Dodge Zeo Concept Unveiled

For the Detroit Motor Show Dodge have used the opportunity to showcase their “Green” talents with the introduction of the Dodge Zeo Concept – an all electric 2+2 sports wagon which will comfortable seat 4 people.

The 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery powers the advanced propulsion system for up to 250 miles capable of pumping out an impressive 268 horsepower and can do 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds reaching a top speed of 130mph, fuel consumption stands at 130 mpg.

However this concept has not been created just to showcasetheir environmental responsibility, what we have here is a pretty great looking sports car. Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO principal exterior designer said "The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like."

Press Release

Battery Electric Vehicle technology in expressive "2+2" Dodge sports car style

The 2008 Dodge ZEO -- Zero Emissions Operation – concept vehicle is a four-passenger, all-electric, "2+2" sport wagon that embraces the bold, emotional characteristic of the Dodge brand. With its 23-inch wheels-to-the corners, heroic proportions and muscular forms, the ZEO exhibits a new youthful breed of muscle-machine interface.

Dodge owners and those who will desire the ZEO concept are unquestionably driving enthusiasts. They are less family-oriented, with a desire for things that are high-tech, and place less emphasis on pure practicality. While they boast environmental and overall responsibility, they also exhibit a "need for speed."

"The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like," said Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO principal exterior designer. "An electric car can be as expressive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. The Dodge ZEO concept proves that point – and then some."

To this end, the ZEO's body has been given an active, three-dimensional form, with the fenders boldly offset to the body.

Dodge ZEO Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles.

Resting in a rear-wheel drive layout, Dodge ZEO's 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds -- which rivals Chrysler's famed HEMI powerplant.

Unlike other such vehicles, ZEO is a four-door, four-passenger vehicle that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.

Dodge ZEO Concept Exterior

Nestled between the robust circular wheel arches, ZEO's taut, elongated beltline ends with the signature Dodge kick-up at the rear, where the reverse-angle C-pillar is planted directly over the rear wheel arch.

Inspired in part by the architecture of a Möbius strip, Dodge ZEO's rakish A-pillars curve into extended roof rails that twist and converge as they race rearward. The windshield glass continues in an unbroken, curving plane nearly to the rear of the car, giving both front and rear passengers an unimpeded, all-around view while showcasing ZEO's inventive interior.

Other expressive details include "scissor" doors, front and rear lamps treated as separate sculptural forms, and the "ZEO Orange" and dark silver exterior.

"The lit crossbar grille," says Zheng, "is designed to communicate the use of electricity as the ZEO's power source."

Dodge ZEO Concept Interior

Inspired by organic forms and wireless technology, Dodge ZEO's interior is loaded with attitude and intelligence expected by youthful buyers.

"The Dodge ZEO concept is an example of designing for people who are used to a dynamic lifestyle and who are surrounded with information and virtual friends at all times," says Lou Gasevski, principal interior designer of the Dodge ZEO concept.

The entire cabin is treated as if it were a single piece of sculpture.

A broad sloping fabric-wrapped surface in front of the driver curves dramatically into the door and quarter panel. It then sweeps around the back panel to the opposite side quarter and door, ending in a sloping surface in front of the passenger.

This design approach blends the usually separate-looking parts of the interior into a unified whole. A narrow strip of blue LED accent lighting on the doors and quarters lead to the back panel, adding to the sweeping effect. Most of the interior surfaces of the ZEO concept are colored in Super White, adding to the sculptural impression.

A slim center console slopes down from the windshield of the Dodge ZEO, creating a dual-cockpit effect. It then levels off to divide the cabin by continuing clear to the back panel. To avoid visual clutter, customary controls and a viewing screen are set flush with the surface.

Instead of a conventional instrument panel, the steering wheel, column and instruments are treated as a single freestanding design element. The Dodge ZEO concept's steering wheel has two vertical spokes, set closely together, leaving 80 percent of the rim "open" for maximum visibility. The laid-back center hub, containing the driver air bag and auxiliary switches, is stationary, with the wheel rim revolving around it. Left and right horizontal paddle-levers just behind the wheel rim activate the remote radio functions.

The sloping plane of the center hub, which cantilevers forward above the steering column, houses the instruments which are displayed on a thin blue acrylic viewing screen set directly in front of the driver. The entire elegant multi-piece ensemble adjusts with the wheel rim to the driver's needs.

Doors and quarters are bisected by a flaring, wide-to-narrow dark gray panel separating the upper and lower surfaces – with the lower portion of the door and quarter curving inboard to provide an armrest surface. Milled aluminum door pull handles, placed diagonally, act as accents.

Contrasting colored Copperhead stitching follows the forms of the ZEO's Super White leather seats. For maximum comfort, the four bucket seats sport highly-contoured bolsters on the seat cushions and backs. When in the down position, the slim sculpted headrests nestle neatly into the tops of the upper seatbacks. The seat shells are constructed from milled aluminum, with video screens integrated into the front seatbacks.

With its bold exterior and curving, sculptural interior, the ZEO concept appeals to Dodge brand customers who want value, expressive design and useful technology.

Dodge ZEO Concept Vehicle Specifications

* Vehicle Type Battery Electric Vehicle, performance sedan
* "2+2" passenger seating

Weight and Dimensions

* Weight/GVWR 2650 lbs./3400 lbs.
* Length 172.8 inches/4390mm
* Width at H-point 68.6 inches/1743mm
* Height 50.8 inches/1290mm
* Wheelbase 109.9 inches/2792mm
* Couple 1-2 29.2 inches/742mm
* Front overhang 32.8 inches/832mm
* Rear overhang 30.1 inhces/765mm
* Track front/rear 64.1 inches/1628mm 65.8 inches/1671mm
* Approach angle 10.2 degrees
* Departure angle 24.6 degrees
* Turn circle 40 feet/12.2m
* Maximum width 76.5 inches/1944mm

Powertrain and Suspension

* Layout Rear wheel drive
* Motor Single electric
* Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
* Regenerative braking
* Battery 64 kWh Li-ion battery pack
* Suspension Front – SLA
* Rear – SLA

Wheels and Tires

* Tire size front P225/40R23x8 30.1 inches/764mm
* Tire size rear P255/40R23x9 31.0 inches/788mm
* Tire manufacturer Goodyear

Color Scheme

* Exterior Orange Metallic
* Interior Super White

Key Performance Attributes

* 0-60 mph 5.7 seconds
* Standing ¼ mile 11.0 seconds
* Top speed 130 mph
* All-electric range 250 miles
* Equivalent mpg 120 mpg

2006 Dodge Challenger Concept Flexes Some Muscle

Bold Concept is a Thoroughbred

In creating the new Dodge Challenger concept car the designers at Chrysler Group’s West Coast Pacifica Studio knew they had a rich heritage to draw upon.

They also knew they had an obligation to “get it right.”

Tasked with the enviable assignment of developing a hot-looking performance coupe using Chrysler Group’s advanced rear-wheel drive LX platform and its fabled HEMI® engine, the designers explored a variety of options, eventually gravitating to “something” for the Dodge brand — appropriate given that brand’s bold performance image. The idea of reinventing the highly-collectible Challenger quickly came to mind.

Eager to begin, the designers drew up a “short list “of the essential attributes of a muscle car: distinctly American; mega horsepower; pure, minimal, signature lines; aggressive air-grabbing grille; and bold colors and graphics.

“Challenger draws upon the initial 1970 model as the icon of the series,” said Tom Tremont, Vice President – Advanced Vehicle Design. “The 1970 model is the most sought after by collectors. But instead of merely recreating that car, the designers endeavored to build a Challenger most people see in their mind’s eye — a vehicle without the imperfections like the old car’s tucked-under wheels, long front overhang and imperfect fits. As with all pleasurable memories, you remember the good and screen out the bad.

“We wanted the concept car to evoke all those sweet memories … everything you thought the Challenger was, and more.”

“During the development of the concept car,” says Micheal Castiglione, principal exterior designer, “we brought an actual 1970 Challenger into the studio. For me, that car symbolizes the most passionate era of automotive design.”

Being key to the image, getting the right proportions was critical. The Challenger concept sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, six inches longer than the original. But its width is two inches greater, giving the concept car a squat, tougher, more purposeful persona.

The signature side view accent line — designers call it the “thrust” line — is higher up on the body, running horizontal through the fender and door and kicking up just forward of the rear wheel.

In section the upper and lower body surfaces intersect and fall away along this line, which has just a whisper of the original car’s coved surfacing.

“We wanted to stay pure,” said Castiglione, “with simple, minimal line work, but with everything just right.”

The five-spoke chrome wheels — 20-inch, front; 21-inch, rear — are set flush with the bodyside, giving the car the powerful muscular stance of a prizefighter eager to challenge the world. Wheel openings are drawn tightly against the tires, with the rearward edges trailing off. To emphasize the iconic muscularity, the designers added plan view “hip” to the rear quarters.

One of the key characteristics of the original car the designers wanted to retain was the exceptionally wide look of both the front and back ends. To achieve this the designers increased both the front and rear tracks to 64 and 65 inches respectively, wider than the LX, wider even than the 1970 model. To realize the long horizontal hood the designers deemed essential, the front overhang was also increased.

Both the hood and the deck lid of the Challenger concept vehicle are higher than the 1970 in order to lift and “present” the front and rear themes. The front end features the signature Dodge crossbar grille and four headlamps deeply recessed into the iconic car-wide horizontal cavity. Diagonally staggered in plan view, the outboard lamps are set forward, the “six-shooter” inboard lamps slightly rearward. At the rear, the car-wide cavity motif is repeated, encompassing a full-width neon-lit taillamp. Both the grille and the front and rear lamps are set into carbon-fiber surrounds. Like the original, slim rectangular side marker lamps define the ends of the car.

Bumpers are clean (no guards), body-color and flush with the body. “This is something we would have loved to do on the original Challenger,” said Jeff Godshall, who was a young designer in the Dodge Exterior studio when the first Challenger was created, “but the technology just wasn’t there. With the Challenger concept, however, the Pacifica Studio designers are able to realize what we wanted in our perfect world.”

The hood reprises the original Challenger “performance hood” and its twin diagonal scoops, now with functional butterfly-valve intakes. Designed to showcase the modern techniques used in fabricating the car, what look like painted racing stripes are actually the exposed carbon fiber of the hood material.

The Challenger concept is a genuine four-passenger car. “You can sit up in the back seat,” said Castiglione. Compared to the original, the greenhouse is longer, the windshield and backlite faster, and the side glass narrower. All glass is set flush with the body without moldings, another touch the original designers could only wish for. The car is a genuine two-door hardtop — no B-pillar — with the belt line ramping up assertively at the quarter window just forward of the wide C-pillar.

Exterior details one might expect, like a racing-type gas cap, hood tie-down pins, louvered backlite and bold bodyside striping, didn’t make the “cut,” the designers feeling such assorted bits would detract from the purity of the monochromatic body form. But tucked reassuringly under the rear bumper are the “gotta have” twin-rectangle pipes of the dual exhausts.

In contrast to the bright Orange Pearl exterior, the interior is a no-nonsense, “let’s-get-in-and-go” black relieved by satin silver accents and narrow orange bands on the seat backs. “Though the 1970 model was looked to for inspiration, we wanted to capture the memory of that car, but expressed in more contemporary surfaces, materials and textures,” said Alan Barrington, principal interior designer. As with the original car, the instrumental panel pad sits high, intersected on the driver’s side by a sculpted trapezoidal cluster containing three circular in-line analog gauge openings.

“We designed the in-your-face gauge holes to appear as if you are looking down into the engine cylinders with the head off,” relates Barrington. These are flanked outboard by a larger circular “gauge” that is actually a computer, allowing the driver to determine top overall speed, quarter-mile time and speed, and top speed for each of the gears.

With its thick, easy-grip rim, circular hub and pierced silver spokes, the leather-wrapped steering wheel evokes the original car’s “Tuff” wheel, as does the steering column “ribbing.” The floor console, its center surface tipped toward the driver, is fitted with a proper “pistol grip” shifter shaped just right to master the quick, crisp shifts possible with the six-speed manual “tranny.”

Inasmuch as the original Challenger was the first car to have injection-molded door trim panels (now common practice), the doors received special attention.

“We imagined that the door panel was a billet of aluminum covered with a dark rubberized material,” Barrington relates. “Then we cut into it to create a silver trapezoidal cove for the armrest.”

Although the flat-section bucket seats of the original Challenger didn’t offer much support for aggressive driving, the front seats in the Challenger concept car boast hefty bolsters much like those found on Dodge’s famed SRT series cars. The trim covers’ horizontal pleats or “fales” provide just a hint of that “70’s” look.

Rethought, reworked, reproportioned and redesigned, the Challenger concept car offers iconic a HEMI-powered performance coupe derived from a classic American muscle car.

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Dodge Challenger SRT8 Sneak Peek Pics Released

First Production Dodge Challenger up for Bid

All proceeds to notMYkid Foundation

Back after 34 years and the 2008 Dodge Challenger will hit the ground running with a Limited Edition run of Dodge Challenger SRT8's. Job number one will not be locked away in a museum though, the #1 Challenger will go up for auction at Barrett-Jackson and the proceeds will go to the notMYkid Foundation.

The new Dodge Challenger will make its official world debut at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008. So you will have to buy the car without ever laying your eyes on them, well besides some detail photos which have been released earlier. Then again, you wouldn't be alone either, Dodge has already received 4,300 orders on the first day the car went on sale.

The #1 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is powered by a 6.1 liter HEMI V8 engine and comes fully loaded with a 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, sunroof, navigation, performance tires, HEMI Orange paint job, carbon-fibre-like hood stripes, chrome filler cap, numbered dash plaque and dark slate grey interior.

The Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction starts January 12-20, the Challenger has lot number 1331.

Press Release

After a 34 Year Absence, All-new Dodge Muscle Car Set to Roll Across the Auction Block at 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

* Limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® features a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, HEMI Orange paint, carbon-fiber-like hood stripes, a chrome fuel filler cap and a numbered dash plaque
* More than 4,300 orders placed the first day the all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 went on sale
* Proceeds from the auction of No. 1 production Dodge Challenger SRT8 to benefit notMYkid

Dodge and notMYkid have partnered to auction the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® at the 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to be held Jan. 12-20, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"The Dodge Challenger has always been an iconic vehicle and consumers are showing overwhelming enthusiasm for the modern version— the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8," said Mike Accavitti, Director — Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Dodge dealers took more than 4,300 orders the first day it went on sale. Clearly consumers are clamoring for the kind of modern amenities and iconic muscle car heritage the Challenger SRT8 offers."

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race-inspired interior and an exterior design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering a host of modern features and technologies and "race inspired, street legal" SRT DNA.

Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

Bidders will have the chance to own the car before it is shown to the public. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut on Feb. 6 at the Chicago Auto Show.

Interested bidders are required to register with Barrett-Jackson prior to bidding. Registration information can be found at www.barrett-jackson.com.

Proceeds from the first production Dodge Challenger will benefit notMYkid - an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues including suicide, drug abuse eating disorders and depression.




Related entries:

Dodge Challenger SRT8 Sneak Peek Pics Released