I got a good chuckle out of an article I was reading which took current DCX management to task for not having a clear hybrid strategy.
The article made note that just prior to the MB merger, Chrysler had shown the ESX3 prototype at auto shows which displayed a diesel-electric powertrain. A diesel engine up front and electric motors in the back. (Some may recall a year earlier they showed the 'Liberty' gas-electric racing car). The configuration was not to far different than what Toyota will be releasing with the gas-electric hybrid Camry next year. The ESX showcars were meant to be technology showcases for each generation of the corporate sedan platforms (Intrepid/LHS/300M) Clearly the prior management had hybrids in mind for the next generation of sedans and cross-overs back in 1999 (the Pacifica was originally going to share the platform). Of course this all died when the MB deal went through. Looking at the last generation LH, you can see that they had significant flexibility in powertrain layout. (Another benefit of cab forward). Obviously Chrysler was ready for the next generation. The platform development hangups that occurred due to the merger are starting to show their face now as the market begins to move back to sedans and the current MB based Magnum/Charger/300C doesn't support hybrid technology. (They instead use EPA gimmicks like flat floors) I think the pre-merger Chrysler had the right idea all along. They were thinking like the Japanese on the long-term. Now the post-merger company is scrambling by starting a joint venture with GM on hybrid powerplants. The Germans have never taken hybrids seriously and the fact that Volkswagen will probably have a diesel-electric Jetta/Passat in the US before DCX does should be embarassing. BTW, Hybrids are not as less polluting and fuel saving as people think, but that is another post entirely. Web: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dodge_intrepid> Subscribe: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribe: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Moderator: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dodge_intrepid/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
