Plymouth Laser

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Plymouth Laser
Manufacturer	Diamond Star Motors
Parent company	Chrysler Corporation
Production	1990-1994
Assembly	Normal, Illinois
Class	Sport compact
Body style(s)	3-door liftback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive/Four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler D platform
Engine(s)	1.8 L Mitsubishi 4G37 I4 2.0 L Mitsubishi 4G63 I4 2.0 L Mitsubishi 4G63T I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	97.2 in (2469 mm)
Length	1993-94: 172.8 in (4389 mm) 1990-92: 170.5 in (4331 mm)
Width	1993-94: 66.7 in (1694 mm) 1990-92: 66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height	51.4 in (1306 mm)
Curb weight	2531 lb (1148 kg)
Fuel capacity	15.9 US gallons (60.2 L/13.2 imp gal)
Related	Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse

1992-94 Plymouth Laser

The Plymouth Laser was a sports coupe made by Diamond Star Motors. It was a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse and was also twins with the Eagle Talon.

The Laser debuted in January 1989 as a 1990 model. It was launched at the same time as the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Eagle Talon was released later that year. Even though the three looked similar, both the Eclipse and the Talon had minor details that made them stick out from the Laser. The Laser sported a racey look, with a plastic panel in the place of a grille, a full rear lightbar, a bulge on the hood for 2.0 L engined models (not necessarily turbocharged), and stylish alloy wheels (on some models). Among other options, the Laser RS was available with a CD player, the first time for any Plymouth. The "Laser" nameplate, had previously been used on Chrysler's version of the Dodge Daytona, from 1984-1986. The Plymouth Laser had vast similarities to the Dodge Stealth, despite being on an unrelated platform.

[edit] Engines

Base Lasers carried a 1.8 L four-cylinder engine, whereas a 135 hp, 2.0 L DOHC four was optional with the Laser RS. The top-of-the-line RS Turbo used a turbocharged 2.0L rated at 195 hp (145 kW). A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. A 4-speed automatic was optional, except with the turbocharged engine, which could only be ordered with the manual transmission until 1991 models debuted.

[edit] Year to year changes

1991: The Laser received anti-lock brakes, and the turbocharged engine could now be ordered with an automatic transmission instead of a manual. The Laser RS could now only be ordered with the 195 hp (145 kW) engine.

1992: The Laser received cosmetic changes for 1992, and a new all wheel drive model joined the lineup. The RS Turbo AWD came only with a manual transmission, while the front-wheel drive version could still be ordered. There was also a freshening to the hood and front and rear fascias. The pop-up headlights were removed in favor of multi-form fixed headlights, making the car look more aerodynamic. The rear lightbar was replaced by two separate taillights. The RS model came with alloy wheels and other cosmetic differences. The RS could also be ordered with a Gold Package, which features gold trimmed wheels, pin stripes and graphics. These cars were rare as only limited numbers were ordered.

1993: All wheel drive Lasers could now be ordered with an automatic transmission. With the automatic, the power rating of turbocharged models dropped to 180 hp (134 kW). All Lasers except for the base model could be equipped with anti-lock brakes.

1994: Production of the Laser was halted in June of this year, due to poor sales. Nothing, including the price was changed. Production was very limited, making 1994 Lasers very rare.

[edit] Trim levels & prices

The original base prices for the Plymouth Laser. Figures are in United States Dollars.

• 1990
  • base - $10,855
  • RS - $11,900
  • RS Turbo - $13,905
• 1991
  • base - $10,864
  • RS - $12,770
  • RS Turbo - $13,954
• 1992
  • base - $11,184
  • RS - $13,332
  • RS Turbo - $14,811
  • RS Turbo AWD - $16,853
• 1993
  • base - $11,542
  • RS - $13,910
  • RS Turbo - $15,444
  • RS Turbo AWD - $17,572
• 1994
  • base - $11,542
  • RS - $13,910
  • RS Turbo - $15,444
  • RS Turbo AWD - $17,572

[edit] Awards

The Laser Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list from 1989 through 1992.

[edit] End of the line

The Laser sold very well. This could be attributed to several reasons. First, the Laser was advertised much, and the heavy marketing of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Eagle Talon winning awards quickly undershadowed the Laser and made it seem "amazing". And the fact that it was a product of badge-engineering and Chrysler already sold a version of the Eclipse as the Eagle Talon was good for it. ^[1] Badge-engineering in fact, can be attributed to the demise of both the Plymouth and Eagle brands in 2001 and 1998, respectively. The Eclipse and Talon continued to be sold, and were redesigned for 1995. The Talon (which was the last car sold under the Eagle name) was discontinued along with the Eagle brand in 1998. The Eclipse is still produced today.

[edit] References

• Consumer Guide

[edit] External links

• Allpar.com - Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon
• Plymouth Laser Review at Consumer Guide.com
• DSMTuners.com - Online owners' club
• DSMTalk.com - Online owners' club