Dodge Demon info

[Atomb]

They say it will sell for $15,000 USD.from here: http://wardsauto.com/ar/chrysler_design_roadster/Quote » Chrysler Design Chief Bedeviled by RoadsterBy Eric MayneWardsAuto.com, Aug 15, 2007 9:28 AM AUBURN HILLS, MI – Trevor Creed is a man possessed.Chrysler LLC’s design chief is not spewing pea soup, “Exorcist”-style.But he says nothing turns his head these days quite like the Dodge Demon concept roadster, which debuted in March at the Geneva auto show. Particularly at this juncture, as Chrysler moves forward under the auspices of Cerberus Capital Management LP.Building a production version of the Demon is “foremost in my mind,” Creed tells Ward’s, claiming conditions are ideal – externally and internally – for green-lighting such a car.Powered by a 2.4L I-4 engine, the Demon satisfies a growing market trend that favors fuel-stingy technology, he says, while the car’s edgy design symbolizes a “rebirth” of the auto maker’s spirit as a bold, American company.Creed is mum on when a decision might be made on building the Demon, but there’s no great rush. He says its classic proportions give it plenty of shelf life, likening it to the Mercedes-based Chrysler Crossfire 2-seater, which launched in 2003.Refreshed for ’07, Crossfire’s U.S. sales were up 36% through July, year-over-year. But that increase benefits from comparison with last year’s shortened production run.See related content: Ward’s U.S. Car Sales by Line and Brand, July 2007Soft sales through early 2006 sales caused German coachbuilder Wilhelm GmbH Karmann to trim 1,250 workers from the 5,200-member payroll at its Osnabrueck plant – home to Crossfire production.Creed has said the Demon was conceived as a Miata-fighter. Currently marketed as the MX-5 Miata, the Mazda offering has ruled the roadster segment since its debut in 1989.After losing its U.S. sales crown last year to the Pontiac Solstice, the MX-5 through July regained its lead, albeit slightly. MX-5 deliveries totaled 10,790, compared with 10,541 for the Solstice.Classified as middle-specialty cars, according to Ward’s segmentation, both roadsters are part of a declining niche. From a 10-year peak of 548,921 deliveries in 2001, middle-specialty cars in the U.S. are on pace to sell just under 317,000 units, a new low for the period.But industry observers believe there always is room for an affordable sports car. And affordability is one of the Demon’s hallmarks.Chrysler proposes a starting price in the $15,000 range.“If you can make a really good value proposition, you can clearly win some sales,” says Joe Phillippi, principal of New Jersey-based AutoTrends Inc.There is universal appeal, he says, for a “back-to-basics kind of sports car without a supercharger or turbo that has terrific performance and handling qualities and is user-friendly.”By user-friendly, he means it must have cargo room for more than “a couple of small gym bags.”The timing for such a car couldn’t be better.“There’s an ever-increasing number of Baby Boomers,” Phillippi says. “As they retire, there’s a huge chunk of wealth there. And Baby Boomers, historically, have tended to be somewhat of a conspicuous consumption group.”He suggests a car such as the Demon could achieve annual U.S. sales of 50,000 to 100,000 units, which would push it beyond the roadster class into Ford Mustang territory at the top of the middle-specialty category.

[drunkenmaxx]

[GrayFox]

heres another thread with links to pics and stuffhttp://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=27149

[Whelan]

Trying to compete with the SKY, Solstice, and Miata, but at a much lower cost.I'll take my SKY Redline with the 2.0L EcoTec 260hp Turbo!

[GrayFox]

I would, too but those cost almost twice as much as the demon... and are in a different class (or trim level) IMOI'm sure the Demon will get the SRT treatment then we can compare to the Solstice GXP and Sky Redline

[Whelan]

Take the Caliber SRT engine and drop it in the Demon, make it RWD and price it at 18-20k. Now you have a roadster, I'd take one at hat price with 285hp.

[ColonelPanic]

Very cool... Saw it at New York this year, Imust say it one of the better things to look at in the Chrysler section. Of course anything was better than the pimped out a$pen and the riced out sebring... lol!

[ajflan]

For some reason I find this car somewhat goofy looking. I would still take one though. But not if I had to pay for it.

[Whelan]

Its almost like a mix between the new charger, viper, and crossfire.

[WaveAction]

nah more like an S2000 and a newer eclipse..back looks like the eclipse..front looks similar to a viper like the headlights

[VIBEwithanO]

I personally have no clue what it looks like a cross between, but that descending body line and unique taillights make it look great. Not too bad at that price either.

[Vivid_Art]

I don't like it at all, sorry guys but I think its ugly. That color doesn't help either.

[WaveAction]

it's a dodge..i never expect much from them..all their vehicles almost have the same damn front end..and inside it's so bland and boring..same with the fords(interior wise)

[redlava]

God that thing is UGLY!!!!

[Raven]

There is absolutely no way they could put that into production for $15,000. They're just trying to drum up interest.+1 on the Saturn Sky Redline.

[Atomb]

i don't know...the "Angry Bass" look on the front isn't too bad...but i don't think i'd buy one. Not what i want in a car.

[high revin]

If this car is 15 K from Dodge trust me the quailty of the car will reflect that price tag!Neat concept though hope they make it and at that price Hell for that price i could rebuild the car the way i wanted it and still be cheaper that a soltise