CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Chrysler Sunbeam

Chrysler Sunbeam — 3-door hatchback, 928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4

Transmission4-speed manual

About the Chrysler Sunbeam

Chrysler Sunbeam is a 3-door hatchback in the supermini (b) class. The available vehicle data lists 928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Chrysler Sunbeam guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4 and 4-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Chrysler Sunbeam specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Chrysler
Model	Sunbeam
Model years	Not specified
Body style	3-door hatchback
Vehicle class	Supermini (B)
Manufacturer	Chrysler Europe (1977–1979)PSA (1979–1981)
Production	1977–1981
Market / country	GB, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Chrysler Sunbeam includes 928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2413 mm (95 in)
Length	3829 mm (151 in)
Width	1603 mm (63.1 in)
Height	1395 mm (54.9 in)
Kerb / curb weight	818 kg (1,803 lb) – 960 kg (2,116 lb)

Chrysler Sunbeam other specifications

Image	XSU367S Talbot Sunbeam.jpg
Caption	Chrysler Sunbeam
Name	Chrysler Sunbeam
Aka	Talbot Sunbeam (1979–1981) Talbot-Simca Sunbeam Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
Sp	uk

Chrysler Sunbeam generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Chrysler Sunbeam	1977–1981	928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4	4-speed manual	FR layout

Chrysler Sunbeam features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓The Sunbeam Lotus was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in April 1979, but the road-going version of the rally car was not ready for deliveries to the public until after the rebranding, and on launch was sold as the "Talbot Sunbeam Lotus"

✓Throughout their service during the 1980s, five of the six Sunbeam Lotuses were operated interchangeably across various parts of Greater Manchester, often deployed in high-speed stolen vehicle pursuits and also issued with a total of three registration plates and corresponding tax discs each to operate more discreetly

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Chrysler Sunbeam

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Chrysler Sunbeam

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Chrysler Sunbeam have?

The available source data lists the Chrysler Sunbeam engine as 928 cc OHC I4; 1,295 cc OHV I4; 1,598 cc OHV I4; 2,172 cc 16V ''Lotus Type 911'' I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Chrysler Sunbeam?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Chrysler Sunbeam?

There is no single best engine oil for every Chrysler Sunbeam configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The Chrysler Sunbeam is classified as a 3-door hatchback.

What are the dimensions of the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The available source data lists length 3829 mm (151 in), width 1603 mm (63.1 in), height 1395 mm (54.9 in), and wheelbase 2413 mm (95 in).

What transmission does the Chrysler Sunbeam have?

The available source data lists 4-speed manual transmission options for the Chrysler Sunbeam.

Is the Chrysler Sunbeam FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Chrysler Sunbeam is FR layout.

Who makes the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The manufacturer listed for the Chrysler Sunbeam is Chrysler Europe (1977–1979)PSA (1979–1981).

When was the Chrysler Sunbeam produced?

The available source data describes production as 1977–1981.

How much does the Chrysler Sunbeam weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 818 kg (1,803 lb) – 960 kg (2,116 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Chrysler Sunbeam built?

The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Linwood.

What class of car is the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The Chrysler Sunbeam is listed in the Supermini (B) class.

Which markets or countries sold the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Chrysler Sunbeam with GB, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The available vehicle data lists Talbot Samba as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The available vehicle data lists Talbot Samba as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Chrysler Sunbeam?

The available source data identifies related models as Hillman Avenger. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Chrysler Sunbeam?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Chrysler Sunbeam?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Chrysler Sunbeam is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Chrysler Sunbeam have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Chrysler Sunbeam images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.