Launched in July 1977, the Chrysler Sunbeam was essentially a Hillman Avenger with a tailgate body. In March 1979 two sporty variants were presented: the ti and the Lotus. If the Lotus was decidedly sporty, it had a 1598cc 100hp 8-valve engine capable of good starting points but it was still too little to talk about real GTI performance, also considering the obsolescence of the general layout. Production of the ti, as well as the Lotus, ceased in 1981.