Geneva Preview: Dodge Demon – Anti MX-5 Rear wheel drive Roadster Concept

They might not have managed to put the 2002 Razor Concept in production but this time, Dodge looks like it means business the anti-MX-5 Demon Concept that’ll premier in the Geneva Show in March. The concept is roughly the size of a Mazda MX-5 and it’s equipped with Chrysler’s 170Hp 2.4-liter motor that sends power to the right end of the car.

While I like the simple and functional form of the interior styling I can’t say that I’m excited with the exterior design of the Demon. It looks a bit too fussy with all those “bungle-style” concave surfaces, lacking the simplicity of the Mazda MX-5 –even of the Pontiac Solstice. Also, doesn’t the Demon conspicuously remind you of a shrunk down version of the 2005 Chrysler Firepower Concept? -Continued: Click “Read More...” below to see the official press release and a high-res image gallery

Although the official press release denies us of any details concerning the Demon’s underpinnings, the only other rear-wheel drive platform in the DaimlerChrysler Group that could be used on the Demon is the one the Mercedes SLK. “Coincidently” the two Roadsters share the same wheelbase length (Demon: 2.429 mm, SLK: 2.430 mm).

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PRESS RELEASE: Dodge Demon Roadster Concept – Simple Soul, Artful Attitude Make for Radical Results

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