View source for Dodge Spirit

{{short description|American car model}}
{{about|the mid-size sedan by Dodge|the AMC compact car|AMC Spirit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox automobile
|image        = 91RT 1.jpg
|caption      = 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T
|name         = Dodge Spirit
|aka          =Chrysler Spirit (Mexico & South America)<br/>[[Chrysler Saratoga]] (export)<br/>[[Plymouth Acclaim]]<br/>[[Chrysler LeBaron]]<br/>[[Plymouth Acclaim|Chrysler Acclaim]] (Japan)
|manufacturer =[[Chrysler Corporation]]
|production   = October 1988 – 9 December 1994
|model_years  = 1989–1995
|predecessor  = [[Dodge 600]]<br/>[[Dodge Aries]]<br/>[[Dodge Lancer]]
|successor    = [[Dodge Stratus]] (sedan)
|assembly     = [[Newark, Delaware]], [[United States]]<br/>[[Toluca]], [[Mexico]]<br/>[[Valencia, Carabobo|Valencia]], [[Venezuela]] 
|class        = [[Midsize car]]
|body_style   = 4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]
|layout       = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
|platform     = [[Chrysler A platform|AA-body]]
| engine         = {{ubl
  | 2.2&nbsp;L ''[[Chrysler K engine#Turbo III|Turbo III]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 2.5 L ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.5|K]]'' I4
  | 2.5 L ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.5 Turbo|K]]'' [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] I4
  | 3.0 L [[Mitsubishi]] ''[[Mitsubishi 6G7 engine|6G72]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]]
  }}
|transmission = 5-speed ''A523'' [[manual transmission|manual]]<br/>5-speed ''A568'' manual<br/>3-speed ''[[TorqueFlite|A413]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br/>3-speed ''[[TorqueFlite|A670]]'' automatic<br/>4-speed ''[[Ultradrive#41TE|A604]]'' automatic
|related      = [[Chrysler LeBaron]]<br/>[[Chrysler Saratoga#1989–1995|Chrysler Saratoga]]<br/>[[Plymouth Acclaim]]
|wheelbase    = 1989–1990: {{convert|103.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br/>1991–95: {{convert|103.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|length       = {{convert|181.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|weight       = {{convert|2901|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
|width        = 1991–95: {{convert|68.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br/>1989–1990: {{convert|67.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|height       = {{convert|53.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
}}

The '''Dodge Spirit''' is a [[Mid-size car|midsize]] automobile marketed by [[Dodge]] from the 1989-1995 model years. Succeeding the [[Dodge Aries]], [[Dodge Lancer]], and [[Dodge 600]] ,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gold |first1=Aaron |last2=Swern |first2=Michael |title=Kronology: History of the K-car |url=http://www.allpar.com/eek/k/kron.html |access-date=22 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Chrysler Corporation Master Technician Service Conference book |publisher=Chrysler Corporation |page=4 |chapter=New Model Service Highlights '89 |quote=Spirit and Acclaim are the new midsize sedans, replacing 600 and Caravelle.}}</ref> the Spirit was marketed between the [[Dodge Shadow|Shadow]] and the [[Dodge Dynasty|Dynasty]] within the Dodge product line, exclusively as a four-door notchback sedan over a single generation.    

The Spirit used the [[Chrysler A platform|Chrysler AA platform]], an extended-wheelbase derivative of the [[Chrysler K platform]]<ref>{{cite web |date=13 November 2010 |title=1990-1995 Dodge Spirit: Full Review |url=http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1990-to-1995-dodge-spirit-6.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203113329/http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1990-to-1995-dodge-spirit-6.htm |archive-date=3 December 2012 |access-date=22 July 2013 |publisher=Consumer Guide}}</ref> and [[badge engineering|rebadged]] variants were marketed by all three Chrysler divisions, including as the 1989-1995 [[Plymouth Acclaim]], 1990-1994 [[Chrysler LeBaron]] sedan &mdash; and in Europe as the 1989-1995 [[Chrysler Saratoga]].  

Chrysler assembled the Spirit and its rebadged variants at [[Newark Assembly]] ([[Newark, Delaware]]) and [[Toluca Car Assembly]] ([[Toluca]], [[Mexico]]) with production ending on December 9, 1994, replaced for model year 1995 by the [[Dodge Stratus]].

== Design overview ==
The Spirit could seat six passengers with an optional front split-bench seat. Featuring a solid-beam rear axle and a [[MacPherson strut]] front suspension, the Spirit differed from the other A-bodies primarily in the grille and [[automotive lighting|rear lamp]] styling, and in the availability of a sportier, higher-performing R/T version.

[[File:Dodge Spirit RT.jpg|thumb|right|1992 Dodge Spirit R/T]]
[[File:Dodge Spirit .jpg|thumb|right|1993–1995 Dodge Spirit]]
=== Powertrain details ===
[[File:0807201451c.jpg|thumb|right|1991 Dodge Spirit with a 2.5L TBI engine]] 

The base engine for Spirit and Spirit LE models was a {{convert|2.5|L|cuin|abbr=on}} [[Fuel injection#Throttle body injection|TBI]] [[Chrysler K engine|4-cylinder engine]] producing {{convert|100|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. Optional on all models except the Spirit R/T was a {{convert|141|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, [[Mitsubishi 6G7 engine#6G72|{{convert|3.0|L|cuin|abbr=on}} L V6]] made by [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]]. Also available in 1989 through 1992—and standard equipment on the Spirit ES—was a {{convert|150|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} [[turbocharged]] version of the 2.5&nbsp;L engine. In 1993, 1994, and 1995, a [[flexible fuel vehicle|flexible-fuel]] Spirit was offered, powered by a {{cvt|107|hp|kW PS|0}} [[Manifold injection#Multi-point_injection|multipoint fuel injected]] version of the 2.5&nbsp;L engine specially modified to run on fuel containing up to 85% [[methanol]]. The R/T version came with a powerful {{cvt|135|cuin|L|1|disp=flip}} [[DOHC]] turbo III with cylinder head engineered and made by [[Lotus (car)|Lotus]]. This engine was rated at {{cvt|224|hp|kW PS|0}} and {{cvt|217|lbft|Nm|0}}.

Several five-speed [[manual transmission]]s were available with the naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but relatively few Spirits were equipped with manual transmissions. All the Spirit R/Ts came with the A-568 heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission. From 1989 to 1991, all V6 Spirits came with the electronic four-speed [[ultradrive|A604]] overdrive automatic, which became optional equipment in 1992 and remained optional until 1995. The three-speed [[TorqueFlite#A413|Torqueflite]] automatic was the most popular installation on 4-cylinder Spirits, and was also standard equipment with the V6 engine from 1992 through 1995. A 5-speed manual was offered with the V6 engine in the smaller [[Dodge Shadow|Shadow]], but this combination was not available in the Spirit.

=== Trim ===
* 1989–95: Base
* 1989–91: LE
* 1989–93: ES
* 1991–92: R/T

The Spirit ES and R/T featured ''Eurocast'' (also called ''Snowflake'') alloy wheels through 1991. For 1992, the ''Turbo Blade'' wheel was introduced.<ref name=Wheel101>{{cite web|url= http://www.dempseybowling.com/shelby/wheel101.htm |title=A primer for Shelby/Dodge FWD wheels |publisher=Dempseybowling.com |date=4 July 2001 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110709011936/http://www.dempseybowling.com/shelby/wheel101.htm |archive-date=9 July 2011 |url-status= usurped |access-date=22 July 2013 }}</ref> Some of the alloy wheels were color-keyed to the vehicle body:

*White body with white painted wheels (ES, R/T)
*Black, silver, or dark red body with clear-coated wheels (ES only)
*Bright Red body with bright red painted wheel inserts (R/T only, 1991)

Starting in 1993, the Spirit was offered with a ''Gold'' package similar to that offered on the 1993-94 [[Plymouth Acclaim]] and [[Dodge Caravan]]/[[Plymouth Voyager]] minivans. This included goldtone-trimmed alloy wheels and gold pinstripes. The Gold package was available with both 4- and 6-cylinder engines, with certain body colors.

== Model history ==

*1990 – A driver airbag was added as standard equipment. 
* 1991 – Anti-lock four-wheel disk brake system was added as a new option.
* 1992 – A 3-speed automatic transmission became available with the V6 engine.
* 1993 – A facelift included a body-color grille with the Dodge crossbars theme and new full-width [[automotive lighting|taillamps]] that despite their amber lower sections, did not include amber rear [[Automotive lighting#Turn signal colour|turn signals]]. Only two trim levels went on sale: Highline and ES. The Chrysler corporate Pentastar emblem was replaced with the brand's new RAM emblem. Stainless steel exhaust system and tinted glass became standard on all Spirits.
* 1994 – A motorized passenger's side [[seat belt]] was added to U.S.-market Spirits to comply with [[FMVSS|Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208]]'s requirement for passive restraints. These motorized belts do not comply with [[Canada]]'s safety standards; Canadian-market Spirits continued to use a manual passenger seatbelt, and 1994–1995 Spirits therefore cannot legally be permanently imported across the US/Canada border in either direction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Canadian vehicle importation regulations |url=http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006151142/http://www.riv.ca/ENGLISH/HTML/HOW_TO_IMPORT.HTML |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=22 July 2013 |website=Riv.ca}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 1998 |title=US vehicle importation regulations |url=http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FMVSS/#SN101 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212055341/http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FMVSS/#SN101 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 December 2012 |access-date=22 July 2013 |publisher=Nhtsa.dot.gov}}</ref>
* 1995 – The 2.5&nbsp;L engine received a slightly revised cylinder head, and both the 4-speed A604 [[automatic transmission]] and [[anti-lock brakes]] were dropped from the option list. Otherwise, the Spirit remained mostly unchanged, much as it had throughout its six-year run.

==Spirit R/T==
[[File:Spirit RT Interior.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Dodge Spirit R/T interior]]
[[File:Spirit RT Front34.jpg|thumb|left|1991 Dodge Spirit R/T at the [[Road America]] [[racetrack]]]]
[[File:Spirit RT Engine.jpg|thumb|left|1991 Dodge Spirit R/T engine bay]]

In 1991, Chrysler introduced the '''Spirit R/T''', featuring a version of the 2.2&nbsp;L engine with a [[multi-valve|16-valve]] [[DOHC]] head designed by [[Lotus (car)|Lotus]], who won a design competition against Maserati and Hans Hermann. Fed by a [[Garrett AiResearch|Garrett]] [[intercooled]] [[turbocharger]], the ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.2 Turbo III|Turbo III]]'' engine produced {{convert|224|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|217|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}}. The R/T also featured unique interior and exterior trims. The only transmission was a heavy-duty A568 5-speed [[manual transmission]] built by Chrysler's New Process Gear division, with a gearset supplied by [[Getrag]]. Heavy-duty vented four wheel disc brakes were standard equipment, with optional [[anti-lock brakes]]. Color-keyed 15-inch alloy wheels were standard, with P205/60R15 tires.

At the time, the R/T was advertised as "the fastest sedan made in America", and one of the quickest performance sedans under $40,000, with Chrysler placing its performance above the [[BMW M5]]. It could reach {{convert|60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in 5.8&nbsp;seconds, according to ''[[Car and Driver]]'', making it one of the quickest [[front wheel drive]] cars ever offered in the American market. It was chosen as ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine's "Domestic Sport Sedan of the Year", beating the [[Ford Taurus SHO]] for 1991 and 1992.

All R/Ts were built in Mexico. A total of 1,208 were sold in the U.S. in 1991 – 774 in red and 434 in white. An additional 191 were sold in the U.S. in 1992 – 92 red, 68 white, and 31 silver. The only discernible changes for 1992 were a lower first gear ratio for reduced [[Turbocharger#Lag|turbo lag]], woodgrain dashboard trim as used on the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] sedan, blacked-out upper and lower grille inserts, clear rather than amber lenses for the front parking and turn signal lights, and a [[speedometer]] calibrated to {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} rather than {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.

{{clear}}
==Mexican and South American markets==
[[File:94RT 1.jpg|thumb|left|Mexican 1994 Chrysler Spirit R/T]]

Spirits were marketed in [[Cars in Mexico|Mexico]]. They were badged as Chryslers rather than Dodges, since the Dodge brand at the time was used only on trucks. The Spirit was introduced in the Mexican market for 1990, one year after its début in the U.S. and Canada. The 1990-1991 Mexican versions were equipped with the U.S. market Plymouth Acclaim tail lights. The initial 1990-model Spirits used a version of the 2.5&nbsp;L engine operating on [[Gasoline#Tetraethyl lead|leaded gasoline]], equipped with a [[carburetor]], a tubular exhaust [[Exhaust manifold|header]], and electronic control of ignition timing.<ref name="mexpirit">{{cite web|url=http://u225.torque.net/cars/mexpirit.html |title=1992 Chrysler Spirit (built in Mexico) |publisher=U225.torque.net |access-date=2011-09-23}}</ref> This induction and ignition system used technology and components very similar to those employed in Chrysler's U.S.-market [[Lean burn#Chrysler Lean Burn computer|Lean Burn]] emission control systems of the late-1970s.

For the 1991 [[model year]], Mexico enacted new-vehicle [[Automobile emissions control|emission]] regulations similar to those in the U.S. and Canada. The carbureted leaded-fuel engine was too dirty to comply with the new regulations, so a fully integrated engine management system with [[fuel injection]] was added to the Spirit. This was not the [[Fuel injection#Throttle body injection|TBI]] system used in the U.S., Canada, and [[Europe]]. Rather, the Mexican-market Spirits came with a more advanced [[Manifold injection#Multi-point injection|MPFI]] setup.<ref name="mexpirit"/> The MPFI 2.5 improved performance and driveability, as well as achieved cleaner emissions than its TBI counterpart, but was not used in the U.S., Canadian, or rest-of-world export markets except on turbocharged and FFV models. The Chrysler Spirit with MPFI 2.5&nbsp;L engine was sold in Mexico from 1991 through 1995, and was exported to [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]] from 1993 through 1995. It was employed by the [[Argentine]] police in [[Buenos Aires]].
[[File:ChryslerSpiritPFA.jpg|thumb|Chrysler Spirit police car in Argentina]]

Chrysler de Mexico also sold two versions of the Spirit R/T. The base R/T, sold from 1991 through 1995, used a Mexico-only {{convert|168|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} intercooled Turbo II version of the 8-valve [[SOHC]] 2.5&nbsp;L engine and the 3-speed [[Torqueflite#A413|A413]] automatic transmission. These R/Ts were used by Mexican [[police]] departments.

The top-line R/T. called "R/T DOHC", available from 1992 through 1993, came with the same 2.2&nbsp;L 16-valve [[DOHC]] engine that was used in the American-market from 1991 to 1992 R/T with a 5-speed manual transmission. More options and higher equipment levels were available in Mexico, including leather upholstery, sunroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels, none of which was offered on the R/T in America. In addition, Mexican-market R/Ts could be ordered in a variety of different colors, not just the red, white, and silver offered in the U.S. All Mexican-market Spirit R/Ts were badged as Chryslers. A variant of the R/T family, the [[Chrysler Phantom R/T]], was a special-order Mexico-only premium version of the [[Chrysler LeBaron|LeBaron]] coupe equipped with the 2.2&nbsp;L 16-valve DOHC engine and the ''Getrag'' 5-speed manual transmission.

{{clear-left}}
===Sales===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
! Calendar year
! United States
|-
| 1989<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allpar.com/cars/production/dodge-US.html|title=Dodge Cars and Production Numbers, US|website=allpar.com}}</ref> 
|68,661
|-
|1990
|99,319
|-
|1991
|97,242
|-
|1992
|78,719
|-
|1993
|62,951
|-
|1994
|42,443
|-
|1995
|12,991
|-
|Total sales 
|462,326
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=Dodge|model=Spirit|Dodge Spirit}}

{{Dodge}}
{{Dodge timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Dodge Timeline}}
{{Dodge Canada Timeline}}
{{Chrysler vehicles}}

[[Category:Dodge vehicles|Spirit]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Mid-size cars]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1989]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1994]]
[[Category:Cars of Mexico]]
[[Category:Cars of Venezuela]]