Dodge Intrepid

The Dodge Intrepid was a large four-door, fullsize, front wheel drive sedan. It was mechanically related to the Chrysler Concorde and the Eagle Vision sedans. The Intrepid, Concorde and Vision were collectively designated the LH: Chrysler's codename for the platform which underpinned them. It was sold in Canada as the Chrysler Intrepid.

Background

The Intrepid's design can be traced to 1986, when designer Kevin Verduyn completed the initial exterior design of a new aerodynamic concept sedan called Navajo. The design never passed the clay model stage.

It was also at this time that the Chrysler Corporation purchased bankrupt Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini. The Navajo's exterior design was reworked and became the Lamborghini Portofino, released as a concept at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Portofino was heralded as a design triumph, setting in motion Chrysler's decision to produce a production sedan with the Portofino's revolutionary design, called "cab-forward".

The cab-forward design was characterized by the long, low slung windshield and relatively short overhangs. The wheels where effectively pushed to the corners of the car, creating a much larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time.

Design of the chassis began in the late 1980s, after Chrysler had bought another ailing automaker: AMC. During this time, Chrysler began designing the replacement for the then-new Dodge Dynasty. Initially it bore resemblance to the Dynasty, and this design was scrapped entirely after François Castaing, formerly AMC's Vice President of product engineering and development, became Chrysler's Vice President of vehicle engineering in 1988. The new design, under Castaing's leadership, began with the Eagle Premier.

The Premier's longitudinal engine mounting layout was inherited, as was the front suspension geometry and parts of the braking system. The chassis itself became a flexible architecture capable of supporting front or rear wheel drive (designated "LH" and "LX" respectively).