Chrysler Neon
| Chrysler Neon | |
|---|---|
| Production period: | 1994-2002 |
| Class : | Compact class |
| Body versions : | limousine |
| Previous model: | Dodge Shadow |
| Successor: | Dodge Caliber |
The Neon is a Chrysler resp. DaimlerChrysler and its subsidiaries Dodge and Plymouth built cars for the lower middle class (compact class) with front-wheel drive .
Outside the North American area, the car was available as an export version under the name Chrysler Neon until 2002.
In the USA and Canada, the neon was mainly sold under the Dodge Neon . Production of the Dodge started in early 1994 and ended in September 2005.
There were two generations of neon in total. It replaced the Dodge Shadow / Plymouth Sundance in the 90s . Eventually its production was discontinued in favor of the Dodge Caliber .
Generations
- 1st generation: 1994–1999 - Neon PL
- 2nd generation: 1999–2002 - Neon PL2000
Neon (1994-1999)
| 1st generation | |
|---|---|
 Chrysler Neon (1994-1999) |
|
| Production period: | 1994-1999 |
| Body versions : | limousine |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 1.8–2.0 liters (85–110 kW) |
| Length: | 4364 mm |
| Width: | 1714 mm |
| Height: | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2642 mm |
| Empty weight : | from 1080 kg |
Built in a cab-forward design , the Neon has a long wheelbase, relatively short overhangs and a passenger cabin that extends far forward with a correspondingly short engine hood. A total of three types of engine, all of them petrol, were installed. The standard is a 98 kW (133 PS) 2.0 l 16 V naturally aspirated engine with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and multi-way injection, which accelerates the manually operated neon from 0-100 km / h in less than 10 seconds.
In contrast to the Dodge / Plymouth Neon, the Chrysler Neon is only available as a four-door - the coupe was not exported. Also, no puristic and hardly sporty lines were exported. The export models, which were offered in the variants SE, LE, LX, SLX / GLX and CS, were predominantly equipped with the standard engine and conventional gearbox. The color palette was also severely restricted. The significantly higher sales prices in Germany due to imports were counteracted somewhat by increased convenience. But all of this prevented neon in Europe from being able to set serious accents and it remained exotic. In addition, all neon models from the first years of production were generally notorious because of their unreliability.
First generation development
- 1994-1995
The first models manufactured up to the end of 1995 have a different electrical system from the following years. Pin assignments on the control unit, connector and sensor types can differ considerably from the revised forms from 1996 to 1999. The camshaft of the 95 SOHC models is sharper than that of the following years. The air intake system is also more performance-oriented, which makes the '95 neon a little stronger, but also louder. In general, these early models are quite noisy. In any case, the coupling of the neon is so-called 'non-modular'. Its steel tank holds 42 liters. The fittings and door panels of the 95 vehicles are light gray ( gray / quartz , more rarely camel ), the steering wheel has two spokes.
- 1996-1999
The complete overhaul of the electrical system was used in the '96 neon. The electrical system was modified again in 1997, but only in a light form in the engine management area and remained unchanged in this form until 1999.
By 1998 more than a third of all components had been overhauled, making the Neon noticeably more reliable. From 1996 a modular clutch type was available for the first time, the design of which was later used for the Chrysler PT Cruiser . From the later '96 models, the smaller steel tank also gave way to a plastic tank that now holds 47 liters.
From 1996 four-spoke steering wheels were also installed. These models also received darker gray tones in the interior, from 1997 onwards they switched to black ( agate ). Furthermore, the revised versions have been optimized in terms of noise insulation, the roof strips (weatherstripes), which are susceptible to paint flaking, have been replaced with modified parts, and storage options have been added in the interior (storage compartments in the doors). There was also radio remote control with immobilizer from the LE equipment. In addition, interior mirrors with reading lights, belts with double locks and another airbag system in which the sensors can now be found in the control unit instead of on the side members. The ABS got a different tuning which was achieved by a finer ABS ring on the cardan shafts and on the wheel hubs on the rear axle. The air circulation control has also been changed. It now works with circulating air instead of a cable. Furthermore, the models from 1996 onwards have the Euro 2 standard, which can be recognized by the second lambda probe (behind the catalytic converter). From November 1998, multi-layer steel cylinder head gaskets were generally used.
Versions
Neon LE
The Chrysler Neon LE corresponds to the Dodge Neon Highline. This is the mainstream neon, recognizable by the flat bonnet and often also by the 14-inch "bubble caps" hubcaps. A 2.0 l SOHC 16 V engine with 98 kW (133 hp) (from 1998 also 1.8 l), airbags, power steering, air conditioning, rev counter, central locking and CD or cassette radio are standard.
The touring suspension was also used in the Neon LE . In addition, the LE is equipped with front disc brakes and cross braces. In America there were many options for the highline package, such as four-way disc brakes with ABS , cruise control , electric windows , electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and a sunroof. With the exception of the latter, a lot of it was even found in series in the Neon LE. The Neon LE was also occasionally available with a sportier gearbox, light alloy wheels or sports seats, all of which were reserved for the sports lines in the USA. 98/99 LE neons in particular received such upgrades free of charge due to the imminent cessation of production of the first generation; partly now also with hoods of the DOHC version, front bumper with fog lamps, even a DOHC engine or the "surfboard" rear spoiler of the Neon CS. The Neon LE was also about 40% more expensive than the Dodge Neon Highline, which only cost about 12,500 dollars in the USA.
Technical data Chrysler Neon LE
- Model years: 1995–1999
- Engine: R4 2.0 l SOHC 16V (98 kW) / 1.8 l SOHC 16V (85 kW)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual ( usually MTX 3.55 manual ) / 3-speed automatic ( ATX )
- Weight: 1140 kg
- Seats: Highline
- Performance data: 0–100 km / h: approx. 9.3 s (2.0 l SOHC / MTX 3.55 ) - somewhat better with a sports gearbox and / or 95 engine
Neon LX (DOHC) *
This guy debuted as the flagship of the non-American neon model. Only exported to a few countries, known are Mexico , Australia and Switzerland (all from 1996). These all seem to come from Toluca , the Mexican production plant. The LX has all the equipment of the LE, plus the more powerful 2.0-liter DOHC 16-V engine, which also includes the domed bonnet and a more powerful exhaust system. Furthermore, quadruple disc brakes with ABS, the typical neon sport alloy wheels, front fog lamps with the corresponding bumpers, sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, door handles painted in body color and double rear fog lights are also part of the equipment. The only option is cruise control . However, the LX is not necessarily faster than the LE because of its greater weight and because, ironically, no sport gearboxes were available (unlike Dodge Neons with DOHC engines). So he relies on maximum equipment rather than increased sportiness.
Technical specifications of the Chrysler Neon LX
- Model years: 1996–1997
- Engine: R4 2.0 l DOHC 16V (110 kW)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual ( MTX 3.55 ) / 3-speed automatic (ATX)
- Weight: 1220 kg
- Seats: Sport (1996: dark gray with confetti pattern / 1997: black with curlicue pattern)
- Performance data: 0-100 km / h: approx. 9.3 s (2.0 l DOHC / MTX 3.55 )
Neon CS
The best export neon, Chrysler's counterpart to the Dodge Neon R / T , was available as a limited version in the last two model years. Only in metallic paint ( bright-platinum-metallic ), always 2.0-l-SOHC-16-V-engine, DOHC hood, front fog lights, leather seats, double pipe exhaust, the R / T surfboard rear wing, 15 -Inch alloy wheels, rear track widening , wheel arch strips and sports gear. The most luxury-oriented, sportiest and most mature variant of the year. Although it does not have the most powerful motor, it accelerates better than most neons, as the type B sports transmission is always installed.
Technical data Chrysler Neon CS
- Model years: 1998–1999
- Engine: R4 2.0 l SOHC 16V (98 kW)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual ( MTX 3.94 Performance B )
- Weight: 1280 kg
- Seats: leather
- Performance data: 0–100 km / h: approx. 8.8 s
Neon LX (SOHC) / SLX / GLX
These are right-hand drive variants of the neon and were exported to the UK and Ireland based on the Neon LE.
Technical data Chrysler Neon LX (SOHC) / SLX / GLX
- Model years: LX 1995–1999 / SLX 1997 / GLX 1997–1999
- Further data as for Chrysler Neon LE
Production facilities
The Chrysler Neons were built in two production plants - Belvidere and Toluca, Mexico. Apart from the retention of the non-modular couplings after 1995 and the use of double fans for secondary motor cooling in the Mexican plant, there are no further differences between neons of the same specification that were not built in the same plant.
Engines
1.8 l SOHC 16V Designed for tax-related advantages in Europe. The peak output is 86 kW (115 PS) at 5750 rpm, torque at 151 Nm at 4900 rpm. This engine was installed exclusively in connection with the type A sports transmission.
2.0 l SOHC 16V (S4RE / ECB) The SOHC was standard in the USA for the Dodge Neon Base / Highline, as well as for the Chrysler Neon LE and CS. A stable engine and also progressive at the time, as it had four valves per cylinder like the DOHC. The peak output is 98 kW (133 hp) at a speed of 6000 / min, maximum torque at 174 Nm at 5000 / min. Limiter at 6750 rpm. The 95 2.0-l SOHC-16V has an output of 101 kW (138 PS) at a speed of 6000 rpm. Recommended fuel is regular gasoline (91 EU octane). This engine was also the basis for the development of the smaller Pentagon / Tritec engines of the Mini (BMW) .
2.0 l DOHC 16V (D4RE / ECC) This engine was standard in the USA in the Neon ACR ("American Club Racer") Coupes, Sport and R / T. It has a peak output of 110 kW (150 hp) at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 180 Nm at 5600 rpm. In the manually operated version, the limiter is at 7250 revolutions. Recommended fuel is super (95 EU octane). Finally, for reasons of cost, it was no longer produced for the following neon generation. After a slight revision of the valve train, it was used in the Chrysler PT Cruiser from 2000 .
transmission
- Manually
From the New Venture Gear design, NV-T350, 5-speed, in three variations: Standard is the Manual sub-type (4670235) with the highest axle drive (3.55). The two performance variants (Sport) both have a gear ratio of 3.94. Performance A (4670234 / AC) also has a shortened 5th gear. Performance B (4670664) has retained the long 5th gear from the 3.55 in order to be more economical on the highway. A sports gear makes the Neon accelerate noticeably faster. However, with the Performance A transmission, fuel consumption on the motorway is around 20% higher than with the other two. Basically, all three gears are very compact and stable.
- Automatically
Type 31TH, hydraulic 3-speed gearbox, which was not a new development. The gear ratio is 2.98. Designed for higher torque than the manual gearbox, but impractical in combination with the DOHC engine.
Colours
From the color palette of the first-generation neon, which comprised around two dozen colors in the country of origin, only ten colors were available for the export models.
Neon (1999-2002)
| 2nd generation | |
|---|---|
 Chrysler Neon (1999-2002) |
|
| Production period: | 1999-2002 |
| Body versions : | limousine |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 1.6–2.0 liters (85–98 kW) |
| Length: | 4443 mm |
| Width: | 1715 mm |
| Height: | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2667 mm |
| Empty weight : | from 1240 kg |
In the summer of 1999, the first copies of the new Chrysler Neon were available.
The second generation neon was clearly built more according to European concepts. It had grown a bit in size and its components were qualitatively significantly better than those of the early first generation.
The comfort was increased again, the doors were given window frames and the motors became quieter. All of this made it heavier than its predecessor. This problem was counteracted in the switched version by a sports transmission as standard, which in turn inevitably increased consumption. The 2-liter SOHC engine gained a bit of smoothness in the lower speed range, and the newly designed chassis is in no way inferior to that of its predecessor.
The new neon was not as fast in the USA as the sportier old neons, but as an export version it surpassed its predecessor in this area and even competing products did not have a comparable standard motorization.
In 2001, an electric motor-operated four-speed automatic transmission replaced the outdated hydraulic three-speed automatic transmission.
The turning circle is 10.80 m. The c W value is 0.342. The weight distribution is 64:36.
Production facilities
The second generation neons were produced exclusively in Belvidere.
Engines
1.6 l SOHC 16V This engine was a joint venture between Chrysler and BMW before the merger with Daimler-Benz. The engine was only used after the merger with DaimlerChrysler in the second-generation export models in combination with a manual 5-speed gearbox. The engine was later also used in the Mini (BMW) . The peak power is at 85 kW (115 PS), torque 157 Nm.
2.0 l SOHC 16V (420A ECB) Adopted from the first generation. The peak output is 98 kW (133 hp) at 5600 rpm, maximum torque at 177 Nm at 4900 rpm. Limiter at 6750 rpm.
transmission
Manual: 5-speed NVG T-350 for the models with 1.6-l and 2.0-l engine
Automatic: 3-speed 31TH or 4-speed 41TE with overdrive only for models with a 2.0-liter engine
