In addition to the previously announced Durango HEMI RT Concept Dodge introduced three new concept car at the Detroit Motor Show.
2003 Dodge Avenger Concept Vehicle
The Adrenaline Red Pearl-colored Avenger, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, gives American drivers the rallye car style and performance usually seen only in video games. This high-tech passion and performance is packaged in a real-life vehicle that is robust and capable enough to get occupants into their own adventures far removed from the video screen.
“In Europe, rallye cars are known for their tough levels of durability no matter what the conditions are,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “In North America, such vehicles are usually seen only in video games. But why limit someone who has an active lifestyle or just appreciates a vehicle with similar capability to something the size of a traditional SUV?”
Although based on the European rallye coupe formula, the Dodge Avenger has four doors, consistent with the “do more” philosophy of the Dodge brand. Visually, Avenger stands out with taut lines that track around precise, robust surfaces and accentuate the protective quality of the overall design.Its body nestles between muscular, rallye-inspired fenders, providing a capable, powerful stance. Performance and street smarts combine to give Avenger the agility and size of a passenger car -but with the strength and stance more associated with the SUV market.
Dodge Avenger has a wide track, full fenders and a unique fastback profile to showcase its agile all-wheel drive capability. The rear doors open 90 degrees for better ingress and egress and allow for both occupants and items, such as skis, a mountain bike or just groceries. At the rear, a hatch-style liftgate enables a level of versatility for any owner to indulge his or her active lifestyle.
With its robust proportions, modular graphics, metallic accents, and carpetless floor, the Dodge Avenger’s interior creates a high-tech athleticism that reflects the strength of the exterior, while providing a cockpit-like environment for the driver. The styling is purposely sparse as a true rallye-inspired car but detailed in silver and black accents to provide a clean yet punctuated setting.
Four independent seats hug the occupants in a protective exo-skeleton structure featuring four-point built-in safety belts that resemble racing harnesses. A center console area features armrests for comfort, but maintains utilitywith see-through storage bins. The active, outgoing image of Dodge is further highlighted through the integrated “boom box” in the lift gate. — new 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Avenger’s all-wheel-drive powertrain consists of a 3.5-liter V6 and an A604 automatic transmission. Gearsare changed not with a standard stick shifter, but with steering wheel-mounted paddles to enable quick, direct and smooth transitions and response.
2003 Dodge Kahuna Concept Vehicle
Where minivan function and convenience meets Next Wave cool, you’ll find Dodge Kahuna.
That Next Wave of fun and function blew in like a warm Pacific breeze at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the form of the all-new concept vehicle, Dodge Kahuna. It is intended for those looking for a free-spirited approach to a vehicle that meets many needs without bowing to convention.
“Active individuals, true free spirits, demand vehicles that are flexible with appropriate room for gear, but they want it with style,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “The Kahuna was named for its extreme attitude and approach – both Dodge brand attributes.”
The six-passenger Dodge Kahuna features an exterior design that conveys an athletic, capable image that is readily associated with the California coastal culture. But it is far from laid back. This is about pushing interior volume and flexibility to the max to allow its owners to work or play hard – all surrounded by an exterior that lends an element of sophistication and attention to detail.
The Dodge Kahuna’s exterior is finished in Point Break Blue, with composite bird’s eye maple laminate accents along the side panels. The roof is a silver/gray water resistant canvas that is see-through. The retractable top allows the outside to become part of the interior as it folds back in accordion-like fashion.
There are minimum front and rear overhangs – a strong visual departure from what is seen in many minivans today. The front end appearance features an all-new and bold interpretation of the face of Dodge. — Suzuki Makai concept at Los Angeles Auto Show.
A roof system that opens from the B-pillar to rear bumper allows for extreme function and enjoyment. In addition, all exterior windows are frameless, with all door glass having the capability to completely retract into the doors.
Inside, the “big wave” theme continues, as Kahuna blends Pacific Blue two-tone colors. In addition, a flowing wave design can be seen in the shaping of the instrument panel as well as its switches, door panel detailing and seat forms. There are three rows of flexible seating, two of which can be turned into tables if needed, and a Sto & Go’ load floor, complements the full capability and flexibility of the system.
Under the hood there is nimble performance from a 2.4-liter turbocharged, 215 horsepower engine and a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Suspension is independent in the front, with a beam axle and coil leaf springs from the company’s award-winning minivan.
2003 Dodge Tomahawk Concept Vehicle
The Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle shatters all the barriers of conventional thinking about personal transportation. This four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is a sleek, rolling sculpture that combines art-deco styling with extreme engineering.
The 500-horsepower Viper V-10 engine powering the dual rear wheels gives this radical vehicle a potential top speed of nearly 400 miles per hour – for anyone who wants to test it. The Tomahawk roared into public view at the North American International Auto Show.
“The Dodge brand philosophy always challenges us to grab life by the horns,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “In the case of Tomahawk, grabbing and holding onto anything for dear life is a necessity. It’s just that extreme and passionate; a glimpse into the soul and commitment of true enthusiasts.”
Initial reaction to the concept vehicle typically comes in two words: “Wow” and “why.” — Toyota's sustainability concepts at Tokyo Show.
The “wow” is easy to understand from Dodge, the brand that continues to drive its foot to the floor – most recently with the all-new 2003 Viper, Heavy Duty and Light Duty Rams and an SRT lineup dedicated to engineering the most powerful production vehicles in their segments.
But “why” would a company, famous for its innovative car and truck designs, go down this particular path?
“Tomahawk is an icon of the extreme thinking for a brand that is known not only for the legendary Viper and Ram, but also for all new, innovative vehicles such as the Magnum SRT-8 and Durango concepts,” said Creed.
That extreme thinking produced a machine in the true tradition of power-junkie passion, powered by a 505 cu. in., 8300 cc aluminum Viper V-10 engine.
“This is a bold faced slap against mediocrity,” Creed said. “Tomahawk is a scintillating example of what creative minds can do when given the opportunity to run free. It is a pure mechanical sculpture and a joyous celebration of the artistry and emotion of design.”
The Dodge Tomahawk is a Chrysler Group design concept that is as much a Viper-powered work of art as it is a whole new type of vehicle invention. It is both a sculpture that can be ridden, as well as a bold statement about the Chrysler Group’s enthusiast culture and passion for design.
