The Chrysler TC by Maserati was a Chrysler Q platform GT car jointly developed by Chrysler and Maserati. It was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 1986 but was not available until late 1989. The TC was intended as a halo car for the Chrysler brand, but its humble K-car underpinnings, uncannly resemblance to the Chrysler LeBaron, and fumbled launch hurt its reputation. Only 7,300 TCs had been made (by hand in Milan, Italy) when it was cancelled in 1991.
Lee Iacocca started a friendship with the late Alejandro de Tomaso while at Ford, which led to the successful De Tomaso Pantera. During the 1980's, Iacocca found himself at the helm of Chrysler while De Tomaso was owner of the historic Maserati brand. In 1984, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding to create a sport coupe, which ultimately became the TC.
The 1989 TC used a special turbocharged 2.2 L Chrysler K engine. 500 special 1989 models came with a Getrag manual transmission and a 16-valve Cosworth head. This engine is often called the "Maserati" engine as it has Maserati on the valve cover. The 2.2 L was replaced by a Mitsubishi-sourced V6 for 1990 and 1991.
The 2.2 "Maserati" engine was truly international: The cylinder head was cast in England by Cosworth and finished in Italy by Maserati. The pistons came from Mahle in Germany, and a Japanese turbocharger was sourced from IHI. The camshafts were designed by Florida-based Crane but were constructed by Maserati in Modena. The rest of the engine was made in the United States and is similar to the Turbo II. The normal Turbo II was used on automatic transmission-equipped cars.
Production by Year:
The TC's platform was based on a shortened Chrysler LeBaron coupe/convertible chassis with suspension and axles from that car and the Dodge Daytona. The struts and shock absorbers were specially designed for the car by Fichtel and Sachs, and the ABS system was also a unique product from Teves. The special wheels were made in Italy by the Formula One supplier, Fondmetal.
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