Chrysler LHS
| Chrysler LHS | |
|---|---|
 1997 Chrysler LHS | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation 1993-1997, DaimlerChrysler 1999-2001 |
| Production | 1993–2001 |
| Model years | 1994-2001 |
| Assembly | Brampton, Ontario, Canada |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury sedan |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler LH platform |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5 L EGG V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 42LE automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 in (2,870 mm) |
| Length | 207.4 in (5,268 mm) |
| Width | 74.4 in (1,890 mm) |
| Height |
|
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler Imperial |
| Successor | Chrysler Concorde Limited |
The Chrysler LHS is a full-size luxury four-door sedan that was produced by Chrysler from the 1994 through the 2001 model years[1] It replaced the Chrysler Imperial as the division's flagship model. It continued for the 2002 model year as the Concorde Limited.[2]
Production
Introduced for the 1994 model year, the Chrysler LHS was the top of the line model for the division, as well as the most expensive of the LH platform cars.[3] The all the LH series shared a 113.0-inch (2,870 mm) wheelbase and were developed using Chrysler's new computer drafting system.[4]
The car was differentiated from the division's New Yorker sedan by its bucket leather seats (the New Yorker had a bench seat) and standard features such as alloy wheels that were options on the New Yorker.[5]
The five-passenger Chrysler LHS was differentiated its New Yorker counterpart, by a floor console and shifter, five-passenger seating, lack of chrome trim, an upgraded interior and a sportier image. For the 1997 model year the New Yorker was dropped in favor of a six-passenger option on the 1997 LHS. The LHS received a minor face change in 1995 when the corporate wide pentastar emblem was replaced with the revived Chrysler brand emblem.
Standard features of the LHS included a 3.5 L EGE 24-valve 214 hp (160 kW; 217 PS) V6 engine, body-colored grille, side mirrors and trim, traction control, aluminum wheels, integrated fog lights, 8-way power adjustable front seats, premium sound systems with amplifiers, and automatic temperature control. Unlike the New Yorker, leather seats were standard.
Annual changes
- 1995 - The headlamps on the 1994 models were very poorly designed and many owners complained about their poor brightness. Chrysler rushed the redesign into the production for
- 1995 - Redesigned a projector-style headlight beam, which was rather uncommon for its time. A new Chrysler logo on the grille replaced the pentastar.
- 1996 - Body color mirrors were no longer available, as well as the optional carphone, and bench seats became optional. Homelink garage door opener and a hidden antenna became standard equipment.
The LHS was redesigned in 1998, and featured the new winged emblem of the Chrysler division. With the introduction of the 300M and the discontinuation of the New Yorker, the second generation LHS competed with traditional large luxury sedans such as the Lincoln Continental and Toyota Avalon while the shorter and sportier 300M competed in the performance luxury market.[3]
- 1999 - A new generation of the LHS that was much more refined and the 3.5 L SOHC 24-valve V6 produced 253 hp (189 kW; 257 PS) @ 6400 rpm and 255 pound force-feet (346 N·m) of torque @ 3950 rpm.[4]
Europe
The first-generation LHS sold in Europe featured rear amber turn signals, rear fog lights, side turn signal repeaters, lack of side markers, and headlamps that incorporated different lens geometry and bulbs.
Legacy
The first generation LHS was praised by motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who is well known for criticizing American automobiles, described the LHS as "by global standards, right up there with the best."[6]
The LHS nameplate was discontinued after 2002, but the design continued as the Concorde Limited.
References
- ↑ "Used Chrysler LHS Luxury Cars". intellichoice. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- ↑ "2002 Chrysler Concorde Sedan". Edmunds. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Creating the second-generation Chrysler LHS and the Chrysler 300M". allpar. April 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Anderson, Greg (1 January 1999). "1999 Chrysler 300M and 1999 Chrysler LHS Road Test". Edmunds. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- ↑ "1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and Chrysler Concorde, New Yorker, and LHS". allpar. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- ↑ Clarkson, Jeremy (2009). Motorworld. Penguin. ISBN 9780141901367. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- Haynes Repair Manual - Chrysler LHS, Concorde, 300M, Dodge Intrepid, 1998-2004. Haynes. ISBN 9781563927324.
External links
Media related to Chrysler LHS at Wikimedia Commons