Walt Chrysler would have been proud. Walt, who founded the Chrysler company in the mid-1920s, liked his cars to be technically advanced beyond the competition. The all new 1998 Chrysler Concorde/Dodge Intrepid are indeed technically advanced vehicles and except for the cab-forward design bear no relationship to previous models.
    These new Chrysler products were designed entirely by computer, using a process Chrysler calls Cyber-synthesis. No mock-ups, no clay models, no drawings, just computer screens, and digital design information transmitted directly from the design office to the machines on the production line. Add to that all the on board systems controlled by computers: engine, transmission, fuel, climate control, instruments, and pollution control, and these are indeed advanced state of the art automobiles.
    What does all this computer stuff mean for a car buyer? It should produce a more efficient, stronger, stiffer, safer, lighter, quieter, and more economical car since using computer design technology allows the designer to achieve the optimum design within any basic criteria imposed.
    Using this process, Chrysler claims it has increased the overall stiffness of these cars over that of the 1997 Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid by between 40 percent and 50 percent. It also has been able to reduce the size and weight of the two engines offered for these cars while increasing the horsepower.
    The new engines are all aluminum, 2.7 liter 24-valve, double-overhead camshaft, and 3.2 liter 24-valve, single-overhead camshaft, producing 200 horsepower and 225 horsepower respectively. For comparison, the 1997 engines were 3.3-liter and 3.5-liter producing 161 horsepower and 214 horsepower respectively. Fuel consumption has been improved from 19/27 city/highway to 21/30 for the smaller engines and from 17/26 city/highway to 19/29 for the larger engines. The 2.7 liter engine produces the highest horsepower per liter output of any non-turbocharged V-6 in its class.
    These are indeed beautiful looking cars, entirely different from each other and from previous models. The interior fit and finish is impressive, vastly better than in last year’s models. These cars are full-size six seaters with optional front bench seat, gobs of rear seat room and cavernous trunks. Car versions of minivans! For anyone with a family who enjoys driving, these are candidates.

1998 Chrysler Concorde

    To drive either one is a delightful experience. The Intrepid, with its AutoStick transmission, which can be manually shifted at will, is tight, quiet and swift on any freeway or back road. The AutoStick is similar to the Volkswagen/Audi Tiptronic transmission. Select D and the transmission will behave normally, or move the lever down between two arrows, up and down. Pushing the lever towards either arrow will shift the transmission into the next available gear.
    The suspension and steering are so well done you begin to imagine you are driving a small sporty car until it’s time to park. The 2.7 liter engine, standard on the Intrepid and the Concorde LX is not as powerful, quiet and satisfying as the 3.2 liter, which is standard on the Intrepid ES, and the Concorde LXi, although both engines are a big improvement over last year’s.
    The base Intrepid is priced at a bargain $19,685, which includes air, front and rear disc brakes, power door locks, mirrors and windows, cruise control, tilt steering wheel and the AutoStick automatic transmission. Another $1,200 will buy you an upgraded radio with eight speakers, CD changer and anti-lock brakes. The Intrepid ES is priced at $22,465, which includes the larger 3.2 liter engine, anti-lock brakes, upgraded stereo and fog lights. Another $1,615 will put in leather seats, a power driver's seat, universal garage door opener, mini trip computer with compass, automatic climate control and a security system.
    The Concorde LX is priced at $21,305, similarly equipped as the Intrepid, but with integrated rear window antenna, remote keyless entry system, and a power driver's seat. The AutoStick transmission is not offered on the Concorde. An upgraded radio, overhead trip computer, front passenger's power seat and 16-inch wheels cost an additional $1,090. The Concorde LXi price is $24,240, with leather, anti-lock brakes, upgraded stereo, CD changer, power front seats with lumbar support, auto climate control, trip computer, garage door opener, traction control, security system, 16-inch wheels, full-size spare and lots of other little goodies. A power moonroof is available for all but the base Intrepid for $795.
    These are world class cars and should sell much better than their previous models, which early in their production suffered some quality problems. They seem to be a better value than many of their competitors.
    As this column was being written Chrysler and Daimler Benz were merging. Think of a three pointed star on the hood of your Concorde! Frankly, it wouldn't be far out of place. These cars are that good.
    Yes, Walt Chrysler would have been proud.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.