Dodge Dynasty
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| Dodge Dynasty | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Also called | Chrysler Dynasty (Canada and Mexico) |
| Production | 1987-1993 |
| Model years | 1988-1993 |
| Assembly | Belvidere, Illinois, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Midsize car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | C-body |
| Related | Chrysler New Yorker |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Length | 192.0 in (4,877 mm) |
| Width |
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| Height |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | |
| Successor | Dodge Intrepid |
The Dodge Dynasty is a front-wheel drive mid-size sedan that was introduced in 1987, as a 1988 model, to replace the Dodge 600. Production continued until 1993.
Design
The Dodge Dynasty is related to the Chrysler New Yorker; both car lines were built on the Chrysler C platform in Belvidere, Illinois. It is also similar to the Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue and Chrysler Imperial, which were available from 1990 to 1993 on an extended wheelbase platform of the Chrysler New Yorker.
The Lee Iacocca-dictated styling was boxy and conservative compared to more aerodynamically styled competitors such as the Ford Taurus. Dynasty trim levels included base and LE. Additionally, a "Brougham" package was offered on 1992-93 LE models that added a padded "landau" vinyl roof.
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A 2.5-litre inline-4 Chrysler engine (base model only), a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0-litre V6, the 6G72 engine, and a Chrysler-built 3.3-litre V6 were available, although the 3.3 L V6 was not available until 1990. The four-cylinder came equipped with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission (the A413), as did the 3.0 L in 1988. The new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, known as the Ultradrive or A604 (List of Chrysler transmissions), debuted in 1989, and became the sole transmission for V6 models through the 1993 final production year of the Dynasty. The vast majority of Dynastys sold to private customers had V6 engines; four-cylinder models mostly went to the fleet market.
Dynasty models were all equipped with a driver's side airbag starting in 1990. A Bendix anti-lock braking system (including 4-wheel disc brakes) was available on V6 models during those years as well at a list price of ~$900. The 1993 models were the only year to feature a stainless steel exhaust system and a tamper-proof odometer.
The 1988 LE models featured rear headrests, but were deleted for 1989-1993. Early production models (1988-1990) featured standard cornering lamps and remote fuel door release even on base trim models. By 1991-1993 those features were gradually removed from all Dodge passenger cars. The base models lost cornering lamps for 1991, and the LE models lost them for 1992.
The 1989-1990 Ultradrive equipped models came with a 2.36:1 axle ratio, which was revised to 2.52:1 for 1991-1993. EPA mileage ratings were 21 city/25 highway MPG with the 4 cylinder & 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The 1988 3.0L V6 models with TorqueFlight transmission were rated at 18 city / 24 highway MPG. In 1989 the EPA rating for the 3.0/Ultradrive power-train changed to 18 city / 26 highway MPG. The new 3.3L V6 engine for 1990, with Ultradrive transmission, was rated at 19 city/ 26 highway MPG.
Leather seats were optional on the LE models, but very few were so equipped. Also available were load-leveling suspension, 14-inch alloy wheels, wire wheel covers, illuminated entry system, Infinity stereo with equalizer and power antenna, power trunk pull-down, dual 6-way power seats with memory for driver's seat and outside mirrors.
When the new front-wheel-drive Chrysler Corporation C-body cars (Dynasty and New Yorker) debuted for the 1988 model year, they were the first mass-produced cars in the world to have a fully multiplexed, fiber-optic wiring buss connecting all electronic accessories and controllers. This greatly reduced the amount and weight of wiring harnesses in the car. All models (1988-1993) featured power locks that automatically locked when the car's speed exceeded 15 miles per hour.
International versions
In Canada and Mexico it was marketed as the Chrysler Dynasty. The Chrysler Dynasty was identical to the 1990 Chrysler New Yorker Salon (sold in the U.S.), the only difference being their names. In Mexico, the cars were only available with the V6 engine. In Canada, both four-cylinder and V6 engines were available.
Discontinuation
Production ended on May 28, 1993, and the Belvidere plant was retooled to build the Dodge Neon. The Dynasty was replaced by the Intrepid.
