Chrysler R Platform | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
Production | 1978–1981 |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Full-size |
Layout | FR layout |
Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Powertrain | |
Engine(s) | 3.7 L (225 cu in) Slant 6 I6 5.2 L (318 cu in) LA V8 5.9 L (360 cu in) LA V8 |
Transmission(s) | 3-speed A727 automatic 3-speed A904 automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 118.5 in (3,010 mm) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | C-body |
Successor | M-body |
The Chrysler R platform was introduced for the 1979 model year. The first example of downsizing of the full-size Chrysler sedan line, the R-body is an evolution of the B-body intermediate chassis. Competing against the downsized General Motors B-body chassis and the all-new Ford Panther chassis, the R-body is the longest-wheelbase of the three. In contrast to Ford and GM, Chrysler only marketed the R-body as a four-door sedan.
Produced for only three years, the production run of the R-body chassis was far shorter than its competitors (GM B-body, 19 years; Ford Panther; 32 years). For 1982, Chrysler ended sales of the R-body chassis, marketing the M-body chassis for its largest sedans.