Cars - Dodge Intrepid ESX

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	Cars - Dodge Intrepid ESX

History

In 1993, the Chrysler Corporation responded to a challenge by then-President Bill Clinton to produce a vehicle which was capable of meeting the demands of the modern consumer, while still achieving an unprecedented 80 mpg overall in fuel economy. The PNGV - Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles project was aimed at The Big Three American car manufacturers.

ESX I (1996)

The first attempt made by Chrysler at exceeding 80 mpg was designated the Intrepid ESX. The ESX I, although an advanced series hybrid, used what might be considered "conventional technology" - although there was nothing at all conventional about the vehicle. Chrysler invested an estimated US$3 million into the project, which used materials so exotic in its construction that general production costs would've forced a sticker price of nearly $90,000; $60,000 more than the base Intrepid of the comparable year.

Among the revolutionary components was its unique drivetrain. The engine was derived from a series hybrid-drive propulsion system meant to use 40% of gasoline's potential energy (the typical car only uses 15% of gasoline's potential energy). The car was powered by three engines. The first was a VM Motori 1.8 L three-cylinder turbocharged diesel, whose energy was diverted to a 180 lb, 300 V battery and two oil-cooled electric wheel motors. The electric motors were also part of the regenerative braking system, where energy normally lost through the disc brakes recharged the motors.

ESX II (1998)

The second series in the ESX line completed testing in 1998, and made several improvements on its predecessor.

The ESX II was dubbed a "mybrid" (mild hybrid) because its reliance on electrical power was not highly dependent on the battery. This system contained two motors that worked in parallel: a 1.5 L 74 bhp direct-injection diesel and a 20 bhp AC-induction electric motor. Coupled with the powertrains were a 5-speed electronically-shifted manual transmission, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and controlling equipment which included components from the Patriot hybrid race-car program.

The main power came from the diesel engine. The electric motor charged the batteries, added to the acceleration, and powered the reverse gear.

To cut down on cost and weight, Chrysler fit the car with a cheap, unpainted thermoplastic body attached to an aluminum frame. The shape had low aerodynamic drag. Inside, trim was constructed of carbon fiber and the seats were constructed from tube frame. The final cost: only $15,000 more than a regular Intrepid, or about $37,000.

ESX III (2003)

The latest incarnation of the ESX series, the ESX III demonstrated that Dodge was serious about cornering the hybrid market.

The progress in fuel efficiency and cost stemed from several major improvements in technology: the ESX III's mild hybrid electric (or "mybrid") powertrain combined a clean, efficient diesel engine, electric motor and a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack to achieve an average 72 mpg (3.3 liters/100 km) fuel efficiency (gasoline equivalent). That was two miles per gallon better than the fuel efficiency of its predecessor, the ESX III in 1998, and close to PNGV's goal of up to 80 mpg (2.9 liters/100 km).

A unique electro-mechanical automatic transmission (EMAT) developed by DaimlerChrysler engineers provided the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic.

The lightweight body made use of injection-molded thermoplastic that achieved significant improvements in weight and cost. The ESX3 weighed in at just 2,250 lb (1020 kg) while meeting all federal safety standards and providing the roominess and comfort of a modern family sedan. The entire vehicle was more than 80 percent recyclable.

A total rethinking of the car's electronic and electrical systems cut several pounds from the weight of electronics while providing an ergonomically satisfying system of driver controls, vehicle monitoring and diagnostic indicators, high-performance audio and video systems, and a state-of-the-art telemetrics package.

In keeping with the goals of PNGV, elements of this advanced technology were already incorporated into other vehicles, such as a prototype hybrid version of the Dodge Durango and the hardtop on the 2001 Jeep Wrangler.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Dodge Intrepid ESX ]

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