Dodge to Introduce Demon Concept at Geneva
The lightweight, low-cost roadster market is certainly getting its fair share ofattention. The evergreen MX-5 Miata is now in its third generation, offering greater performance and the world’s lightest folding hardtop roof. Then there are the gorgeous Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky twins, America’s newfound sweethearts. They're now available with a turbocharged direct-injection engine for scintillating performance. Dodge may not be a stranger to the roadster business, as it’s been producing the Viper for 15 years, but entering the pint-sized end of the spectrum would be completely new territory. For the Geneva Motor Show, Dodge will be feeling out the potential of such a vehicle with the Demon concept; a name it digs out of its early '70s muscle car past (’71 – ’72 Dodge Demon a.k.a. Plymouth Duster).
The Demon’s body is full of unique and unusual styling cues, such as asymmetrical wheel well cutouts that feature a flat rear edge, or the scalloped surface that runs along the front fender before collecting at an intake in front of the rear wheels. But the highlight for the vehicle is its aggressive nose. Thecrosshair Dodge grille is the most noticeable thing about the concept, and really defines the vehicle as a Dodge. The car’s headlights are angular projector-beam units that have been styled to look like “angry eyes” according to Chrysler. The tail end of the Demon is quite complex looking, with various angled surfaces and sharp lines; the tonneau cover and roll bars look to be inspired by the Crossfire Roadster. The concept rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels, similar in pattern to those featured on the Hornet concept.
As for the interior, Dodge tried to keep the cabin as simple and straightforward as possible, in true roadster form. The stitched dashboard features an aluminum insert that stretches across the cabin, interrupted only by the stereo and the HVAC controls, with three round knobs that sprout out from the center. Interestingly, the concept car uses switchgear from existing Chrysler Group products.
Under the Demon’s snout is the biggest version of DaimlerChrysler’s WorldEngine, a 2.4-liter mill that produces 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, just like in the Caliber. The only difference in the drivetrain is that the transmission sports an extra gear (six versus five) and the engine drives the rear wheels, rather than those in front or all four.
Should the Demon make it to production, it would be powerful enough with this engine to successfully compete against all the other lightweight roadsters. And though it’s just a thought, the idea of Dodge transplanting the turbocharged, 300-horsepower Caliber SRT-4 engine into the Demon's engine bay would make for one pint-sized hot rod. Yes, the Demon would make a pretty good little brother to the Viper.