Filed under: Concept Cars, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
Winding Road sees the (possible) future of Pentastar products
Over the past decade, Chrysler has hosted a number of college students interested in pursing a career in car design through its internship program. And while few among us haven't sketched our dream machine in the margins of our notebooks during our formative years, these students take it two steps beyond the next level. Not only do they get to intern on the project throughout the summer, they get to present their concepts to Chrysler's design team and executives at the end.
Winding Road had the opportunity to check out what these budding designers came up with, and they brought back over 30 renderings, along with details outlining everything from drivetrain components to interior elements.
The two concepts, dubbed the Chrysler Forte and Dodge Decept, are beautifully rendered and detailed here. Check it out and tell us what you think.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Johnny082 3:45PM (8/19/2007)
They are both amazing!
If TPTB at Chrysler, have half a brain they'd build these.
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javier.e.trevino 9:35AM (8/20/2007)
I agree.. I think if Chrysler wants to make a good and fast turn around they need to "Get with the times." and build a nice replacement for the Caliber.. current one is too boxy.. people want curves.. we're in the 2000's now not the 80's ... the box look is great for SUV's and the Charger.. but anything smaller than that and it just looks odd... I wouldn't say stupid.. because that's too harsh.. because it does have a certain appeal.. but IMO.. I don't think that it's appeal is vast enough for the crowd.. and besides... by the time they decide to make it.. it'll be time for the Caliber to get an "All-new" design..
Jeff 4:00PM (8/19/2007)
Yes, I'm sure they'll build cars with engines that don't exist and styling cues taken from concepts from five years ago.
Besides, it will be a cold day in Hell when Dodge presents an engine as advanced as the one they've planned for this thing, and the engine is the only thing that makes it worth making. 0 - 60 in 5 seconds in a small Dodge hatch with a hybrid that also gets 60 mpg? Cracker, please. Not to mention the fact that "Decept" is a terrible name and just invites the automotive press to make tons of jokes at its expense.
As for the Chrysler...it's a RWD Saab with a cobbled-together hybrid BMW engine in it. Also, touch-sensitive controls are the worst thing to ever hit automotive interior design. Car controls need to be tactile and easy to find without taking eyes off of the road. With touch sensitive controls, every button feels like every other button, and it's pretty hard to concentrate on driving when your radio comes on full-blast when you were aiming for your A/C.
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geo.stewart 4:42PM (8/19/2007)
basically flights of fancy.
the Decept "slightly longer" and as wide as the 300...
Well, that puts you into a wide Avenger sized vehicle. Too big for a 'caliber replacement'. performance numbers beyond any SRT model for that size...
Sure, the Rally inspired version looks nice but they (students) need to redo size to something slightly smaller than the caliber.
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geo.stewart 4:46PM (8/19/2007)
and for the Forte, I'm pretty sure ;-) Chrysler already did a 5-door full size that made the show circuit last year. Chrysler Nassau. and I like it a lot better.
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db25 4:49PM (8/19/2007)
I wish Dodge would stop with the crosshair grille already.
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Nick 4:57PM (8/19/2007)
I love the "Estimated weight: 4000 lb" for the Forte... There's a goal to push for, kids!
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Rob 7:44PM (8/19/2007)
I'm sorry, but that little hatchback looks bad ass. I would get one of those in a heartbeat for a commuter vehicle if it was priced right. The crosshair grill looks good to me.
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Jack 7:52PM (8/19/2007)
Make that hatchback, you'll sell tons.
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mtmt88 9:06PM (8/19/2007)
>Make that hatchback, you'll sell tons.
be sure to name it the Dodge Omni or the Plymouth Horizon.
Rene Curry 8:45PM (8/19/2007)
They need a design challenge utilizing existing platforms. That is how to engineer a phase 1 fast turn around.
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rhett 9:13PM (8/19/2007)
the car pictured should definately be a next-gen caliber
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Wyce 9:35PM (8/19/2007)
If you shrink the Decept down to GTI range, that'd be hot.
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BigDoggyIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 10:32PM (8/19/2007)
Not bad. Typical though, take away all the concept car-ness and its basically a VW golf or new scirrocco. Throw in some ford focus 2 door for good measure. Love the wing though, very useful in LA traffic.
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wally 2:58AM (8/20/2007)
Build them and they will come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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iomatic 3:20AM (8/20/2007)
One way to ensure an internship: create your renderings with hopelessly outdated tools performing breakdancing moves next to your concept. Ugh.
Help me, please, Doc Brown!
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mayday83 3:32AM (8/20/2007)
lol
fisker 7:24AM (8/20/2007)
now this is the kind of stuff they should in europe not those shitty imports like the nitro and sebring
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MGBYG 10:25AM (8/20/2007)
Here is the best site for design school shows:
http://cardesignnews.com/site/process/college_exhibitions/display/store4/item85984/
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Vinny 10:42AM (8/20/2007)
That is the only application of the Dodge crosshair that I have ever liked. You don't even notice it really because it's SUBTLE.
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