Chrysler LHS

Updated on Jan 20, 2024

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Production February 1993–2001 Class Full-size luxury sedan		Model years 1994-1997 1999-2001 Body style 4-door sedan

Manufacturer Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler) Assembly Brampton, Ontario, Canada

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 as the division's flagship model. The LHS was continued for the 2002 model year as the Concorde Limited.

First generation (1994 to 1997)

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. The all the LH series 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.

The five-passenger Chrysler LHS was differentiated its New Yorker counterpart, by a floor console and shifter, five-passenger seating, lack of chrome trim, an upgraded interior and a sportier image. For the 1997 model year the New Yorker was dropped in favor of a six-passenger option on the 1997 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 - The headlamps on the 1994 models were poorly designed, Chrysler received complaints about their poor brightness, and rushed the redesign into fall 1994 production for 1995 models.

MY 1995 - Redesigned 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 [Chrysler New Yorker], front bench seats became optional. Homelink garage door opener and a hidden antenna became standard equipment.

Second generation (1999 to 2001)

After a one-year hiatus, a redesigned LHS was introduced in 1998 for MY1999. 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 such as the Lincoln Continental and Toyota Avalon 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) @ 6400 rpm and 255 pound force-feet (346 N·m) of torque @ 3950 rpm.

Europe

The first-generation LHS sold in Europe featured rear amber turn signals, rear fog lights, side turn signal repeaters, lack of side markers, and headlamps that incorporated different lens geometry and bulbs.

Legacy

The first generation LHS was praised by motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who is well known for criticizing 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

Chrysler LHS Wikipedia

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