53-672: The Chrysler Concorde is a full-size car that was produced by Chrysler from 1992 to 2004. It assumed the C-body Chrysler New Yorker Salon 's position as the entry-level full-size sedan in the Chrysler brand lineup. One of Chrysler's three original Chrysler LH platform models, it has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout . The Concorde was related to the Chrysler/Dodge Intrepid , Eagle Vision , Chrysler 300M , Chrysler LHS , and
106-559: A choice of several Infinity sound systems with CD, cassette with up to eight speakers, and an equalizer. The upscale LXi model was distinguishable as it did not have a retractable antenna, but a fixed antenna inside the rear passenger-side fender. Anti-lock brakes ( ABS ) were standard, with traction control optional. Dual-way power sunroofs were available on this car. They were designed and installed by American Sunroof (now American Specialty Cars ) from its Columbus, Ohio plant, not by Mopar itself. An installed sunroof eliminated most of
159-399: A front bench seat, folding center armrest, and a column-mounted transmission shifter was available on the base model through the 2004 model year. Cloth seating was standard on base LX with leather seating optional. Leather was standard on upscale LXi and later Limited models. The Concorde, 300M, and Intrepid were discontinued in 2004. The all-new, rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 replaced
212-672: A large Eagle badge in the center. The Vision's taillights, although the same shape as the Concorde's were clustered differently and featured European-inspired amber turn signals. The Vision did not share the Concorde's lightbar, instead of using the area as space for a trunk-mounted license plate (as opposed to the rear bumper-mounted license plate on the Concorde). On the other hand, the Intrepid incorporated different headlight and taillight assemblies and had no grille at all. The interior of
265-481: A lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after the early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as
318-417: A surprisingly high drag coefficient, as downforce implies drag, while others are designed to be highly aerodynamic in pursuit of a speed and efficiency, and as a result have much lower drag coefficients. Note that the C d of a given vehicle will vary depending on which wind tunnel it is measured in. Variations of up to 5% have been documented and variations in test technique and analysis can also make
371-478: The Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As a relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at
424-670: The Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985; the Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following
477-520: The Chrysler Pentastar logo on the center strip. The Concorde's rear fascia was highlighted by a full-width and full-height lightbar between the taillights, giving the appearance that the taillights stretched across the entire trunk. In keeping with its upscale position, Concorde's body side moldings incorporated bright chrome (later golden colored) work not found on its Dodge or Eagle siblings. On Concordes with gray lower body paint color,
530-583: The Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with
583-755: The H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning the full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as
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#1732798002688636-517: The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in the full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included
689-456: The 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as
742-558: The 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with the 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From
795-496: The 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage, the EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora ,
848-466: The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. They have been discontinued after the 2023 or 2024 model years. The trend in the large car market segment in United States is toward the SUV. Automobile drag coefficients The drag coefficient is a common measure in automotive design as it pertains to aerodynamics . Drag is a force that acts parallel to and in the same direction as
901-721: The Concorde (and 300M) in early 2004 as a 2005 model. Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on
954-399: The Concorde a low drag coefficient which was ahead of its time. Although American Motors' Eagle Premier (and Dodge Monaco) was discontinued by Chrysler after the 1992 model year, the new Concorde's packaging was derived from the Premier, and all the suspension and drivetrain development mules were Premiers. Other design features found their way into the Chrysler LH platform , most notably
1007-522: The Concorde was also nearly identical to that of the Vision, the main difference being the Concorde's faux wood trim and steering wheel emblem; the Intrepid's interior was substantially different from the Concorde and Vision. Concordes and Intrepids could be equipped with a front bench seat and column shifter, bringing total capacity to six. The Vision could only be equipped with front bucket seats. Unlike its Dodge and Eagle siblings, Chrysler Concordes never had
1060-457: The Dynasty, and this design was scrapped entirely after François Castaing , formerly AMC's Vice President of product engineering and development, became Chrysler's Vice President of vehicle engineering in 1988. The new design, under Castaing's leadership, began with the Eagle Premier , also sold later as the Dodge Monaco . The Premier's longitudinal engine mounting layout was inherited, as was
1113-818: The Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of the G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became
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#17327980026881166-744: The GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced the Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008,
1219-514: The LH sedans, the first generation Concorde was most closely related to the Eagle Vision . The Concorde was given a more traditional image than the Vision. The two shared nearly all sheet metal in common with the main differences limited to their grilles, rear fascias, bodyside moldings, and wheel choices. The Concorde featured a modern take on Chrysler's signature waterfall grille. It was split into six sections divided by body-colored strips with
1272-404: The airflow. The drag coefficient of an automobile measures the way the automobile passes through the surrounding air. When automobile companies design a new vehicle they take into consideration the automobile drag coefficient in addition to the other performance characteristics. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed; therefore it becomes critically important at higher speeds. Reducing
1325-574: The combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From the introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until
1378-518: The corners of the car, creating a much larger passenger cabin compared to equivalent contemporary cars. Design of the future Concorde chassis began in the late 1980s after Chrysler had bought another automaker, American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987. During this time, Chrysler began designing the replacement for the Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler New Yorker , as well as a potential Plymouth . The initial design of Dodge's LH bore resemblance to
1431-452: The drag coefficient and reference area have been collapsed into the drag area term. This allows direct estimation of the drag force at a given speed for any vehicle for which only the drag area is known and therefore easier comparison. As drag area C d A is the fundamental value that determines power required for a given cruise speed it is a critical parameter for fuel consumption at a steady speed. This relation also allows an estimation of
1484-520: The drag coefficient in an automobile improves the performance of the vehicle as it pertains to speed and fuel efficiency . There are many different ways to reduce the drag of a vehicle. A common way to measure the drag of the vehicle is through the drag area. The reduction of drag in road vehicles has led to increases in the top speed of the vehicle and the vehicle's fuel efficiency, as well as many other performance characteristics, such as handling and acceleration. The two main factors that impact drag are
1537-881: The drag coefficient. In 2003, Car and Driver magazine adopted this metric as a more intuitive way to compare the aerodynamic efficiency of various automobiles. The force F required to overcome drag is calculated with the drag equation : F = 1 2 × air density × drag coefficient × reference area × speed 2 {\displaystyle F={\tfrac {1}{2}}\times {\text{air density}}\times {\text{drag coefficient}}\times {\text{reference area}}\times {\text{speed}}^{2}} Therefore: F = 1 2 × air density × drag area × speed 2 {\displaystyle F={\tfrac {1}{2}}\times {\text{air density}}\times \mathbf {\text{drag area}} \times {\text{speed}}^{2}} Where
1590-611: The eleventh and final generation Chrysler New Yorker . It was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1993 and 1994. The Concorde's design can be traced to 1986 when designer Kevin Verduyn completed the initial exterior design of a new aerodynamic concept sedan called Navajo. The design never passed the clay model stage. Also at this time, the Chrysler Corporation purchased bankrupt Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini . The Navajo's exterior design
1643-530: The engine and manufacturing teams committed to "Job 1" to have a new 3.5 L engine as "an absolute cornerstone for the car." Under Castaing's leadership, Chrysler developed an advanced engine in three years for the start of Concorde production that featured SOHC cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder. The appearance, still based on the cab forward exterior design of the 1987 Lamborghini Portofino concept , with its aerodynamic shape, made for little wind noise inside this large car. This sleek styling gives
Chrysler Concorde - Misplaced Pages Continue
1696-419: The exception of the doors and roof, the Concorde shared little sheet metal with the Intrepid and 300M. The new Concorde's front end was underscored by a striking full-width grille, relocated to the front bumper to give the impression of a bottom breather . Sweeping curves and a more rounded front end also set the Concorde apart from the Intrepid and 300M. As in the previous generation, six-passenger seating with
1749-513: The first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of the full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced
1802-400: The first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using the erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting
1855-565: The front overhead console that featured storage bins for a garage door opener and sunglasses. However, the Overhead Travel Information System (OTIS), or on-board computer with integrated map lights, was retained. A notable achievement included the Center for Auto Safety ranking the 1993 Concorde as superior in crashworthiness after testing it at 35 miles per hour (56.3 km/h) into a wall. Another achievement
1908-479: The front suspension geometry, and parts of the braking system. The chassis itself became a flexible architecture capable of supporting front or rear-wheel drive (designated "LH" and "LX" respectively). The transmission was inspired by the Premier's Audi and ZF automatics. Borrowing heavily from Chrysler's A604 (41TE) " Ultradrive " transversely mounted automatic, it became the A606 (also known as 42LE). The chassis design
1961-429: The frontal area of the vehicle and the drag coefficient. The drag coefficient is a unit-less value that denotes how much an object resists movement through a fluid such as water or air. A potential complication of altering a vehicle's aerodynamics is that it may cause the vehicle to get too much lift. Lift is an aerodynamic force that acts perpendicular to the airflow around the body of the vehicle. Too much lift can cause
2014-460: The gray came all the way up to the chrome beltline; on Visions, the gray lower body paint area was smaller and much more subtle. Wheel styles, which included available aluminum wheels with a Spiralcast design, were also unique to the Chrysler LH sedans (Concorde, LHS, New Yorker); Dodge and Eagle had their own different wheel styles. The similar Eagle Vision featured a smaller split-grille with
2067-511: The increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for the first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with
2120-491: The longitudinal engine layout, a hallmark of Renault 's front-wheel-drive designs. This design allowed engineers to lower the hood line, made maintenance/servicing simpler, and tightened the car's turning diameter. The first generation of the Concorde debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a 1993 model. It debuted as a single, well-equipped model with a base price of US$ 18,341. Out of all
2173-400: The new top speed of a car with a tuned engine: Or the power required for a target top speed: Average full-size passenger cars have a drag area of roughly 8 sq ft (0.74 m ). Reported drag areas range from the 1999 Honda Insight at 5.1 sq ft (0.47 m ) to the 2003 Hummer H2 at 26.5 sq ft (2.46 m ). The drag area of a bicycle (and rider) is also in
Chrysler Concorde - Misplaced Pages Continue
2226-576: The option of autostick transmission and its special instrument cluster. It was only available with an automatic transmission . The upscale Concorde models featured leather-trimmed seats, steering wheels, shift knobs, and door inserts. Other interior options included rear-seat vents (in the five-seater), rear center rear armrest, and eight-way power seats for both the driver and passenger, as well as personal reading lamps. Power windows and central door locks were standard on all Concordes, as were dual airbags. Other options included remote keyless system and
2279-417: The original's 113 inches (2,900 mm) wheelbase. Despite overall length increasing by 7.5 inches (190 mm), the second generation's weight dropped by nearly a hundred pounds. This was achieved by extensive use of aluminum for the rear suspension, hood, as well as in the two new engines. There was a new 200 hp (149 kW) 2.7-liter V6 and 225 hp (168 kW) 3.2 L V6. The 3.5 L
2332-439: The overall shape of the automobile, they also bear in mind that reducing the frontal area of the shape helps reduce the drag. The product of drag coefficient and area – drag area – is represented as C d A (or C x A ), a multiplication of C d value by area. The term drag area derives from aerodynamics , where it is the product of some reference area (such as cross-sectional area, total surface area, or similar) and
2385-473: The range of 6.5–7.5 sq ft (0.60–0.70 m ). The average modern automobile achieves a drag coefficient of between 0.25 and 0.3. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs), with their typically boxy shapes, typically achieve a C d =0.35–0.45. The drag coefficient of a vehicle is affected by the shape of body of the vehicle. Various other characteristics affect the coefficient of drag as well, and are taken into account in these examples. Many sports cars have
2438-578: The sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with the production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer,
2491-535: The segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following the 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on
2544-441: The vehicle to lose road traction which can be very unsafe. Lowering the drag coefficient comes from streamlining the exterior body of the vehicle. Streamlining the body requires assumptions about the surrounding airspeed and characteristic use of the vehicle. Cars that try to reduce drag employ devices such as spoilers, wings, diffusers, and fins to reduce drag and increase speed in one direction. While designers pay attention to
2597-401: Was being featured on Car and Driver's top 10 list for both 1993 and 1994. All of the first-generation 3.5 L engines were rated at 214 hp (160 kW) with 16 mpg ‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg ‑imp ) city and 24 mpg ‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg ‑imp ) with 89 octane fuel required. Production Figures: The Concorde
2650-637: Was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year. The "Second Generation" design was introduced in 1996 as the Chrysler LHX concept car . This concept vehicle had large, 20-inch wheels, a centrally located instrument cluster, and a closed-circuit television system within the windshield pillars replacing conventional rearview mirrors. While the concept vehicle's wheelbase was expanded to 124 inches (3,100 mm) to allow for rear passenger supplement restraints, rear occupant entertainment center and storage compartment, production second generation LH cars retained
2703-468: Was continually refined throughout the following years, as it underpinned more Chrysler prototypes: the 1989 Chrysler Millennium and the 1990 Eagle Optima . By 1990, it was decided that the new technologically advanced car would need a new technologically advanced engine to power it. Until that time, the only engine confirmed for use was Chrysler's 3.3 L pushrod V6 engine . Chrysler's old engineering system would have required up to five years, but both
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#17327980026882756-547: Was redone and output upgraded to 253 hp (189 kW) and was available on the 2002 through 2004 Concorde Limited (formerly LHS). Much was done in the design process to make the second generation LH sedans look more distinct from each other. The 1998 Concorde differed far greater from the Dodge Intrepid and the new 1999 Chrysler 300M (successor to the Eagle Vision), than did the first generation models. With
2809-576: Was reworked and became the Lamborghini Portofino , released as a concept at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show . The Portofino was heralded as a design triumph, setting in motion Chrysler's decision to produce a production sedan with the Portofino's revolutionary exterior design, called "cab-forward". The cab forward design was characterized by the long, low slung windshield, and relatively short overhangs. The wheels were effectively pushed to
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