page_title: Chrysler K platform
section_title: Derivatives
hierarchical_section_title: Chrysler K platform / Derivatives
caption_attribution_description: Chrysler convertable seen in Esplanade Ridge section of New Orleans
context_page_description: The K-car platform was a key automotive design platform introduced by Chrysler Corporation for the 1981 model year, featuring a transverse engine, front-wheel drive, independent front and semi-independent rear suspension configuration—a stark departure from the company's previous reliance on solid axle, rear-drive configurations. Derived from Chrysler's L-cars, the Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni, the platform was developed just as the company faltered in the market, at first underpinning a modest range of compact/mid-size sedans and wagons—and eventually underpinning nearly fifty different models, including all-wheel drive variants—and playing a vital role in the company's subsequent resurgence.
context_section_description: The K-derivatives offered a large variety of engines depending on year and model. Four-cylinder engines were initially equipped with carburetors; fuel injection was phased in beginning in 1986. Engine output ranged from 86 hp (64 kW) to 224 hp (167 kW). Most vehicles had the 2.2 l or 2.5 l Chrysler four-cylinder engine; however, from 1981 to 1985, a 2.6 l four and from 1987 to 1995 a 3.0 l V6, both made by Mitsubishi, were offered. All had electronic ignition.
  K mid-size cars
  1981–1989 Dodge Aries (often referred to as the Aries K, owing to strong publicity for the K cars; 1981 models are badged as such.)
  1981–1989 Plymouth Reliant (as above, also known as the Reliant K)
  1982–1988 Chrysler LeBaron (coupes and convertibles were produced on this platform until 1986)
  1982–1988 Chrysler LeBaron Town and Country
  1982–1983 Dodge 400
  1982–1985 Dodge Dart K (Mexico only)
  1982–1985 Valiant Volare K (2-door) (Mexico only)
  1986–1988 Dart by Chrysler (2-door and wagon) (Mexico only)
  1986–1988 Volare by Chrysler (2-door) (Mexico only)
  1986–1987 Volare by Chrysler (4-door) (Mexico only)
  1983–1988 Plymouth Caravelle coupe (Canada only)
  1983–1986 Chrysler Executive limousine
  1984–1986 Dodge 600 coupe and convertible
  1984–1987 Dodge Magnum 400 and Dodge Magnum Turbo (Mexico only)
  1985 Chrysler 600 (Mexico only)
  E (Extended-wheelbase) mid-size cars
  1983–1984 Chrysler E-Class
  1983–1987 Chrysler New Yorker
  1988 Chrysler New Yorker Turbo (For 1988, the non-turbo Chrysler New Yorker began using the larger C Platform (see below) but the Turbo did not)
  1983–1988 Dodge 600 sedan
  1985–1988 Plymouth Caravelle
  1986–1989 Dart by Chrysler (4-door) (Mexico only)
  1988–1989 Volare by Chrysler (4-door) (Mexico only)
  G sports cars (designated as the AG platform from 1989)
  1984–1986 Chrysler Laser
  1984–1993 Dodge Daytona and Chrysler Daytona (Canada)
  S minivans
  1984–1990 Dodge Caravan
  1984–1990 Plymouth Voyager
  1990 Chrysler Town and Country
  H mid-size cars
  1985–1988 Chrysler LeBaron GTS
  1985–1989 Dodge Lancer
  1987 Shelby Lancer
  P compact cars (designated as the AP platform from 1989)
  1987–1994 Dodge Shadow
  1987–1994 Plymouth Sundance and Duster
  1987–1989 Shelby CSX
  J sport cars (designated as the AJ platform from 1989)
  1987–1995 Chrysler LeBaron coupe and convertible
  1988–1994 Chrysler Phantom coupe only (Mexico only)
  C mid-size cars (designated as the AC platform from 1989)
  1988–1993 Chrysler New Yorker
  1988–1993 Dodge Dynasty
  1988–1993 Chrysler Dynasty (Canada only)
  AA mid-size cars
  1989–1994 Chrysler Saratoga (Europe only)
  1989–1995 Dodge Spirit
  1989–1995 Plymouth Acclaim
  1990–1994 Chrysler LeBaron sedan
  1990–1994 Chrysler New Yorker (Mexico only)
  Q sports car
  1989–1991 Chrysler TC by Maserati
  Y luxury cars (a stretched variant of the C platform used for two top-line models, also designated as the AY platform)
  1990–1993 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
  1990–1993 Chrysler Imperial
  AS minivans
  1991–1995 Chrysler Town and Country
  1991–1995 Dodge Caravan
  1991–1995 Plymouth Voyager
caption: 1983-84 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible
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