Chrysler M platform

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Chrysler M Platform
1985 Plymouth Gran Fury
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Production	1977-1989
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Layout	FR layout
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Powertrain
Engine(s)	3.7 L Slant 6 I6 5.2 L LA V8 5.9 L LA V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed A833 manual 3-speed A727 automatic 3-speed A904 automatic 3-speed A999 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.7 in (2,761 mm) (2-door models only, 1980-82) 112.7 in (2,863 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	F-body R-body
Successor	K platform

The Chrysler M Platform (or "M-Body") was an intermediate-sized automobile platform used by Chrysler motors from 1977 to 1989. It was a successor to the F-body, as used on the Dodge Aspen/ Plymouth Volare. The M-body was also the successor to the short-lived R-body, as the Chrysler New Yorker and Plymouth Gran Fury moved to it following the R-body's demise in 1981. The M platform was the final production passenger car with a solid rear axle mounted on Hotchkiss-style, parallel semi-elliptical leaf springs sold in the U.S.^{[citation needed]}

The M-cars were built at St. Louis, Missouri and Newark, Delaware with initial debut (LeBaron/Diplomat series) in spring 1977 as 1977 1/2 models,^[1] with some 1977-83 production also at Windsor, Ontario. Beginning in February 1987 and ending with 1989 model year, the American Motors plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin was utilized for assembly.^[2]

By 1983-84, it became clear that most private buyers preferred the equally roomy but cheaper and more fuel-efficient K-cars; however, the M's long-proven traditional engineering, handling, and V8 engine availability appealed to police and taxi fleets, allowing the car's continued existence until the end of the decade. In 1989 the Chrysler M-bodies received a driver side air bag.^[3] After the M-bodies were discontinued in 1989 Chrysler Corporation wouldn't build a rear wheel drive car outside of trucks and specialty models until LX based cars.

Vehicles on this platform include:

• 1977-1989 Dodge Diplomat
• 1977-1981 Chrysler LeBaron
• 1978-1981 Chrysler Town & Country station wagon
• 1978-1979 Dodge Coronet (South America)
• 1978-1982 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
• 1980-1981 Dodge Dart (Mexico)
• 1981-1982 Dodge Magnum 5.9L (Mexico)
• 1982-1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
• 1982 Chrysler New Yorker
• 1983 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
• 1983-1989 Plymouth Caravelle Salon (Canada)
• 1984-1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
• 1979-1980 Monteverdi sierra Convertible

Three body styles offered:^[4]

• 2-door coupe - 1977-1981
• 4-door sedan - 1977-1989
• 4-door station wagon - 1978-1981

Two wheelbases used:

• 108.7 in - 1980-1981 2-door ^[5]
• 112.7 in - 1977-1979 2-door, 1978-1981 Station Wagon and 1977-1989 4-door ^[6]

Engines used with this platform include:

• 225 Slant 6 (1977-1983)
• 318 V8 (1977-1989)
• 360 V8 (1977-1979)

See also[]

• List of Chrysler platforms

References[]

Inline

General

• http://www.allpar.com
  • https://www.allpar.com/threads/dodge-diplomat-plymouth-gran-fury-caravelle-and-chrysler-lebaron-new-yorker-and-fifth.228725/#post-1085222823 (By Ed Hennessy and by Frank Billington)
  • http://www.allpar.com/model/rwdbodies.html (Mopar Body Types By Ed Hennessy Date 1998)
  • https://gazeo.com/automotive/vehicles/Chrysler-M-body-LPG-blast-from-the-past,article,6712.html (Chrysler M-body LPG - Blast from the Past By Robert Markowski Date 2-13-2013 )
  • http://www.angelfire.com/ca/mikesspot/history.html
  • http://www.policecarwebsite.net/policepackage/mbody.html
  • http://blog.consumerguide.com/goodbye-gran-fifthlomat-the-chrysler-m-body-cars-of-1989/ (Goodbye Gran Fifthlomat: The Chrysler M-Body Cars of 1989 By Tom Appel Date 4-29-2014)