Gamma 405 (Overview)

    There were many variations of 405 available: the grades and the ranges can be distinguished by the type of engine (petrol / diesel), the capacity of the engine, type of equipment, type of the body (sedan / break) etc.

    Only for the type of engine, there are such variations as:

• Petrol engine with cabrator; 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.9L
• Petrol engine with injection; 1.9L, 1,9L DOHC
• Petrol engine with injection; 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.0L DOHC
• Diesel engine; 1.9L, 1.9L turbo
• ...and many many more...

    With these engines loaded, so many grades were available: GL / GLX / GR / GRD / SR / SRI / SRD / SRDT / Mi16 / etc., etc.... And only SRI series and Mi16 series were imported to Japan. Other various models not available in Japan will be shown in the next page.

Gamma 405 (Earlier Edition, 1987-1992, Japan)

    Although there was a wide range prepared for 405 in France and other Europe countries, only a few top models were officially imported to Japan.

    It was in 1989, when the official import of 405 started. At that time, only two grades SRI and Mi16 were available in this far-east economic island.

    After several years since the introduction in Japan, a few additional grades SRI-SX, SRI-EX and STI, all of which have richer equipments than the standard SRI, were introduced. Also a break model SRI-EX Break was added later (right-hand-drive only). This wagon model's length is just shorter (4,400 mm), but instead gives bigger luggage space. Of course, Break's exterior design is also superb as Sedan's, and gained nearly the same popularity as Sedan model in Japan (Personally, it is a pity that Break with manual transmission never imported to Japan...).

    In 1991, a 4x4 edition of Mi16, Mi16x4, had been released in Japan. This permanent 4WD system has viscous central joint, along with Torsen rear differential. And the unique point is that the hydropneumatic system is built into rear suspension. In a sense, we can say that Mi16x4 is just like a "cousin" of CITROËN BX GTi16V, which has the same XU9J4 DOHC engine, and (of course) hydropneumatic system.

Gamma 405 (Latter Edition, 1992-1996, Japan)

    In the late 1992, fully-renewed 405 (called "latter edition of 405" here) had been introduced in their home country France. There are only a few difference in the exterior design, but the interior design had been dynamically changed (you can see the visible differences on the next page). Also a newly-designed engines (XU10 series) were for the replacement with XU9 series engines: 1.9L engines were replaced with 2.0L engines.
    This revamped edition was finally available in 1993 for Japan, and had been available until 1996, when the successor 406 was unvailed.

Grade	405 SRI (latter edition)	405 Mi16 (latter edition)
Year of introduction	1992	<-
Body Dimension Length / Width / Height	4,410 x 1,720 x 1,405 (mm)	4,410 x 1,720 x 1,390 (mm)
Wheelbase	2,670 (mm)	<-
Front / Rear track	1,450 / 1,450 (mm)	1,440 / 1,445 (mm)
Weight	1,230 (kg)	1,280 (kg)
Engine	4 in-line SOHC, XU10J2	4 in-line DOHC, XU10J4
Bore x Stroke	86.0 x 86.0 (mm)	<-
Capacity	1,998 (cc)	<-
Compression Ratio	9.5 : 1	10.4 : 1
Fuel Feed	Electronic SPI	<-
Max. Power	120 (PS) at 5,750 (rpm) for Japan 123 (PS) at 5,750 (rpm) for Europe	150 (PS) at 6,500 (rpm) for Japan 155 (PS) at 6,500 (rpm) for Europe
Max. Torque	18.3 (kgm) at 2,750 (rpm) for Japan 18.3 (kgm) at 2,750 (rpm) for Europe	19.3 (kgm) at 3,500 (rpm) for Japan 19.0 (kgm) at 3,500 (rpm) for Europe
Transmission	4-speed Automatic	5-speed Manual
Gear Ratios	2.510 / 1.425 / 1.041 / 0.769	2.923 / 1.850 / 1.280 / 0.969 / 0.757
Final Reduction Ratio	3.823 : 1	4.428 : 1
Suspension (Front)	Independent McPherson type with anti-roll bar	<-
Suspension (Rear)	Independent type with trailing arms, anti-roll bar	<-
Brakes	Ventilated discs (Front), Discs (Rear)	<-
Tyres	185/65R14	195/55R15
Steering	Rack and Pinion with Power Steering	<-
Sterring Side	Left Hand Drive / Right Hand Drive	Left Hand Drive

    As the above spec sheet says, both engine went modest tunings. So we have to say that the latter edition of Mi16 loses somewhat "sporty-feeling". Anyway, Plenty torques gives us much easier and more comfortable driving feel.

    In nearly the last years, the new grade SRI Griffe was introduced in Japan. Just like STI of the earlier edition, it is equipped with leather seats, Mi16-look exterior kits etc. Of course, the Break model SRI-EX Break was also available for the latter years.
    The latter edition of Mi16x4, that was one of the lineup for earlier edition, never imported to Japan. BTW in France, the top-of-the-range T16 was introduced as a limited model, that was based on Mi16x4, plus 200PS DOHC Turbo engine. Unfortunately again, T16 also never imported to Japan.

    The exterior difference between SRI series and Mi16 series was basically the design of front / rear aero kits (Mi16 also is suited with an optional rear wing). The placement of silver lines on the bumpers are little bit different, too.

    As for front bumper section, there exists three variations: two variations mentioned above, equipped with SRI / Mi16 in Japan (and maybe most Europe countries), plus one more variation - that direction indicator lights are built into the bumper, not on the side of front lights. This 3rd variation can be seen in basic models such as 405 GL (especially in the earliest years of 405) for Europe market. Surprizingly, almost all models for North-Amrican market has this type of design.

If you know exactly which grade has which type of front bumper section,
please let me know. Your contributions are always welcome.

405 Mi16 for North-Amrican market (and basic grades for Europian market?)
405 SRI (for Japan)	405 Mi16 (for Japan)

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Tell me. What other kinda other gamma available ever?

Last Updated: 10:36:15 JST, 04/05/2004 .