Dodge Demon Roadster Concept

[BrewSwillis]

Oh man, forget that drawing of the Dodge Scooter that I posted in the Geneva Auto Show section. That may have been a decoy for the real roadster, the Dodge Demon:

Full gallery: HERE @ ModernMopars.com

or : HERE @ Autoblog.com

PRESS RELEASE:

Dodge Demon Roadster Concept –

Simple Soul, Artful Attitude Make for Radical Results

Geneva – The Dodge Demon concept is a compact, nimble "roadster with an attitude," a perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance.

"While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car," said Jae Chung – Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. "The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes."

The bodyside of the Dodge Demon main character line flows up and over the front wheel, then drops diagonally to an angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender that directs cooling air to the rear brakes. In similar fashion, the compound rear fender surface curves up and over the rear wheel, sweeping into a broad diagonal plane extending to the taillamp. The resulting muscular fender form projects boldly beyond the main body, underscoring that the Dodge Demon concept is a rear-wheel-drive machine.

The rear surface of the body is divided into three planes with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal taillamps. The taillamps sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps.

Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Set into elongated angled triangles, the projector headlamps, delineated by bright rings, are set into black chrome bezels, giving the front end mean-looking "eyes" that accentuate the grille opening. Encompassing the upper portions of the front fenders and sporting two recessed air outlets, the Dodge Demon's hood is hinged at the front, adding a just-for-fun performance-car look and feel.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance and capable performance. The 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings that reprise the body's playful combination of curves and planes.

The beltline kicks up at the rear and into the higher deck lid contour, giving the lucky occupants an encapsulated, protective feeling.

"In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous," said Dan Zimmermann – Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. "Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary.

"The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need – the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio – is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel," Zimmerman added.

In a similar functional manner, the floor console is deliberately not a part of, or attached to, the instrument panel. The console is dominated by the squat ready-at-hand silver and black manual shift knob, and its leather boot is set into a bright trim ring. The wide, brushed aluminum console bezel also incorporates the recessed emergency brake handle, with the window switch gear, softly lit cup holders and 12V power outlet organized into a graphically unified shape. The upper portion of the instrument panel, including the cluster brow, is accented by a stitched seam with contrasting silver thread.

"Each of these features is set flush, or nearly flush, with the bezel surface so as to establish a 'clear zone' for the driver's shift arm in all seating positions, with nothing in the way of the driving experience," Zimmerman said.

The raised plateau at the rear of the console incorporates a covered storage bin – with a lid that serves as an armrest between shifts – while the portion of the console extending under the instrument panel has an open bin handy for incidentals.

The steering wheel employs an aluminum open-spoke design with each of the three spokes intersecting the small circular hub for a timeless sports car look. The wheel rim itself is brushed aluminum on the inside, complemented with stitched vinyl on the outer rim. Immediately forward of the wheel, the four-gauge cluster features classic white-on-black dials with graphics inspired by sports watches. Each circular gauge is set handsomely inside a finely detailed silver and chrome bezel ring, while gauge pointers are colored to match the exterior.

The doors feature durable, vertical grab handles, each anchored to a silver bezel housing the chrome door remote handle. The lower portion of each door features a stylish brushed aluminum bezel that encapsulates the large circular speaker grille and then drops sharply as it moves rearward to form the map pocket outer panel, mimicking a feature line on the car's exterior.

The Dodge Demon's seats feature contoured bolsters that are just high enough to provide support when cornering, yet do not hinder ingress or egress. Set in exposed low-gloss carbon fiber shells, the black seats with integral head restraints feature inserts of textured "Momentum" fabric mated to fabric bolsters, with specific sew lines accented by silver thread. Individual brushed aluminum and carbon fiber roll bars are positioned directly behind the bucket seats. With long seat tracks, there is ample storage behind the seats. Additional covered storage is provided in the bulkhead between the seats.

The Dodge Demon concept is an affordable Dodge sports car which merges brand cues of bold design and powerful performance with an open-air "fun-to-drive" attitude.

PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.

Engine: 2.4-liter petrol World Engine

Maximum Power: 172 hp SAE (128 kW) @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 165 lb.-ft. (224 Nm) @ 4400 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Overall Length: 156.5 (3974)

Overall Width (max. @ body): 68.3 (1736)

Overall Height: 51.8 (1315)

Wheelbase: 95.6 (2429)

Overhang, Front: 30.6 (777)

Overhang, Rear: 30.3 (769)

Curb Weight (estimated): 2600 lbs. (1179 kg)

Tire Size, Front/Rear: 58.7 (1491)

Wheel Size: 19 x 8 in.

Outer Diameter: 25.2 (640)

Exterior Color: Bright Amber Pearl

Interior Color: Carbon Black

Edited February 12, 2007 by BrewSwillis

[Cory Wolfe]

Alright, I'll admit. Compared to this, the Razor isn't half bad... Hell, makes it look like a f@#king Aston Martin.

Edited February 12, 2007 by blackviper8891

[Northstar]

Looks like the S2000 and 350Z mated and had a Dodge baby.

[Delta Force79]

Horrible chop...look at those well archs

[Flybrian]

The front is fine. The rear is awful.

[PurdueGuy]

The front is fine. The rear is awful.

Not sure I'd go as far as "awful", but I agree - the front looks pretty good, while the rear isn't so great.

[FAPTurbo]

The rear looks weird, but overall this roadster looks great! I like it!

But of course, the real thing will be totally craptastic, but it'll at least have a Chillzone, and illuminated cup-holders

[Intrepidation]

+

-

roof

=

I like teh front, and the back is ok...it's what's in between that I don't like. It should have a wedge profile and not that stupid character line that slopes down.

Edited February 12, 2007 by Dodgefan

[vrazzhledazzle]

the grille is the only 'dodge' thing about it..im getting mostly an Audi TT vibe from the back and the rest is just a little bit of every other car in this segment thats on the market right now

:unsure:

[aaaantoine]

I like it.

But then again I also like the Audi TT.

[Intrepidation]

The interior actually looks really good.

[Dragon]

Looks like the S2000 and 350Z mated and had a Dodge baby.

+1

with some aston heritage too. (tail lights)

[loki]

the grill reminds me of a baleen whale lol but still looks good in the front

if it does come to market that'll put more pressure on GM and mazda to improve their base models more quickly

[tmp]

+1

with some aston heritage too. (tail lights)

but the egg donor was a Karmann Ghia

[Sixty8panther]

Much better!

[Robert Hall]

Interesting...Dodge's answer to Solstice/Sky/Opel GT? Too much TT in the rear, but overall, kind of interesting..

[scharmer05]

I like it, even the rear, which is very TT. Not bad, but I would never buy it over a SKY.

[Cory Wolfe]

The interior actually looks really good.

That it does... Noticed it last night. It's very simple. My total impression of it is that everything is far from aggressive aft of the front fascia. Then, there are too many different design cues trying to work together but just doesnt work. If they toned down the front a bit, completely redone the sides, and did something with the rear (I like the overall slope of it, but the details suck), I think I could like it.

[Delta Force79]

After taking the time to review all of the photos of this car..I can say I like the interior very much for a current DCX product (concept or production) it is simple and timeless in a sense, and I like the Dodge emblems on the speaker grilles....the exterior however...

[Northstar]

The interior actually looks really good.

It does, but unfortunately it's a concept. If there is a production version made, I'm expecting the leather on the door panels and dash to become hard, hollow plastic. Hopefully the door panels at least stay the same, but I'm not betting on it.

If DCX interiors had nice looking door panels like this and decent plastic on the dash, I don't think there'd be much to complain about.

[FAPTurbo]

The Jeep Compass concept had an awesome yet simple interior as well.

Can someone explain how THAT...

... became this?!

Like... Dub Tee Eff?!

[BrewSwillis]

That original Compass concept had a typically futuristic, exaggerated, concept interior. This Demon concept seems to strangely have an almost production ready looking interior. Look at the switchgear, speedo, turning stalks, and everyone's favorite....heated and cooled cupholders?:

[loki]

.... sorry but, where is the mirror?!!!!!!!!!

[FAPTurbo]

.... sorry but, where is the mirror?!!!!!!!!!

Looks like more cost cutting

[Cory Wolfe]

This Demon concept seems to strangely have an almost production ready looking interior. Look at the switchgear, speedo, turning stalks, and everyone's favorite....heated and cooled cupholders?:

Yeah, seems like it would be easy to produce. If a production version looks like that and has materials atleast equal to the LX cars, it'll be a pretty nice interior. Granted, they would have to fix the exterior first before I could actually like it...

[MyerShift]

I disagree with some of you stating the rear is unattractive. I like it more than the front, it seems very Audi-like.

If they inverted the grille on this thing, then I would like it all over.

[Cory Wolfe]

Well... The Audi TT is one of my favorite cars, and I still don't like the rear. I like the slope and shape of it, but how it comes into the side is horrible, as are the details.

Yeah... *gags*

[Intrepidation]

If they fixed the sides it would be good...but I still prefer the Sky.

[siegen]

It doesn't look bad overall. I kind of like it. I don't like the grille though, it looks like it belongs on an SUV.

Engine: 2.4-liter petrol World Engine

Maximum Power: 172 hp SAE (128 kW) @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 165 lb.-ft. (224 Nm) @ 4400 rpm

Come on, what is with these weak engines? This isn't a Neon, this is a Roadster.

[DetroitNut90]

While many times less stupid-looking than the Scooter thing, it's nothing that'll make me want a Sky or S2000 any less. I don't like how the Compass's hips seemed to make it onto this...they look bad.

[Screaming Trees]

I like the way it looks. I think it looks better than the Razor concept, and the name is a lot better than "Scooter". Seriously who wants a car called a Scooter?

[bobo]

The last production car here called Scooter was the Chevette Scooter.

As for the Demon, I think they did a really good job with it. Some parts are derivative, but I think everything comes together.

[Bimmer325]

Something about the side says "motorized wheelchair" to me.

[MyerShift]

It doesn't look bad overall. I kind of like it. I don't like the grille though, it looks like it belongs on an SUV.

Come on, what is with these weak engines? This isn't a Neon, this is a Roadster.

I would say that with the base 2.4L ECOTECS in the Sky/Solstice producing 177 hp, 172 hp in the Demon is just as competetive.

Especially considering that the Sky/Solistice with their perfomance models Red Line/GXP producing around, what, 260 hp, and Chrysler has the upcoming Dodge Caliber SRT-4 with the same global 2.4L DCX 4 pot as in the Demon (not to mention Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, and upcoming Mitsubishis) but turbocharged to 300 hp. Yes, as in like 40 more than either of GM's gorgeous roadsters.

Now, logic would indicate that the inevitable SRT-4 version of the Demon would feature the same engine, if not being exactly the same such as the same state of tune (300 hp)

It will be plenty competetive in the engine department.

Edited February 13, 2007 by MyerShift

[Turbojett]

anybody else see Z4 in it?

[MyerShift]

Perhaps in the subtle side curve, but the Z4 is an ugly baby. Even this Dodge concept looks like a Sky compared to the Z4.

[RJB]

I would say that with the base 2.4L ECOTECS in the Sky/Solstice producing 177 hp, 172 hp in the Demon is just as competetive.

Especially considering that the Sky/Solistice with their perfomance models Red Line/GXP producing around, what, 260 hp, and Chrysler has the upcoming Dodge Caliber SRT-4 with the same global 2.4L DCX 4 pot as in the Demon (not to mention Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, and upcoming Mitsubishis) but turbocharged to 300 hp. Yes, as in like 40 more than either of GM's gorgeous roadsters.

Now, logic would indicate that the inevitable SRT-4 version of the Demon would feature the same engine, if not being exactly the same such as the same state of tune (300 hp)

It will be plenty competetive in the engine department.

Not for long. GM could whip up the performance wick on these engines in a milisecond and tromp all over that.

[AxelTheRed]

I like the Demon better than the Solstice, but not as much as the Sky. The engine needs a bit more power in my opinion, but other than that, its a great looking car. Much better than the Razor.

[daves87rs]

Looks ok...but needs power..lots more power...

[BrewSwillis]

Please.....let's not even start a power argument. Chrysler has been at the forefront of 4cyl turbos for a long time. Remember the last SRT-4 (Neon)?? It was rated at 230 HP, but was actually making 230 HP AT THE WHEELS!.....meaning like 265-275 HP at the crank.

Preliminary numbers for the Caliber SRT-4 were announced at 300 HP. Will that be crank or wheel HP? Plus, they have somehow already stated that the Demon weighs 250 lbs less then the Solstice. The SRT-4 Demon would not be beat in power, if it were produced. However, without seeing the Demon in person, I say the Kappas win in the looks department.

[C.H.U.D.]

Tons of character. Unfortunately, all the ideas don't quite mesh. The interior, however, works just fine.

[Intrepidation]

It's about time Dodge started doing justice to its past names instead of bastardizing them. (i.e: Monaco, Charger, etc.)

The Charger name was bastardized when it was slapped on an Omni but not the current Charger does the original one justice...so what if it has a couple extra doors.

Not for long. GM could whip up the performance wick on these engines in a milisecond and tromp all over that.

They have no production I4 turbo or supercharged t(as far as I know) hat currently matches the upcoming Caliber SRT-4. It's Dodge that can tromp all over GM's performance in a milliseond.

Edited February 13, 2007 by Dodgefan

[Sal Collaziano]

If this goes into production, which I'm pretty sure it will - we'll see lots of them on the road. How many people are going to consider this a "mini viper"? People used to buy the Ford Escort GT and call it their baby Mustang (sad, I know). So I'm sure it'll happen with this...

Edited February 13, 2007 by Sal Collaziano

[turbo200]

overall, i'd say it's got a lot of different ideas put into one car, that overall doesn't make for the most balanced design or good looking car. The solstice and sky still would win over this fresher edgier approach. The grille says something completely different than the rear does for one example, though the lines tend to work in real life angles. The rear has a buttload of Audi TT in it. Gotta see the interior and more pictures....but in this market, I beleive the room is already getting crowded, and how many buyers trust DCX to make reliable efficient powerful sports cars? Of regular car buyers who don't obsess over research and information......maybe a good enough amount to justify the production of this car [6-10k units].

[torobud]

My timeline:

Bought SRT-4 and loved the oommph but wanted a roadster.... bought Mazdaspeed Miata (turbo) and loved the top down but missed the oommph and couldn't go anywhere in ANY snow... bought another SRT-4 and loved the ooommpph but now I want the DEMON

[MyerShift]

Not for long. GM could whip up the performance wick on these engines in a milisecond and tromp all over that.

Could, but we do not know whether or not they are.

Besides, I'm sure Chrysler could turn it up if they wanted to. They have already owned (GM's Zeta cars may change that, it'll be exciting to watch) the full size rear-drive sedan market with the 300, and with the SRT-8 version currently with 425 hp, and already up for an increase in power.

Plus, even after the Neon SRT-4 debuted with 215 hp, GM introduced the ION Red Line/ Cobalt SS Supercharged with 205 hp (this is a performance based argument, not civility and comfort. I acknowledge that the SRT-4 is a rough and tumble fighter). Then the SRT-4 was upgraded to a factory 230 hp, and then Mopar kits were available for up to 300 hp or more on pump gas. That was with the Chrysler 2.4L DOHC 16V Iron-block Unit. The new Global 2.4L is much more modern, and although probably not as friendly to boost (aluminum blocks, and don't they all have an open deck?), they are probably capable of much more.

I highly doubt that Chrysler's SRT-team would let the Demon become uncompetetive in the performance arena.

[Viperfan07]

Odd little car. Im sure the design will grow on me though. I love the headlights and the interior. The grille is odd for the car, thought it does give it an ineffably aggressive appearance, and the rear hips could be excuted with more precision. It looks like a mini Viper which is rather good. But why does it receive the front hinge hood treatment but not the Viper? Maybe Chrysler will give the Viper back its front hinged hood...

[BrewSwillis]

VIDEO!!!

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...article_id=4759

Also says the target price is 15K!! Maybe the SRT-4 will be $21K ?

[Petra]

I can dig it. As much as some people like to wax nostagic about the Razor, it just simply could not have been produced at an appropriate level of performance with a low enough cost at that time. The more modern Caliber/Compass/Patriot platform of today, along with its more powerful lineup of engines (both naturally aspirated & forced-induction), is about a perfect match for this Demon.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Overall, I like it. However, for starters, I hope they fix the wheel openings for production.

It also brought to mind a few of Chris Bangle's FIAT and Alfa Romeo designs. Say what you will about them, but they stayed in production for quite a long time.

. . . But, unfortunately, it also makes me think of this thing.