The Agile Italian: The Evolution of The Plymouth Turismo

The Plymouth Turismo, a name that evokes images of vibrant Italian design and sporty performance, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of the Chrysler Corporation’s compact car offerings. Born from a strategic partnership and leveraging the stylish platform of the Italian-designed and manufactured Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon, the Turismo offered a distinct aesthetic and a driving experience tailored for the discerning buyer. This article delves into the evolution of the Plymouth Turismo, exploring its production years, models, trim levels, and the factors that shaped its journey through the automotive landscape.

Genesis: The Omni/Horizon Platform (1978-1982)

The story of the Plymouth Turismo begins with the development of the L-body platform by Chrysler. Facing financial difficulties and a need to compete in the fuel-conscious era of the late 1970s, Chrysler forged a crucial alliance with Simca, a French subsidiary, and, significantly, with Volkswagen. The result was the creation of a front-wheel-drive, compact car platform that would underpin several models across Chrysler’s brands. The Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon, both launched in 1978, were the first fruits of this collaboration. While the Omni sported a more aggressive, sporty look, the Horizon was positioned as a more practical, family-oriented hatchback.

Plymouth Horizon (1978-1982): The Foundation

The Plymouth Horizon, although not officially bearing the Turismo name initially, served as the foundational model. Its basic design was a two-door hatchback, a format that was becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility. The Horizon came equipped with a standard 1.7-liter inline-four engine sourced from Volkswagen, offering decent fuel economy, a crucial selling point in the wake of the oil crises.

Trim Levels of the Horizon (1978-1982):

• Base: The entry-level trim, providing the essentials.
• Custom: Added comfort and convenience features compared to the base model.
• TC3 (1980-1982): The Turismo’s predecessor. Introduced with a sportier appearance and a performance-oriented design. This was the beginning of what would later become the Turismo.
• Miser (1981-1982): Offered an even more economical package.

The TC3’s Transformation into the Turismo (1980-1982):

The introduction of the Plymouth Horizon TC3 (T for Turismo, C for Coupe, 3 for its three-door design) in 1980 was a pivotal moment. This model marked the shift towards a sportier, more stylish aesthetic. The TC3 featured a distinctive fastback roofline, a more aggressive front fascia, and a more aerodynamic profile. It also included performance-oriented upgrades, such as sport suspension and a more responsive steering system. This model offered a hint of the future Turismo, which adopted all of these features.

The Plymouth Turismo Emerges (1983-1987):

In 1983, Chrysler officially renamed the Plymouth Horizon TC3 as the Plymouth Turismo. This change signaled a clear commitment to the sport-compact segment and highlighted the car’s stylish and dynamic appeal. The Turismo retained the same basic platform and powertrain choices as its predecessor, but it saw several updates and refinements throughout its production run.

Models and Trim Levels of the Plymouth Turismo (1983-1987):

• Turismo (Base): The entry-level trim, offering a combination of economy and sporty styling.
• Turismo Duster (1984-1987): This trim level was introduced to appeal to customers seeking a more rugged and versatile vehicle. It featured a unique body kit, distinctive graphics, and a raised ride height, giving it a slightly off-road appearance.
• Turismo LX: This trim level was aimed at providing a more upscale driving experience. It often featured upgraded interior materials, convenience features, and premium sound systems.
• Turismo 2.2: This model was introduced to offer a greater performance experience. It came with a more powerful 2.2-liter inline-four engine, providing improved acceleration and top speed.

Powertrain Options:

• 1.6-liter Inline-Four: Initially used in some models.
• 1.7-liter Inline-Four: Introduced in the Horizon and carried over to the Turismo.
• 2.2-liter Inline-Four: This engine, introduced later in the Turismo’s life, offered significantly improved performance and was a popular choice among buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience.

Key Design and Feature Changes:

Throughout its production run, the Plymouth Turismo received several updates to keep it competitive in the market. These changes often focused on improving aesthetics, performance, and fuel efficiency.

• Exterior Styling: While the basic silhouette remained the same, the Turismo’s front fascia, rear fascia, and trim levels were updated to give it a more modern look.
• Interior Upgrades: The interior received improvements in materials, seating, and instrument panels to enhance comfort and aesthetics.
• Suspension and Handling: Plymouth tweaked the suspension and steering system for a more responsive and sporty driving experience.
• Engine Options: The availability of the 2.2-liter engine provided customers with a significant power upgrade, making the Turismo more appealing to performance-oriented drivers.

The Turismo’s Market Position:

The Plymouth Turismo was positioned as a sport compact car that offered a combination of style, affordability, and fuel efficiency. It competed with other vehicles in its class, such as the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Rabbit, and Ford Escort. The Turismo’s success depended on its appealing design and competitive pricing.

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The End of the Line (1987):

The Plymouth Turismo’s production run ended in 1987. Several factors contributed to its discontinuation. The market’s preference began to shift toward larger, more luxurious vehicles, and competition in the compact car segment intensified. Chrysler was also going through a period of restructuring and product rationalization. The Turismo was replaced by the Plymouth Sundance, a new model designed to take on the evolving compact car market.

Legacy and Impact:

Although the Plymouth Turismo’s production run was relatively short, it left a lasting impact on the automotive landscape. It helped to establish Plymouth’s presence in the sport-compact segment. Furthermore, the Turismo demonstrated the benefits of strategic partnerships and the ability to adapt to the changing demands of the market. It proved that Italian design and compact practicality could be combined to create an appealing and competitive vehicle.

The Turismo in Popular Culture and Collectibility:

The Plymouth Turismo, particularly the TC3 and Duster versions, have developed a cult following among automotive enthusiasts. Their unique styling, performance, and relative rarity make them increasingly desirable collector cars. The Turismo often features in automotive shows and online communities, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

Conclusion:

The Plymouth Turismo’s journey, from its humble beginnings as the Horizon to its evolution into the sporty Turismo, represents a significant chapter in the history of Chrysler. Its story is a testament to the strategic partnerships and design innovation that characterized the automotive industry in the late 20th century. While its production run was relatively short, the Turismo left a lasting impact on the sport-compact segment, proving that combining style, affordability, and performance can lead to a successful and memorable vehicle. The Turismo will continue to be remembered by its enthusiasts, reminding them of a unique vehicle that combined Italian flair with American practicality.