One of the most interesting new offerings at the 2007 edition of the Geneva motor show came from the US. Presented in concept guise, but unmistakably identifiable as a possible production model, the Dodge Demon is a clear signal from DaimlerChrysler of its intentions to launch the brand best known for the Viper supercar in Europe in the
near future.
Although there is still no official word on the matter, it is not hard to imagine the little roadster on its stand at Geneva – which has already earned the nickname ‘baby Viper’ – looking perfectly at home on the roads of the Old Continent.
Compact – at less than four metres in length – and sporting a generally well resolved exterior design and a promising interior, the Demon could be the evolution, or rather, the pre-production version, of the Razor also presented at Geneva five years ago.
Ralph Gilles, the young (37-year-old) director of DaimlerChrysler product design, says that any plans to produce the Demon and, as a result, launch it in Europe, are still under consideration, awaiting feedback from Geneva.
“This is obviously a model developed with the European market very much in mind, which would probably find the basic formula of the car very appealing.
The idea was to create an open topped sports concept that was feasible, easily accessible for the mid market and used as many of the group’s existing components as possible.”…
The article continues in Auto & Design no. 164
