Winnebago LeSharo

The Winnebago LeSharo (also marketed as Itasca Phasar) is a Class B (low-profile) recreational vehicle that was assembled by Winnebago Industries from 1983 to 1992. Though also using a cutaway van chassis like larger motorhomes, the LeSharo was designed to optimize fuel economy with an aerodynamically-enhanced exterior.

The vehicle used the chassis of the Renault Trafic commercial van. Though Renault did not sell the model line itself in North America, the Trafic shared its gasoline and diesel engines with several Renault and Jeep vehicles marketed in the United States (at the time, Renault was the parent company of AMC/Jeep). Less than half the weight of a Class C RV based on an American-produced chassis, the LeSharo offered fuel economy from 16 to 23 MPG, dependent on powertrain.

The model line was assembled by Winnebago in Forest City, Iowa; approximately 21,000 examples were produced. For 1995, the company revived the concept with the Winnebago Rialta, using the Volkswagen Eurovan chassis.

First generation (1983-1986)

The 1973 and 1979 fuel crises led to a negative effect on American vehicle manufacturing, particularly towards recreational vehicle production at the end of the decade. In response, Winnebago sought to develop a fuel-efficient compact RV, as vehicles based on one-ton van chassis at the time typically offered fuel economy of 4-10 MPG (with larger RVs doing worse). The company sought a European light commercial vehicle, preferably with a front-wheel drive powertrain layout to maximize living space (as used by the GMC Motorhome), leading to an agreement with Renault, using its Trafic chassis.

Winnebago introduced the 1983 LeSharo in August 1982, serving as its first compact RV. Approximately half the weight of a Minnie Winnie (based on a "one-ton" cutaway van), the LeSharo retained a cutaway van configuration. For its use in North America, the Renault Trafic was supplied as a chassis cab with no rear lighting fitments; to support the larger body, the wider rear axle from the B80 Renault Master was adopted. To downplay its Renault origins, the front fascia was restyled below the hood (supplied with headlamps from the Buick Skylark). To accommodate the wider rear body, the LeSharo was fitted with repositioned sideview mirrors.

Powertrain details

At its launch, the LeSharo was fitted with a 57 hp 2.1L naturally-aspirated diesel inline-four paired with a 4-speed manual transmission; for 1984, a turbocharger increased the output of the engine to 75 hp. The engine was later shared with the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Comanche (Renault was the parent company of AMC/Jeep).

For 1985, a 2.2-liter gasoline engine was introduced, raising output to 100 hp. Renault sourced the engine from its North American car line (the 18i and Fuego); in a change welcomed by buyers, the 2.2-liter engine was paired to a 3-speed automatic transmission. Though 25% more powerful, the new engine added over 400 pounds of curb weight to the vehicle.

For 1986, the diesel engines were dropped entirely. Though average fuel economy dropped below 20MPG, the gasoline model was more capable of acceptable highway speeds. A heavy-duty rear axle was introduced for the chassis (remaining standard for the remainder of production). In order to comply with US emissions regulations, the Lesharo was equipped with a catalytic converter (made by Teneco Walker's European division) and a carbon canister (from GM).

Model range

Winnebago launched the LeSharo as part of a four-vehicle model range. The low-roof Winnebago LeSharo and premium Itasca Phasar were recreational vehicles, seating and sleeping four people. A high-roof version of the vehicle was marketed as the Winnebago Centauri 7-seat conversion van.; the variant was not produced from 1986 to 1989.

Essentially a shell version of the Centauri, the Winnebago Utility Van was a 2-seat vehicle that was produced from 1983 to 1992.

Second generation (1987-1992)

For 1987, the LeSharo/Phasar and the Utility Van underwent a redesign of the body for the first time. Growing slightly in height (97 inches to 99 inches), the aerodynamics of the design were optimized to further improve fuel economy, distinguished by a sleeker front body and recessed front headlights, no longer sourced from GM. The rear body adopted a larger window and enclosed the spare tire within the bodywork.

Overall, the GVWR increased over 800 pounds, from 5,830 lbs to 6,677 lbs.

For 1988, the model line introduced a 5-speed manual transmission, the first optional transmission with the 2.2L engine.

During 1989, the Utility Van ended production, with the Centauri passenger van (dormant since 1985) returning. Though the 2.2L engine remained, Renault changed the fuel-injection unit from Bosch to Bendix-based, changing output slightly to 103 hp.

By 1990, the 5-speed manual was discontinued, with all vehicles produced solely with an automatic transmission.

Epilogue

Winnebago ended its chassis-supply agreement with Renault following the 1992 model year, with the company retiring the LeSharo/Phasar model lines. Consequently, Renault ceased importation of the Trafic van chassis, ending its presence in North America (the next French vehicle imported in the United States was the 2005 Bugatti Veyron).

Winnebago Rialta

Following the end of LeSharo production, Winnebago began development of a new van-based RV, debuting the Winnebago Rialta for 1995. Similar in configuration to the LeSharo, the Rialta used a longer-wheelbase version of the Volkswagen EuroVan (Transporter T4) chassis. Alongside a narrower-body campervan (also produced by Winnebago), the Rialta marked the reintroduction of the T4 to the US (Volkswagen discontinued the passenger van after 1992). Initially fitted with a 110 hp 2.5L inline-5, a 2.8L VR6 (140 hp, later 201 hp) was introduced for 1996).

While VW ended imports of the T4 Transporter after 2003, Winnebago continued assembly of Rialtas through 2005, until it depleted its stockpile of T4 chassis cabs.

Mobility RV

In 1999, Winnebago sold the parts and product support rights to the LeSharo and its variants to Mobility RV (MRV). Now responsible for product support and assistance of the model line, the company owns both parts inventories of the model lines sourced from Winnebago authorized dealers and is the exclusive importer of Renault replacement parts, owning all relevant manufacturing tooling to sell both inventories online (to support the LeSharo). The sale effectively ends all liability from Winnebago Industries for service warranties through its own dealer network as the units were discontinued for either service, sales or parts by their authorized dealerships.

References

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External links

Winnebago Industries

Recreational vehicles
Front-wheel-drive vehicles
1980s cars
1990s cars
Vehicles introduced in 1983
Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States