Chrysler LH platform

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1999 Chrysler 300M
1999 Chrysler 300M

The LH platform was Chrysler's second-most well-known automobile platform after the Chrysler K platform of the 1980s. The platform was loosely based on the AMC-developed Eagle Premier. Like the Premier, the LH-cars featured a longitudinally-mounted engine with a front-wheel drive drivetrain, unusual in most American front-wheel drive cars.

They competed more directly against the Ford Taurus and other large mid-size cars, largely replacing the K-based C-bodies. The LH cars debuted in 1993, and were updated in 1998. The LH platform was replaced with the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform for the 2005 model year.

Chrysler advertised the advantages of the LH's "cab-forward" architecture (short, sloping hood and long windshield), and even used the platform name for the Chrysler LHS sedan. This look dictated one major design decision: the LH uses a longitudinal engine rather than the transverse engine position, which is more typical for front-wheel drive cars. This arrangement meant that the design team had to use a chain to connect the automatic transmission with the front differential, a design reminiscent of the original Oldsmobile Toronado. The transverse engine position generally uses a chain to connect the engine with the transmission, a higher-velocity application subject to greater wear and noise.

The LH platform and engine design were benchmarked against the Acura Legend, though the final LH cars were larger and lighter than the Legend.

A rumor at the time was that LH stood for 'Last Hope'. This was because Chrysler faced an uncertain future that its engineers were allowed to do what they felt was innovative. The LH vehicles were, generally, a great success for Chrysler and the cab-forward look influenced other car designs in the 1990s. The LH sedans also bailed Chrysler out of bankruptcy in the 1990s, just like the K-cars did during the 1980s.

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[edit] First generation (1993-1997)

A First generation LH car, the Chrysler Concorde
A First generation LH car, the Chrysler Concorde

The first generation LH cars used the existing 3.3 L OHV V6 as well as a new 3.5 L SOHC V6, and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Cars that used the first revision of the LH platform include:

Originally, Chrysler came close to giving Plymouth a variant of the LH platform, called the Plymouth Accolade. However the Accolade never made it into production.

Major erratum: For 1994-97, the wheelbase of the LHS & New Yorker ('94-'96) is identical to Concorde, Intrepid, & Vision; the LHS & N.Y. for these years are 5 inches longer in body length due, strictly, to larger rear overhang, providing for a substantially larger trunk; the roof is longer because of the Jaguar-Salon-like rear window, not by means of wheelbase enlargement; there is no stretched wheelbase version; there are stretched rear-overhang versions measuring 207 inches in body length in contrast to 202 in. of the basic LH platform. However the legroom in the rear of the 1994-97 LHS and the LH-body New Yorker was greater due to altered contouring of the rear seat, allowing it to be placed farther to the rear.

Sources for erratum:

(1) Field measurements on 12Dec2006 of a 1994 LHS & a 1995 LHS, yielding 113.0 inches for wheelbase of each vehicle;

(2) http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1996/chrysler/lhs/specifications/index.html

[edit] Second generation (1998-2004)

2000 Chrysler LHS, a second generation LH car
2000 Chrysler LHS, a second generation LH car

The second generation LH cars used the 2.7 L DOHC V6 and 3.2 L SOHC V6 as well as an updated version of the older 3.5, and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Cars that used the second revision of the LH platform include:

Major erratum: For the 2nd generation LH-platform cars, all wheelbases remained 113.0 inches; & the only major difference in body lengths was that the 300M was several inches shorter than Concorde, Intrepid, & LHS --- due, strictly, to reduced front overhang & rear overhang (shorter trunk); there are no stretched wheelbase versions.

Source for erratum: http://www.allpar.com/

[edit] Media

One episode of Robert Reich's 1992 PBS miniseries Made In America focused on the then-yet-to-be-released LH's development and its role in reversing Chrysler's flagging fortunes. A camouflaged Dodge Intrepid is seen being put through the paces at Chrysler's test track, along with concept sketches and other behind-the-scenes activities.

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