Chrysler LeBaron: История Модели и Эволюция

The Chrysler LeBaron, also known as the Imperial LeBaron, is a line of automobiles built by Chrysler from 1931 to 1941 and from 1955 to 1995. The model was introduced in 1931, with a body manufactured by LeBaron, and competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard. After purchasing LeBaron with its parent Briggs Manufacturing Company, Chrysler introduced the luxury make Imperial in 1955, and sold automobiles under the name Imperial LeBaron until 1975. Chrysler discontinued the Imperial brand in 1975, and reintroduced the Chrysler LeBaron in 1977 to what was then Chrysler's lowest priced model. The "LeBaron" name has since been applied to five different cars built by the Chrysler Division:
1977–1981 M body (mid size) LeBaron sedan, coupe, and wagon
1982–1988 K body (mid size) LeBaron sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon
1985–1989 H body (mid size) LeBaron GTS hatchback
1987–1995 J body (personal luxury) LeBaron coupe and convertible
1990–1994 AA body (mid size) LeBaron sedan
The last Chrysler LeBaron was produced in 1995, to be replaced with the Cirrus and Sebring. The LeBaron was one of Chrysler's longest running brands.

In 1992 for the 1993 model year, the LeBaron received a slight facelift. The hidden headlamps of the 1987 1992 models were deleted in favor of less costly flush mounted replaceable bulb headlamps, new wheel styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear turn signals introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. For 1994, a passenger side airbag became standard on all models. Also new for 1994 was the "Bright LX" decor package which included a "bright" chrome grille, "bright" chrome badging, and "bright" chrome molding inserts, as opposed to being body colored on the GTC. The available engines were a naturally aspirated 2.5 L and a turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's inline four, and the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 making a in this application. The turbocharged engines were dropped from the lineup in 1992 for the 1993 model year. The coupe was discontinued after 1993. For the last two model years, the 3.0 was the only available engine. The convertible was discontinued after 1995, to make way for the new Chrysler Sebring coupes and convertibles, for 1995 and 1996 respectively.

The LeBaron coupe/convertible was part of Chrysler's export push and was regularly available across Europe. Springs and shocks were somewhat firmer on European market cars. The initial European lineup was made up of the naturally aspirated 2.5 and the turbocharged 2.2; both were offered with a 5 speed manual or a 3 speed automatic. Power is respectively. In mid 1988, the turbocharged 2.2 was partially replaced by the 2.5 Turbo, with power slightly lower at The 2.2 Turbo received an intercooler, which boosted maximum power to Called the LeBaron GTC, it was not offered with the automatic. Both turbo versions were discontinued during 1989; the 2.5 Turbo returned (only with the five speed manual transmission) some time during 1990. The new version produces at 4700 rpm, but it was discontinued yet again in 1991. The 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6 engine was introduced to European buyers in mid 1989, and was only available with the four speed automatic. It produces somewhat less power than the American models; at 5200 rpm. The top speed was and the sprint took 10.8 seconds. Chrysler Phantoms were marketed from 1987 until 1994, with the first cars delivered in December 1986. A more powerful R/T version (similar to the American LeBaron GTC but using a higher tuned turbo engine) was also available in 1992 and 1993. The Phantom R/T originally received the 2.5 liter Turbo II engine, coupled to a three speed automatic, but this was quickly changed to the Turbo III engine with a five speed Getrag manual transmission. The Mexican AA body Chrysler LeBaron 4 door sedan was called the New Yorker (all of them with Landau roof), and the "K" body (slightly shorter) was reserved for the 4 door LeBaron's, which were sold in two trim levels, one with Landau roof and leather, and the other one without those two options.