DaimlerChrysler had the sporty Mazda MX-5 in its sights when it set about penning the concept Dodge Demon, to be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Show. The maker openly admits to using the popular Japanese roadster as a benchmark when creating the new concept. For the record, Dodge did make a Demon in the early seventies, but nothing with that name has emerged from the Dodge stable since then.

Dimensionally, the Demon is a hair shorter than the MX-5, though slightly wider, taller and heavier. It has been built from the ground up and uses no existing DC platform. Under the bonnet is the existing 2.4-litre, four-cylinder 'World Engine' that delivers 172 horsepower and 165lb.ft of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It's also possible that a variety of engines could be used in the Demon, including the 1.8 or even the 2-litre World Engine. A 300bhp engine, possibly the unit that powers the Caliber SRT-4, has also been mentioned.

The idea behind the concept was to create a compact, nimble roadster with attitude. Dodge wanted to strike a balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity, blended with modern design and performance.

"While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car," said Jae Chung - Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. "The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes."

The rear surface of the body is divided into three levels with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal tail lamps. The lights sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps. Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance. The 19-inch brushed aluminium wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings.

"In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous," said Dan Zimmermann - Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. "Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasised, while that which is not is made visually secondary.”

The Dodge Demon concept is an affordable Dodge sports car which merges brand cues of bold design and powerful performance with an open-air "fun-to-drive" attitude. We expect a version with few changes to the concept car to make it into production.

Preliminary Technical Specifications:

Dimensions are in inches (millimetres) unless otherwise stated.

- Engine: 2.4-litre petrol 'World Engine'
- Maximum Power: 172bhp at 6000rpm
- Maximum Torque: 165 lb.ft at 4400rpm
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Overall Length: 156.5 (3974)
- Overall Width: 68.3 (1736)
- Overall Height: 51.8 (1315)
- Wheelbase: 95.6 (2429)
- Overhang, Front: 30.6 (777)
- Overhang, Rear: 30.3 (769)
- Kerb Weight (estimated): 2600lb (1179 kg)
- Wheel Size: 19 x 8 in.
- Exterior Colour: Bright Amber Pearl
- Interior Colour: Carbon Black

Paul Shippey - 14 Feb 2007