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history (paraphrased from Chilton's Repair Manual)In designing the Omni and Horizon models, Chrysler didn't replace the car as much as design a brand new, efficiency sized car for the U.S. market (A Talbot Horizon, with cool aero headlamps, was also sold in Europe). The goal was to design a car with outstanding roominess, good handling characteristics, good fuel economy, and flexibility of use. According to chassis and body development studies the new car would be based on these criteria:The Omni/Horizon were Chrysler's first metrically designed models built in the U.S. Emphasis was put on minimal weight coupled with a solid, substantial look, to appeal to those who were used to larger cars. The solid stable look was achieved through the use of a wider stance, and careful choice of line and form, the proper degree of curvature to the door and the proportion of body panels. Extensive use of strong, but lightweight components allowed the final product to weigh in at slightsy over 2000 lbs., just under the 2100lb. goal. The actual design of the cars began in April 1975. More than 16 different concepts were wind tunnel tested to determine their aerodynamic behavior. The results refined the 4 door hatchback configuration to obtain the minimum aerodynamic drag. Design improvements were translated in half scale, plastic models before producing a total of 84 prototypes that would log over 6,000,000 test miles. "Job Number One" rolled off the Belvidere assembly line on November 21, 1977. Popularity of the Omni/Horizon in their first full year in the marketplace, achieved a new production record for the Belvidere assembly plant. In 1978, 288,236 cars were built and sold. Other variations of the popular duo soon emerged. In 1979 the Horizon TC3 and Omni 024 were introduced. The two door coupes were about 8 inches longer and 2 1/2 inches lower than their counterparts. The most radical model introduced was the 1982 Dodge Rampage pickup truck which was the first front-wheel drive pickup built by the Big 3. The coolest version was of course the Dodge Omni GLH, with a turbo 2.2, produced from 1984 to 1986 I think. An even rarer GLH-S was produced in limited quantities by Caroll Shelby.
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