Dodge Shadow | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
Also called |
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Production | 1986–1994 |
Model years | 1987-1994 |
Assembly |
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Body and chassis | |
Class | C-segment |
Body style |
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Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Platform | Chrysler P platform |
Related | Shelby CSX |
Powertrain | |
Engine |
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Transmission | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase |
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Length |
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Width | 67.3 in (1,709 mm) |
Height |
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Curb weight |
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Chronology | |
Predecessor | |
Successor | Dodge / Plymouth Neon |
The Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance are economical 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks that were introduced for the 1987 model year. For 1991, a 2-door convertible variant was added to the Shadow lineup; but not the Sundance lineup. The 3-door hatchback model replaced the Dodge Charger (L-body) model, while the 5-door hatchback model replaced the Dodge Omni model; of their respective marque. With the 1987 acquisition of American Motors by Chrysler from Renault, the Shadow/Sundance also replaced the American Motors-built Renault Alliance sedan and convertible, marking the official withdrawal of Renault from the United States and Canadian markets.
The first vehicle rolled out of Sterling Heights Assembly on August 25, 1986. In late 1988, production of the Mexican market version called the Chrysler Shadow began at Toluca Car Assembly. The Shadow/Sundance was also sold in Europe from 1988 to 1991 as the Chrysler ES. Production ended on March 9, 1994, with the Shadow/Sundance being replaced by the Chrysler Neon.
The Shadow/Sundance employed a variant of the K-car platform, the P-body, which was based on a combination of the Dodge Daytona's suspension (alongside some of its interior styling cues) with a shortened version of the Dodge Lancer's body. While they appeared to have a trunk, it was actually a hatchback. Chrysler considered this a special feature and advertising literature referred to it as "hidden hatchback versatility". The relatively large storage capacity of these vehicles was a major selling point for the company. The Peugeot 309 which had been developed to replace the European Chrysler Horizon used a similar layout.