The History of Dodge Intrepids

The second generation Intrepid returned Dodge to NASCAR.

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The first generation Dodge Intrepid was introduced in 1993. It was a full-size sedan, and replaced the Dynasty and Monaco as Dodge’s largest four-door sedan. As a front-wheel drive sedan, some of its engine properties were common to the 300M sedans, Chrysler Concord, the Chrysler New Yorker and other Chrysler models. The early efforts of auto designer Kevin Verduyn introduced the aerodynamic design for which the Dodge Intrepid would eventually become known.

Related Searches: Design Background

Verduyn’s idea was to increase the amount of available passenger space by moving the wheel placements as far away from center as possible. His first design of this concept was called the Navajo. The new look was very exciting; the aerodynamic, cab-forward design attracted a lot of attention. Although never mass produced, when Chrysler acquired Lamborghini, the exterior Navajo design was adapted to become the Lamborghini Portofino. The cab-forward design was distinguished by an elongated, low profile windshield, and was so groundbreaking that the “The New York Times” called the design “...a pronounced shift in auto design."

Design Execution

Active design of the cab-forward concept began in the late 1980s. As the design cycle progressed, designers decided to mount the 3.3-liter pushrod V-6 engine in-line for front-wheel drive. Although this engine placement reflected the new attitude demonstrated by the cab-forward idea, some felt that the power plant should have produced more than 153 horsepower. A pushrod is found in an overhead-valve engine, and is one piece of the linkage necessary to open and close the valves.

Background - First Generation

The 1992 North American International Auto Show was the venue for the introduction of the first generation Dodge Intrepid. Two trim levels were available for the Intrepid - the base and the sportier ES. Standard on all Intrepids were driver and passenger airbags, a four-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning. Options included antilock brakes and a larger 3.5-liter single overhead cam engine. The ES was better equipped, adding 16 inch wheels with premium tires, and four-wheel disc brakes.

Background - Second Generation 1998 - 2004

The Intrepid was redesigned from scratch in 1998. The new, sleeker styling struck a positive cord with potential customers. A DOHC 2.7-liter, 200 horsepower V-6 was standard for base models, and the ES standard engine was a SOHC 3.2-liter, 225 horsepower V-6. Added for the second generation was a top-of-the-line model called the R/T. The main feature of the R/T was a new incarnation of the 3.5-liter V-6, which put out 242 horsepower.

The Dodge Intrepid Retirement

The R/T was discontinued in 2003. Replacing the R/T was the new SXT model, which kept the R/T engine, but increased to 250 horsepower. Although Chrysler felt that the new SXT would generate new excitement in the Intrepid, such was not the case. In mid-2003 Chrysler saw the market for the Intrepid evaporating, and the Intrepid was retired in 2004.

References"The New York Times"; DRIVING SMART; What's the Big Deal About 'Cab Forward' Cars?; Jeffrey J. Taras; December 1994Edmunds.com: Dodge Intrepid Review"Car and Driver"; Dodge Intrepid NASCAR Racer, Larry Webster; October 2004"Cars.com"; 1993 Dodge Intrepid; George Moore, October 1992AutoEducation.com: Push RodResources"Car and Driver"; Dodge Intrepid R/T; Frank Marcus; June 2000Photo Credit Donald Miralle/Getty Images Sport/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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