Chrysler E-Class
Encyclopedia
The Chrysler E-Class was a mid-size car
produced by the Chrysler Corporation
. Introduced in 1983 on a stretched version
of the Chrysler K platform
, the E-Class was a less expensive, less equipped version of the identical 1983 New Yorker
. It was targeted at those who wanted Chrysler luxury, but could not afford the opulence nor hefty price tag of the flagship New Yorker. Due to this reason, the E-Class is the de facto
replacement for the 1981 Newport
, which previously was Chrysler's cheaper, more basic version of the New Yorker. The E-Class was originally to be called the "Grand LeBaron", however Chrysler decided to name it "E-Class" in reference to the new E-platform
.
The E-Class came with a number of standard features and options including a cassette player, split 50/50 front bench with middle seat mounted console, woodgrain interior trim, two-tone exterior paint (1984 only), power window & door locks, and air conditioning. Engines were the 2.2 L naturally aspirated I4 and the Mitsubishi
2.6 L I4. 1984 saw the debut of fuel injection
on the 2.2 L engine and an optional Garrett AiResearch
T-03 turbocharger
.
The E-Class however, was not a sales success. Sales of the more expensive New Yorker were nearly double the E-Class's sales for 1984. Its slow sales caused it to be dropped from Chrysler's lineup after only two years on the market. Rather than discontinue a lower-priced model to be sold on Chrysler-Plymouth
lots, Chrysler gave the car a minor refreshment (it lost the waterfall grille and crystal pentastar hood ornament) and transferred it to Plymouth
's lineup, where it became the Caravelle
for 1985.
The production figures for the Chrysler E-Class:
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
produced by the Chrysler Corporation
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
. Introduced in 1983 on a stretched version
Chrysler E platform
Chrysler used the designation E platform for two separate car ranges.One was used for rear wheel drive cars in the 1970s:* 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger, wheelbase* 1970-1974 Plymouth Barracuda, wheelbase...
of the Chrysler K platform
Chrysler K platform
The Chrysler Corporation's K-cars were compact-to-midsize cars designed to carry six adults on two bench seats and were aimed not only to replace Chrysler's nominally-compact F-body Aspen and Volaré, but also to compete with intermediates like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fairmont...
, the E-Class was a less expensive, less equipped version of the identical 1983 New Yorker
Chrysler New Yorker
The Chrysler New Yorker was a premium automobile built by the Chrysler Corporation from 1939–1996, serving for several years as the brand's flagship model. A model named the "New York Special" first appeared in the 1930s...
. It was targeted at those who wanted Chrysler luxury, but could not afford the opulence nor hefty price tag of the flagship New Yorker. Due to this reason, the E-Class is the de facto
De facto
De facto is a Latin expression that means "concerning fact." In law, it often means "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law" or "in practice or actuality, but not officially established." It is commonly used in contrast to de jure when referring to matters of law, governance, or...
replacement for the 1981 Newport
Chrysler Newport
The Newport was a name used by the Chrysler division of the Chrysler Corporation used as both a hardtop body designation and also for its lowest priced model between 1961 and 1981...
, which previously was Chrysler's cheaper, more basic version of the New Yorker. The E-Class was originally to be called the "Grand LeBaron", however Chrysler decided to name it "E-Class" in reference to the new E-platform
Chrysler E platform
Chrysler used the designation E platform for two separate car ranges.One was used for rear wheel drive cars in the 1970s:* 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger, wheelbase* 1970-1974 Plymouth Barracuda, wheelbase...
.
The E-Class came with a number of standard features and options including a cassette player, split 50/50 front bench with middle seat mounted console, woodgrain interior trim, two-tone exterior paint (1984 only), power window & door locks, and air conditioning. Engines were the 2.2 L naturally aspirated I4 and the Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
2.6 L I4. 1984 saw the debut of fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
on the 2.2 L engine and an optional Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
T-03 turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
.
The E-Class however, was not a sales success. Sales of the more expensive New Yorker were nearly double the E-Class's sales for 1984. Its slow sales caused it to be dropped from Chrysler's lineup after only two years on the market. Rather than discontinue a lower-priced model to be sold on Chrysler-Plymouth
Chrysler-Plymouth
Chrysler-Plymouth was a division of the Chrysler Corporation, an American automobile company founded by Walter P. Chrysler. The division sold cars with both Chrysler and Plymouth brand names...
lots, Chrysler gave the car a minor refreshment (it lost the waterfall grille and crystal pentastar hood ornament) and transferred it to Plymouth
Plymouth (automobile)
Plymouth was a marque of automobile based in the United States, produced by the Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler.-Origins:...
's lineup, where it became the Caravelle
Plymouth Caravelle
The Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-size sedan that was originally a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989...
for 1985.
The production figures for the Chrysler E-Class:
- 1983 -39,258
- 1984 -32,237
- Total -71,495