Dodge builds sportster
Dodge will unveil its sportscar at Geneva, further backing its claim that it is becoming a world brandIt may be a concept now, but the Dodge Demon is highly likely to be rolling down a road near you inside two years. To be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in early March, the Demon is Dodge's sportscar -- and another indicator the DaimlerChrysler-owned US marque is serious about becoming a worldwide brand.
Rumoured to sit on Mercedes' outgoing compact rear-wheel drive C-Class platform when it goes into production, the Demon could potentially pack some serious suspension sophistication and engine options by the time it comes to market.
In concept form, at least, the MX-5-sized roadster is powered by a version of Chrysler's 2.4-litre four-cylinder 'world' engine producing 128kW/224Nm. This is coupled to a six-speed manual box.
Strictly a two-seater, at 3974mm the Demon is around 20mm shorter than the Mazda but has an almost-100mm longer wheelbase. The Dodge is 16mm wider than the MX-5 at 1736mm and weighs in at 1179kg -- 74kg heavier.
The concept rolls on bold five-spoke, multi-element 19-inch wheels.
There's more than a hint of Mazda to the Demon, though Dodge might argue these are simply traditional sportscar lines -- inside and out. What is definitely 100 per cent Dodge is the crosshair grille.
The Demon is not the first startling styled Dodge two-seater. The Dodge Viper and its variants have attracted attention for the brand since the mid-1990s.
"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."
As noted above, the interior is classic sportscar too. Note the BMW Z4-style cross-cockpit dash beam.
"The interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous," said Dan Zimmermann -- Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer.
"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.
Look out for more details on the Dodge Demon and the 'crop' of new cars expected at Geneva when the Swiss salon opens in early March.
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