The Eagle Talon: a rebadged icon of the Chrysler and Mitsubishi alliance
In short: Born from a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, the Eagle Talon was a sport compact hatchback that punched above its weight. While it shared its mechanical DNA with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Plymouth Laser, its unique design and racing pedigree made it a standout in the 1990s automotive landscape.
Manufactured in Normal, Illinois, the Talon, the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Plymouth Laser were mechanically identical when sharing the same option levels. Despite these shared internals, the Talon maintained a distinct aesthetic, such as its signature two-tone body color with a black 'greenhouse' consisting of the roof, pillars, and door-mounted mirrors.
The vehicle's performance varied significantly by trim and generation. The first-generation (1G) models, produced from 1990 to 1994, included two distinct styles: the 1GA (1990–1991) featuring pop-up headlights and a '6-bolt' engine, and the 1GB (1992–1994) which utilized exposed composite-style headlights and a '7-bolt' engine. The TSi AWD variant was particularly notable, utilizing an intercooled Mitsubishi 14b turbocharger to produce 195 hp.
The second generation (2G), introduced in 1995, brought significant mechanical and structural upgrades. The front suspension transitioned from MacPherson struts to a double-wishbone setup to improve the roll-camber curve for better handling, while the rear utilized a multilink suspension. The 2G models also saw an increase in output due to redesigned intake and exhaust systems and higher 8.5:1 compression pistons. The Talon's era ended in 1998, making it the final model in the declining Eagle lineup.
Beyond the showroom, the Talon achieved significant racing success. Between 1990 and 1991, it secured the SCCA World Challenge touring car title, followed by the GT Touring championship from 1993 to 1995. Alongside Oldsmobile, Eagle became one of just two US manufacturers to claim the TC championship during the 1990s.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eagle Talon
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