Elwood

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What does everyone think of the new Dodge Concept, the Dodge Demon.

I've seen this on a few articles and they reckon it'll soon be a production model.

The latest link is http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/27022007/49...-demon-10.html and below is a sample photo.



The link says it'll compete against the MX5's and that range.

In my opinion, if thats the price range it's in, I'd defo prefer the dodge. Looks mean ass compared to the Mazda...although I would prefer it in Black.

Ynot

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The same way I think of the SKY and solstice, they look great for the price, will probably handle great b/c of the weight, and will be extremely fun to drive. Interior will look and feel cheap to keep the cost down. Everyone will want one and dealers will charge up to $5K more over MSRP. A year later after the novelty wears off, it'll be another car on the road and everyone and their grandma's will have one.

Great looking car though, I've seen the pics but have not read much about it, will it be a hardtop like the MX-5?

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Elwood

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More Info....

A roadster with all the venom of the legendary Dodge Viper supercar, but in a smaller, more affordable package, would be a surefire hit. And now, the dream is about to become a reality, as the aptly named Demon is ready to hit the road.

The idea of such a car has been around for nearly 10 years. Back in 1997, Dodge pulled the covers off its perhead concept. Despite its thrilling promise, parent firm DaimlerChrysler canned the project, fearing it wouldn't be profitable.

But a decade on, the transfer of second-hand technology from Mercedes cars to low-cost Dodge and Chrysler models has finally made the drop-top feasible for production. And Auto Express got an exclusive chance to experience the newcomer first hand.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Dodge Demon is a striking two-seater. While bosses are still calling it a concept, it's closer to the showroom than you might think. Officials are remaining tight-lipped, but the cabrio is tipped to go into production next year.

As with the Chrysler Crossfire, the Demon uses underpinnings from the previous-generation Mercedes SLK - this is the key to the car's affordable development costs, and should help to keep prices competitive. Featuring the latest Dodge face, the newcomer fits perfectly into the current line-up. At the front, its huge grille is flanked by headlamps inspired by those on the Viper, plus a low airdam.

The muscular look is continued in profile, with sharp lines and distinctive asymmetric wheelarches wrapped around 19-inch alloys. Meanwhile, the rear has a blunt appearance similar to Nissan's 350Z Roadster.

Inside, occupants sit snugly behind the low windscreen, which gives the interior a sporty feel. There's no room for back seats, although the boot is deep and offers decent practicality.

The dashboard boasts plenty of switchgear which will be familiar to Chrysler owners, and has a retro feel thanks to the aluminium-effect finish. However, the production version of the Demon is likely to have one feature that will trump its rivals.

While the show car doesn't offer a roof at all, there is space set aside behind the cockpit to stow the top. But where the Crossfire Roadster has a fabric hood, the Demon will steal the limelight with a full folding metal roof. This will give the Dodge a key advantage over many rivals, too.

Where the Demon falls short of the competition is when you lift the bonnet. Although the Viper is equipped with a mighty V10 with a mighty V10 powerplant, its little brother has to make do with a four-cylinder unit sourced from the firm's Ford Focus-rivalling Caliber. In standard tune, it delivers only 170bhp to the rear wheels. However, it's also likely that the Demon will be available with a turbocharged engine offering a choice of 233bhp and 270bhp. The show car is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox which has a similar snappy, short-throw feel to the Mazda MX-5's set-up. This allows the 1,200kg roadster to cover 0-62mph with impressive speed. Only when the model is ready for the showroom will the exact acceleration figures be recorded, but the Dodge is expected to bridge the performance gap between the MX-5 and 350Z. Prices have yet to be decided, too, although the Demon is likely to weigh in at around £20,000. Plenty of engineering work needs to be done to bring the SLK's ageing underpinnings up to the standard of cutting-edge rivals. But be in no doubt - this is one Dodge that would strike at the heart of the drop-top market.

(Article Couresty of Yahoo Cars)

in2dwww

I think the Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger look okay with that "truck" grille, but I'm already getting a little tired of that look. Audi has a smiliar strategy.

The headlights look like they are from the Saturn Vue and the rear 1/4 panel looks like it was lifted from the Pontiac Solstice. Looks like an American mutt to me, but at least they aren't still trying to push SUV's.

It will probably make a great rental car.

DesignoSLK

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I have to agree with in2dwww, the grill is long past showing it's age.

It's cool it will be a hardtop though, but I think I'll save my pennies for a 171.

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Kevin
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Elwood

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Certainly agreed with that... was just comparing it with the cars in the similar price range (Mazda's, Toyota's etc).

Would much rather have the R171....no contest.

DesignoSLK

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By no means did I think you were considering a purchase.

It will definately fill a nitch. But along the same lines as what Ynot said, expect those who just can't wait to drive the price through the roof!

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If Mercedes is selling Chrysler, Dodge will die. I think better to wash the fingers then to use them for handling in the wallet for a Demon.

easty

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At immediate glance I like the overall profile, then it all ends when my attention is focused on those un-concentric wheel arches and then the front grill that looks like an overweight ex-boxers growl. maybe it'll look better in the 2nd hand lot?

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Sorry, the grill is the worst part of the car. But it's typical Dodge. Not a big fan of the current crop of Chrysler products.

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alroumi

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I love the viper and consider this a nice car, but nothing can beat german quality and precision interms of Small Compact Roadster for now Top competitors in this Field are the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4 , Audi TT roadster and the Mercedes SLK.

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