Based upon an Alliance like the Volkswagen GTI was the Golf, AMC marketed a new “Pocket Rocket” in a similar manner as a separate model entity. It was stylistically improved and performance upgraded sedan and convertible, aimed at the market slice by the GTI as it went to a higher performance 16-valve four.
AMC and Renault powered the car with an exclusive use of Renault’s 2.0 OHC engine, a four cylinder in the same F-engine family as the 1.7 liter engine. It offered a peak 95 hp at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 114 lb-ft at a rather low 2750 rpm.
Improved hard parts included power assisted rack and pinion steering, power front discs with ventilated rotors and rear drums, gas charged front struts and twin tube rear shocks with performance valving, and front and rear anti-roll bars.
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