What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Laser?
The Dodge version of the Plymouth Laser was a rebadged and slightly modified variant of the Plymouth Laser, a compact sports car produced by Mitsubishi and sold by Chrysler in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Dodge Laser shared many of the same design elements and mechanical components as its Plymouth counterpart, but with some unique styling cues and branding to differentiate it within Chrysler's lineup.
Origins of the Dodge Laser
The Plymouth Laser was introduced in 1990 as part of Chrysler's joint venture with Mitsubishi, known as Diamond-Star Motors. The Laser was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse, a popular sports coupe that was also sold in the United States as the Eagle Talon and Mitsubishi Eclipse. To expand the availability of this sporty model, Chrysler decided to offer a version of the Laser under its Dodge brand as well.
Key Differences Between the Dodge Laser and Plymouth Laser
- Exterior Styling: The Dodge Laser featured a slightly more aggressive front fascia design compared to the Plymouth Laser, with a more pronounced grille and different headlight treatment.
- Badging and Branding: The Dodge Laser carried the Dodge brand name and logo, rather than the Plymouth branding used on the identical model.
- Performance Options: While the base models were largely the same, the Dodge Laser offered a higher-performance turbocharged variant, known as the Dodge Laser Turbo, which was not available on the Plymouth Laser.
Despite these minor differences, the Dodge Laser and Plymouth Laser were essentially the same vehicle, sharing the same chassis, powertrain, and overall design. The Dodge version was intended to appeal to a slightly different customer base within Chrysler's lineup, providing an alternative to the Plymouth Laser for those seeking a more performance-oriented sports coupe.
Production and Sales
The Dodge Laser was produced alongside the Plymouth Laser from 1990 to 1994, with the Dodge version accounting for a smaller portion of overall sales compared to its Plymouth counterpart. Both models were well-received for their sporty driving dynamics and affordable pricing, but faced increasing competition from other compact sports cars in the market.
Ultimately, the Dodge Laser and Plymouth Laser were short-lived models, as Chrysler's partnership with Mitsubishi ended in the mid-1990s, leading to the discontinuation of these rebadged sports coupes. The Dodge Laser's legacy, however, lives on as an example of Chrysler's efforts to diversify its product lineup and cater to different customer preferences within the compact sports car segment.
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