posted 01-06-2003 05:58 PM         

Highlights From the Detroit Auto Show

By DAVID RUNK
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

Chrysler Group COO Wolfgang Bernhard rides a Dodge Tomahawk concept motorcycle during its unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 6, 2003. The 500-horsepower Viper V-10 engine gives the vehicle a potential top speed of nearly 400 miles per hour. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
DETROIT -- DaimlerChrysler AG's beast of a concept vehicle looks like a motorcycle, sounds like a muscle car and packs a 500-horsepower, V-10 engine that would give it a top speed above 300 miles an hour.

Nobody has yet tried to make the four-wheel, single-passenger Dodge Tomahawk go that fast. But Chrysler Group's president and chief executive Dieter Zetsche says the company might bring the gleaming engine on wheels into production one day for a limited run - if there's enough interest.

"It's about pure performance, in-the-face excitement and not being scared of any limits," Zetsche said after helping introduce the Tomahawk at the North American International Auto Show.

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posted 01-06-2003 06:12 PM         

Auburn Hills, Jan 06, 2003
Life just got more extreme. Much more extreme.

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."

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.

"Tomahawk moves design concept introductions and the concept car game to a whole new level - as only Dodge and the Chrysler Group can," said Creed.

Dodge Tomahawk Preliminary Specifications

GENERAL INFORMATION

Body Style: Single-seat Viper-powered motorcycle concept vehicle

DIMENSIONS:

Overall Length: 102 inches
Overall Width: 27.7 inches
Overall Height: 36.9 inches
Wheelbase: 76 inches
Seat Height: 29 inches
Curb Weight: 1,500 lbs.
Track, Front: 8.75 inches
Track, Rear: 10 inches
Weight Dist., % F/R 49/51
Ground Clearance: 3 inches
Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.25 gallons

ENGINE: 8.3-LITER, OHV, 20-VALVE SMPI V-10

Type and Description: 10-cylinder 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 505 cubic inches (8277 cc)
Construction: 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners, aluminum alloy cylinder heads
Bore x Stroke: 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches (102.4 x 100.6)
Valve System: Two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder
with roller-type hydraulic lifters
Fuel Injection: Sequential, multi-port electronic with individual runners
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1

Power (SAE net): 500 bhp (372 kW) @ 5600 rpm (60.4 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net): 525 lb.-ft. (712 Nom) @ 4200 rpm
Max Engine Speed: 6000 rpm
Fuel Requirement: Unleaded premium, 93 octane (R+M/2)
Oil System: Dry Sump
Oil Capacity: 8 qts. Mobil1 10W30 Synthetic
Cooling System: Twin aluminum radiators mounted atop engine intake manifolds, force-fed from front-mounted, belt-driven turbine fan
Coolant Capacity: 11 qts.
Exhaust System: Equal-length tubular stainless steel headers with dual collectors and central rear outlets

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:

Alternator: 136-amp high-speed
Battery: Leak-resistant, maintenance-free 600 CCA
Lighting: Headlights consist of 12 five-watt LEDs, front, with beam-modifying optics and masked lenses. Eight LEDs, rear. Headlamps articulate with wheels.

TRANSMISSION: Manual, foot-shifted two-speed

Type: Aluminum-cased two-speed, sequential racing-style with dog ring, straight-cut gears
Gear Ratios:
1st 18:38
2nd 23:25
Clutch: Double-disc, dry-plate with organic friction materials, hand lever actuated with assist

FINAL DRIVE: Dual 110-link motorcycle-style chains

Front Sprockets: 14 teeth
Rear Sprockets: 35 teeth

BODY/CHASSIS:

Layout: Longitudinal, centrally mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Chassis Construction: Monocoque, engine is central, stressed member
Body Construction: Billet aluminum

SUSPENSION:

Front: Outboard, single-sided parallel upper and lower control arms made from polished billet aluminum. Mounted via ball joint to aluminum steering uprights and hubs. Five degrees caster. Single, fully adjustable centrally located coil-over damper (2.25-inch coil with adjustable spring perch); pullrod and rocker-actuated mono linkage. Center-lock racing-style hubs

Rear: Hand-fabricated box-section steel inboard swing arms, incorporating "hydral-link" lockable recirculating hydraulic circuit parking stand. Single fully adjustable centrally located Koni coil-over damper (2.25-inch coil with adjustable spring perch); pushrod and rocker-actuated mono linkage. Center-lock racing-style hubs

STEERING:

Type: Dual hub center type.
Steering Linkage: Rocker arm and push/pull rod with roller bearings. Polished billet aluminum steering yoke with turned aluminum grips and billet levers
Steering Lock: 20 degrees, left and right
Lean Angle: 45 degrees, left and right

TIRES (4):

Mfr. and Model: Dunlop custom-made symmetrical
Size, Front (2): P120/60R-20
Size, Rear (2): P150/50R-20

WHEELS (4):

Type and Material: Billet aluminum discs, asymmetrical
Size, Front (2): 20x4
Size, Rear (2): 20x5

BRAKES:

Front: 20-inch perimeter-mounted drilled machined stainless steel rotors, one per wheel. Two four-piston fixed aluminum calipers per wheel (16 pistons total), custom designed. Blue anodized caliper finish. Hand-activated.
Rear: 20-inch perimeter-mounted drilled cast-iron rotors, one per wheel. One four-piston fixed aluminum caliper per wheel (8 pistons total), custom designed. Blue anodized caliper finish. Foot-activated.

PERFORMANCE:

0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds (est.)
Top Speed: 300+ mph (est.)

A review:

http://money.cnn.com/2003/01/06/pf/autos/autoshow_bc.autos.show.dodge.reut/index.htm

another review:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/apbiz_story.asp?category=1310&slug=Au to%20Show%20Highlights

And yet another review:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=581&e=3&cid=581&u=/n m/20030106/tc_nm/autos_show_dodge_dc

--- oh, and the fine print on this "vehicle" if made... Try $250,000.00 --- ouch!
Oh well, guess I won't even start dreaming of this one

posted 01-06-2003 06:37 PM         

Auburn Hills, Jan 06, 2003
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.

posted 01-06-2003 06:47 PM         

Auburn Hills, Jan 06, 2003
The design thesis: merge European rallye car performance and style with some of the convenience and capability of the American sport-utility vehicle.

The result: the Dodge Avenger concept.

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?"

Dodge Avenger delivers as easily on the streets of New York City, Detroit and Chicago as on the back roads of Vail, Napa Valley or Cheyenne.

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.

The details of the Dodge Avenger concept echo a boldness that resonates with the overall design theme of capability, functionality and stability - but with a sense of style and polish. Features accentuating the vehicle's style include a satin silver mirror ring to silver exhaust tips, black head lamp bezels including perforated faces, and silver head lamp cans with amber LEDs which permeate through.

"On the interior, one of our designers described the vehicle best by simply saying that there's nothing fuzzy about it," said Creed. Avenger's interior is finished off with "New Formula" materials that are unexpected - right down to the textured vinyl flooring.

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.

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.

"The Dodge Avenger Concept delivers all-wheel-drive capability wrapped in a contemporary, versatile package that real people can use everyday," Creed concluded.

Dodge Avenger Concept Vehicle Key Specifications

Length: 187.2 inches (4,754 mm)

Wheelbase: 113 inches (2,870 mm)

Width: 72.3 inches (1,836 mm)

Height: 63.6 inches (1,616 mm)

Track
Front: 61.2 inches (1,554 mm)
Rear: 61.2 inches (1,554 mm)
Tires
Front: 265/55R20-inch; wheel size: 20-inches x 9 inches, outer diameter -
31.5 inches
Rear: 295/50R20-inch; wheel size: 20-inches x 10 inches, outer diameter -
31.6 inches

quote:

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Originally posted by Wayne Finch:
WOW

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Before you get too excited, remember the word "concept" attached to all of these. Concept and reality are two different vehicles if the former even become the later.

posted 01-07-2003 07:20 PM         

It seems that after the merger, and loosing alot of the Top Brass, DC lost their style in the concept cars as well.
I was REALLY hoping the Charger or Hemi-C-300N would be appearing in some form this year with the larger RWD full size cars coming soon. (Maybe next year? We can always hope...)

posted 01-07-2003 08:55 PM         

Example: Brampton Assembly Plant - one of the largest plants currently makes the LH cars - Intrepid, 300M, Concorde. Assembly line is being shut down next fall to be re-tooled for rear wheel drive cars. Obviously a Intrepid replacement but could also include 300 series - rumor is 300C (not the convertible), and other possibilities include the Charger and the Magnum. Cars would start rolling off the line in just over a year as 2005's. I believe the plant is being geared to run with 5 different models.

quote:

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Originally posted by CJ:
Part of the problem, as I've said before........

The public in America seems to be interested in reviving the old muscle cars/hot rods. Damiler does not have a "hot rod/muscle car" culture in their past. They do not understand it. They understand Viper = speed, but they didn't understand the concept/culture behind Prowler, either.............. They don't get it......don't want to get it.

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Exactly. Look at the new Viper versus the old one. The old one had character and style. The new one looks like a bloated camaro. It's nice but, it lost alot of that character.

Want further proof, look at Mercedes lineup. They all basically look the same. Yes, they are built very nice (we have owned 4) and some models are very fast (AMG) but, the styling is very anemic. Expect the same with Chrysler since they are in control of the purse strings.