2000 Dodge ESX2

Chrysler Corp.'s 'clear car' prototype, the Dodge ESX2 was a vehicle that was built to comply with draconian emission standards that will be in effect soon. The new vehicle also serves as a rolling testbed for a variety of futuristic technologies, including a body shell that is made of recyclable plastics. The drivetrain is quite unique as well.

Chrysler's first attempt to exceed 80 mpg with losing space or acceleration, the Dodge Intrepid ESX2 project cost $3 million to make. Chrysler estimates that the ESX would cost $80,000, the cost from the exotic materials and electronic components.

Debuting at the Detroit Motor Show, the Dodge ESX2 was the Chrysler Corporations attempt to compensate for its more complicated powertrain by using a less costly body structure and suspension.

2250 lbs, plastic-bodied, aluminum-framed, the ESX2 paired a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine with the batteries and power electronics from an electric vehicle. Tooling is also less expensive and the plastic body panels elminated the need for a $350 million paint shop by already arriving at the assembly plant already color impregnated.

The ESX engine is derived from a series hybrid-drive propulsion system meant to use 40% of gasoline's potential energy, while the typical vehicle only uses 15%. Powered by three engines, the ESX used a VM Motori S.p.A. 1.8-liter three cylinder, turbocharged diesel whose energy is diverted to an 180 lb, 300-volt battery and two oil-cooked electric wheel motors. The electric motors are also part of the regenerative braking system, where energy that is normally lost through the disc brakes recharges the motors.

The two 100-hp electric motors were located in the rear suspension along with the semi-trailing arm type with coil-strut shocks. Cutting the weight by 600lbs, the panels of the ESX were made of ultrathin-gauge aluminum. On the windshield wiper knob are the controls for parking, reversing, and forward. This was the same style that was incorporated in the 1998 Intrepid production vehicle.

With a more modest goal of 70 mph, the second run was the Dodge Intrepid ESX2. A ‘mybrid', mild hybrid, the ESC2 relies on electrical power that isn't highly dependent on the battery. A 1.5 liter motor, 74-bhp direct-injection diesel and a 20-bhp AC induction electric motor work in parallel. A 5-speed electronically shifted manual transmission, a nickel-metal hydride battery back and controlling equipment which includes components from the Patriot hybrid race-car program all work together with the powertrains.

The main power of the Dodge ESX2 comes from the diesel engine, while the electric motor charges the batteries and adds to the acceleration and powers the reverse gear.

Chrysler fit the vehicle with a cheap, unpainted thermoplastic body that is attached to an aluminum frame to cut down on both cost and weight. The shape of the vehicle has low aerodynamic drag. The trim inside is constructed of carbon-fiber and seats that are constructed from tube frame. The ESX2 was priced at $37,000, around $15,000 more than a regular Intrepid.

By Jessica Donaldson