About Chrysler's Jet Engine Car Turbin in 1964

About Chrysler's Jet Engine Car Turbin in 1964

The sixties produced radical awesome car designs, of innovative cars. Take Chevrolet Corvair, rear engine a Porsche design style America's air-cooled production car 1.5 million made. Yet, car company, Chrysler, radical concept:

A car small, jet-like, turbine engine. A car engine run gas,kerosene diesel.

A project began Fifties culminated public release Turbine. The body designed Ghia Italy (they design American cars including 91-94 Mercury Capri) design reflected Jet Age cars time (like 1962-3 Ford T-Bird). But, Turbine revolutionary. The auto industry lot buzz Chrysler produced 55 ( test vehicles) car magazines covers. Listening car small jet engine whine. As time reveal, public love them, Chrysler held making production car. They averaged 15 mpg town 20 mpg highway. They produce excessive amounts thermal heat costs produce high time Mustang cost $2000 new. They parts standard engine, parts costly, fail.

By time 1964 Turbine released, Chrysler's 3rd generation turbine problems solved. The 1964 engine specs:

30 horsepower 3,600 rpm (output shaft speed); 425 lb-ft torque zero rpm!
Weight: 410 lb - 25 inches long, 25.5 inches wide, 27.5 inches tall (without accessories, length 35 inches).
Compressor: centrifugal, single-stage compressor 4:1 pressure ratio, 80% efficiency, 2.2 lb/sec air flow
First stage turbine: axial, single-stage, 87% efficiency, inlet temperature 1,700 degrees F.
Second-stage turbine: axial, single-stage, 84% efficiency, max speed 45,700 rpm
Regenerator: dual rotating disks, 90% effectiveness, 22 rpm max speed
Burner: single can, reverse flow, 95% efficiency
Maximum gas generator speed: 44,600 rpm
Maximum output speed, reduction gears: 4,680 rpm
Exhaust temperature full power: 500 degrees Farenheit.
Car weight: 4000 lbs

As 60s turn 70s, started costly. Fuel costs demanded economical engines 20-25 mpg, material costs rose Chrysler itself, failing dying red ink loss sales. All time, Turbine engine continued refined time Chrysler decided production car 1981, proved late, funding engine US government. The funding stopped 5th generation turbine engine 1981 Chrysler New Yorker (M-body) Turbine car ready tooled. There design work accomplished, tool start production. The turbine engine capable 22mpg EPA test cycles.

The final turbine powered Chrysler Corporation vehicle 1980 Dodge Mirada, which, exists. Of 55 1964 turbines, 2, most, exist operational (Jay Leno one). However, Chrysler sell turbine engines built: M1 Tank!