THE competition among automakers is brutal: the noise and bluster of a ``warranty war,' cash-back come-ons, and the reemergence of low-interest new-car loans. Yet the biggest battle of all is for technological supremacy in the 1990s and beyond. An electronics revolution is on the way as more sophisticated computers move into the research labs, with the promise of improved safety, performance, and comfort.Cars are moving into what Ford chairman Donald E. Petersen has described as ``the next stage in the evolution of vehicle electronics.'

1. 1987 Chrysler Lebaron Gts

Most of the technical details are specific to the 1984 through 1987 computers, but many of the design aspects remained the same after 1987. This type of computer system is sometimes referred to as the ECC (engine control computer), ECU (engine control unit), ECM (engine control module), EEC (electronic engine controller), etc.

' One example of this advance: an electronic ride-control system that will automatically switch from a normal ride to a firm ride when a corner is taken hard, for example, or the brakes are applied quickly. This high-tech suspension system is already in the '87 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and in some Japanese makes. Chrysler will launch a new drive system with an electronically controlled transmission in 1989.Other advances on the horizon are multiplex wiring, which combines a numerous functions in a single wire and would reduce the cobweb of wires under the hood; dual voltage systems to operate the car as well as the entertainment system; and 4-wheel steering, which allows side-to-side movement. Now to the midpoint in the 1987-model year for US carmakers, as well as a peek at what's coming down the highway for 1988 and beyond. General MotorsChevrolet's new 2-door Beretta and 4-door Corsica compacts have already hit the road, as has the high-priced Cadillac Allante convertible, a joint effort by the GM status car division and the Italian designer Pininfarina.

The body is built in Italy, then shipped by special Boeing 747 aircraft to GM's newest assembly plant in Detroit, where the car is completed. Pontiac will revive a familiar name tag with its South Korean-built LeMans, due to arrive in late spring as a 1988 model. GM owns 50 percent of its producer, Daewoo Motor Company Ltd. The front-drive LeMans subcompact, engineered by GM's West German subsidiary, Adam Opel AG, will be offered as both a 4-door hatchback coupe and 4-door notchback sedan, starting at a little over $6,000.In 1988, the Oldsmobile Calais GT will get a new, high-performance, 16-valve Quad 4 engine, and an even faster engine in '89, to be followed by a still more potent turbo version.Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac will get new 2-door sport coupes, the first cars in the new ``GM10' program, which was set up to produce a front-wheel drive midsize car for the 1988 model year. Buick should also get its upscale, 2-seat Reatta coupe. In 1989, Chevrolet will get its own cars in the GM10 program, a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. A new Suzuki-built Sprint is planned, plus a bevy of new luxury cars.In 1990, GM may debut the first of its long-ballyhooed Saturn cars, a 4-door sedan to be built in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Pontiac expects to get a another vehicle from its South Korean partner, Daewoo - a wagon. In the early '90s, GM will begin to combine its basic car platforms - the amalgams of planning, designing, and engineering that underlie model lines - and thus sharply cut costs. By getting more car models off any single platform, the automaker expects to better compete with low-cost companies abroad.

Ford Motor Company. Ford has a string of new-model cars in the showroom this year, among them the 4-wheel-drive Tempo/Topaz, plus the Mercury Tracer, an adaptation of the Mazda 323, which succeeds the Mercury Lynx. The Tracer is the first product to come out of Ford's new assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.The luxurious Mercury Scorpio, due in May as an '88 model, will be the second in Ford's Merkur lineup, produced in West Germany and now sold in Britain as the Scorpio Granada.

Arriving in the summer is the Ford Festiva, built in South Korea, with Mazda engineering beneath its shell. In the fall the new front-wheel-drive Lincoln Continental, based on the highly popular Taurus, will succeed the rear-drive version of the luxury car.An improved 3.8-liter V-6 will debut in the fall with the '88-model cars. In 1988, Ford will also launch a new 2-door, front-drive Mustang, based on the Mazda 626, out of the Japanese carmaker's new Flat Rock, Mich., assembly plant. The current rear-drive Mustang is expected to remain on the market, at least for the next few years. Ford is slated to bring in an upscale convertible in 1989 or '90, built by Ford of Australia, to vie with the Cadillac Allante, the Buick Reatta, and the Chrysler TC Turbo by Maserati. The price, however, will be far less than the Italian-designed Allante.

Chrysler MotorsChrysler began the '87-model year with the Sundance/Shadow compacts, marked by crisp styling and handling. With the Chrysler LeBaron Coupe now on the road, the automaker will soon unleash the LeBaron convertible, a 4-passenger, upscale vehicle with electrically heated glass back window and power hydraulic top.Arriving in the fall is a prestigious limited-edition convertible, dubbed Chrysler's TC by Maserati, one of three models to be developed jointly by Chrysler and Italy's Maserati. The convertible, at about $30,000, will be built near Milan. Chrysler now offers the Mitsubishi-built V-6 engine in the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Upsized minivans will soon arrive.Chrysler will launch a new front-wheel-drive luxury sedan for '88 using both the Chrysler and Dodge nameplates, part of a series of high-luxury, high-tech Chrysler cars over the next few years.

The company expects to unveil even larger versions in 1989, when it will also get a new sporty coupe from its joint venture with Mitsubishi. A 4-door sedan is slated for 1990. American Motors/RenaultAfter a long dearth of new cars, this joint American and French effort has launched the Medallion, a compact sedan and wagon built in France. In the summer it will import the Alpine, a high-performance ``image car,' also built in France. Both will be sold as '88-model vehicles.

Third generation LeBaron convertibleOverviewManufacturerBody and chassis(1977-1981, 1985-1995)(1982-1988)(1987-1995)(1931–1981)(1982–1994)ChronologySuccessorfor rear-drive M-body version (1982)for rear-drive M-body version (1983)for front-drive sedan (1995)for front-drive coupe (1995)for convertible (1996)The Chrysler LeBaron (or Chrysler Imperial LeBaron) was originally a classic luxury car of the 1930s, the body manufactured by, its chassis manufactured by, which competed with other luxury cars of the era such as. LeBaron was purchased by Chrysler in 1953 along with its parent. The LeBaron has become one of the longest running nameplates in Chrysler history. The first LeBaron models were designated as the top-of-the-line 1957 through 1975.

The Chrysler LeBaron was reintroduced in 1977 to add prestige to the Chrysler Division's lowest priced model, which was a mid-size entry and the name was featured on numerous Chryslers until 1995. The 'LeBaron' name has since been applied to five different cars built by the Chrysler Division:.

1977–1981 LeBaron sedan, and wagon. 1982–1988 LeBaron sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon.

1985–1989 LeBaron GTS hatchback. 1987–1995 LeBaron coupe and convertible. 1990–1994 LeBaron sedan. 1941 Chrysler Thunderboltwas one of the many prominent in the 1920s and 1930s to provide bodies for luxury cars. It was founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1920.

Main article: Classic generationOverviewProduction1930sAssembly, United States, United StatesBody and chassis2-door2-door 4-door4-doorRelatedPowertrain385 cu in (6.3L) Straight-8 125HP ('Imperial 8')and others3-speed4-speedThe LeBarons started in the 1930s during the automobile's Classic era and competed directly with the luxury brands of its day such as,. In the mid-1930s, Chrysler added a radical new 'Art Deco' design shape, known as the Airflow Imperials, to the Chrysler line. The high-end CW series were supplied by LeBaron. The design features were considered advanced and perhaps ahead of their time. However, the shape was too radical for buyer's tastes and non-Airflow models outsold Airflows by about 3 to 1., co-founder and former stylist at LeBaron, was hired in 1932 to be Chrysler's in-house stylist. Dietrich restyled the Airflow line and Chryslers moved to more mainstream styles.

As a result of the poor Airflow sales, Chrysler design actually became quite conservative for the next two decades. Auto manufacturers continued to build up their in-house styling departments and bodyworks, with the result that LeBaron became less important to most of its customers for design ideas and bodies. Toward the late 1930s, LeBaron/Briggs built more bodies for Chrysler and fewer bodies for Ford. Chrysler became their biggest customer, with additional bodies built for,. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, the LeBaron name and division became less important for Briggs, although it remained a division of Briggs until the Chrysler buy-out in 1953.LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were two concept cars: the Phaeton, a super-streamlined dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum body and the remarkable 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, a sleek roadster with concealed headlights and a retractable metal hardtop styled by, who went on to later style part of the legendary of 1948. Only 6 of each were made.

392 cu in (6.4 L). 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8. 440 cu in (7.2 L) V83-speedThe Corporation introduced the as a separate luxury make and division in 1955. LeBaron was designated the top of the line models from 1956 through 1975. These cars were Imperials and did not include the 'Chrysler' nameplate.

Vehicles branded 'LeBaron' were the top model of the Imperial line, followed by the mid-line 'Crown' and a short-lived nameless base model ('Custom' from 1960–63); with 'Southampton' being a sub-designation applied to all pillarless hardtops.The Imperial LeBarons were made to compete directly with competitor's luxury brands that included, and, as was the case during the 1930s.The last Imperial model was assembled in June 1975, the discontinuation resulting from dwindling sales due to a, the effects of the, and the United States Congress having passed the, establishing standards. 1977–1979 Chrysler LeBaron Medallion coupeAlthough the LeBaron model name had been used before on, this was the first time the name was used as a Chrysler model.

Introduced in spring 1977 as a late 1977 model, The cars used the platform (F-body), but with a different body shell known as the M-body, and their primary purpose was as a more upmarket version of the Aspen/Volare. The initial 1977 models comprised coupes and sedans, with a Town & Country station wagon appearing for 1978 (using the nameplate formerly carried by full-sized C-body Chrysler wagons).

The sedans and wagons, though considered M-bodies, were nearly identical to F-body Aspens and Volares except for the hoods, trunk lids, and front and rear header panels.The coupes differed more substantially; where the F-body models utilized a 108.7 inch wheelbase coupe, M-bodies (which included the ) used a unique coupe with styling evocative of the 1930s on the same 112.7 inch wheelbase as the sedans and wagons. Engines consisted of the 225-cid Slant Six, the 318 V8, and the 360 V8. Most were equipped with the 3-speed automatic transmission, but a four-speed manual gearbox with an overdrive fourth gear was offered with the two smaller engines until 1981. 1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition; one of 654 producedIn 1979, the LeBaron was reskinned for the 1980 model year to gain more crisp sheet metal, gaining a waterfall grille, new headlight fascias, and more angular taillamps. The rear roofline was also made shorter and steeper. The 2-door coupe received new smooth rear sheetmetal, that replaced the old curved rear panels, and was moved to the 108.7 inch wheelbase.

On the inside, enhancements were made to the interior to make it more luxurious. Also that year, a limited edition 'Fifth Avenue' package was available with an altered roofline and additional content; only 654 LeBarons were produced with this package, all converted by the American Sunroof Corporation. A police package was offered for 1981, after the demise of the Volare. This was replaced by a new M-body for 1982, keeping Chrysler-Plymouth dealers in the competition for law enforcement contracts.The LeBaron model name was moved to the new for the 1982 model year.

The former M-body LeBaron sedan became the and could still be equipped with the Fifth Avenue package. The M-body wagons and coupes were discontinued after 1981. Chrysler's M-body sedan was ultimately renamed for 1983 and then just Fifth Avenue starting in 1984. M-body Fifth Avenue production continued through 1989 little changed from the 1980-vintage LeBaron sedan.For more information on this, please visit the and sections. 1983–1984 Chrysler LeBaron convertibleFor 1982, the LeBaron moved to the, where it was the upscale brand's lowest priced offering.

It was initially available in just and versions. In early 1982, it was released in a version, bringing to the market the first factory-built open-topped domestic vehicle since the 1976.A station wagon version called the Town and Country was added as well. A special Town and Country convertible was also made from 1983 to 1986 in limited quantities (1,105 total), which like the wagon featured simulated wood paneling that made it resemble the original 1940s. This model was part of the well-equipped Mark Cross option package for the latter years.Despite being mechanically similar to the Aries and Reliant, its fascias closely resembled those of the larger sedans. This generation featured Chrysler's, a computerized voice which warned drivers about various conditions with phrases such as 'Your door is ajar' or 'Your engine oil pressure is low'. 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country station wagonThe LeBaron was facelifted for 1986 receiving rounder front and rear ends to improve aerodynamics.

Coupes and convertibles were dropped for 1987, being replaced by the all-new J-body LeBaron released that year. The sedan and wagon continued with minor change until 1988.

A larger LeBaron sedan based on the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim would arrive for the 1990 model year.A 1983 Town and Country convertible was featured in the sixth and seventh seasons of the popular sitcom, that purchased after being told by a car salesman that it was previously owned by actor, though it was later revealed that its previous owner was actually John Voight, a dentist that appeared in the episode ', where the car was first featured. In a later interview, the actor confessed that the car featured in the show wasn't actually owned by Voight himself, but by his mother, Barbara Voight. 1985–1989 LeBaron GTS LeBaron GTS/LeBaronOverviewProduction195–1989Assembly, United StatesBody and chassis5-doorRelatedPowertrain2.2 L2.2 L2.2 L2.5 L5-speed Getrag A5205-speed Getrag A555 manual3-speedDimensions103.1 in (2,619 mm)Length180.4 in (4,582 mm)Width68.3 in (1,735 mm)Height53 in (1,346 mm)The 1985 LeBaron GTS was a somewhat different car than the standard LeBaron and was based on the. It was available at the same time as the as a luxury-brand model, while offering a similar level of equipment to the small Cadillac. As a 5-door hatchback still derived from the K-car, the GTS (and the similar ) was more of a performance vehicle than the softer-tuned K-car LeBaron sedan. In base configuration, the car was powered by Chrysler's 2.2, later replaced by a 2.5 L version generating 100 hp (75 kW). A producing 146 hp (109 kW) was also available.

The GTS moniker was dropped for 1989, the final year of this vehicle's production, after the K-based LeBaron sedan was discontinued. The last Chrysler LeBaron GTS rolled off the assembly line on April 7, 1989.Trim levels. High Line - 1985–1989. Premium - 1985–1988. GTS - 1989 (replaced 'Premium' after the 'GTS' was dropped from the name of the car).

'Pacifica' 1986 (replaced by Shelby Lancer in 1987) Limited 500 runEuropean market - the Chrysler GTS After some years of absence, Chrysler officially started offering some models under its own brand on the European market from April 1988 on. One of them was the 'Chrysler GTS', which in fact was a rebadged version of the ES.

Sales figures were moderate. Third generation coupe/convertible (1987–1995) Third generation (coupe/convertible)OverviewAlso calledChrysler Phantom (Mexico)Production197–1995Assembly, United States , United States, Mexico Body and chassis2-door (1987-93)2-door (1987-95)RelatedPowertrain2.2 L2.2 L2.2 L2.5 L2.5 L3.0 L2.2 and 2.5 L engines5-speed Getrag A520 manual5-speed Getrag A523 manual3-speed3.0 L V6 engine5-speed Getrag A543 manual5-speed Getrag A555 manual5-speed Getrag ass. A568 manual3-speed automatic4-speed automaticDimensions100.5 in (2,553 mm) (1992–95 coupe)100.6 in (2,555 mm) (1992–95 convertible)100.3 in (2,548 mm) (1987–1991 coupe)100.4 in (2,550 mm) (1987–1991 convertible)Length184.8 in (4,694 mm)Width69.2 in (1,758 mm) (1992–95)68.5 in (1,740 mm) (1987–1991)Height51.2 in (1,300 mm) (1992–95)50.9 in (1,293 mm) (1987–1991). 1987–1992 LeBaron Coupe (headlight covers open)After discontinuing the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron for 1987, built on the (a K platform derivative) and available as a or convertible. The all-new LeBaron looked modern and aerodynamic compared to its boxy predecessor and was quite stylish for its day, featuring behind retractable metal covers and a waterfall grille, steeply raked windshield, full-width taillight lenses though only the edges actually lit up, and curved style rocker panels.The LeBaron was equipped with a trip & fuel economy computer and full instrumentation.

In Mexico, these models were marketed as the Chrysler Phantom. The available were the stock 2.2-liter and 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and for the 1990 model year, a 3.0-liter became available, although the Mexican Chrysler Phantom R/T DOHC 16V also offered the same 2.2-liter turbo engine as used in the U.S. 1989 interiorFor 1990, the LeBaron's interior was refreshed, featuring an all new dashboard, gauge cluster, door panels, and center console design. All of the new components were designed to be smoother and more flowing than the comparatively boxy 1987-89 interior style, making it more in tune with the 'aero' revolution of the early 1990s. The 1992 LeBaron coupes and convertibles could be ordered with a new 'sport package', which featured a monochrome appearance including body-colored grille, accent stripe, and decklid logo. The package also included 14-inch 'lace' style wheelcovers and a black strip below the taillights in place of chrome, with special blacked-out window moldings on coupe models. 1993 Facelift.

1994 interior (aftermarket radio)In 1992 for the 1993 model year, the LeBaron received a slight facelift. The of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favor of less costly flush-mounted replaceable-bulb, new styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. For 1994, a passenger side airbag became standard on all models. Also new for 1994 was the 'Bright LX' decor package which included a 'bright' chrome grille, 'bright' chrome badging, and 'bright' chrome molding inserts, as opposed to being body-colored on the GTC.The available engines were a naturally aspirated 2.5 L and a turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's, and the making a 141 hp (105 kW) in this application. The turbocharged engines were dropped from the lineup in 1992 for the 1993 model year. The coupe was discontinued after 1993.

In 1994 the 3.0 was the only available engine. The convertible was discontinued after 1995, to make way for the new and, for 1995 and 1996 respectively.Trim levels: 1987–1995 Throughout its lifetime, the LeBaron convertible/coupe was available in many trim levels. For its first year, the LeBaron was available in Highline and Premium, typical Chrysler trims at the time. The number of trims grew, peaking in 1990, with six available. After that, the number decreased until just two trim levels remained for 1995. 1987. 36,247,762,944 bytes in gb.

Highline. Premium. 1988.

Highline. Premium. GT. 1989.

GTS Turbo. GT Turbo. GTC Turbo. Highline. Premium. 1990. GT.

GT Turbo. GTC Turbo. Highline. Highline Turbo.

Premium. 1991. GTC. GTC Turbo.

Highline. Highline Turbo. Premium LX. 1992. base. Turbo.

GTC. GTC Turbo. LX. 1993. base.

GTC. LX. 1994. GTC.

Bright LX. 1995. GTC. LXRacing Several (one tier down from NASCAR cup racing) teams built LeBaron based race cars (supported by a revitalized Chrysler Direct Connection performance parts division) and ran them from 1988 to 1998.

The cars were very competitive and won several races during those years. It has been suggested that and be into this article.

Proposed since July 2018.Third generation (sedan)OverviewAlso called(Mexico)Production190–1994Assembly, United States,Body and chassis4-doorRelated(Export only)Powertrain2.5 L3.0 L2.5 l engines5-speed Getrag A523 manual3-speed3 Litres engines5-speed Getrag A543 manual5-speed Getrag A555 manual5-speed Getrag ass. A568 manual3-speed automatic4-speed automaticDimensions103.5 in (2,629 mm)Length182.7 in (4,641 mm)Width68.1 in (1,730 mm)Height53.7 in (1,364 mm)2,971 lb (1,348 kg)ChronologySuccessorThe last LeBaron sedan was built on the, another derivative, as junior level sedan to the more upscale. It differed from the and, as well as the mostly in detail and trim choices.Theoretically, as historically was the case in this era whenever Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth shared direct model variants, the Acclaim was supposed to be the more mainstream version, while the Spirit was the sportier version, and the LeBaron was the luxury version, reflecting the Chrysler brand's flagship status.

In reality, however, there was considerable overlap amongst the three in available trim, equipment and features. The top-line LeBaron Landau model offered a padded vinyl half-roof with smaller 'formal' backlight. All LeBaron sedans came with a standard driver's side, and could seat up to six passengers. 1994 Chrysler LeBaron LEFor 1992, the LeBaron sedan was split into three trim levels: base, LX and Landau.

The new entry model eliminated the previously standard V6 engine and landau vinyl roof while the Landau model still included the landau roof as standard. The LX, available one year only, offered standard V6 but no landau roof. For 1993, the LeBaron sedan received new, which incorporated the reversing lamps previously located in the bumper fascia and the lineup was reduced to two trim levels with the entry model now labeled LE. The LeBaron sedan was discontinued on May 18, 1994 while the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim continued production until December 9, 1994. The Chrysler LeBaron was replaced by the.Safety In 1994, the U.S.

Rated the LeBaron a 4 out of 5 for driver side and a 3 out of 5 for passenger side frontal impact occupant protection. Trim levels.

base - 1990–1992. LX - 1992. Landau - 1992–1994.

LE - 1993–1994. Mexican market M and K-platform cars were assembled in the facility. The M-platform LeBaron was sold in Mexico from the 1977 to the 1982 model years. The K-car LeBaron was also produced in Toluca and was sold for the 1983-87 model years.

There were no K-platform convertibles, at least none right from the factory.Chrysler Phantom was the Mexican-market version of the J-Body LeBaron Coupe. There were no convertibles of the J-body 2-door for the Mexican market. Phantoms were sold with the same options as the LeBarons in the U.S., and frequently at a higher. Chrysler Phantoms were marketed from 1992 to 1994, with an R/T version (similar to the American LeBaron GTC) starting in 1992.The Mexican A-A-body Chrysler Lebaron 4-door sedan was called the New Yorker (all of them with Landau roof), and the 'K' body (slightly shorter) was reserved for the 4-door LeBaron's, which were sold in two trim levels, one with Landau roof and leather, and the other one without those two options.References. Archived from on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2010-10-04.

^. From the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2010-10-04. ^. From the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2010-10-04.

^. From the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2010-10-04.

From the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2010-10-04. Janicki, Edward.

1987 Chrysler Lebaron Gts

Cars Detroit Never Built: Fifty Years of American Experimental Cars. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company. From the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2010-10-04. 1992 Chrysler LeBaron Factory Sales BrouchureSources. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to.

German Forum, Gallery, KnowHow. — car timeline, 1970–presentType1970s1980s1990s2000s20789(2-dr)(2-dr)(2-dr)conv.(4-dr)(4-dr)(4-dr)(4-dr)(4-dr)NotesVehicles are available only in EuropeVehicles are available only in AustraliaVehicles are available only in AfricaVehicles are available only in North America outside USVehicles are available only in UK and IrelandVehicles are available as Chrysler only outside US, as Dodge or Plymouth inside US.