The Forgotten Concept: The Chrysler LeBaron Turbine | Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive
Chrysler LeBaron turbine concept
This is part of a series of articles looking back at the cars on display that we feel deserve a little more attention than they really are. If you have a suggestion for a Forgotten Concept theme, feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment below.
Chrysler LeBaron turbines
First time seeing: 1977
Description: Turbine-powered midsize coupe
Sales pitch: “Turbo concept with new impressive aerodynamic design.”
Chrysler LeBaron turbine concept
Detail:
While not a concept car in the usual “show car” sense – it was never seen at auto shows – the Chrysler LeBaron Turbine had technologically advanced engines and design features. predictive design. The concept car was built using a production Chrysler LeBaron “M-Body” coupe with a number of design changes, including a revamped front fascia.
Powered by the seventh generation of Chrysler’s turbofan engines – mated to a three-speed automatic transmission – the LeBaron concept is said to be capable of running on any type of hydrocarbon fuel, including diesel, kerosene, coal oil and alcohol, although its engine was adapted to run on gasoline. The LeBaron’s engine was initially rated at 104 hp – on par with Chrysler’s six-cylinder of the day – and was later tweaked to produce 125 hp.
This concept car was created thanks to a grant from the US Department of Energy, which may explain why the LeBaron concept car was never shown at auto shows. Chrysler claims that the LeBaron Turbine improves on the disappointing fuel economy observed in previous Chrysler turboprops, although that’s not a huge achievement – the concept’s fuel economy still remains. no better than a comparable 1977 car. Furthermore, the LeBaron concept does not improve other drivability issues that plague turbine engines, such as long warm-up times and pronounced throttle lag.
Chrysler ran into severe financial problems in the late seventies that halted development of the turbine car, and the program was officially discontinued in 1983. Astute observers will note. Notice how influential Chrysler’s LeBaron concept was 1981-1983 Imperiala photo of which can be seen below.
The Forgotten Concept: Chevrolet Electrovette
1977 Chrysler LeBaron
CG says:
In crime, the engine is everything, but what about automotive engineering? The decades-long momentum of Chrysler’s turbine program is proof that mission escalation is not limited to war and colonialism. What started in the ’50s as a way to produce faster, quieter cars has been transformed into the high-altitude, alternative fuel projects of the seventies — this despite The reality is that the turbine engine has never demonstrated serious potential as an efficient automobile engine.
However, just as Mazda continues to drum up the Wankel propeller (though it’s less noisy these days), Chrysler isn’t going to give up on the turbine engine. Luckily for auto enthusiasts, the company’s engine replacement program has produced two very special-looking cars for us to look back on and enjoy.
Chrysler LeBaron turbine concept
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Chrysler LeBaron turbine showroom
(Click below to see enlarged image)
