Eagle Vision

Eagle Vision
Eagle Vision
1995 Eagle Vision TSi
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation
Also called Chrysler Vision
Production 1993-1997
Assembly Brampton Assembly Plant in
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor Eagle Premier
Successor Chrysler 300M
Class Full-size sports sedan
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform Chrysler LH platform
Engine 3.3 L EGA V6
3.5 L EGJ V6
Transmission 4-speed 42LE automatic
Wheelbase 113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length 201.6 in (5,121 mm)
Width 74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height 1993-94: 55.8 in (1,417 mm)
1995-97: 56.3 in (1,430 mm)
Curb weight 3,371 lb (1,529 kg)
Related Chrysler Concorde
Chrysler LHS
Chrysler New Yorker
Dodge Intrepid

The Eagle Vision was a full-size, front-wheel drive sedan, marketed as a sports version of the Chrysler LH platform, produced from 1993-1997. It was sold by the Eagle division of the Chrysler Corporation, replacing the AMC/Renault-designed Eagle Premier (from which the Vision was derived). It is related to the first generation Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS and final generation Chrysler New Yorker. The Vision, Intrepid, Concorde, LHS and New Yorker are collectively designated the LH: Chrysler's codename for the platform which underpinned them. The Vision, Intrepid and Concorde were available as flexible-fuel vehicles, as well.[1] The Eagle Vision was badged as the Chrysler Vision in Europe. The Vision debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As an LH sedan, it was Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year in 1993.

Contents

Design Background

1995 Eagle Vision TSi rear

The Vision'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.

It was also at this time that the Chrysler Corporation purchased bankrupt Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini. The Navajo's exterior design 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 the corners of the car, creating a larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time.

Design of the chassis began in the late 1980s, after Chrysler had bought another automaker: American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987, from which the Eagle division is derived. During this time, Chrysler began designing the replacement for the Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler Fifth Avenue as well as a potential Plymouth. The initial design of Dodge's LH bore resemblance to 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.

The Premier's longitudinal engine mounting layout was inherited, as was 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 chassis design was continually refined throughout the following years, as it underpinned more Chrysler prototypes: the 1989 Chrysler Millennium and 1990 Eagle Optima.

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). This "Ultradrive" transmission however was not without critics as The New York Times reported on January 25, 1991 that Consumers Union would publish in the February 1991 issue of the magazine Consumer Reports a warning for consumers to NOT buy a vehicle with this "Ultradrive" transmission citing poor reliability and safety hazards.

1995 Eagle Vision ESi

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. The 3.3 L engine's 60° block was bored out to 3.5 L, while the pushrod-actuated valves were replaced with SOHC cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, creating an advanced 3.5 L V6.

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 the Vision a low drag coefficient (0.31), comparable to the acclaimed Ford Taurus.

Without badges, the Vision could easily pass as a (first-generation) Concorde. The main difference between the two are the taillight clusters. With a nod toward the European sedans against which it was marketed to compete, the Vision incorporates amber turn signals rather than the Concorde's red. The Vision also does not have the Concorde's rear lightbar between the taillights. While the Vision and Concorde share headlights, the Vision's grille is smaller and, separated by a prominent center badge, has been likened to the appearance of "nostrils." On the other hand, the Intrepid incorporates very different headlight and taillight assemblies, and has no grille at all. The interior of the Vision is nearly identical to the Concorde, the biggest difference being the absence of the Concorde's faux wood trim and steering wheel emblem. The Concorde never had the autostick and its instrument cluster, Dodge did, but it had its own interior. The Vision, being marketed as a sport sedan only offered the bucket seats with console and never offered with the split bench with column shift.

The Vision featured a monochromatic design inside and out, with no brand or model badge on the doors (as found on the Concorde), and available aluminum wheels with a simple design. The single color motif was more pronounced on models without the grey lower body trim paint scheme. In keeping with its high-performance image, the Vision was the only LH sedan to come standard with "touring" suspension.[2] "Performance" suspension was an available option on the Vision.[2]

The upscale TSi model featured leather-trimmed seats, 8-way power seats for both the driver and front passenger, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, cloth door inserts, rear seat vents, center rear armrest, and personal reading lamps.

Power windows and central door locks were standard for both trims, as were dual airbags, with remote keyless entry available as an option. Among other factory installed sound systems available, was the top-of-the-line Infinity sound system which included 8 speakers positioned throughout the cabin along with an equalizer. Head units included a radio with either cassette or CD playback, and a maximum five-bands adjustable graphic equalizer.

1993-1997 Eagle Vision with grey lower body trim

The TSi model was distinguishable as it did not have a fixed mast antenna, but a retractable power antenna that stored itself inside the rear passenger-side fender. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, with traction control optional.[3]

Dual-way power sunroofs were available on this car in either trim. They were designed and installed by American Sunroof Corp. (now ASC Global) from its Columbus, Ohio plant, not by Mopar itself. An installed sunroof eliminated most of the front overhead console that featured storage bins for a garage door opener and sunglasses. However, the Overhead Travel Information System (OTIS), an onboard computer with integrated map lights, was retained.

Trims

  • ESi - 1993-1997
  • TSi - 1993-1997

Prices

The Vision was generally the middle offering of the original three LH cars, with the ESi starting between a base Intrepid and a base Concorde (usually just under the Concorde by a few hundred dollars). However the TSi's base price was more than a base Concorde. Other LH cars, the New Yorker and LHS, started higher than the Vision. The original MSRP base prices in United States dollars for the years were:

  • 1993: ESi - $17,687 & TSi - $21,404
  • 1994: ESi - $19,747 & TSi - $23,212
  • 1995: ESi - $19,697 & TSi - $22,971
  • 1996: ESi - $19,245 & TSi - $23,835
  • 1997: ESi - $20,305 & TSi - $24,485

Performance

The Eagle Vision ESi came equipped with a 3.3 liter V6 engine initially producing 150 bhp (112 kW) and rising to 162 bhp (121 kW) in the 1994-1995 models. For 1996, it lost 4 hp (3 kW), but gained 9 ft·lbf of torque. The TSi was factory-equipped with the more powerful SOHC 24-valve 3.5 L V6 engine producing 214 bhp (160 kW). Both engines were joined to a 4-speed automatic, but only the '96 and '97 TSi with its 3.5 had the 4-speed autostick option, with no option of a real manual transmission.

Engines

  • 3.3 L V6 - Horsepower and Torque: 150 bhp (112 kW) & 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) (1993), 162 bhp (121 kW) & 194 lb·ft (263 N·m) (1994–1995) and, 158 bhp (118 kW) & 203 lb·ft (275 N·m) (1996–1997)
  • 3.5 L V6 - 214 bhp (160 kW) & 221 lb·ft (300 N·m)

The 3.3 liter engine was engineered to run on 87 octane gasoline, while the larger 3.5 requires mid-grade 89 octane fuel.

Year-to-year changes

  • 1994: Variable-assist power steering was available, providing more feel at higher speeds. Both models now wore the same lower-body cladding, minimizing the evident differences between the ESi and TSi. The 3.3 L engine's power output was increased by 8 hp, while the 4-speed automatic transmission was revised for smoother shifting.
  • 1995: New standard features included heated power exterior rear-view mirrors, power windows, and an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. The 3.5-liter engine became available as an upgrade option for the ESi trim level.
  • 1996: A new Autostick shifting feature became available for the TSi trim. The car could be "manually" shifted by tilting the shift knob right or left to change gears up or down.
  • 1997: Only minor changes were made to the 1997 Vision. After this year the Vision was discontinued.

End of a Vision

The Vision sold in reasonable numbers (around 105,000 units, from 1993–1997) and Chrysler was planning to continue it for the redesign of the LH cars for 1998. Some prototypes featured the Eagle logo, and Vision production continued into September 1997 to offer dealers with an adequate amount of '97 models, until the introduction redesigned '98 Vision. Instead however, Chrysler made the decision to stop production of the Vision and Talon (Eagle's only other model by then), therefore dissolving the whole Eagle brand in 1998. Production ended on September 5, 1997. The car that was planned to be the redesigned Vision, became the Chrysler 300M,[4] and it was released a year after the other redesigned LH cars in 1999.[5]

Awards

1994:

References

Inline
  1. ^ Cars On Alcohol, Part 1: M85 Methanol Emerges, retrieved on August 3, 2009.
  2. ^ a b "Development of the Body Shell, Suspension, and Steering of the Chrysler LH Series (Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, Eagle Vision)". Allpar. http://www.allpar.com/model/lh2/lh-body.html. Retrieved 2010-04-28. 
  3. ^ "1993-1997 Eagle Vision Road Tests" Consumer Guide Automotive, updated 23 November 2008, retrieved on 17 November 2009.
  4. ^ "Chrysler 300M cars: big, luxury-tinged sporty sedans" allpar.com, retrieved on 2009-07-14.
  5. ^ Ackerson, Robert (2005). Chrysler 300 Series: Pedigree, Power and Performance Since 1955. Veloce Publishing. p. 122. ISBN 9781904788904. 
General

External links


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