatment, with sequential multiple-port fuel injection, a tuned intake manifold, and other changes, boosting output to 180 hp, 225 lb-ft (V6) and 235 hp, 285 lb-ft (318 V8). Nearly four fifths of the components of these engines were redesigned.
  • Also see Chrysler Corporation 1992

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#2 ·
EDITS:

1986
"Starting a partnership that would have much greater impact in 1989, AMC agrees to build the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, along with the slow-selling Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury, in their Kenosha plant."

The agreeement between Chrysler, AMC, and UAW Local 72 was signed in July of 1985. Production began in March of 1986 (1987 models).

1987
" ... the Kenosha plant, making cars since the first Rambler in 1897, was torn down. AMC employees were absorbed by Chrysler."

Vehicle production was discontinued in mid-model year 1989 (December 21, 1988). Kenosha Lakefront (L-body) was demolished shortly thereafter, in early 1989. Kenosha Main, where the M-body was assembled, continued on with Jeep 2.5 and 4.0 production, later producing the 2.7 and 3.5 V6 engines. Kenosha Main was abandoned in 2010.

After both production changes, some of the displaced Local 72 workers were able to find work at other Chrysler facilitites, but the 1988 closures were particularly rough - it was the most expensive ($250 million in severance and other labor relocation/training funding) in the industry at that time.
 
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