Editing Eagle (automobile)

{{Short description|Discontinued American automobile brand}}
{{about|the automotive brand from Chrysler|the American motorsport team|All American Racers|the car model from AMC|AMC Eagle|other uses|Eagle (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox brand
| name = Eagle
| logo = Chrysler's Eagle logo.png
| logo_size = 150
| image          = 
| image_upright  = 
| alt            = 
| caption        = 
| producttype = Passenger and sports cars, luxury sedans
| currentowner = [[Chrysler|Chrysler Corporation]]
| producedby = Chrysler Corporation <br/>(1988–1998)
| country        = <!-- or: origin -->
| introduced = 1988
| discontinued = {{end date and age|1999|07|04}}
| related = [[Chrysler]], [[Dodge]]
| markets = United States
| previousowners =
| trademarkregistrations = 
| ambassadors    = 
| tagline        = 
| website        = 
| module         = <!-- or: misc -->
| module1        = <!-- or: misc1 -->
| footnotes      = 
}}

'''Eagle''' was a [[brand]] of the [[Chrysler|Chrysler Corporation]] following the purchase of [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC) in 1987 and marketed through the end of the 1998 model year. It was aimed at the enthusiast driver and promoted as more "European" than the automaker's similar models.<ref name="HowEagleWorks">{{cite web |author=((Auto Editors of Consumer Guide)) |title=How Eagle Cars Work |url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/eagle-cars.htm |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=18 June 2007 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

Chrysler took the "Eagle" name from the four-wheel drive [[AMC Eagle]] models that were introduced for the 1980 model year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Radu |first1=Vlad |title=AMC Eagle: One of the Most Influential Yet Underrated American-Built Vehicles of All Time |url= https://www.autoevolution.com/news/amc-eagle-one-of-the-most-influential-yet-underrated-american-built-vehicles-of-all-time-168851.html |website=autoevolution.com |date=7 September 2021 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="NADA">{{cite web|title=1998 Eagle Talon Prices |url= https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1998/Eagle/Talon |publisher=NADA guides |quote=A division of Chrysler formed in 1987, Eagle was spawned from the buyout of American Motors and their AMC Eagle model. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220123045248/https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1998/Eagle/Talon |archive-date=23 January 2022 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> This was the last of [[American Motors]]' wholly U.S.-designed vehicles, and they have since been described as the first modern mass-production [[Crossover (automobile)|crossover vehicles]] produced in the U.S. because the "crossover" term had not been coined.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://silodrome.com/amc-eagle-car/ |title=The AMC Eagle – The Original American 4×4 Crossover |first=Ben |last=Branch |date=12 October 2020 |work=Silodrome |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hotcars.com/amc-eagle-ten-fascinating-features-on-americas-first-crossover/ |title=AMC Eagle: Ten Fascinating Features on America's First Crossover |first=Randy |last=Gardner |date=3 April 2021 |website=hotcars.com |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.slashgear.com/1535095/car-and-trucks-paved-the-way-for-modern-suvs/ |title=6 Cars And Trucks That Helped Pave The Way For Modern SUVs |first=Jowi |last=Morales |date=12 March 2024 |website=slashgear.com |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/why-the-world-s-first-crossover-was-overlooked-and-forgotten/ar-AA1tIQjK |title=Why The World's First Crossover Was Overlooked And Forgotten |first=Lou |last=Cataldo |date=7 November 2024 |website=msn.com |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref>

The Eagle name also appeared on several Jeep trim packages and unique models that included the [[Jeep Gladiator (SJ)#Jeep pickup 1971-1988|J-10 pickup]] trucks, the wide-track [[Jeep Cherokee (SJ)|Cherokee SJ]], as well as the [[Jeep CJ#CJ-5|CJ-5]] and CJ-7 models starting in 1976.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=McKeown |first=Bill |title=New rigs for rough action |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1977 |volume=147 |issue=6 |pages=77 and 167 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=r-IDAAAAMBAJ&q=New+rigs+for+rough+action+Jeep+truck+Golden+Eagle+J-10&pg=PA167 |access-date=4 May 2024 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Allen |first=Jim |title=Jeep Collector's Library |year=2004 |publisher=MotorBooks International |isbn=978-1-61059-054-9 |page=96 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=zTsAbTJB5RIC&q=jeep+cj+golden+eagle&pg=PA96 |access-date=4 May 2024 |via=Google Books}}</ref> American Motors also launched an entirely new front-wheel-drive sedan, the [[Eagle Premier]] that was developed with Renault, AMC's French partner before Chrysler purchased AMC.<ref>{{cite web |title=1988 Eagle Premier ES: Chrysler's Euro-Sedan Is A Pleasant Surprise |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a43495663/1988-eagle-premier-es-by-the-numbers/ |work=Car and Driver |date=April 1988 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

Various imported and domestic-built vehicles were marketed, primarily by former AMC [[Car dealership|dealers]] along with [[Jeep]] products, until the brand was discontinued in 1998. The 1993 through 1997 [[Eagle Vision]] sedan sold in respectable numbers, with 115,699 built, while the sporty [[Eagle Talon]]s were made in two generations from 1990 until 1998, with more than 200,000 produced.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Gerard |title=Eagle Production Numbers, US and Canada |url= https://www.allpar.com/threads/eagle-production-numbers-us-and-canada.228382/ |work=Allpar |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Trajano |first1=Robin |title=The Eagle Talon TSi AWD Is an Underappreciated Classic |url= https://www.motortrend.com/features/1990-1994-eagle-talon-tsi-awd-photos-history/ |work=Motor Trend |date=21 October 2019 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Most significantly, the Eagle Premier was the basis for Chrysler's successful series of [[Chrysler LH platform|"LH" models]] that were introduced for the 1993 model year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Corey |title=Rare Rides: The Eagle Premier Story, Part VI (The End) |url= https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/rare-rides-the-eagle-premier-story-part-vi-the-end/ |website=thetruthaboutcars.com |date=23 August 2021 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/was-the-eagle-brand-chryslers-geo-and-what-exactly-was-the-point-of-either-brand/ |title=Was the Eagle brand Chrysler’s Geo? And what exactly was the point of either brand? |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |date=11 July 2024 |work=Hemmings |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref>

==Origin==
Following the introduction of [[General Motors]]' [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] brand automobile, Chrysler promised a similar new brand designed to take Saturn on with innovative design and building methods.<ref>{{cite web|last=Torchinsky |first=Jason |title=Let Us Remember Eagle, The Car Brand Made Of Four Other Brands From Three Different Countries |url= https://jalopnik.com/let-us-remember-eagle-the-car-brand-made-of-four-other-1788419857 |work=Jalopnik |date=11 September 2016 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> A press release by then Chrysler Chairman [[Lee Iacocca]] indicated that the company was working on a car that would be known as the "Liberty" which aimed to achieve significant cost savings.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Corey |title=Abandoned History: Chrysler's Liberty Project, to Saturn or Not to Saturn |url= https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/abandoned-history-chryslers-liberty-project-to-saturn-or-not-to-saturn/ |website=thetruthaboutcars.com |date=26 August 2021 |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref> However, these plans never reached fruition. However, ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' soon reported that the AMC-developed Premier would replace Chrysler's Liberty project attempts at using the [[Chrysler K platform|K-car platform]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Dunne |first1=Jim |title=Inside Detroit |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=September 1989 |volume=166 |issue=9 |page=45 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=a-QDAAAAMBAJ&q=The+Premier+takes+the+place+of+the+so-called+Liberty+car+Chrysler |access-date=10 February 2025 |via=Google Books}}</ref> The Liberty name was later applied by Chrysler for a [[Jeep Liberty|Jeep model]] marketed in the U.S. starting with the 2002 model year, replacing the AMC-designed [[Jeep Cherokee (XJ)|Cherokee XJ]] line.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.backthenhistory.com/articles/the-history-of-the-jeep-liberty |title=The History of the Jeep Liberty |first=Lauren |last=Cabral |date=26 August 2024 |website=backthenhistory.com |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref>

The main objective of Chrysler acquiring American Motors was the long-established [[Jeep]] vehicles, but [[Renault]] forced the company to take on the contractual obligations of the passenger car models as part of the deal.<ref name="Stoy">{{cite web|last1=Stoy |first1=Andrew |title=Whatever Happened To Eagle? |url= https://jalopnik.com/5067793/whatever-happened-to-eagle |work=Jalopnik |date=23 October 2008 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Another major factor was that, due to state franchise laws, Chrysler could not start selling Jeeps through their existing dealer networks, nor could ex-AMC dealers begin to sell other Chrysler products.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 August 1987 |title=AMC, Last of Its Kind, Fades Into Auto History |url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-06-fi-1799-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Thus, the Eagle marque was born.<ref name="Stoy" /><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Jeep Milestones |magazine=Automotive News |year=1996 |volume=The Almanac and Market Data Book |page=18}}</ref>

Under new ownership, Chrysler quickly discontinued the domestic-built front-wheel drive [[Renault Alliance|Alliance]] and Encore that were developed under Renault (plans by AMC to import the [[Renault Espace]] minivan and the [[Renault Alpine GTA/A610|Alpine GTA]] halo car were also scrapped), but continued to build the four-wheel drive [[AMC Eagle]] crossover.<ref name="Gold">{{cite web|last=Gold |first=Aaron |title=AMC Eagle: No, Seriously, This Was the First Crossover SUV |url= https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/amc-eagle-no-seriously-this-was-the-first-crossover-suv-265257 |work=Autotrader |date=May 2017 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> It was now called '''Eagle Wagon''' and marketed into the 1988 model year until production ended in December. This meant the [[Brampton Assembly (AMC)]] manufacturing capacity could be used for making more Jeeps.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Chrysler Acquires American Motors |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |date=1987 |volume=102 |page=84}}</ref> Moreover, Chrysler kept AMC's long-established Eagle brand by continuing to import the mid-sized Renault 21 (renamed [[Eagle Medallion]]) as well as starting production of the Renault 25-based full-size sedan that was developed by AMC (renamed [[Eagle Premier]]).<ref name="Gold"/>

==Marketing==
To consolidate the marketing and maintain distribution through AMC dealerships following the 1987 acquisition, the '''[[Jeep-Eagle]]''' division of Chrysler Corporation was formed.<ref>{{cite news|first=John |last=Holusha |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/09/business/jeep-dealers-will-sell-new-chrysler-eagle-car.html |title=Jeep Dealers Will Sell New Chrysler Eagle Car |date=9 December 1987 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Chrysler's initial problem was that unlike the Big Three, which had multiple brands under their corporate name, American Motors had sold passenger cars under its corporate initials of "AMC" since 1970. Thus, without having a separate brand from the now-defunct company, Chrysler management looked to re-brand the legacy vehicles inherited by purchasing AMC under the Eagle name instead of trying to fold those outside-designed products into Chrysler's existing distribution structure. A limiting factor is that almost all states "have dealership-friendly franchise regulations" that do not allow manufacturers flexibility because the laws provide dealerships territorial exclusivity, including protection from new competition, as well as limit dealership franchise termination to the point that even "gross inefficiency and poor financial condition are not legitimate grounds for termination."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/2407733/laws-in-all-50-states-benefit-car-dealerships-at-the-expense-of-consumers/ |title=Laws in all 50 states benefit car dealerships at the expense of consumers |first=Liam |last=Sigaud |date=20 December 2018 |work=Washington Examiner |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

Two of Eagle's first models, the [[Eagle Premier]] and the [[Eagle Medallion]], were designed by AMC in cooperation with its former corporate partner (and 46.4 percent owner), [[Renault]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://apnews.com/article/3b7e232be6e12cacedd57c8d70c168c5 |title=AMC Shareholder Vote Closes Chrysler Buyout of AMC |publisher=Associated Press |date=5 August 1987 |first=Janet |last=Braunsteib |access-date=4 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/06/business/chrysler-completes-acquisition-of-amc.html |title=Chrysler Completes Acquisition of A.M.C. |first=Philip E. |last=Ross |newspaper=The New York Times |date=6 August 1987 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> The remainder of the brand's cars were [[badge engineering|rebadged]] versions of cars sold by other [[Chrysler Corporation]] divisions, as well as some [[captive import]]s produced by [[Mitsubishi Motors]]. At one point, an Eagle variant of Chrysler's popular [[Chrysler minivans (AS)|AS platform minivan]] was in the planning stages, but this variant never made it to market.<ref>{{cite web |title=It almost happened: the Eagle minivan and the new Chrysler LeBaron |url= https://www.motales.com/cars/amc-eagle-etc/minivan.php |website=motales.com |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

Unlike Chrysler, [[Dodge]], and [[Plymouth (automobile)|Plymouth]] [[brand]]ed automobiles, the Eagle models lacked the Chrysler Corporation "[[Chrysler#Pentastar|pentastar]]" logo. Instead, all models prominently featured the Eagle head [[logo]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://simardautomotive.com/vehicles/eagle/ |title=Eagle |date=2024 |website=simardautomotive.com |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

Throughout its history, the Eagle brand needed more product recognition, although its Premier was technically more advanced than anything offered by Chrysler. Most of Eagle's models were available in Chrysler-Plymouth, Dodge, and Mitsubishi dealerships under different guises. Chrysler was in financial difficulty at the end of the 1980s and did not have the funds to spread to its new automotive division. Moreover, Jeep vehicles were popular and profitable, so most of the division's [[marketing]] resources flowed to the Jeep product range. Since Jeep's products had better recognition and higher profit margins, many dealers emphasized Jeeps. They considered the Eagle line of passenger cars to distract that business. Their sales and service expertise was primarily in the [[four-wheel drive]] Jeeps and AMC's Eagle all-wheel-drive models.

Furthermore, the dealership network was realigned following Chrysler's acquisition of AMC. Some former AMC/Jeep dealers were consolidated with Chrysler-Plymouth [[Franchising|franchises]]. Up to this point, Chrysler-Plymouth outlets needed a [[sport utility vehicle]] (SUV) to sell, and adding the Jeep line helped dealers offer customers a range of vehicles in a rapidly growing market segment. The merger may have helped the individual dealerships that signed on. Still, it caused the nascent Eagle division and its largely derivative models to compete unfavorably for attention with Chrysler's and Plymouth's often similar, but longer-established and better-recognized lines of passenger cars.

==Phase out==
The Eagle brand was phased out in stages. In 1996, Chrysler discontinued the [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]-based [[Eagle Summit]], having discontinued the nearly identical [[Dodge Colt]] and [[Plymouth Colt]] models after the 1994 model year. After a decade of slow sales, Chrysler announced the discontinuation of the Eagle brand in September 1997, and the last 1998 Eagle Talon rolled off the line after that.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jacqueline |last=Fitzgerald |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-30-9709300310-story.html |title=Chrysler Discontinues Eagle Brand |date=30 September 1997 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170628170204/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-09-30/business/9709300310_1_eagle-sales-chrysler-corp-chrysler-and-jeep-vehicles |archive-date=28 June 2017 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> In 1997, the [[Eagle Vision]] was discontinued at the end of its design cycle. However, the similar [[Dodge Intrepid]] and [[Chrysler Concorde]] were redesigned for 1998 and continued through 2004. Only the [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]]-based [[Eagle Talon]] remained for 1998, after which it and the Eagle brand were discontinued.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/06/junkyard-find-1998-eagle-talon/ |title=Junkyard Find: 1998 Eagle Talon |first=Murilee |last=Martin |date=11 June 2019 |website=thetruthaboutcars.com |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref>

Chrysler had initially planned to redesign the [[Eagle Vision]] for 1999. Prototypes were spotted wearing the Eagle logo. Vision production continued into September 1997 to provide dealers with enough stock of the older car to carry them through to the new car's introduction. However, Chrysler executives decided to pull the plug on the Eagle brand just a few months later. The car they were working on went on to be marketed as the [[Chrysler 300M]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and Chrysler Concorde, 300M, New Yorker, and LHS |url= https://www.allpar.com/threads/dodge-intrepid-eagle-vision-andchrysler-concorde-300m-new-yorker-and-lhs.228731/#post-1085222829 |work=Allpar |date=16 November 2020 |quote=at the last minute, the Eagle Vision was rebadged to create the Chrysler 300M |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

The AMC name disappeared with Chrysler's acquisition of the independent automaker, "but the Eagle name carried on, worn by various Renault- and Mitsubishi-sourced models through the 1990s when it was finally retired in 1998."<ref>{{cite web|last=Carney |first=Dan |title=AMC Eagle, the unlikely trail-blazer |url= http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20130925-the-unlikely-awd-trail-blazer |publisher=BBC Autos |date=26 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235959/http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20130925-the-unlikely-awd-trail-blazer |archive-date=11 November 2020 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Those Eagle cars failed because the automaker did not have a coherent marketing strategy for the mix of models and they also lacked effective promotional efforts in the automotive marketplace.<ref name="HowEagleWorks"/> In the end, "Chrysler wasn't fully committed to the nameplate and also left consumers confused about what an Eagle was -- if they knew the name at all."<ref name="HowEagleWorks"/>

==Eagle cars marketed by Chrysler==
[[File:Eagle Premier.jpg|thumb|right|Eagle Premier]]
[[File:Eagle Summit Red Wagon Front.jpg|thumb|right|Eagle Summit wagon]]
[[File:Eagle Talon TSi 2G.jpg|thumb|right|1995 Eagle Talon]]
[[File:Eagle Vision.jpg|thumb|right|Eagle Vision]]

* '''[[AMC Eagle|Eagle Wagon]]''' (1988)
The continuation of the AMC Eagle line after Chrysler acquired AMC in only the station wagon body style. Production of the crossover vehicle ended on December 14, 1987. According to the [[National Automobile Dealers Association]] NADA Guide, Chrysler's "Eagle was spawned from the buyout of American Motors and their AMC Eagle model."<ref name="NADA"/>
* '''[[Eagle Medallion]]''' (1989)
Also badged as the '''Renault Medallion''' in March 1987 as an early 1988 model, this car was imported from France, rebadged as an Eagle for the 1989 model year only, and was similar to the [[Renault 21]].
* '''[[Eagle Premier]]''' (1988–1992)
Designed by AMC, the Premier was briefly badged as the Renault Premier before launch. Unusual (for an FWD car) in having a [[longitudinal engine]] mounting (to accommodate a future AWD version), it shared several parts with the [[Renault 25]], and spawned a rebadged version named [[Dodge Monaco]] (1990–1992); this [[Car platform|platform]] was the basis for the 1993 [[Chrysler LH platform|LH cars]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Strohl |first1=Daniel |title=What could have been: Chrysler originally intended the LH platform as front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/05/08/what-could-have-been-chrysler-originally-intended-the-lh-platform-as-front-rear-and-all-wheel-drive |website=hemmings.com |date=8 May 2020 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>
* '''[[Eagle Vista]]''' (1988–1992)
Two models were offered. The two-door [[hatchback]] and four-door sedan were rebadged [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]s, and the station wagon (badged as either an Eagle Vista or a Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista) was a rebadged [[Mitsubishi Chariot]]. These cars were marketed only in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2022/03/abandoned-history-chrysler-and-the-colt-captive-economical-import-time-part-v/ |title=Abandoned History: Chrysler and the Colt, Captive Economical Import Time (Part V) |first=Corey |last=Lewis |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>
* '''[[Eagle Summit]]''' (1989–1996)
Coupe, sedan, and wagon models were available. The coupe and 1987-1991 sedans were rebadged [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]s, while the wagon was a rebadged [[Mitsubishi Chariot|Mitsubishi Expo LRV]]. The 1991-1996 sedan was a rebadged Dodge/Plymouth Colt.
* '''[[Eagle Talon]]''' (1990–1998)
Like the [[Plymouth Laser]] and the [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]], the Talon was Eagle's [[halo car]] and outsold its Plymouth cousin. (see also [[Diamond Star Motors]])
* '''[[Eagle 2000GTX]]''' (1991–1992)
A rebadged [[Mitsubishi Galant#Sixth generation (E31, E32, E33, E39)|Mitsubishi Galant]] four-door sedan. Marketed also as a Dodge only in [[Canada]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1699191/rare-anywhere-dodge-2000-gtx/ |title=Rare anywhere: Dodge 2000 GTX Guaranteed to delight and confound at Mopar meets and Japanese classic shows alike |first=Jay |last=Ramey |date=5 June 2018 |website=autoweek.com |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>
* '''[[Eagle Vision]]''' (1993–1997)
One of [[Chrysler Corporation|Chrysler's]] three original [[Chrysler LH platform|LH-cars]]. It was marketed in Europe as the Chrysler Vision.

==Concept car==
The '''Eagle Optima''' was a 1990 concept car.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dunne |first=Jim |title=Detroit Spy Report |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=April 1990 |volume=167 |issue=4 |page=50 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=OuMDAAAAMBAJ&q=Eagle+Optima+concept&pg=PA50 |via=Google Books |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> It was a four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] that used [[cab forward]] design and was powered by an experimental, 32-valve all-aluminum V8 engine with all-wheel drive.<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 Eagle Optima - Concepts, Source: 1990 chicagoautoshow.com |url= https://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1990_eagle_optima/ |website=carstyling.ru |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> The Optima was on the show circuit to judge consumer reaction to the thinly disguised version of the [[Chrysler LH platform|LH platform]] sedans that were to be introduced for the 1993 model year.<ref>{{cite news|title=For a Good Time, Call on Auto Show |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=15 February 1990 |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/02/15/for-a-good-time-call-on-auto-show/ |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Two earlier concept cars emphasizing the cab-forward designs that lead to the LH-based 1993 [[Eagle Vision]] were the 1987 [[Lamborghini Portofino]] and the 1989 [[Chrysler Millennium]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.motor1.com/news/63008/concept-we-forgot-1987-chrysler-lamborghini-portofino/ |title=Concept We Forgot: 1987 Chrysler Lamborghini Portofino |first=Adrian |last=Padeanu |date=25 May 2016 |website=motor1.com |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://testdrivejunkie.com/1989-chrysler-millenium-concept/ |title=1989 Chrysler Millenium Concept |date=14 March 2013 |website=testdrivejunkie.com |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cite web|url= http://www.eaglecars.com/ |title=The Eagle Test Drive (1996 official website) |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19961103124601/http://www.eaglecars.com/ |archive-date=3 November 1996 |access-date=4 May 2024}}

{{Eagle}}
{{Eagle Timeline}}
{{Chrysler Holding LLC}}

[[Category:Chrysler]]
[[Category:Car manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Michigan]]
[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Oakland County, Michigan]]
[[Category:Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1988]]
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