Dodge Lancer
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{{Infobox Automobile
| boxcolor = darkgreen
| name = Dodge Lancer
| manufacturer = Chrysler Corporation
| production = 1961–1962
1985-1989
| successor = Dodge Dart (for 1963)
Dodge Spirit (for 1989)
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name = 1961-1962
| image = Image:Dodgelancer62.jpg
| production = 1961–1962
| class = Compact
| engine = 170 in³ Slant 6 I6
225 in³ Slant 6 I6
| transmission=3-speed manual
3-speed A904 automatic
| body_style = 2-door hardtop
2-door sedan
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
| platform = FR A-body
| related = Plymouth Valiant
Chrysler Valiant
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name = 1985-1989
| image = Image:1989Lancer.jpg
| class = Mid-size
| production = 1985–1989
| engine = 2.2 L K I4
2.2 L Turbo I I4
2.2 L Turbo II
2.5 L K I4
| transmission = 5-speed manual
3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A470 automatic
| body_style = 5-door hatchback
| platform = FF H-body
| related = Chrysler LeBaron GTS
Chrysler LeBaron
}}
The Dodge Lancer was a model of the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation. Dodge used the Lancer name to denote models three times in its history before the creation of DaimlerChrysler in 1998.
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1950s
Dodge used the Lancer name from 1955 to 1959 to designate both two and four door pillarless hardtop models in the Coronet, Royal and Custom Royal lines. The Lancer designation was dropped for 1960.
1961-1962
For the 1961 model year, Dodge Division applied the Lancer nameplate to its clone of Chrysler's wildly successful Valiant compact. The model was introduced when Chrysler officially assigned the Valiant to its Plymouth division for 1961, leaving Dodge dealers without a compact to sell. Lancers were given round taillights and full width grilles, which differed from the Plymouth's canted oval taillights and stand alone grille. This compact Lancer used the Slant-6 engine, which could be equipped at the dealer with Chrysler's Hyper Pak parts kit for a significant power upgrade. The Lancer sales didn't meet expectations, and as a late part of the total redesign of Dodge's compact car for 1963, the Lancer name was discontinued. Dodge compacts for 1963 through 1976 were named Dart, a name that had previously been assigned to a larger car produced by Dodge from 1960 to 1962.
South Africa
In South Africa, a right hand drive version of the Lancer was sold from 1961 through 1963, badged as the DeSoto Rebel. All Rebels were equipped with the 170 in³ Slant 6 engine, and most were equipped with the 3-speed manual transmission. As with the Australian RV1 and SV1 Valiants, the Rebel used the instrument cluster from the US 1961 Plymouth Valiant. White reflectors were mounted to the front bumper, in accordance with South African vehicle equipment regulations.
1980s
The Dodge Lancer was re-introduced in 1985 as a mid-sized 5-door hatchback. It was a clone to the Chrysler LeBaron GTS and was based on the Chrysler H platform, a stretched version of the Chrysler K platform. All Lancers were built in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Production ended on April 7, 1989, replaced by the Spirit.
Lancer Shelby
Not to be confused with the 1987 Shelby Lancer is the 1988-1989 Lancer Shelby. This was a factory appearance and handling package and included upgraded sway bars, shorter springs, and quicker steering along with an assortment of comfort and convenience features.
The intercooled Turbo II engine with the manual transmission provided 175 hp (130 kW) and a flat torque curve. The automatic made do with the 146 hp Turbo I.
Although not a limited edition, Lancer Shelbys are rare. Just 279 were produced in 1988 and 208 in 1989.