The Dodge 400 was a mid-size car built by Dodge. It was similar to the Chrysler LeBaron of the same era. The 400 was introduced for the 1982 model year but renamed and merged into the Dodge 600 lineup just two years later. An improved version of Chrysler's K-cars, it was called the Super K platform.[1]
While heavily dependent on the K-car, the suspension geometry was revised with computer-aided design (CAD), one of Chrysler's first forays into this area.[1] Aside from the suspension modifications, the interior was plusher and the front and rear designs were different. To provide higher comfort than in the regular K-cars, particular care was paid to sound proofing, with a redesigned firewall and additional isolating material throughout.[1]
Aside from the stacked-slat grille being different from that of the LeBaron, the 400 was somewhat less ornate overall. Faux louvres on the front fenders were unique to the 400.[2]
Model yearsedit
1982edit
1982 Dodge 400 Coupe
The 400 was intended to be a more upmarket version of the Aries and a corporate twin of the downsized LeBaron. It was originally only available as a two-door coupé.[1] In the spring of 1982 two additional bodystyles appeared: a convertible and a four-door sedan. The 400's suspension, while soft, was somewhat firmer than that of its LeBaron sister.
This was Dodge's first convertible since the 1971 Challenger and one of the first domestically-manufactured convertibles since 1976, when Cadillac had phased out the Eldorado convertible.
The 400 was available in two trim levels: base and LS.[1] Engine choices were limited to a 2.2 L inline-four engine or an optional Mitsubishi-sourced 2.6 L "Silent Shaft" four-cylinder; this was only available coupled to an automatic. The convertible came with the Mitsubishi-sourced engine as standard. Outputs were 84 and 92 hp (63 and 69 kW) respectively.[1]
1983edit
There were no major changes made for 1983 other than the LS trim being omitted from the lineup. During 1983, the 400 sedan was replaced by the longer wheelbase Dodge 600. The coupes and convertibles remained on the shorter wheelbase but were rebadged as Dodge 600 from 1984.
^Flammang, James M. (1999). Standard catalog of American cars, 1976-1999. Ron Kowalke (3rd ed.). Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN0-87341-755-0. OCLC 43301709.
External linksedit
Media related to Dodge 400 at Wikimedia Commons
January 01, 1970
dodge, size, built, dodge, similar, chrysler, lebaron, same, introduced, 1982, model, year, renamed, merged, into, dodge, lineup, just, years, later, improved, version, chrysler, cars, called, super, platform, overviewmanufacturerchrysler, corporationproductio. The Dodge 400 was a mid size car built by Dodge It was similar to the Chrysler LeBaron of the same era The 400 was introduced for the 1982 model year but renamed and merged into the Dodge 600 lineup just two years later An improved version of Chrysler s K cars it was called the Super K platform 1 Dodge 400OverviewManufacturerChrysler CorporationProduction1981 1983Model years1982 1983AssemblySaint Louis Assembly Fenton MissouriBody and chassisClassMid sizeBody style4 door sedan2 door coupe2 door convertibleLayoutFF layoutPlatformK bodyRelatedChrysler LeBaronChrysler Town amp CountryDodge AriesPlymouth ReliantPowertrainEngine2 2 L K I42 6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4Transmission4 speed manual3 speed A413 automatic3 speed A470 automaticDimensionsWheelbase100 3 in 2 548 mm Length179 2 in 4 552 mm Width68 in 1 727 mm Height52 9 in 1 344 mm ChronologyPredecessorDodge AspenSuccessorDodge 600 Contents 1 Design 2 Model years 2 1 1982 2 2 1983 3 Production 4 References 5 External linksDesign editWhile heavily dependent on the K car the suspension geometry was revised with computer aided design CAD one of Chrysler s first forays into this area 1 Aside from the suspension modifications the interior was plusher and the front and rear designs were different To provide higher comfort than in the regular K cars particular care was paid to sound proofing with a redesigned firewall and additional isolating material throughout 1 Aside from the stacked slat grille being different from that of the LeBaron the 400 was somewhat less ornate overall Faux louvres on the front fenders were unique to the 400 2 Model years edit1982 edit nbsp 1982 Dodge 400 Coupe The 400 was intended to be a more upmarket version of the Aries and a corporate twin of the downsized LeBaron It was originally only available as a two door coupe 1 In the spring of 1982 two additional bodystyles appeared a convertible and a four door sedan The 400 s suspension while soft was somewhat firmer than that of its LeBaron sister This was Dodge s first convertible since the 1971 Challenger and one of the first domestically manufactured convertibles since 1976 when Cadillac had phased out the Eldorado convertible The 400 was available in two trim levels base and LS 1 Engine choices were limited to a 2 2 L inline four engine or an optional Mitsubishi sourced 2 6 L Silent Shaft four cylinder this was only available coupled to an automatic The convertible came with the Mitsubishi sourced engine as standard Outputs were 84 and 92 hp 63 and 69 kW respectively 1 1983 edit There were no major changes made for 1983 other than the LS trim being omitted from the lineup During 1983 the 400 sedan was replaced by the longer wheelbase Dodge 600 The coupes and convertibles remained on the shorter wheelbase but were rebadged as Dodge 600 from 1984 Production editProduction figures Dodge 400 Production Figures 3 Coupe Sedan Convertible Yearly Total 1982 19 443 6 465 5 541 31 449 1983 11 504 9 560 4 888 25 952 Total 30 947 16 025 10 429 57 401References edit a b c d e f Levy George D 1981 10 19 The Super Ks Autoweek Vol 31 no 42 Keith E Crain p 10 ISSN 0192 9674 Levy p 17 Flammang James M 1999 Standard catalog of American cars 1976 1999 Ron Kowalke 3rd ed Iola WI Krause Publications ISBN 0 87341 755 0 OCLC 43301709 External links edit nbsp Media related to Dodge 400 at Wikimedia Commons Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Dodge 400 amp oldid 1212021380, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
