Eagle Vision

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Eagle Vision

Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Also called	Chrysler Vision
Production	1993 – 1997
Assembly	Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor	Eagle Premier
Successor	Chrysler 300M
Class	Full-size sports sedan
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler LH platform
Engine(s)	3.3 L EGA V6 3.5 L EGJ V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed 42LE automatic
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length	201.6 in (5121 mm)
Width	74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height	1993-94: 55.8 in (1417 mm) 1995-97: 56.3 in (1430 mm)
Curb weight	3,371 lb (1,529 kg)
Fuel capacity	18 US gallons (68.1 L; 15.0 imp gal)
Related	Chrysler Concorde Chrysler LHS Chrysler New Yorker Dodge Intrepid

The Eagle Vision was a full-size, front-wheel drive sports sedan. It was produced by the Eagle division of the Chrysler Corporation, replacing the AMC/Renault-designed Eagle Premier (from which the Vision was derived). It is similar to the first generation Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS and final generation Chrysler New Yorker. The Vision, Intrepid, Concorde, LHS and New Yorker are collectively designated the LH: Chrysler's codename for the platform which underpinned them. The Vision, Intrepid and Concorde were available as flexible-fuel vehicles, as well.^[1] The Eagle Vision was badged as the Chrysler Vision in Europe. The Vision debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As an LH sedan, it was Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year in 1993.

Design

The appearance is based on the exterior design of the 1987 Lamborghini Portofino concept, called "cab forward." The cab-forward design is characterized by the long, low slung windshield and relatively short overhangs. The wheels are effectively pushed to the corners of the car, creating a much larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time. The aerodynamic shape makes for little wind noise inside this large car. This sleek styling gives the Vision a low drag coefficient (0.31) which was ahead of its time.

Without badges, the Vision could fairly easily pass as a (first-generation) Concorde. The main difference between the two are the taillight clusters. With a nod toward the European sedans against which it was marketed to compete, the Vision incorporates amber turn signals rather than the Concorde's red. The Vision also does not have the Concorde's rear lightbar between the taillights. While the Vision and Concorde share headlights, the Vision's grille is smaller and, separated by a prominent center badge, has been likened to the appearance of "nostrils." On the other hand, the Intrepid incorporates very different headlight and taillight assemblies, and has no grille at all.

The Vision featured a monochromatic design inside and out, with no brand or model badge on the doors (as found on the Concorde), and available aluminum wheels with a simple design. The single color motif was more pronounced on models without the grey lower body trim paint scheme.

1993-1997 Eagle Vision

The upscale TSi model features leather-trimmed seats, steering wheels, shift knobs and door inserts. Passenger comforts include rear seat vents, center rear armrest, and 8-way power driver and passenger seats, as well as personal reading lamps.

Power windows and central door locks are standard for both trims, as are dual airbags, with remote keyless entry available as an option. The best stock audio options are Infinity sound systems having 8 speakers positioned throughout the cabin along with an equalizer. Head units include a radio with either cassette or CD playback, and a maximum five-bands adjustable graphic equalizer.

The TSi model was distinguishable as it did not have a fixed mast antenna, but a retractable power antenna that stored itself inside the rear passenger-side fender. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, with traction control optional.^[2]

Dual-way power sunroofs were available on this car in either trim. They were designed and installed by American Sunroof Corp. (now ASC Global) from its Columbus, Ohio plant, not by Mopar itself. An installed sunroof eliminated most of the front overhead console that featured storage bins for a garage door opener and sunglasses. However, the Overhead Travel Information System (OTIS), or onboard computer with integrated map lights, was retained.

Trims

• ESi - 1993-1997
• TSi - 1993-1997

Prices

The Vision was generally the middle offering of the original three LH cars, with the ESi starting between a base Intrepid and a base Concorde (usually just under the Concorde by a few hundred dollars). However the TSi's base price was more than a base Concorde. Other LH cars, the New Yorker and LHS, started higher than the Vision. The original MSRP base prices in United States dollars for the years were:

• 1993: ESi - $17,687 & TSi - $21,404
• 1994: ESi - $19,747 & TSi - $23,212
• 1995: ESi - $19,697 & TSi - $22,971
• 1996: ESi - $19,245 & TSi - $23,835
• 1997: ESi - $20,305 & TSi - $24,485

Performance

The Eagle Vision ESi came equipped with a 3.3 liter V6 engine initially producing 150 bhp (112 kW) and rising to 162 bhp (121 kW) in the 1994-1995 models. For 1996, it lost 4 hp (3 kW), but gained 9 ft·lbf of torque. The TSi was factory-equipped with the more powerful SOHC 24-valve 3.5 L V6 engine producing 214 bhp (160 kW). Both engines were joined to a 4-speed automatic with no option of a manual transmission.

Engines

• 3.3 L V6 - Horsepower and Torque: 150 bhp (112 kW) & 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) (1993), 162 bhp (121 kW) & 194 lb·ft (263 N·m) (1994-1995) and, 158 bhp (118 kW) & 203 lb·ft (275 N·m) (1996-1997)
• 3.5 L V6 - 214 bhp (160 kW) & 221 lb·ft (300 N·m)

The 3.3 liter engine was engineered to run on 87 octane gasoline, while the 3.5 L requires mid-grade 89 octane fuel.

Year-to-year changes

• 1994: Variable-assist power steering was available, providing more feel at higher speeds. Both models now wore the same lower-body cladding, minimizing the evident differences between the ESi and TSi. The 3.3 L engine's power output was increased by 8 hp, while the 4-speed automatic transmission was revised for smoother shifting.
• 1995: New standard features included heated power exterior rear-view mirrors, power windows, and an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. The 3.5-liter engine became available as an upgrade option for the ESi trim level.
• 1996: A new Autostick shifting feature became available for the TSi trim. The car could be "manually" shifted by tilting the shift knob right or left to change gears up or down.
• 1997: Only minor changes were made to the 1997 Vision. After this year the Vision was discontinued.

End of a Vision

The Vision sold in reasonable numbers (around 105,000 units, from 1993-1997) and Chrysler was planning to continue it for the redesign of the LH cars for 1998. Some prototypes featured the Eagle logo, and Vision production continued into September 1997 to provide dealers with an adequate amount of '97 models, until the introduction redesigned '98 Vision. Instead however, Chrysler made the decision to terminate production of the Vision and Talon (Eagle's only other model by then), therefore dissolving the whole Eagle brand in 1998. The car that was planned to be the redesigned Vision, became the Chrysler 300M,^[3] and it was released a year after the other redesigned LH cars in 1999.^[4]

Awards

1994:

• Car and Driver's Ten Best List

References

Inline

General

• "1993-1997 Eagle Vision" Consumer Guide Automotive, retrieved on December 26, 2007.
• 1995 Eagle Vision Review: Sass and soul in a supreme sedan, retrieved on December 26, 2007.
• American Sunroof Corporation: A History.
• Eagle Vision TSi: Testing a Shifty Character.

External links

• LH Forums site

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