The Chrysler Laser was a sporty hatchback coupe produced from 1984 to 1986, and it holds the distinction of being Chrysler’s first entry into the modern sport compact segment. Developed as a sister car to the Dodge Daytona, it was positioned as a more luxurious and refined alternative with upscale styling and equipment.
Chrysler Laser
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1984–1986 |
| Body Style | 3-door hatchback coupe |
| Platform | Chrysler G-body (based on K-car architecture) |
| Drive Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Assembly | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
Powertrain Options
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2.2L SOHC I4 (naturally aspirated) | 93–110 hp |
| 2.2L Turbo I4 (Turbo I) | 142 hp |
| 2.2L Turbo I4 (Turbo II, optional in 1986) | 174 hp (limited availability) |
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite A413)
Trim Levels & Features
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Base | Cloth seats, basic features, naturally aspirated 2.2L |
| XE | Upgraded trim, optional turbo, digital dash, power windows |
| XT (1985–1986) | Performance model: standard turbo, sport suspension, aero body trim, Voice Alert System |
Available Features:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Premium sound systems
- Trip computer
- Power accessories
- Talking voice alert system (e.g., “A door is ajar”)
- Leather trim (optional)
Performance (Turbo models)
- 0–60 mph: ~8.5 seconds (Turbo I)
- Top Speed: ~120 mph
- Laser XT was tuned for sharper handling with stiffer suspension and wider tires
The 1986 Chrysler Laser XT was the final model year of the Laser nameplate, and it represented the most fully equipped, performance-focused, and tech-savvy version of the car. Positioned as a luxury sport coupe, the Laser XT blended turbocharged power with futuristic design elements like a digital dashboard and a talking voice alert system.
Features of the XT Trim included the Turbocharged engine standard, Sport suspension and quick-ratio steering, Aero body kit with blacked-out trim, unique XT badging, Aluminum “pizza” wheels (turbo fin-style), Fully digital dashboard, Voice Alert system (“Your door is ajar”), Performance seats with lumbar adjustment, and Optional T-tops, leather upholstery, and premium sound.
Common paint options included:Radiant Silver Metallic, Graphic Red, Midnight Blue, Black Crystal, or Spinnaker White. Interior trims were often in charcoal or red, depending on the exterior color. Red and black combinations were especially sporty.
1986 Chrysler Laser XT
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 1986 (final year) |
| Body Style | 3-door hatchback coupe |
| Platform | Chrysler G-body (K-car-based) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Assembly | St. Louis, Missouri |
| MSRP (base XT) | Around $12,800 USD (approx., in 1986) |
Powertrain
| Engine | Details |
|---|---|
| 2.2L Turbocharged SOHC I4 | Chrysler Turbo I engine |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 168 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (std), 3-speed auto (opt) |
| 0–60 mph | ~8.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~125 mph |
Discontinued after 1986. Replaced by the Chrysler Daytona for 1987 onward, which combined the sportiness of the Laser with more refinement
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