Citation Coupe
This notchback coupe used two doors and a separate trunk. It shared the hatchback’s basic dimensions while separating the luggage compartment from the cabin.
Selected generation models, including overseas specifications
Vehicle details
Introduced in 1979 as Chevrolet’s first front-wheel-drive passenger car, Citation changed the packaging of the division’s compact range. This notchback coupe used two doors and a separate trunk. It shared the hatchback’s basic dimensions while separating the luggage compartment from the cabin. A transverse engine and front-drive powertrain concentrated the mechanical layout at the front, leaving no long driveshaft through the passenger compartment. Rack-and-pinion steering and front disc brakes accompanied a base 2.5-liter OHV four-cylinder. In the 1980 federal-market version, the standard powertrain used a four-speed manual, with a V6 and an automatic also available. Citation represents an important production step in the American compact car’s transition from traditional rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive.
- Production years
- 1979–
- Illustrated model year
- 1980
- Body
- Coupe
- Powertrain
- Petrol
2.5 L inline-four manual · 1980 US federal (except California)
- Development / body code
- 1XH11
- Powertrain
- Petrol
- Displacement
- 2.5 L (151 cu in)
- Length
- 4488 mm
- Width
- 1736 mm
- Height
- 1348 mm (design)
- Wheelbase
- 2664 mm
- Engine
- LW9 OHV inline-four, two-barrel carburetor, transverse installation
- Maximum power (net)
- 90 hp @ 4000 rpm
- Maximum torque (net)
- 182 Nm @ 2400 rpm
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-wheel drive
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Compression ratio
- 8.2:1