Dodge Demon: Good news, bad news

janstett · January 14th, 2008, 6:48 PM

http://carsmedia.ign.com/cars/image/article/763/763833/dodge-demon-20070212041305604.jpg

The good news is Dodge will be going to production with it its two seat roadster in the flavor of the MX-5 Miata and Solstace/Sky.

The bad news is it will be front wheel drive. WTF?

Prost264 · January 14th, 2008, 6:50 PM

Whoa smart move assholes, surely this will compete with the MX-5 now!

Boo-urns

http://www.harlemfur.com/images/Boourns.JPG

Cobol74 · January 14th, 2008, 6:54 PM

That does not quite compute - why FWD? Have they not got a RWD platform somewhere they could get sorted for it? Who is going to buy one - unless they are really cheap? Looks kind of OK to me and I like the imposing front alot.

Steve Levin · January 14th, 2008, 7:41 PM

Chrysler has no RWD small platform.

They do, though, have a FWD that can take 270hp (i.e., Caliber SRT-4).

Tune that puppy and you will serve just about everyone other than hardcore racers, and they just aren't that big a market.

After all, the Mini is FWD yet you see tons of them at track days.

The MazdaSpeed 3 gets great reviews and it's FWD. Same for the Euro Focus ST.

As much as I'm a purist, I can totally understand this decision.

Steve

argatoga · January 14th, 2008, 7:45 PM

There goes all my interest in the car.

KaJuN · January 14th, 2008, 8:04 PM

The thread title pretty much sums it up. I absolutely loved the car when I first saw the pictures of it. Now it's lost a lot of that appeal with wrong wheel drive. Maybe they're trying to go a different direction with their roadster, like Fiat did with the Barchetta? Sort of more style than performance.

Jacobfox · January 14th, 2008, 9:15 PM

the barchetta was a very good comparison in this case. Both cars will be descended from average small hatch platforms and both seem to place more emphasis on style than substance. the difference is that dodge will inevitably stuff an SRT motor under the hood, to give it speed to match the looks. They need to spend more time tuning the chassis versus focusing on straightline speed if they want to match the class leaders. Unlikely, but possible.

bartboy9891 · January 14th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Levin

Chrysler has no RWD small platform.

They do, though, have a FWD that can take 270hp (i.e., Caliber SRT-4).

Tune that puppy and you will serve just about everyone other than hardcore racers, and they just aren't that big a market.

After all, the Mini is FWD yet you see tons of them at track days.

The MazdaSpeed 3 gets great reviews and it's FWD. Same for the Euro Focus ST.

As much as I'm a purist, I can totally understand this decision.

Steve

The Demon sounds like the new hairdresser's car. All of the other ~$20K roadsters are RWD, marketing it as the FWD sports car in that market sounds like it will fail. The MX-5 has only had serious competition with the Solstice/Sky. The Solstice/Sky were made to compete with the MX-5 as an affordable, RWD sports car. The Mustang V6 has it's retro looks, spaciousness, and the name Mustang. The new Hyundai coupe will solely compete with the Mustang. The Demon sounds like it's already screwed.

The appeal in the MS3, Caliber SRT, and Cobalt SS is the practicality of having 5 seats and a decent sized trunk as well as a healthy amount of power. The Cobalt and MS3 are said to handle a lot better than the Caliber, but that won't put that many people off of getting the Dodge.
The Mini, though not practical in terms of carrying people, still has a good amount of storage space. And the Mini can play the "Euro chic" card until the end of time. Again, even if it didn't handle as well as people say it does, it would probably still sell well.

Steve Levin · January 14th, 2008, 11:02 PM

The Solstice and Sky are already stuggling sales-wise, because of the lack of practicality. As much as Bob Lutz likes them, don't expect them to love very long at all. That leaves the Miata, which while fun, isn't really all that fast in stock form.

It would be trivial for Dodge to build a Demon that spanks a Miata in all performance numbers, and I think that's their goal. It may not be as purist, but it'll be a lot quicker and manage more room in the same size package as the Miata.

And that's why it has the potential to be a massive hit.

Steve

NAIDANAC A · January 14th, 2008, 11:06 PM

Wonder if this will be the first FWD car with carbon fibre as an option?
Or if all the carbon will be replace with black plastic...which is very likely.

Mopar Man · January 14th, 2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Levin

Chrysler has no RWD small platform.

Chrysler Crossfire is RWD.

Elmo187 · January 14th, 2008, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mopar Man

Chrysler Crossfire is RWD.

it was also based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK and cut from the Chrysler lineup.

Dsemaj · January 15th, 2008, 5:38 AM

Phail.

The only way FWD can work if it turns out to be one of those silly FWD fashion items. Problem is, hairdressers won't like it because it's about as feminine as soap on a rope, enthusiasts won't like it because of the wrong-wheel-drive-ness and anyone who is part of the 'euro chic' crowd will hate it because it's a Dodge.

Couple that to it'll be cheaply made with a rubbish cheap interior.

JipJopJones · January 15th, 2008, 5:41 AM

I call a fail on this one.

So I guess no 300hp V8 version eh? Could've been a cool car.

Ottobon · January 15th, 2008, 5:45 AM

American+FWD+Roadster=Fail

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/autoreview/400x266/1990-94-Mercury-Capri-91161121990308.jpg

http://www.automobills.net/Ad%20cars/lebaron.jpg

Proofs^^

GraemeH · January 15th, 2008, 8:13 AM

A car from a company that thinks figures are all there are to cars.

"Let's make it qucker to 60, quicker at top speed and faster around a track than the competitor, that will make people like it!"

And they wonder why they're in financial trouble. The MX-5 isn't considered the yard-stick in this class because of the figures.

argatoga · January 15th, 2008, 8:23 AM

Well at least it isn't based on a Chines car, oh wait it is. The K-Car is back baby, in a new and more hideous form!
http://jalopnik.com/344669/detroit-a...-chinese-chery

_HighVoltage_ · January 15th, 2008, 11:41 AM

Well...it will be ok as long as they don't try to make it too fast. Meaning, they should stick to the 4 cylinder engine. It will be ridiculous if they put a HEMI in it with this FWD. Maybe Dodge are trying to fail..on purpose. First the Charger with 4 doors (WTF?) and now this otherwise very good looking car with FWD.

janstett · January 15th, 2008, 1:58 PM

^ An American roadster based on the FWD Chinese Chery, as Jalopnik is reporting.

That's the worse news.

If it's not RWD they're completely missing the point. Way to blow it, Cerebrus. You shouldn't even bother, save the time and effort and just kill it now.

Night_Hawk · January 15th, 2008, 3:26 PM

If the demon is FWD and they kill the Viper Ill have to hate chrysler entirely

January 14th, 2008, 6:48 PM	#1
janstett Joined: Jul 9th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 1,379 Car: 86 944 Turbo, 2000 Trans Am, 02 Jeep Rep Power: 32	Dodge Demon: Good news, bad news The good news is Dodge will be going to production with it its two seat roadster in the flavor of the MX-5 Miata and Solstace/Sky. The bad news is it will be front wheel drive. WTF? __________________ 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am, 2002 Jeep Liberty "In fact, if I were to draw up a list of the 10 best cars I've ever driven, the 944 turbo would certainly be included." -- Jeremy Clarkson

January 14th, 2008, 6:50 PM	#2
Prost264 Joined: Jun 30th, 2006 Last Online: 12:12 AM Location: Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia Age: 21 Posts: 2,617 Car: Mach 5 Rep Power: 42	Whoa smart move assholes, surely this will compete with the MX-5 now! Boo-urns __________________

January 14th, 2008, 6:54 PM	#3
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 12:46 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,592 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	That does not quite compute - why FWD? Have they not got a RWD platform somewhere they could get sorted for it? Who is going to buy one - unless they are really cheap? Looks kind of OK to me and I like the imposing front alot. __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

January 14th, 2008, 8:04 PM	#6
KaJuN Disco Inferno Joined: Jul 31st, 2006 Last Online: 4:00 AM Location: American in Okinawa Age: 23 Posts: 5,065 Car: Suzuki Swift, Honda Benly CL50 Rep Power: 176	The thread title pretty much sums it up. I absolutely loved the car when I first saw the pictures of it. Now it's lost a lot of that appeal with wrong wheel drive. Maybe they're trying to go a different direction with their roadster, like Fiat did with the Barchetta? Sort of more style than performance. __________________ ...and Michigan still sucks. D-Fence: Kajun is just outside caressing his Discovery....touching it gently, you know......it is such a dirty bitch.....but he seems to love dirty girls in high heels who are taller then him and have "quite a few pounds" on their hips ^^ This post was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. My Flickr

January 14th, 2008, 9:15 PM	#7
Jacobfox Joined: May 24th, 2005 Last Online: 6:22 AM Location: Sacramento, CA/Chicago, IL Age: 20 Posts: 3,174 Car: Audi S6, Armada, F430, BMW M3 Rep Power: 79	the barchetta was a very good comparison in this case. Both cars will be descended from average small hatch platforms and both seem to place more emphasis on style than substance. the difference is that dodge will inevitably stuff an SRT motor under the hood, to give it speed to match the looks. They need to spend more time tuning the chassis versus focusing on straightline speed if they want to match the class leaders. Unlikely, but possible. __________________ 2007 Ferrari F430 (Rosso Rubino Micalizzato, Cuoio Interior, Carbon Upper Dash & wheel, Stradale Rims) Jake- Priest of the Prancing Horse, Archbishop of the four rings. Blaro, No Boss and Jacobfox- RickRolling since 1989.

January 14th, 2008, 7:41 PM	#4
Steve Levin Master of Disaster Joined: Jun 7th, 2006 Last Online: 2:10 AM Location: Sunnyvale, California Posts: 1,070 Car: Spec Racer Ford! Rep Power: 51	Chrysler has no RWD small platform. They do, though, have a FWD that can take 270hp (i.e., Caliber SRT-4). Tune that puppy and you will serve just about everyone other than hardcore racers, and they just aren't that big a market. After all, the Mini is FWD yet you see tons of them at track days. The MazdaSpeed 3 gets great reviews and it's FWD. Same for the Euro Focus ST. As much as I'm a purist, I can totally understand this decision. Steve

January 14th, 2008, 7:45 PM	#5
argatoga Can't Start His Wank Joined: Oct 4th, 2005 Last Online: 6:46 AM Location: Washington State, USA Age: 26 Posts: 4,776 Car: '78 MG Midget, '78 Honda CB400t Rep Power: 162	There goes all my interest in the car.

January 14th, 2008, 11:02 PM	#9
Steve Levin Master of Disaster Joined: Jun 7th, 2006 Last Online: 2:10 AM Location: Sunnyvale, California Posts: 1,070 Car: Spec Racer Ford! Rep Power: 51	The Solstice and Sky are already stuggling sales-wise, because of the lack of practicality. As much as Bob Lutz likes them, don't expect them to love very long at all. That leaves the Miata, which while fun, isn't really all that fast in stock form. It would be trivial for Dodge to build a Demon that spanks a Miata in all performance numbers, and I think that's their goal. It may not be as purist, but it'll be a lot quicker and manage more room in the same size package as the Miata. And that's why it has the potential to be a massive hit. Steve

January 14th, 2008, 11:06 PM	#10
NAIDANAC A Joined: May 30th, 2006 Last Online: 6:06 AM Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 3,675 Car: 300E Rep Power: 70	Wonder if this will be the first FWD car with carbon fibre as an option? Or if all the carbon will be replace with black plastic...which is very likely. __________________

January 15th, 2008, 5:38 AM	#13
Dsemaj Previously Known As Jamesd Joined: May 3rd, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Adelaide, Australia. Age: 18 Posts: 2,671 Car: '95 BMW 530i, '85 Nissan Bluebird S3 GXE Rep Power: 40	Phail. The only way FWD can work if it turns out to be one of those silly FWD fashion items. Problem is, hairdressers won't like it because it's about as feminine as soap on a rope, enthusiasts won't like it because of the wrong-wheel-drive-ness and anyone who is part of the 'euro chic' crowd will hate it because it's a Dodge. Couple that to it'll be cheaply made with a rubbish cheap interior. __________________ 1995 BMW E34 530i V8 M60B30 218HP/163kW 5sp Auto 1985 Nissan 910 Bluebird I4 CA20S 105HP/78kW 3sp Auto

January 15th, 2008, 5:41 AM	#14
JipJopJones Joined: Aug 17th, 2006 Last Online: 3:40 AM Location: North Vancouver, BC, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 1,864 Car: 1977 Jeep CJ5/1991 Jeep Cherokee Rep Power: 33	I call a fail on this one. So I guess no 300hp V8 version eh? Could've been a cool car. __________________ XBL Gamer Tag: JipJopJones Eh? Rest well in the Hands of your new owner El Camino you will be mine again some day.

January 15th, 2008, 5:45 AM	#15
Ottobon Banned Joined: Nov 27th, 2005 Last Online: May 27th, 2009 Location: Detriot Metro Area Posts: 3,313 Car: 2 Rust buckets and a confused 1999 American. Rep Power: 0	American+FWD+Roadster=Fail Proofs^^

January 15th, 2008, 8:13 AM	#16
GraemeH Joined: Apr 19th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 2,066 Car: Toyota Corolla. Rawrr. LFS Status: Rep Power: 34	A car from a company that thinks figures are all there are to cars. "Let's make it qucker to 60, quicker at top speed and faster around a track than the competitor, that will make people like it!" And they wonder why they're in financial trouble. The MX-5 isn't considered the yard-stick in this class because of the figures. __________________ Last edited by GraemeH; January 15th, 2008 at 1:35 PM.

January 15th, 2008, 8:23 AM	#17
argatoga Can't Start His Wank Joined: Oct 4th, 2005 Last Online: 6:46 AM Location: Washington State, USA Age: 26 Posts: 4,776 Car: '78 MG Midget, '78 Honda CB400t Rep Power: 162	Well at least it isn't based on a Chines car, oh wait it is. The K-Car is back baby, in a new and more hideous form! http://jalopnik.com/344669/detroit-a...-chinese-chery Last edited by argatoga; January 15th, 2008 at 8:26 AM.

January 15th, 2008, 11:41 AM	#18
_HighVoltage_ Joined: Aug 5th, 2006 Last Online: 5:38 AM Location: Bulgaria/Athens,WV Age: 22 Posts: 2,663 Car: 1994 Volvo 854 Rep Power: 53	Well...it will be ok as long as they don't try to make it too fast. Meaning, they should stick to the 4 cylinder engine. It will be ridiculous if they put a HEMI in it with this FWD. Maybe Dodge are trying to fail..on purpose. First the Charger with 4 doors (WTF?) and now this otherwise very good looking car with FWD.

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January 15th, 2008, 1:58 PM	#19
janstett Joined: Jul 9th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 1,379 Car: 86 944 Turbo, 2000 Trans Am, 02 Jeep Rep Power: 32	^ An American roadster based on the FWD Chinese Chery, as Jalopnik is reporting. That's the worse news. If it's not RWD they're completely missing the point. Way to blow it, Cerebrus. You shouldn't even bother, save the time and effort and just kill it now.

January 15th, 2008, 3:26 PM	#20
Night_Hawk Joined: Oct 5th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Gander Newfoundland Age: 19 Posts: 751 Car: 1996 Ford Thunderbird - 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix Rep Power: 16	If the demon is FWD and they kill the Viper Ill have to hate chrysler entirely __________________ Something new coming soon.

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