Second Generation Dodge Intrepid
The LH cars were redesigned for the 1998 model year, with the 1998 Intrepid being designed by Robert Boniface and taking 31 months from design freeze to commencement. The engines were replaced by two new all-aluminum units: a DOHC 2.7 L, 200 hp V6 for base models, and a SOHC 3.2 L, 225 hp V6 for the ES. A new, top-of-the-line R/T model was added in 1999, the centerpiece of which was a redesigned version of the 3.5 L V6, now producing 242 hp and 234 hp for the ES. At the same time the 3.2 L was reduced to an option in the ES. The Intrepid was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year, arriving in showrooms during late 1997. Body shells were designed to be stronger and stiffer, as well as incorporating double-shear suspension mounts and integrated side impact protection.
The second generation was marketed to the commercial and government markets. Vehicles were used to make police interceptors, fire chief cars, and taxis. These packages had distinctive styling differences (such as small hub caps) and additional wiring to support strobes and flashers in the trunk compartment and in the front by the grill. These packages and some non-police (non-commercial) packages featured plastic front-end intake vents that routed air onto the rotors for additional cooling and stopping power.
In 2001, the Intrepid made its debut on the NASCAR circuit, signifying the return of Dodge to NASCAR competition after an 18-year hiatus. Drivers in the initial Dodge campaign included Bill Elliott, Kasey Kahne, Jason Leffler, Ward Burton, Sterling Marlin, John Andretti, Casey Mears, Jamie McMurray, Buckshot Jones, Kyle Petty, Stacy Compton, Dave Blaney, Jeremy Mayfield, and Casey Atwood. Marlin was the first to win in a Dodge, giving the marque its first victory since 1977, with Neil Bonnett driving. The Intrepid continued in NASCAR until 2005 when Dodge switched to the Charger
Model Year Changes
1998 Model Year: The Intrepid was completely redesigned for the 1998 model year, arriving in showrooms during late 1997. Body shells were designed to be stronger and stiffer, as well as incorporating double-shear suspension mounts and integrated side impact protection. The engines were replaced by two new all-aluminum units: a DOHC 2.7 L, 200 hp, V6 for base models, and a SOHC 3.2 L, 225 hp, V6 for the ES.
1999 Model Year: A new, top-of-the-line R/T model was added in 1999, the centerpiece of which was a redesigned version of the 3.5 L,V6, now producing 242 hp and 234 hp for the ES. At the same time the 3.2 L was reduced to an option in the ES. Minor changes to interior panels. The Chrysler Sentry Key theft-deterrent system disabled the ignition unless the proper key was used to start the engine.
2000 Model Year: New variable-assist steering, and an optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer.
2001 Model Year:In 2001, the Intrepid made its debut on the NASCAR circuit, signifying the return of Dodge to NASCAR competition after an 18-year hiatus. Drivers in the initial Dodge campaign included .Sterling Marlin was the first to win in a Dodge, giving the marque its first victory since 1977, with Neil Bonnett driving. The Intrepid continued in NASCAR until 2006 when the Dodge Charger was only used.
2002 Model Year: The 3.5L replaced the 3.2L, and the water pump issues on the 2.7L were now resolved, New wheel covers were available for 2002. the R/T received an extra 2 hp from PCM programming changes which allowed it to have 244 hp on 89-octane fuel. This was also the year when DaimlerChrysler began cost-cutting that led to the deletion of various features from the Intrepid. Most notable were the deletion of the illuminated headlight switch, illuminated traction control switch, illuminated lock and window switches, door courtesy lights (replaced with red reflectors), illuminated ashtray receptacle, trunk lid liner, armrest power outlet, door emblems, driver’s seat map pocket, and the blacked-out front fascia paint scheme. Cost-cutting was one of the reasons why sales of the Intrepid started to slump.
2003 Model Year: No major changes were made except the optional 4-disc in-dash CD changer was replaced with the optional 6-disc in-dash CD changer. The R/T was discontinued in 2003, but a new SXT model kept the 3.5 L High Output engine with an increase to a 250 hp rating. The SXT moniker was eventually used across the Dodge product line as a trim level. The Intrepid SXT was basically a base model Intrepid SE with the 3.5 H.O. engine taken from the R/T, with some “sportier” features such as a sunroof and spoiler. It was a value trim model actually classified as an ES (SXT), but had less features than the ES did with a more powerful engine.
2004 Model Year: Remained virtually unchanged as Daimler Chrysler discontinued the Intrepid after 2004. The last Intrepid rolled off the assembly line on August 30, 2004.
