| Dodge 400 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Production | 1981–1983 |
| Model years | 1982–1983 |
| Assembly | Saint Louis Assembly,Fenton, Missouri |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan 2-doorcoupe 2-doorconvertible |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | K-body |
| Related | Chrysler LeBaron Chrysler Town & Country Dodge Aries Plymouth Reliant |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 LKI4 2.6 LMitsubishiG54B I4 |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 100.3 in (2,548 mm) |
| Length | 179.2 in (4,552 mm) |
| Width | 68 in (1,727 mm) |
| Height | 52.9 in (1,344 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Dodge 600 |
TheDodge 400 was amid-size car built byDodge. It was similar to theChrysler LeBaron of the same era. The 400 was introduced for the 1982 model year but renamed and merged into theDodge 600 lineup just two years later. An improved version of Chrysler'sK-cars, it was called the Super K platform.[1]
While heavily dependent on the K-car, the suspension geometry was revised withcomputer-aided design (CAD), one of Chrysler's first forays into this area.[1] Aside from the suspension modifications, the interior was plusher and the front and rear designs were different. To provide higher comfort than in the regular K-cars, particular care was paid to sound proofing, with a redesigned firewall and additional isolating material throughout.[1]
Aside from the stacked-slat grille being different from that of the LeBaron, the 400 was somewhat less ornate overall. Faux louvres on the front fenders were unique to the 400.[2]
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The 400 was intended to be a more upmarket version of theAries and a corporate twin of the downsized LeBaron. It was originally only available as a two-doorcoupé.[1] In the spring of 1982 two additional bodystyles appeared: a convertible and a four-doorsedan. The 400's suspension, while soft, was somewhat firmer than that of its LeBaron sister.
This was Dodge's first convertible since the 1971Challenger and one of the first domestically-manufactured convertibles since 1976, when Cadillac had phased out the Eldorado convertible.
The 400 was available in two trim levels: base and LS.[1] Engine choices were limited to a 2.2 Linline-four engine or an optionalMitsubishi-sourced2.6 L "Silent Shaft" four-cylinder; this was only available coupled to an automatic. The convertible came with the Mitsubishi-sourced engine as standard. Outputs were 84 and 92 hp (63 and 69 kW) respectively.[1]
There were no major changes made for 1983 other than the LS trim being omitted from the lineup. During 1983, the 400 sedan was replaced by the longer wheelbaseDodge 600. The coupes and convertibles remained on the shorter wheelbase but were rebadged asDodge 600 from 1984.
Production figures:
| Coupe | Sedan | Convertible | Yearly Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 19,443 | 6,465 | 5,541 | 31,449 |
| 1983 | 11,504 | 9,560 | 4,888 | 25,952 |
| Total | 30,947 | 16,025 | 10,429 | 57,401 |
Media related toDodge 400 at Wikimedia Commons
