![]() ![]() The TC's platform was based on a shortened Dodge Daytona chassis with suspension and axles from the original model (except for the 5-speed Getrag with "Maserati" engine). ![]() The rest of the engine used Turbo II parts made in the United States. A Japanese turbocharger was sourced from IHI. The "Maserati" engine used a specially-made 2.2 block, upgraded crankshaft, and rods. The camshafts were designed by Florida-based Crane Cams and were manufactured by Maserati in Modena. The pistons came from Mahle GmbH in Germany. The 200 hp (149 kW 203 PS) 16-valve 2.2 L "Maserati" engine's cylinder head was cast in England by Cosworth and finished in Italy by Maserati. This engine is often called the "Maserati" engine because it was assembled by Maserati and has a Maserati-branded cast valve cover. The Turbo II was replaced by a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0 L 141 bhp (105 kW 143 PS) V6 engine for the 19 model years, with the automatic transaxle being upgraded to a four-speed A604 unit.ĥ00 cars were built with an optional drivetrain consisting of a Getrag manual transmission and a 16-valve head version of the 2.2 L. This intercooled version, known as the Turbo II, was coupled to an A413 three-speed automatic transaxle. The 1989 TC used a slightly detuned 160 bhp (119 kW 162 PS) Daytona-spec turbocharged 2.2 L straight-4. The original plan was for the TC to be introduced before the LeBaron. The luxury roadster, which resembled a Chrysler LeBaron-it shared many of the LeBaron's components-had taken five years to complete because of mismanagement and squabbling among Chrysler and Maserati engineers which resulted in delay after delay. ![]() In 1985, Lee Iacocca stated that the planned "Q-coupe" would be the prettiest Italian to arrive stateside since his mother immigrated. In 1984, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding to create a sports coupe that ultimately became the TC, or "turbocharged coupe", an "image builder" which carried the hopes that it might help overcome Chrysler's blue-collar image and attract better-heeled customers to showrooms, and a revival of the luxury reputation they enjoyed during the late 1950s to mid-1960s with the Chrysler 300 letter series coupes and convertibles.Ĭhrysler also became an investor in Maserati during that period. In 1983, Iacocca had considered manufacturing a knock-off of a Mercedes roadster based on a Plymouth Reliant-until he was talked out of it. During the 1980s, Iacocca headed Chrysler while De Tomaso was the owner of the historic Maserati brand. Lee Iacocca started a friendship with Alejandro de Tomaso while at Ford, which led to the De Tomaso Pantera, which had flopped because of safety concerns and limited interest from buyers. ![]()
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