Dodge Intrepid

In 2001, the Intrepid made its debut on the NASCAR circuit, signifying the return of Chrysler to NASCAR competition after a 16-year hiatus. Drivers in the initial Dodge campaign included Bill Elliott, Jeremy Mayfield, Ward Burton, Sterling Marlin, John Andretti, Buckshot Jones, Kyle Petty, Stacy Compton, Dave Blaney,and Casey Atwood. Marlin was the first to win in a Dodge, giving the marque its first victory since 1977, with the late Neil Bonnett driving. The R/T was discontinued in 2003 but a new SXT model kept the 3.5 liter High Output motor, increased to a 250 hp (186 kW) power rating. The SXT moniker was used across the Dodge product line as a trim level. It was Basically an R/T engine with an SE interior. Popularity of the Intrepid waned over its 12-year lifespan. The cab-forward design, still revolutionary in it’s own respect, and the design was still far more modern, attractive and roomy than many of its rivals, the Intrepid was quietly retired in August 2004 to make way for Chrysler’s new rear wheel drive LX vehicles. Intrepids were built at AMC’s former assembly plant, originally used to manufacture the Eagle Premier, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.