Shelby Lancer
| Shelby Lancer | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Chrysler Corporation Shelby |
| Production |
1987 (800 Shelby cars & Chrysler) 1988-89 (Chrysler) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | H-body |
| Related |
Chrysler LeBaron GTS Dodge Lancer |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L Turbo I I4 |
| Transmission |
5-speed A520 manual 3-speed A413 automatic |
The Shelby Lancer is a limited-production hatchback sports sedan that was based on the Dodge Lancer. Modified by Carroll Shelby for 1987 and available only in Graphic Red exterior finish, the Shelby Lancer was intended to be an American counterpart to such European sedans as the BMW 3-Series and Peugeot 405.
Equipment
A total of 800 Shelby Lancers were built; 400 came with a 3-speed automatic transmission (A413) and leather interior, and 400 with a 5-speed manual transmission (A520) and cloth interior. The various VIN plates and build labels on the car all indicated "Shelby Automobiles" instead of the typical Chrysler or Dodge labels found on normal production vehicles. Shelby-brand items included a numbered plaque attached to the dashboard along with Shelby 15 inch wheels, a Shelby steering wheel, and a Shelby valve cover. The car included items inside with many amenities not offered on the normal Lancer, including a special 10-speaker Pioneer CD audio system, one of the first Compact Disc systems offered in an American car.
Power came from a Chrysler supplied, Shelby tuned Turbo II 2.2 Liter Intercooled SOHC I4, with 175 hp (130 kW) and 175 ft·lbf (237 Nm). Weight was just over 3,000 lb (1,360 kg) with the average driver, so performance was not as good as the lighter and lesser-equipped Shelby GLHS. It took about 7.2 seconds to get to 60 mph (97 km/h) and quarter mile times were in the mid to high 15-second range with factory boost levels peaking at about 12 PSI.
Road handling was quite good for a sedan at the time, pulling an advertised 0.85 g on the skidpad. Ride comfort was stiff but not unbearable, providing a good balance between a sport suspension coupe and a touring sedan. Goodyear Gatorback tires, Monroe Formula GP struts and larger sway bars were used to provide a firmer suspension with better grip. Shelby also used an experimental (at the time) 4-wheel disc brake system to improve braking.
Dodge carried on the car with the 1988 and 1989 Lancer Shelby, which is not to be confused with the true Shelby car which was assembled in Whittier, California. The Dodge version is actually more rare despite being factory produced but wasn't numbered and had different Shelby-specific parts.
Shelby Lancer Front
Shelby Lancer Rear
References
Minick, D. and Zatz, D. The Dodge Lancer and Chrysler LeBaron GTS. Retrieved 27 April 2012 from Allpar.com/model/lancer.html.
External links
Media related to Dodge Lancer Shelby at Wikimedia Commons