Dodge Intrepid Sedan pops from a computer in stunning format
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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AUSTIN, Tex. -- Dressed in stunning new skin, a new edition of the Intrepid sedan stuffs into its abbreviated prow a new powertrain and responsive mechanical hardware which enable the flagship of Dodge's sporty fleet to act with an attitude that matches its racy good looks.
Intrepid emerges from Chrysler's Canadian assembly plant in Bramalea, Ontario, in the first remake since introduction in 1993.
It still rides on a chassis with wheelbase stretched to the same measurement as the original edition and the design scheme extends Chrysler's innovative spatial concept of cab-forward architecture, but these two points and a nameplate are about the only common aspects shared between first and second generational Intrepids.
Everything else is new -- and what an improvement.
Intrepid's bold design and enthusiastic road manners not only rank it as one of the most significant product innovations among all 1998 car models, but it also becomes the first car designed, developed and produced through the computerized virtual reality of cyberspace.
All aspects of Intrepid's development -- designing, engineering, manufacturing -- were channeled through supercomputers and a language Chrysler tags with the acronym of CATIA, which means Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application.
Through this revolutionary cyberspace adventure, a plan for Intrepid was created with far greater precision for component design and assembly. Virtual images for all parts were developed rapidly and then tested via computer models for optimum strength, integration and manufacturability before commitment to production.
As a result, the car derived from this virtual process was honed to perfection before its first part was ever cast.
Consider Intrepid the first car of the Twenty-First Century.
Real versions of Intrepid's two new editions were tested recently on congested streets of the Texas capital at Austin and over winding blacktop routes threaded through rolling hills leading west to Llano and Fredricksburg.
With these cars, impressions quickly emerge, from both the knocked-out styling and an active attitude.
Even in base trim with the lesser of two 6-cylinder engines, Intrepid leaps to action and performs assertive pavement tricks like a sophisticated road warrior. The upgrade edition, Intrepid ES, applies even more power as it increases the load of luxury gear.
One glimpse at Intrepid's sleek new exterior reveals the wow factor effected by this car. Cues from some past Ferrari or Aston Martin can be found in that bold front treatment featuring a blunt-but-round-and-low prow and massive expanse of canted windshield glass.
The roof arches over sensuously shaped doors to merge C pillars in a dip to the curt tail with rainbow trace of brake lamps.
Its lines reflect the exterior's theme in curves through an airy cabin, due to the cab-forward design. Although Intrepid's wheelbase measures to mid-size proportions, the interior space adds up to full-size dimensions because the arrangement squeezes more space for riders and less for a front-mounted engine.
Advantage: Intrepid comes with a full-size cabin for passenger comfort but has mid-size outer dimensions with platform extended in length and width beyond normal conventions and wheels pegged at outer fringes of the rectangular plan. The wide track and stretched wheelbase combine to produce a highly stable platform and, when coupled to the spacious interior, amount to something special in terms of easy-riding comfort and aggressive agility for steering through a wily course.
The framework was reinforced at key flex points, thanks to pinpointed weaknesses by computer tests, so rigidity improves dramatically -- by 20 percent in bending stiffness and more than a third for resistance to twisting.
To this stiffer platform new front and rear independent suspension components mount to set up more reactive and adaptive handling characteristics.
Also, a number of new measures were employed to reduce and control noise and vibrations stemming from engine, road and air movement. The result: Luxury-car quietness inside.
Intrepid also packs power.
The base engine, a new aluminum-block 2.7-liter V6, sports multi-valve technology and dual cams on top. Horsepower runs up to 200 points, a boost of 39 more ponies than were provided with the previous base V6.
Intrepid ES also earns a new plant through a single-cam 3.2-liter V6 which generates 225 hp and operates on regular-grade fuel.
Both engines mate with a new electronically-controlled automatic 4-speed transmission that's a clear improvement over previous shifters from Chrysler. It's more quiet and efficient when running up through the gears, and not in the least intrusive on a driver's style.
For Intrepid ES, the transmission applies Chrysler's AutoStick with manual shift-it-yourself choices without the hassle of pumping a clutch pedal.
Couple Intrepid's power boost to the extensive applications of light-weight aluminum in engine and suspension components, even down to the aluminum hood, and this car ends up feeling even more active with noteworthy power-to-weight proportions.
Intrepid's interior arrangement consists of twin contoured bucket seats or an optional bench in front, followed by rear bench for three with folding split seatback and trunk access. Despite a slinky profile, adult riders on the backseat will find more than adequate headroom and plenty of space for legs and elbows too.
The trunk compartment, downright cavernous in width and depth, expands with even more space available when either or both rear seatbacks fold forward.
Up front, a new dash design anchored with magnesium structure for the steering column installs bold black-on-white instruments and concealed airbags.
The base edition contains a long list of standard equipment, including power controls and air conditioning. Intrepid ES spices these features with sporty front bucket seats and an overhead console, leather-wrapped steering wheel and AutoStick shifter, plus larger tires.
Options mainly concern the top model, with sunroof, traction device and automatic climate controls available.
1998 DODGE INTREPID SEDAN
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| 1998 DODGE INTREPID SEDAN VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Full-size sports sedan |
| Model Options: |
Full-size sports sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
113.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
203.7 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.7-L V6
SOHC 3.2-L V6
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| Transmission: |
2.7: Auto/4
3.2: Auto/4 AutoStick |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
2.7: Power 4-disc
3.2: Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
2.7: 21/30 mpg
3.2: 19/28 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 21,000 to $ 25,000 |
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