Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Dodge
Autoblog Drives the Dodge Demon Concept
Click the image above to see our high-res Demon gallery with new pics
It's easy to be impressed by the sharp looks of the Dodge Demon concept, and the words "no-brainer" are often uttered when enthusiasts discuss whether the vehicle will actually hit the market. Even though it seems every other automaker is making a two-seater right now, we can't help but think there's room for Dodge's stunning mini-Viper. For now, however, all we have is the concept.
When we had the chance to pick from six Chrysler concepts, we didn't hesitate to single out the Demon first. A roadster on a beautiful summer morning always seems like a good choice, and considering the critical praise the Demon has received, we wanted to see just how close this baby feels to production. Well, the bad news is that it has a very, very long way to go. The gauges don't work, the chassis is go-kart jarring, and the doors feel like they're made of lead. In other words, it's a concept that wasn't ever meant to be driven, but given the chance we'd get behind the wheel every time.
Follow the jump for more notes on the Dodge Demon concept
Gallery: Dodge Demon sunset shoot
There were a few things about the Demon that were very positive besides the shape of the sheet metal. For one, the concept had a very roomy interior, which is rare for a roadster. I'm a bit of a wide-body, and as a result when I drive a Sky or a Z4, I feel like the big guy in the little coat. Not so with the Demon. My co-pilot was 6'4, and he was able to stretch his legs as far as he could. That could change once safety equipment and sound insulation has to get stuffed under the dash, but for now we're thrilled with the vehicle's dimensions. The interior was a bright spot for the Demon, with great use of production-ready materials that didn't feel like they were picked randomly from a land-fill. The steering wheel felt particularly good, too, with two different materials blended together with real stitching.
The shifter was a joke, as I personally caused that horrific grinding noise on four or five different occasions while searching for second gear (I eventually gave up and went from first to third). The engine had a great growl to it, but it was understandably coarse.
In the end, the Demon is dead-sexy and it needs to be made. We know Chrysler has a bad taste in its mouth after the Crossfire disaster, but this Dodge is different in that it actually looks good. One would have to assume that the Demon would be significantly cheaper, too, to compete with the likes of the Miata and the Solstice. A mini-Viper for $20,000 seems like the kind of vehicle that sells out before the first day of spring.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nick 11:27AM (6/22/2007)
I'm sure a way to crapify this thing will be found.
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F451 11:40AM (6/22/2007)
I give Chrysler credit for hobbling out the Demon to get drastically needed press, but the realities of where it goes next are the hurdle it might be able to jump. It looks to be a design that has to grow on you, because it isn't all that great. I'd stick with an automobile in this segment that has a proven record.
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Eric 11:55AM (6/22/2007)
Well, the body is a total rip of the S2000
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Vinny 12:01PM (6/22/2007)
I like the looks of this car from Chrysler even though I doubt I will ever own one of their products. I just wish they would abandon the corporate crosshair grille from all Dodge products. The crosshairs just look lame and cheap.
If I were given this Demon I would saw out the crosshair grille and leave it a big gaping balck hole. THAT would look evil, like it's name.
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Barney 1:25AM (6/23/2007)
I have to agree with your whole comment, Vinny. I don't like the cross and doubtfully buy another Chrysler. I can't imagine a nice four cylinder in this car but can see a V6.
JMP 12:27PM (6/22/2007)
looks like a s2000 from the front and a BMW from the rear ..... not to original
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tr 12:36PM (6/22/2007)
this car has four wheels. i've seen that on other cars. not too original.
seriously, though, this looks nice. if they can bring this to market at a reasonable price (solstice/sky/miata territory), this will undoubtedly sell.
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Peter 4:41PM (6/22/2007)
I doubt that this would have much success further slicing up the already small 2 seat roadster market. The MX-5 will owns it in lightness/refinement/road feel. The Solstice owns it in looks.
You buy the dodge for what exactly?
DRFS Rich 12:42PM (6/22/2007)
I just can't find an angle I like on this thing. It seriously looks like two completely different cars were hacked apart then welded together. I'd rather drive an Element or an Aztek. I think the major problem is those awful hips. The car is sleek back to an enormous ass end. The concept is there, the execution is just awful.
- R
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TriShield 12:44PM (6/22/2007)
More of their mainstream sedans need to be as well executed as this concept. Imagine if the Avenger/Sebring had that must style and attention to detail. Perhaps people would actually want to buy them.
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Torqued 12:50PM (6/22/2007)
Demon SRT-4?
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Ron 12:54PM (6/22/2007)
It sounds nitpicky, but I hate the wheel wells.
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Solo Racer 12:54PM (6/22/2007)
From some angles, it looks good and aggressive, from others it looks like a Frankencar. If they do build it, for god's sake don't make it FWD.
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Mark S 12:56PM (6/22/2007)
The image of Dodge in the past was affordable performance. The Neon SRT/4, while not a refined vehicle by any means, was fun and was received reasonably well by the sports car press. OK, so it would probably be coarser than a Toyota, Mazda, or Honda. So what? I'd buy one.
Check out http://www.dodgedemonconcept.com/ and email the people there if you feel likewise.
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Gregg 1:43PM (6/22/2007)
This thing could do wonders for Dodge's image. The responses here show what a great move it would be, because it is a truly polarizing design--unlike the Aztec, which everybody (sane) hated.
Pontiac and Saturn watch out: f Chrysler finds the funds for this, they will rule this segment.
John Day 6:40PM (7/09/2007)
If dodge steals all of pontiac and saturn's market share, they'll still be small fish. It's mazda who owns this market, by a long shot.
Commuter 1:54PM (6/22/2007)
This is just like the old Prowler:
Seen from the front - WOW, pretty neat for a Dodge!
Seen from the side/back - Where's the rest?
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rednipj 1:58PM (6/22/2007)
If it gets too much hype, then like the prowler and the crossfire, it will fail. Not only does it look like the S2000 and the BMW but they will probably price it like the other two roadsters too and will not compete with the pontiac or mazda at all. The crossfire was kinda nice it just didn't stand a chance with the competition at the same price range. Keep it in the low 20's with 30 being the SRT and they have a winner.
But maybe they learned something with the 300 and the charger, those two are a lot of car for the price they are offered at.
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Dave 2:59PM (6/22/2007)
I saw it at the NY Auto Show and it is much better looking in person than in pics. But the design still needs a bit of nip/tuck.
I dont believe that Chrysler can make it outperform an MX5 or S2000 or Solstice and still price it competitively - they just don't have the parts bin.
I'd like to see Chrysler bring back the Pronto Spyder concept (with some major styling tweaks). They could at least use the complete Caliber drivetrain. And they'd have the only affordable midengine roadster.
http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/pronto-spyder.html
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HotRodzNKustoms 3:06PM (6/22/2007)
This car is a no brainer for production. I think Chery would probably build it so it could fill the market segment the miata used to occupy but has since gotten far too expensive to be considered affordable.
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