Chrysler Horizon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Plymouth Horizon | |
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| Also called: | Simca Horizon Talbot Horizon |
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| Manufacturer: | Chrysler Corporation PSA Group |
| Production: | 1977–1986 |
| Predecessor: | Simca 1100 |
| Successor: | Peugeot 309 |
| Class: | Subcompact |
| Body style: | 5-door hatchback |
| Platform: | FF L-body |
| Engine: | 1.1 L I4 1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.9 L diesel I4 |
| Related: | Dodge Charger Dodge Omni Dodge Omni 024 Dodge Rampage Plymouth Horizon Plymouth Horizon TC3 Plymouth Scamp Plymouth Turismo Simca Alpine |
The Horizon was a small family car (subcompact) hatchback automobile, designed by the French Simca division of Chrysler in the 1970's and introduced in 1977. It survived in various guises until 1990; in France it was sold originally under Simca brand, whilst elsewhere in Europe it was badged as a Chrysler. As a result of the acquisition of Chrysler's European car division by Peugeot in 1978, both the Chrysler and Simca brands were dropped and from 1979 onwards, the car was sold under the Talbot brand in all European territories.
The Horizon, or Project C2 as it was known inside Simca during development, was intended to be a "world car", meaning that it was designed for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, but in execution, the European and North American versions of the vehicle actually turned out to have very little in common.
Born largely out of the need to replace the ageing Simca 1100, the Horizon was essentially a shortened version of the larger Alpine model, giving the vehicle an unusually wide track for its length. Featuring the familiar range of Simca-designed 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5 L OHV engines, and torsion-bar suspension, the Horizon gained praise for its crisp styling, supple ride, and competent handling. It was voted European Car of the Year in 1978. Its launch saw to the end of the 1100 and the rear-engined Simca 1000.
The North American versions of the Horizon were known as the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon. Although they appeared to share the same external panelwork as the European Horizon (the panels were in fact not interchangeable), they were vastly different mechanically - using larger American engines and MacPherson strut suspension at the front instead of the costly torsion bar arrangement. They also sported much heavier looking bumpers so as to comply with stricter US safety legislation. Despite the car's European origins, then Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca played this down, claiming that features such as the trip computer and electronic ignition were of American design.
In Europe, the Horizon had a turbulent existence. The collapse of Chrysler Europe in 1978 and its subsequent sale to Peugeot meant that the car was hurriedly rebadged using the exhumed Talbot brand for the remainder of its life.
In 1981, the 'Series II' models were introduced, with some minor improvements. The European engines of all sizes became renowned for a tendency to rattle loudly from the valve gear with wear, though the engines were quite reliable. Bodywork rust was a serious issue, at least until 'Series II', giving many cars a short service life.
The main production lines of Talbot Horizon were Poissy factory in France and Ryton in England. It was also manufactured in Spain and in Finland by Saab-Valmet from 1979 onwards. The Finnish Talbot Horizons integrated many Saab components, especially in the interior.
The Horizon was produced in Europe until 1985 (in Spain and Finland until 1987), when it was replaced by the Peugeot 309, a car developed in the UK, originally destined to be sold as the Talbot Arizona. Within a few months of Talbot Horizon production finishing, production of Talbot-badged passenger cars ended. However, the American version of the car continued to be produced until 1990.
The 1905 cc diesel engine fitted to certain models of the Horizon was the first to be specifically designed for use in a car. Previously, diesel cars had modified van engines fitted.
The Peugeot 309 used much of the Horizon's drivetrain and body parts.
[edit] HORIZON specifications
| Capacity | 1118–1905 cc |
| Power | 59–90 hp |
| Max. speed | 147–175 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0–60 mp/h: 17.9–11.4 seconds |
[edit] Versions available
The Horizon was available as the following versions:
- 1100 GL
- 1300 GL
- 1300 GLX
- 1500 GLS
- 1600 GLS
- 1.3 LX
