Chrysler TC by Maserati

Chrysler TC by Maserati
Manufacturer Chrysler
Maserati
Production 1989–1991
Assembly Torino, Italy (stamping)
Sparone, Italy (assembly)
Milan, Italy (final assembly)
Class Grand tourer
Body style 2-door convertible
Layout FF layout
Platform Q-body
Engine 2.2 L Turbo II I4
2.2 L TC I4
3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Transmission 5-speed manual
3-speed A413 automatic
4-speed A604 automatic
Wheelbase 93.3 in (2,370 mm)
Length 175.8 in (4,465 mm)
Width 68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Height 51.9 in (1,318 mm)
Curb weight 3,033 lb (1,376 kg)

The Chrysler TC by Maserati was a "Q" body based on a Chrysler K platform grand tourer jointly developed by Chrysler and Maserati and introduced at the 1986 Los Angeles Auto Show. The TC became available in late 1989 and 7,300 examples were manufactured in Milan, Italy, by the time production ended in 1991.

Contents

Development

Lee Iacocca started a friendship with the late Alejandro de Tomaso while at Ford, which led to the De Tomaso Pantera. During the 1980s, Iacocca headed Chrysler while De Tomaso was owner of the historic Maserati brand. In 1984, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding to create a sport coupe, which ultimately became the TC. Chrysler also became an investor in Maserati during that period.

The 1989 TC used a slightly detuned Daytona-spec turbocharged 2.2 L straight-4 Chrysler K engine . This intercooled version, known as the Turbo II, was coupled to an A413 three-speed automatic transaxle. The Turbo II was replaced by a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0 L V6 engine for the 1990 and 1991 model years, with the automatic transaxle being upgraded to a four-speed A604 unit. 501 cars were built with an alternate drivetrain consisting of a German Getrag manual transmission and a 16-valve head version of the 2.2 L. This engine is often called the "Maserati" engine as it was assembled by Maserati and has a Maserati cast valve cover.

The 200 HP 16 valve 2.2 "Maserati" engine's cylinder head was cast in England by Cosworth and finished in Italy by Maserati. The pistons came from Mahle GmbH in Germany. The camshafts were designed by Florida-based Crane Cams and were manufactured by Maserati in Modena. The "Maserati" engine used a non-common 2.2 block, upgraded crankshaft and rods. A Japanese turbocharger was sourced from IHI. The rest of the engine used common Turbo II parts made in the United States.

The TC's platform was based on a shortened Dodge Daytona chassis with suspension and axles from the original model (except for the 5 speed Getrag with "Maserati" engine). The struts and shock absorbers were specially designed for the car by Fichtel and Sachs, and a Teves ABS system was standard. The special wheels were made in Italy by the famed Formula One supplier, Fondmetal.

Features

The TC featured a detachable hard top with opera windows and a manually operated cloth lined convertible top, which came in both tan and black. In 1989 interior leather colors included ginger or bordeaux. Exterior colors were yellow, red, and cabernet. The bourdeaux interior was only available with the cabernet exterior, both of which were dropped in 1990 when black and white exterior colors were added along with a black leather interior.

The TC's dash, door panels, seats, armrest and rear facia panels were generously covered in hand-stitched Italian leather. Inside door jambs were finished with stainless steel panels and sill plates. The convertible boot, over which the hardtop rests, is a body colored metal panel. The interior storage compartment came with an umbrella, tool kit and small spare tire which allowed the use of a full sized trunk even with the top down. Standard equipment included a 10 speaker Infinity AM/FM cassette stereo, power windows, 6 way power seats, power door and trunk locks, map lights, puddle lamps, cruise control and tilt steering wheel.

The only extra cost option available for the TC was a CD player that was a plug-in attachment to the standard Infinity AM/FM cassette stereo.

Production and prices

Total production for each model year and base price. Note that the car was sold by only 300 selected Chrysler dealers.[1]

Competition

The TC's competitors included the partially hand-built Buick Reatta, a front-wheel drive six cylinder two-door hardtop or convertible, marketed simultaneously and outselling the TC. The Cadillac Allanté, was Italian-designed and partially hand-built, though powered by a V8 engine and with final assembly in the U.S. (after the bodies built in Italy were shipped via special air cargo) at a price of more than $23,000 over the Maserati (1989).

Reception

The idea of putting a Maserati body with a Chrysler engine was viewed by some as taking the worst from each partner.[2] The automotive press was critical of the Chrysler TC, observing its similarity to the Chrysler LeBaron GTS convertible that cost much less.[1] Lee Iacocca was a proponent of the new model "to change the way the world looked at Chrysler" and to create a new image for the automaker.[3] It was expected to achieve annual sales between 5,000 to 10,000 units.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hyde, Charles K. (2003). Riding the Roller Coaster: A History of the Chrysler Corporation. Wayne State University Press. p. 272. ISBN 9780814330913. 
  2. ^ Ingrassia, Paul; White, Joseph B. (1995). Comeback:The Fall and Rise of the American Automobile Industry. Touchstone. p. 186. ISBN 9780684804378. 
  3. ^ Johnson, Richard A. (2005). Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry. MBI Publishing Company. p. 253. ISBN 9780760319581. 

External links

Type 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2
Compact LeBaron PT Cruiser
Town & Country Town & Country
Mid-size LeBaron (2-dr) Sebring (2-dr) Sebring (2-dr)
LeBaron conv. Sebring conv. Sebring conv. Sebring conv. 200 conv.
E-Class LeBaron GTS LeBaron (4-dr) Cirrus Sebring (4-dr) Sebring (4-dr) 200 (4-dr)
LeBaron Fifth Avenue
New Yorker
Full-size Newport Newport Fifth Avenue Concorde Concorde 300 300
New Yorker New Yorker New Yorker New Yorker New Yorker 300M
Town & Country Imperial LHS LHS
Sports Laser Conquest Prowler Crossfire
Crossover SUV Pacifica
SUV Aspen
Minivan TEVan Voyager Voyager
Town & Country Town & Country Town & Country Town & Country Town & Country
Limousine Executive
Personal luxury Cordoba
Imperial
GT TC
See also: List of Chrysler vehicles
Current
Cars
Historic
Cars
Vans / SUVs
Concept
Cars