Chrysler LH platform
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The LH platform was Chrysler's second-most well-known automobile platform after the Chrysler K platform of the 1980s. The platform was loosely based on the AMC-developed Eagle Premier. Like the Premier, the LH-cars featured a longitudinally-mounted engine with a front-wheel drive drivetrain, unusual in most American front-wheel drive cars.
They competed more directly against the Ford Taurus and other large mid-size cars, largely replacing the K-based C-bodies. The LH cars debuted in 1993, and were updated in 1998. The LH platform was replaced with the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform for the 2005 model year.
Chrysler advertised the advantages of the LH's "cab-forward" architecture (short, sloping hood and long windshield), and even used the platform name for the Chrysler LHS sedan. This look dictated one major design decision: the LH uses a longitudinal engine rather than the transverse engine position, which is more typical for a front-wheel drive car. This arrangement meant that the design team had to use a chain to connect the automatic transmission with the front differential, a design reminiscent of the original Oldsmobile Toronado.
The LH platform and engine design were benchmarked against the Acura Legend, though the final LH cars were larger and lighter than the Legend.
A rumor at the time was that LH stood for 'Last Hope'. This was because Chrysler faced an uncertain future that its engineers were allowed to do what they felt was innovative. The LH vehicles were, generally, a great success for Chrysler and the cab-forward look influenced other car designs in the 1990s. The LH sedans also bailed Chrysler out of bankruptcy in the 1990s, just like the K-cars did during the 1980s.
First generation (1993-1997)
The first generation LH cars used the existing 3.3 L OHV V6 as well as a new 3.5 L SOHC V6, and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Cars that used the first revision of the LH platform include:
- Regular wheelbase (113 in)
- * 1993-1997 Chrysler Concorde
- * 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid
- * 1993-1997 Eagle Vision
- Stretched wheelbase (117 in)
- * 1994-1996 Chrysler New Yorker
- * 1994-1997 Chrysler LHS
Second generation (1998-2004)
The second generation LH cars used the 2.7 L DOHC V6 and 3.2 L SOHC V6 as well as an updated version of the older 3.5, and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Cars that used the second revision of the LH platform include:
- Regular wheelbase (113 in)
- * 1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde
- * 1998-2004 Dodge Intrepid
- Stretched wheelbase (117 in)
- * 1999-2001 Chrysler LHS
- * 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M
- * 2002-2004 Chrysler Concorde Limited
External links
See also
References
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