The Forgotten Dodge Intrepid ESX Series: A Tale of Fuel Efficiency

Forgotten ONES - Before Dodge adopted the iconic muscle car persona, the brand ventured into an entirely different territory in pursuit of innovation. In 1988, Dodge introduced a concept that could have rewritten the brand's history had it not been largely forgotten—the Dodge Intrepid. This article delves into the journey of Dodge, from its quest to create a halo car to the birth of the Dodge Intrepid ESX Series, a response to a challenge presented by U.S. President Bill Clinton.

The Dodge Intrepid ESX I while sat on display at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

In 1993, the Chrysler Corporation embarked on a mission to develop a vehicle that not only met the modern consumer's demands but also achieved an unprecedented fuel efficiency of 80 miles per US gallon (2.9 L/100 km; 96.1 mpg‑imp). This endeavor was part of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) project, which involved the three major American car manufacturers.

1. Dodge ESX 1 - 1996

The first step towards exceeding 80 mpg resulted in the creation of the Intrepid ESX. While it was a series hybrid, it employed what could be considered "conventional technology." Chrysler invested approximately $3 million in this project, incorporating exotic materials in its construction. The ESX was the brainchild of Bob Boniface, who later designed the 1998 production Dodge Intrepid.

The 1996 Dodge Intrepid ESX was conceived by Bob Boniface, who subsequently designed the 1998 production version of the Dodge Intrepid.. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The heart of the ESX was a series hybrid-drive propulsion system designed to utilize 40% of gasoline's potential energy, a significant improvement compared to the typical car's utilization of only 15% due to varying RPM ranges. Power came from a VM Motori 1.8 L three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, diverting its energy to a 180 lb (82 kg), 300 V TMF battery developed by Bolder Technologies in Golden, Colorado, along with two oil-cooled electric wheel motors. These electric motors were also integral to the regenerative braking system, capturing energy that would normally be lost through the disc brakes.

2. Dodge ESX II - 1998

The second iteration of the ESX line, the ESX II, completed testing in 1998 and brought several improvements over its predecessor. Labeled a "mybrid" (mild hybrid), it relied less on the battery, featuring two motors working in tandem: a 1.5 L 74 bhp direct-injection diesel and a 20 bhp AC-induction electric motor. This system also included a 5-speed electronically shifted manual transmission, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and components from the Patriot hybrid race-car program. The primary power source remained the diesel engine, while the electric motor charged the batteries, enhanced acceleration, and facilitated the reverse gear.

The Dodge Intrepid ESX II is completed testing in 1998 and brought several improvements over its predecessor. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

To minimize costs and weight, Chrysler equipped the ESX II with an unpainted thermoplastic body attached to an aluminum frame, offering low aerodynamic drag. The interior featured trim constructed from carbon fiber, and the seats were made from a tube frame. Astonishingly, the final cost was only $15,000 more than a standard Intrepid, totaling around $37,000.

3. Dodge ESX III - 2003

In 2003, the ESX III marked a significant leap in fuel efficiency and cost reduction, achieved through various technological advancements. This "mybrid" electric powertrain combined an efficient diesel engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery, delivering an average of 72 miles per gallon (3.3 liters/100 km), surpassing its 1998 predecessor by two miles per gallon and approaching PNGV's 80 mpg target.

The Dodge Intrepid ESX III marked a significant leap in fuel efficiency and cost reduction, achieved through various technological advancements and debuted in 2003. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Daimler-Chrysler engineers introduced an electro-mechanical automatic transmission (EMAT), combining the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. The lightweight body utilized injection-molded thermoplastics to reduce weight and costs. Despite weighing just 2,250 pounds (1020 kg), the ESX III met all federal safety standards, offering the roominess and comfort of a modern family sedan. Furthermore, more than 80 percent of the vehicle was recyclable.

The Dodge Intrepid ESX III met all federal safety standards, offering the roominess and comfort of a modern family sedan. Furthermore, more than 80 percent of the vehicle was recyclable. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

A complete overhaul of the car's electronic and electrical systems shed several pounds from the electronics' weight while providing driver controls, vehicle monitoring, diagnostic indicators, audio and video systems, and a telemetrics package. It's worth noting that there are no plans to produce any of the ESX series vehicles, as the Intrepid nameplate has been retired, and Dodge currently lacks immediate plans to manufacture a hybrid sedan.

The Dodge Intrepid ESX series represents a fascinating chapter in automotive history, showcasing the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of fuel efficiency and technology. While these innovations didn't lead to mass production, they serve as a testament to the relentless pursuit of efficiency and performance in the world of automobiles. Dodge's journey from the Intrepid ESX to its muscle car identity illustrates the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPSPEED | MOTORTREND | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITC | CARSTYLING.RU | OLDCONCEPTCARS | BELOWTHERADAR | ALLCARINDEX | WIKIPEDIA ]

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