Chrysler LHS

Chrysler LHS
Chrysler LHS (1999-2001)
Overview
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation (1994-1997)
DaimlerChrysler (1999-2001)
Production May 1993–1997
1999-2001
Model years 1994-1997
1999-2001
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 EGE 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
  • 56.0 in (1,422 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Chrysler Imperial
Successor Chrysler Concorde Limited

The Chrysler LHS is a full-size luxury four-door sedan that was produced by Chrysler for the 1994 through the 2001 model years,[1] with a one-year hiatus for 1998. It replaced the Chrysler Imperial as the division's flagship model. The LHS was continued for the 2002 model year as the Concorde Limited.[2]

First generation (1994 to 1997)

Introduced in May 1993 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 Chrysler LH platform cars.[3] All the LH-series models 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]

Further differences between the Chrysler LHS and its New Yorker counterpart were a floor console and shifter, five-passenger seating, lack of chrome trim, an upgraded interior and a sportier image. From the 1996 model year on the New Yorker was dropped in favor of a six-passenger option on the 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

  • MY 1995 - The headlamps on the 1994 models were poorly designed, Chrysler received complaints about their poor brightness, and rushed the redesign into fall 1994 production for 1995 models.
  • MY 1995 - Redesigned a projector-style headlight beam, which was rather uncommon for its time. A new Chrysler medallion on the grille replaced the pentastar.
  • MY 1996 - Body color mirrors were no longer available, as well as the optional carphone. With the withdrawal of the New Yorker, front bench seats became optional. Homelink garage door opener and a hidden antenna became standard equipment.

Second generation (1999 to 2001)

After a one-year hiatus, a redesigned LHS was introduced in 1998 for MY1999.[4] It 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]

The new generation of the LHS was much more refined than its predecessor, and its 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 with the New Yorker nameplate during the 1995-1997 model years, 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

  1. ↑ "Used Chrysler LHS Luxury Cars". intellichoice. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "2002 Chrysler Concorde Sedan". Edmunds. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Creating the second-generation Chrysler LHS and the Chrysler 300M". allpar. April 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 Anderson, Greg (1 January 1999). "1999 Chrysler 300M and 1999 Chrysler LHS Road Test". Edmunds. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and Chrysler Concorde, New Yorker, and LHS". allpar. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  6. ↑ 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.

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