Journalists savor opportunity to drive such exotica as the Hemi 300C, PT Cruiser panel van, and super-miserly ESX3 hybrid - even if it's only for a fraction of a mile at low speeds
by James M. Flammang
Chrysler Hemi 300C convertible
MILFORD, MICHIGAN - Most concept vehices, or "show cars," disappear into the woodwork after their appearances at auto shows or other events. DaimlerChrysler, on the other end, has been trotting out its annual cornucopia of concepts for the past couple of years, at special presentations. Not only do auto journalists get another chance to take a close look at the imaginative shapes, but they're permitted to slip behind the wheel of some of Chrysler's most creative products for a few thrilling moments.
This year's event took place at Kensington Metropark, a huge woodland park not far from the urban avenues of Detroit. Featured was a selection of experimental vehicles seen at Detroit's auto show in January 2000. Though available for drives, none of the vehicles could be driven more than 15 to 20 miles per hour, on a short course through part of the park.
First up was the ESX3, Chrysler's third-generation product under the PNGV (Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles) program of the U.S. government. Equipped with a diesel-electric (hybrid) engine, the ESX3 is designed to deliver fuel mileage in the 72-mpg neighborhood.
While most automakers try for improved aerodynamics, Chrysler took a different path when moving from the ESX2 to the ESX3. Engines have "done a little bit to deteriorate, slightly, the aerodynamics, said powertrain manager Tom Kaiser. The car's coefficient of drag rating (a measure of "slipperiness" through the air) was formerly 0.22; now it's 0.196. At the same time, this latest version yields "even better fuel efficiency" than the ESX2. The all-plastic body weighs 2.250 pounds.
Developed as part of the Department of Energy's hybrid electric vehicle program, the three-cylinder diesel is fitted with a variable-geometry turbo and produces 74 horsepower. A flywheel alternator-starter system is used. The electric motor, rated at 20 horsepower, assists the diesel engine during acceleration, making a total of 94 horsepower available.
Like the prior ESX2, the new experimental vehicle relies on innovation for peak efficiency from its transmission. Fitted with two geartrains, the six-speed unit is said to deliver the "efficiency of a manual transmission, with the comfort and convenience of an automatic transmission." Each system has its own clutch, and according to Kaiser, "odd gears and even gears ... are trading off the job." The transmission is "computer-shifted and clutched," promising no torque interruptions during shifts.
Having driven both the ESX2 and the new ESX3, we can report that the transmission shifts a lot more smoothly in this current version, though it's still hardly genteel.
Lithium Ion batteries are mounted behind the rear seat. The battery pack is about one foot high and 1.5 feet wide, weighs 106 pounds, and may be removed as a module.
Body development is called "flanged" styling, according to Chrysler's Steve Logan. It would cost 15 percent less to manufacture then a conventional unibody. Aluminum tubes go inside "to help absorb energy and impact," while narrow tires ensure low rolling resistance.
Air conditioning is a major obstacle in high-mileage experimental vehicles. Air could "completely overwhelm the rest of the story," Logan explained. What would ordinarily be 80-mpg operation becomes 45 mpg when the air conditioner is switched on. Chrysler engineers have minimized this effect by creating an "optimized interior," so cooling reaches the spots where it's needed most - near the occupants' bodies - rather than blowing through a large volume of the passenger compartment.
Lens-type mirrors are installed outside, and claimed to be safer. Why? Because you don't need to turn your head as far to see the image, and a broad view helps eliminate the usual "blind spot."
Don't expect to see anything like the ESX3 at any Chrysler dealership in the near future - if ever. But that doesn't mean its elements won't see production. "All the technology in this car stands alone," Kaiser advised. And each one of them can be adapted" to other vehicles. The ESX3 is "our 2000 PNGV report card."
Chrysler folks refer to the boldly-styled MaxCab as a "passenger priority concept truck," said Steve Buckley. Up front is an Infotronic system, featuring such extras as Internet access and navigation assistance. Entertainment is ready for youngsters in the back seat.
Imaginative "Audio Spotlight" technology (from MIT) lets each of four passengers listen to different sound programs. The system uses four individual cones to produce an "isolated environment under each seat." Sit properly in your seat and the sound you want comes through loud and clear. Move 10 inches to the side, and that passenger (or anyone else nearby) shouldn't be able to hear it at all. A special demonstration, outside the vehicle, showed that the system works. While driving the immense MaxCab, however, problems prevented the audio system from working properly. A little further testing and experimentation appeared to be needed.
Most Chrysler concept vehicles will never see production, even in toned-down form. The Hemi 300C is a likely exception. Because the sleek convertible - named for the "Hemi" V-8 engines used in the old Chrysler 300 series of the 1950s and '60s - drew so much favorable response at Detroit's auto show this past January, marketers and engineers are said to be contemplating a version for the street.
Whether such a car would have all the doodads evident in the show car is another question, of course. For one thing, the concept convertible is designed to interact with the owner's personal computer. And it cannot be started unless the owner (or an authorized driver) is at the wheel. A CMOS camera built into the dashboard works with a fingerprint scanner. Not only will the engine fail to start if an authorized person attempts to crank the starter, but the camera will photograph the culprit while he's engaged in the attempt theft.
During our drive, the fingerprint-controlled started operated as promised, but voice inputs to handle certain tasks were imperfect.
In addition to the Hemi 300C, Chrysler is rumored to be considering production of a Panel Cruiser. Available for brief test drives in concept form, this clean-bodied variant of the highly popular PT Cruiser was equipped with a turbocharged engine and manual gearbox - two items that are absent from production Cruisers. Production of a Cruiser without windows along its bodysides, and lacking back seats, appears to present no difficult problems.
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