Engineering:Chrysler LHS

Chrysler LHS
Chrysler LHS (1999–2001)
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation (1993–1997) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2001)
Production	1993–1997 1998–2001
Model years	1994–1997 1999–2001
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury 4-door sedan
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler LH platform
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler Imperial Chrysler Fifth Avenue
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, with a one-year hiatus for 1998. It replaced the Chrysler Imperial and the Chrysler Fifth Avenue as the division's flagship model. The LHS was rebadged as the Concorde Limited for the 2002 model year.

First generation (1994–1997)

First generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Production	February 1993 – 1997
Model years	1994–1997
Assembly	Brampton Assembly, Brampton, Canada
Body and chassis
Related	Chrysler New Yorker Chrysler Concorde Eagle Vision Dodge Intrepid
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	74.3 in (1,887 mm)
Height	55.7 in (1,415 mm)

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. All the LH-series models shared a 113.0-inch (2,870 mm) wheelbase and were developed using Chrysler's new computer drafting system.

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. 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: Due to complaints Chrysler received regarding poor brightness of the headlamps on 1994 models, they were redesigned for the 1995 model year and included 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.
• MY 1997: Transmission improvements were the primary change for 1997.

Production figures:

Chrysler LHS production figures

	Yearly Production
1994	44,739
1995	29,418
1996	34,900
1997	36,525
Total	145,582

• 

  1994 Chrysler LHS

• 

  1995 to 1997 Chrysler LHS

• 

  1997 Chrysler LHS

Second generation (1999–2001)

Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler
Production	1998–2001
Model years	1999–2001
Assembly	Brampton Assembly, Brampton, Ontario
Body and chassis
Related	Chrysler Concorde Chrysler 300M Dodge Intrepid
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L EGE V6
Transmission	4-speed 42LE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length	207.7 in (5,276 mm)
Width	74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height	56.0 in (1,422 mm)

After a one-year hiatus, a redesigned LHS was introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year. 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 while the shorter and sportier 300M competed in the performance luxury market. 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) at 6400 rpm and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) of torque at 3950 rpm.

Chrysler discontinued the LHS after 2001, replacing it with the new Concorde Limited. The Concorde's fascias, the primary exterior difference between the Concorde and LHS, were replaced with the LHS'. In essence, the LHS was rebadged as the Concorde Limited allowing Chrysler to streamline its model lineup.

• 

  1999 to 2001 Chrysler LHS

• 

  1999 to 2001 Chrysler LHS

• 

  1999 to 2001 Chrysler LHS

Europe

The first-generation LHS was sold in Europe by special order only during 1995–1999 model years. LHS was rebranded as New Yorker for the European market but retained the LHS name for the United Kingdom.

The New Yorker featured the export taillights with amber turn signal indicators in the middle band between red brake and night lights and white reverse lights, side turn signal repeaters, headlights with different light output and bulbs, and a set of red rear fog lamps in the bumpers adjacent to the wider numberplate. The side running lights and retroreflective markers were deleted from the bumpers and front turn signal indicators.

Legacy

The first generation LHS was praised by motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who is well known for criticizing North American automobiles, described the LHS as "by global standards, right up there with the best." The LHS nameplate was discontinued after 2002, but the design continued as the Concorde Limited.

References

• Haynes Repair Manual – Chrysler LHS, Concorde, 300M, Dodge Intrepid, 1998–2004. Haynes. March 15, 2009. ISBN 9781563927324. 

External links

• Chrysler LHS at the Internet Movie Cars Database