Эволюция Chrysler L-платформы: от Omni/Horizon до Shelby GLHS

The sale of Chrysler Europe ended further design work on the C2 project; at the time, the company was seeking to expand the model line to a four door sedan and a shorter wheelbase three door hatchback.

Following the introduction of the five door Omni/Horizon, Chrysler introduced several additional versions of the L body platform, including the Dodge 024/Plymouth TC3 three door hatchbacks (later the Dodge Charger/Plymouth Turismo) and the Dodge Rampage/Plymouth Scamp coupé utility pickup truck. As a hot hatch, Chrysler introduced the turbocharged Omni GLH (later the Shelby GLH S).

For 1979, Chrysler introduced a hatchback coupe version of the Omni/Horizon, named the Dodge Omni 024 and Plymouth Horizon TC3. Using an L body chassis (shortened to a 96.6 inch wheelbase), the 024/TC3 coupes shared no external bodywork with the five door hatchbacks. Sharing the same powertrain as the Omni and Horizon, the coupes were largely designed for appearance over performance. For 1982, the O24/TC3 were renamed Dodge Charger and Plymouth Turismo. While again offering the same powertrain as the five door hatchbacks, the 2.2 L high output engine was added to create the Dodge Shelby Charger/Plymouth Turismo Duster. For 1984, the coupes received updated exterior styling (distinguished by a quad headlamp front fascia). For 1985 and 1986, the Shelby Charger adopted the engine of the Omni GLH T.

Following the 1987 model year, the Dodge Charger/Plymouth Turismo were replaced by the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance; Dodge would not again remarket a Charger until the 2005 model year. The final 1000 Dodge Shelby Chargers were built as Shelby Charger GLHS vehicles with a 2.2 L Turbo II engine, upgraded transmission, brakes, and suspension, and the deletion of all Dodge badging.

For 1982, Chrysler introduced a coupe utility pickup derived from the L body chassis, named the Dodge Rampage. The first front wheel drive American pickup truck, the Rampage extended the Dodge Omni chassis to a 104.2 inch wheelbase. To compete with the payload of the larger Chevrolet El Camino, Chrysler redesigned the rear frame and suspension of the L body for the Rampage, with the vehicle receiving a leaf sprung rear axle. For 1984, the Omni GLH adopted many of the modifications of the 1983 Shelby Charger, including its 2.2 L "high output" I4, stiffer suspension, larger brakes and wider tires. For 1985 and 1986, Shelby offered the GLH with an optional 2.2 L Turbo I I4 (GLH T); 1986 vehicles are largely distinguished by their center brake light. Modified by the company in California, the GLHS vehicles were legally sold as Shelbys. The Turbo I engine underwent extensive modification, adopting multiple components of what would become the Turbo II engine introduced for 1987. Along with an intercooler, the engine received a larger turbocharger and throttle body, tuned intake and exhaust manifolds, a new wiring harness, and a new radiator and engine fan (among other engine modifications). The suspension was upgraded further, receiving stiffer springs, and adjustable Koni struts and shocks, along with larger tires mounted on Shelby designed wheels. In contrast to the red pinstripes of the GLH/GLH T, the GLHS used silver pinstripes and badging; a "Shelby" decal was added to the windshield and a large GLHS decal was added to the driver side C pillar (the passenger side C pillar was occupied by the gas cap door).

At the time of its 1978 launch, the Omni and Horizon would play a significant role in the survival of Chrysler Corporation. While initially struggling against rebounding sales of larger vehicles, nearly 200,000 examples of the combined model line were sold in the first model year. Other automotive media reported no problems and said the Consumer Reports test did not approximate real world driving conditions. In response to the Consumer Reports article, Chrysler modified the car to add a steering damper and a lighter weight steering wheel.