Chrysler Unveils Prototype for Electric-Diesel Vehicle

Chrysler Corp. unveiled a plastic-bodied, electric-diesel hybrid vehicle Tuesday that is capable of getting 70 miles a gallon while reducing emissions by 50%.

If the auto maker can overcome technical and cost hurdles, high-volume production of the sleek sedan could begin by 2003 or earlier, company officials said.

The car, dubbed the Dodge Intrepid ESX2, comes in the face of increased “green” marketing by foreign and domestic rivals, as well as growing government pressure to build cleaner cars.

“What this demonstrates is that we have some solutions,” said Thomas Gale, Chrysler’s vice president of product strategy and development.

The car was introduced at the North American International Auto Show, which is showcasing the alternative-fuel vehicles offered by Detroit’s auto makers. General Motors and Ford both are displaying electric-hybrid, fuel-cell and other low-emission vehicles.

Vice President Al Gore praised the auto industry’s efforts to improve the fuel economy and reduce the emissions of future cars, raising the prospect of tax incentives for purchasers of such vehicles.

Chrysler’s prototype combines advanced plastic body panels with a direct-injection diesel engine and a small, lead-acid battery pack that work together to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The use of a diesel engine has prompted criticism from environmental groups. Diesel increases fuel efficiency but also results in higher particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions than some other fuels.

Chrysler officials, however, said today’s diesel engines are five times cleaner than those used 20 years ago. Diesel engines are also more efficient, utilizing 41% of the fuel’s energy, compared with about 25% for gasoline.

The biggest hurdle in bringing the vehicle to market will be reducing its cost. The company said the hybrid Intrepid would cost $15,000 more than the gas-powered model now in showrooms. But just two years ago, a similar advanced prototype cost $60,000 more.

“Affordability isn’t where we want it to be,” said Peter Rosenfeld, director of advanced technical planning. “But we’ve moved the needle significantly down.”

The ESX2 weighs 35% less than today’s mid-size cars because it has an aluminum frame and six plastic body panels. It can be built on assembly lines that need just one-third the investment, half the crew and a fifth the floor space of today’s factories.