Dodge Demon concept

Dodge Demon concept

On sale in the UK:	TBA
Engine:	2399cc, 16v four, 172bhp @ 6000rpm, 165lb ft @ 4400rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Performance:	7.1sec 0-60mph, 130mph
How heavy / made of?	1179kg/steel, composite
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	3974/1736/1315

Dodge Demon Roadster. Great name, but this is just a concept car right?

For now, yes. But like pretty much all of Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler's concepts, this one is driveable and we have driven it. The Chrysler Group also has a funny habit of putting their concept cars into production, in which case the Demon promises much. It is unashamedly European-influenced and would undoubtedly go down a storm in the soft-top-obsessed UK… if the price was right.

So what's the Demon's USP then?

Well, Dodge calls it a 'roadster with attitude'. That's stretching it a bit, especially as the engine is a comparatively weedy 2.4-litre petrol with 172bhp, but aesthetically it is solid, chunky and purposeful. Attractive? Well, to my eye the rear arches are too flabby and the headlights too Ford S-Max, but the proportions are good and the overall style more masculine than an MX-5's. Dodge Demon principal exterior designer Jae Chung admits to using the MX-5 as the immediate benchmark, but drew heavily on influences from the larger Viper and Jaguar sports cars of the 50s. The diagonal crease from the top of the front arch to the middle of the rear wheelarch is Chung's little homage to the XK120.

The interior looks production-ready, that's weird for a concept isn't it?

Yes, very much so. Concept car interiors are usually fitted with tons of trinkets, screens and fake touch-pad controls – not the Demon. Which is another hint that this car will make the leap from concept to production reality. It's a refreshingly pure interior: cloth trim, large comfortable seats and a simple dash layout – just like a small, front-engined, rear-driver sportster should be. It's also 'designed for the taller percentile,' says interior designer Dan Zimmermann. That's a polite way of saying 'for the American backside'. But Dan's a pragmatist too: 'the cloth seats help to keep the costs down.'

You mentioned the engine earlier – why isn't the Demon powered by a suitably American V8?

Two reasons: there's still talk (albeit more hushed these days) of a mid-range, front-engine rear-drive sports car to sit below the Viper (and above this car), and also the Demon is actually quite a dinky little thing. A V6 might fit under that hood, but the concept makes do with the 2.4-litre four. The Demon's 172bhp and 165lb ft of torque at 4400rpm doesn't sound like much, but Dodge promises a decent power-to-weight ratio and a 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds. Usefully quicker than an MX-5, then. Top speed has been calculated at 130mph, although we didn't get the chance to prove the speed for fear of destroying this ultra-expensive and fragile concept car.

So what's overall driving experience like, top-speed run aside?

Pretty good. For a concept car, the Demon is pretty well resolved. The driving position is good and the interior does indeed feel more spacious than an MX-5. You're not wowed by an extreme engine note (in fact the Demon concept sounds rather harsh), and neither does the car try too hard to impress – it's just satisfyingly honest on the move. Agile and fun too. We'll reserve judgment if and when a production model comes along, but Mazda has proved that the basic small roadster formula works.

'If and when they build it'? What's the latest?

Well, we can't ignore the fact the DaimlerChrysler group is no more and the chances of any concept on the Chrysler side of the equation making production are decidedly shaky. Like the last chunky Dodge concept, the Hornet, the Demon will need to be underpinned by a chassis sourced from outside the company if it is to make production. Dodge will admit that they have made some tentative enquiries globally, but won't tell you who with. And interestingly, they wouldn't rule out a possible tie up with their ex: Mercedes Benz. Now if they could pinch the SLK's fine chassis, adopt some cost-savings and get the Demon to UK customers for less than £20K then they could be onto a winner. The Demon is exactly the kind of car Dodge could use in these turbulent times. Straightforward, fun and funky.

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Dodge Avenger 2.0 CRD

Dodge Avenger 2.0 CRD

On sale in the UK:	September 2007
Engine:	1968cc 16v turbodiesel, 138bhp @ 4000rpm, 229lb ft @ 1750rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
Performance:	0-62mph 10.5 secs, 124mph, 45.6mpg, 170g/km
How heavy / made of?	1560kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	4850/1843/1497

Dodge’s European assault continues then?

Sure does, after the introduction of the Caliber last year Dodge is now offering us its new Avenger. It’s the Caliber’s big brother, competing in the D-sector, or to those who don’t understand marketing speak - the Mondeo-sized class. It shares its bold style with the Caliber, the huge front grille and confident jutting spoiler certainly mark it out as something a bit different in this rather conservative class.

So it’s a Mondeo rival?

Err, not quite. Dodge are pretty realistic, the Avenger’s not going to be stealing sales from cars like the new Mondeo. Instead the American firm sees some of the more fringe players as fair game. They’re talking Mazda 6, Toyota Avensis and the Skoda Superb as potential rivals for their new saloon.

Fringe players, but still some fairly established rivals…

Indeed, the Avenger really has a tough job to convince us it’ll be able to entice people out of Mazda, Toyota and even those Skoda dealerships. Dodge reckons that buyers will be won over by the Avenger’s style and individuality, as well as its generous American spec, but the reality is that otherwise it’s outclassed by its rivals.

Outclassed, but it’s a new car?

It might be new, but get in the Avenger and there’s no escaping the poor quality materials. The plastics feel and look cheap, and the driving experience isn’t brilliant either. It’ll be offered with three engines: a 2.0-litre petrol, a 2.0-litre VW-sourced diesel and a 2.4-litre petrol with a four-speed automatic. We drove the 2.0-litre diesel.

Surely that VW lump gives it some heart?

We’ve not driven the petrol engines, but it’s fairly safe to say that if you’re after an Avenger you’ll want the diesel. It’s not the fastest, nor most refined engine around, but the economy is impressive, with 45.6mpg possible on the official combined cycle.

But nobody achieves those figures in real-world driving…

Not normally no, but the Avenger’s not really a car you’ll want to hustle so you’re likely to come close. The body control is poor, the Avenger heaving over bumps in the road and the steering is very vague. Add a six-speeder that doesn’t like to be hurried and you’ll give up trying to drive the Avenger quickly and instead play about with its numerous toys.

Toys? That sounds more like it

The driving experience might not be brilliant and the interior below Korean standards, but Dodge at least compensates by offering some neat kit. You can option a heated and chilled cup holder or a 20GB hard drive equipped entertainment and nav system with USB connection. However, go wild with the options list and the Avenger looks like a less desirable value proposition – and that, after all, is its selling point…

Verdict

Aside from its individual looks there’s little reason why you’d have an Avenger over its rivals. The value arguments simply don’t add up, and throwing optional kit at it doesn’t make it any better. Buy any of the others mentioned earlier and shove an iPod in the glovebox and stick aftermarket sat-nav system on the screen. That way you can have all the extra kit that you can option with the Avenger, but in a car that’s better to drive and a nicer place to be.

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Dodge Nitro 3.7 SXT

Dodge Nitro 3.7 SXT

How much?	£23,590
On sale in the UK:	Now
Engine:	3700cc V6, 210bhp @ 5200rpm, 235lb/ft @ 4000rpm
Transmission:	4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance:	0-60mph in about 10sec, 110mph, 25mpg
How heavy / made of?	1888kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	4544/1857/1776

Dodge Nitro? Sounds pretty explosive. What’s it all about?

It’s a Land Rover Freelander-sized SUV designed to appeal to the macho man that Chrysler believe is lurking in every buyer. So it’s a pretty appropriate name. The Nitro’s a good looking motor in the metal too. It’s got terrific presence with that big flat front; a bit like a Discovery 3 that’s been through a boil wash, even down to the clamshell bonnet and vents on the front wings. So things start very promisingly.

I sense there’s a ‘but’ coming along…

Be patient, there’s more good stuff. The Dodge is being aimed at buyers on a budget so prices will start at less than 20 big ones. That puts it firmly in Korean territory and it’s being pitched at motors such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Like those cars it’ll come with plenty of standard kit such as air-conditioning, ABS, ESP and electric windows all round. And they’ve come up with a clever Load ’N Go boot floor that slides out so you don’t have to lean into the car with heavy objects. Top models will even get a 20 Gigabyte hard drive for storing music and photos.

Photos? Why would you want to store those in your car?

Lord knows. But Dodge bosses seem very chuffed with the idea, probably because no one else has thought of it. And it’s a handy way of diverting attention from the interior plastics which are very Korean in their quality – or rather lack of it. The base spec SE model is lined with swathes of the stuff. The mid-level SXT and top-spec R/T versions get buffed silver trim which lifts things a touch. But despite these woes, there are other irritations such as a dash that comes down so low the front seat passenger can’t stretch their legs out without resting their shins on the glove box.

That doesn’t sound ideal. What’s it like for drivers?

You sit very high in the Nitro so it feels like you’re on the car rather than in it. The dash is cleanly laid out and the three binnacles for the main dials look good. The steering wheel adjusts for rake but not reach and the pedals are offset too so the driving position isn’t terribly adjustable although averagely comfy. Because the front chairs don’t slide back very far, there’s a reasonable amount of room in the three rear seats. A six-footer can sit behind another six-footer in comfort although they wouldn’t want to cross continents.

Speaking of which, what’s it got under the bonnet?

Don’t you mean hood? This motor is as all-American as waffles and syrup. So the ‘entry’ model gets a stonking great 3.7-litre V6 motor. And it needs it too. The Nitro tips the scales at a porcine 1888kg. So despite that 210bhp it feels a bit gutless. The four-speed auto box doesn’t help. Fourth gear is effectively an overdrive so with the other three ratios widely spaced, changes are jerky and they make the engine sound thrashy.

What, no manual?

Not on that petrol model. Thankfully 95 per cent of the Nitros sold in the UK will feature a 2.8-litre V6 diesel, but we haven’t driven that yet. It’s a new engine and will have a choice between a five-speed auto gearbox and six-speed manual. With plenty of torque it’ll probably suit the character of the car and be much more in line with pricey British fuel.

Verdict

The Nitro gets some things very right and others very wrong. The basic premise of a decent looking motor with a butch image for a very competitive price is spot on. It’s reasonably comfy to cover miles in with a decent ride and an impressive lack of road and wind noise. But it’ll never get the juices flowing for keen drivers. The steering doesn’t have much of a relationship with the front wheels and a high seating position means you never feel at one with the car.

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Dodge Challenger concept

Dodge Challenger concept

On sale in the UK:	2009 (fingers crossed)
Engine:	6.1-litre Hemi V8, 425bhp@6000rpm, 420lb ft@4800rpm
Transmission:	Rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Performance:	0-60mph in 4.5sec, 174mph
How heavy / made of?	1900kg (est)/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	5025/1997/1449

What's this? Another retro-fabulous muscle car from the land of burgers and the brave?

Oh yes. And if there's one thing that the US of A is doing better than anyone at the moment, it's producing desperately desirable sports cars again. Ford's Mustang is firmly re-established as a true motoring icon, and Chevrolet has promised a new Camaro. And, 37 years after the original thumped its way into American popular culture (thanks in part to a fiery role in Vanishing Point), Dodge is wading in with Challenger redux. And the good news is that it'll be on sale in 2008, and we've driven the sensational-looking concept. And let me tell you, nothing turns heads on the streets of Detroit faster than the reborn Challenger.

How do people spot the 21st century version? Surely it's a carbon copy of the original...

The update is subtle, but rewarding. You take more time gorging on the lines of the Challenger than, say, a Mustang. Its less overt design leads to a visual voyage of discovery that's manna for petrol-y people like you and us. Take the 'thrust' line on the side. See how it sits on top of the front arch, then kicks up over the rear? Nice. Or the cavity motif at the front and rear, the recessed ovoid shape that contains the lights? At the back, this cavity encompasses a full-width neon-lit tail lamp. So cool. And if you're really observant and you know your muscle cars, you'll love the bonnet. It reprises the original Challenger's performance hood, but this time the twin diagonal scoops house functional butterfly-valve intakes. And those stripes are actually exposed carbon fibre from the hood material. We can only hope that Dodge does the right thing and retains these features for the production car.

Okay, okay, you love it. But does it drive like a typical, wobbly concept car?

Well, the Challenger we drove felt really tight - perhaps the most together concept we've ever tried. The driving position, noise levels and interior ergonomics all felt pretty much ready for production – thanks in part to tried and tested mechanicals. The Challenger is based on the 300C platform, which means it's got the excellent 6.1-litre 420bhp Hemi V8, rear wheel drive and a whole lot of attitude. You feel less self-conscious driving this than, say, a ‘vette or a Viper and you feel a whole lot more cool.

What about the ride and handling? A soft, wobbly blancmange of a car that only entertains on straights?

Well, we didn't get the Challenger concept on its doorhandles but we did drive the wheels off the car it's based on (the new SRT-8 300C) and things look very promising indeed. The 300C SRT-8 is a joy to drive; fast, balanced, and unsophisticated – and we mean that in the nicest possible way. The Challenger's genes, both mechanical and historical, promise much in terms of driving enjoyment – and Dodge needs to deliver. Rumours suggest the Challenger is based on the all-new 300C platform, so we're expecting great things.

Dodge claims an unprecedented response to this concept forced them to build it. Is that baloney?

Yup. We reckon the car was always intended for manufacture. The Chrysler Group has a high success rate in terms of concept-to-production (Viper, Prowler, PT Cruiser and Jeep Compass), the concept car drives, goes and feels 90 percent ready and its success in the newly invigorated muscle car market in the US is pretty much guaranteed. Will the car come to Europe? Stony silence from the Dodge bigwigs, but the company is being brave at the moment – just how brave remains to be seen.

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