Dodge PowerBox
4 January 2001
Dodge PowerBox
'Conscientious American'
Hybrid SUV Adds Environmental Responsibility to Muscle
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 4 The Dodge PowerBox hybrid
concept vehicle combines the brawny looks that have become synonymous with the
Dodge brand, with an advanced powertrain that is gentle on the environment.
Unveiled at the 2001 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the rugged sport-
utility concept provides the performance of a powerful V-8 engine, but
achieves 60 percent better fuel efficiency than a comparable SUV, with near
zero emissions. The vehicle is powered by a combination of a supercharged V-6
engine that runs on clean compressed natural gas (CNG) and an electric motor
that provides added power for acceleration and passing.
Mark Allen, Senior Designer at DaimlerChrysler Corporation, wanted to
evolve the muscular "all Dodge" design he had originally created in the
successful 1999 Dodge Power Wagon concept vehicle.
"The exterior design elements express the strength of the brand," said
Allen. "It is instantly recognizable as a Dodge. From its large, separate
drop fenders based on the classic 1946 Power Wagon, to the crosshair grille,
this truck is bold, powerful and capable. We refer to it as the Dodge DNA."
At the same time, "PowerBox is a vehicle with a conscience," said Richard
Schaum, Executive Vice President, Product Development & Quality,
DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Introducing a CNG-electric hybrid SUV, with
patented 'through-the-road' (TTR) technology, gives consumers the option of an
environmentally-friendly vehicle without sacrificing their wants and needs for
both performance and utility."
"The driver would never know the powertrain was any different," Schaum
added. "When they step on the gas pedal there is no difference in the way
this vehicle performs from a conventionally powered truck."
The Dodge PowerBox has all the performance of a big displacement V-8
engine plus the fuel efficiency of a small, supercharged CNG engine. As a
super ultra low-emission vehicle (SULEV), the PowerBox hybrid SUV has a range
of more than 350 miles (563 km), triple the mileage of most CNG vehicles and
even more than most conventional sedans.
Compared with a conventional Dodge Durango, the PowerBox is projected to
achieve 25 mpg (9 liters/100km) resulting in a 60 percent increase in fuel
economy without sacrificing horsepower. Off the starting line the PowerBox
charges forward from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in about seven seconds, providing
performance more in line with a sports car than a utility vehicle.
"PowerBox will save customers money at the pump," said Schaum. "If every
SUV sold in this country were equipped with this hybrid propulsion system,
customers would save more than 142 million gallons (538 million liters) of
gasoline per year."
The importance of applying this fuel-saving hybrid technology in the
increasingly popular SUV segment solves the dilemma of having to choose
between performance, utility and fuel efficiency. With the PowerBox, owners
can have it all.
"Additionally, we are establishing a commitment to bringing advances in
low emissions technology to the market as soon as they are technically and
economically feasible," said Schaum.
PowerBox's hybrid powertrain draws power from two different sources. A
supercharged 2.7-liter, V-6 engine with automatic transmission drives the rear
wheels, while a Siemens Automotive electric motor provides additional power to
the front wheels. The V-6 engine is fueled by CNG and generates 250
horsepower (187 kW) while the electric motor adds another 70 horsepower (52
kW). The electric motor assists the CNG engine during acceleration and
recaptures energy normally lost during deceleration. The engine and electric
motor are not coupled in any way, connecting only through the road, hence the
name for the patented technology.
Another technological highlight is the PowerBox's body construction, which
consists of a lightweight recyclable thermoplastic. This injection molded
body technology has been demonstrated most recently in the Dodge ESX3 and the
Jeep(R) Commander 2.
Joel Baccus, PowerBox's Senior Interior Designer, reflected the boldness
of the exterior in the interior, providing a natural yet inviting atmosphere.
"We set out to design a warm, domestic interior space that would balance
the power and ruggedness of the exterior design," he said. "Something that
would feel more like home furnishings."
The interior of the PowerBox was inspired by a desert photograph. "We
felt the interior color palette should suggest an outdoor environment so we
used the natural colors of a red rock canyon."
A straightforward, honest instrument panel design spans from door to door,
creating a sense of simplicity. Rustic red leather and woven tan inserts,
combined with subtle brushed stainless steel accents, provide a comfortable
environment.
A high seating position offers the driver command of the road while
PowerBox's "kneel-down suspension" provides ease of entry and exit for both
driver and passengers. The vehicle drops three inches (76 mm) after being
placed in "Park."
Other features include occupant restraint belts integrated in the seats
providing a totally open and clutter-free zone. The swing-slide rear doors
maximize passenger accessibility and provide easy access to the rear storage
area.
"Structurally, the B or center pillar is integrated in this swing-slide
rear door," explained Kenneth Mack, Director-Program Management at
DaimlerChrysler's Liberty & Technical Affairs. "The door is latched at the
top and bottom providing the same strength as a traditional middle latch."
Another first is what PowerBox engineers call a "lift-tail-combogate."
This patented configuration eases loading and unloading. "A tailgate within a
liftgate offers customers an option. Depending on the cargo, one can either
lift the tailgate up or drop the tailgate down for extended cargo length,"
Mack added.
Wide-open spaces are a dominant theme throughout the Dodge PowerBox's
interior. With seating eight passengers, it offers 24 percent more interior
space than the conventional Durango that seats seven. Additionally, backseats
fold down flush with the rear cargo floor for increased space and cargo
hauling capability. With rear seats folded flat, the overall cargo length is
seven feet (2.44 m), one foot more than in the Durango. While extremely roomy
inside, with a width of 77 inches (1956 mm) and a wheelbase of 125 inches
(3175 mm), overall length is only one inch (25.4 mm) greater than that of the
Durango.
"Dodge PowerBox stands as a pyramid of strength, a substantial SUV with
power and presence yet, more gentle on the environment than any competitor in
its class," said Allen.