Dodge ZEO Concept Video and Photos
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Dodge, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels
Tags: American, Detroit, zeo
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.
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.
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.”
“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.
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.
With its bold exterior and curving, sculptural interior, the ZEO concept appeals to Dodge brand customers who want value, expressive design and useful technology.
2008 Dodge ZEO Concept Premieres At The Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Dodge, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Wagons/Estates
Tags: American, Detroit, zeo
The Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-passenger, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, expressive look of the Dodge brand, exhibiting a new, youthful breed of muscle car for the 21st century. Built for driving enthusiasts, it features an electric-only propulsion system with a lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Unlike other such vehicles, the Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-door, four-passenger model that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.
Specifications
Length: 172.8 inches (4390 mm)
Width at H-point: 68.6 inches (1743 mm)
Height: 50.8 inches (1290 mm)
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches (2792 mm)
2009 Dodge Ram At The 2008 Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Dodge, Trucks/Pickups
Tags: American, Detroit, ram
The redesigned, 2009 Dodge Ram made an appearance at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show with engine and convenience upgrades.
In addition to the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI which produces 380 hp (283 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N_m) of torque, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers a 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N_m) of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N_m) of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and four- and five-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.
Equipped with the new HEMI, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4×2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears blasts to best-in-class performance of 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab® and crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.
An improved frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to an estimated 1,850 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).
For convenience, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides for effortless access and convenience. Each box holds up to 4.3 cubic feet of whatever – such as five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages.
The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability. The 2009 Dodge Ram’s tailgate features a standard assist feature that reduces the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.
Another new segment-first innovation for the 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 is a pair of “store in the floor” bins with removable liners that offer even more versatile storage – large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice.
There are many other convenient storage locations throughout the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram including a large upper glove box, map pockets in door panels and a configurable center console. All in all, there are nearly twice as many storage locations (38) in the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram than were in the previous model.
Technically sophisticated, yet simple-to-navigate electronic and infotainment choices include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system available in the Quad Cab and crew cab. Also available is first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and segment-first surround-sound audio.
Other premium amenities include first-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats, available heated rear seats, first-for-Dodge heated steering wheel, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, automatic-on headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control – a first for Dodge Ram.
2008 Detroit International Auto Show Preview
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, BMW, Chrysler, Concept Cars, Crossovers, Dodge, Ford, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs, Toyota
With the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) quickly approaching, we thought we would give you a quick preview of a few vehicles that will be making debuts.
Chrysler will have a trio of eco-friendly debuts: The Jeep Renegade which is a small two-seater that runs on electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery that is supplemented by a small diesel engine, the Dodge ZEO which is a two-plus-two wagon that runs solely on electricity from a lithium-ion battery, and the Chrysler ecoVoyager people mover that runs on electricity from batteries supplemented by a fuel cell.
Ford is set to unveil its next-generation F-150 pickup truck and the small crossover Verve concept.
Nissan will be introducing its Forum concept which is a next-generation family mover. Some of the innovations featured in the concept include trackless sliding doors and no pillars between the front and second row seats.
Mitsubishi will reveal a new sports-car concept derived from the infamous Evo X. The concept uses Mitsubishi’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual tranny that is used in the Lancer Evolution X. The unnamed concept is built on an aluminum space frame structure and will be powered by a turbo-diesel engine.
Both Toyota and Kia plan to unveil all-new production models. While Toyota has stayed mum on their premiere, Kia has confirmed that theirs will be a new seven-passenger SUV called the Borrego.
BMW will be introducing several vehicles, including new diesel-powered models while Mercedes-Benz will be premiering a small luxury SUV concept.
2009 Dodge Journey Video and Photos
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Crossovers, Dodge, Minivans/MPVs, SUVs
Tags: Journey
The 2009 Dodge Journey, an all-new crossover, just made its debut at the 2007 LA Auto Show. The Journey is based on the Avenger platform and mixes a minivan’s practicality with the capabilities of SUV with the hopes of becoming the “perfect” crossover vehicle. The look of the Journey is obviously a Dodge, with the front face boasting the ram’s head grille and quad head lamps.
The Dodge Journey comes with three engine options: a 2.4L 4-speed automatic getting 19 city/25 hwy, a 2.7L V6 4-speed automatic with flex fuel options getting 17 city/23 hwy, and a 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic that gets 16 city/23 hwy. For those who care more about convenience than performance, the Journey also comes with plenty of cargo space, including hidden in-seat/in-floor storage and three upholstery options.
Street Legal: The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Dodge, Supercars
Tags: ACR, Viper SRT10
The all-new, 600-horsepower, 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) is the latest addition to Chrysler LLC’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) family that is engineered to dominate the race track. The Viper SRT10, which just made an appearance at the 2007 LA Auto Show, gives superb performance for under $100,000,
2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid Unveiled
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Dodge, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, SUVs
Tags: Durango
The Dodge Durango offers style, comfort, convenience and superior versatility in a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight.
2008 Chrysler and Dodge Minivans unveiled at 2007 NAIAS
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, Chrysler, Detroit Auto Show, Dodge, Minivans/MPVs
The new Dodge and Chrysler Minivans have once again added new features to set their vehicles apart from the other Minivans on the market. They have made the interior of their Minivans more convenient and functional than ever before.
Watch video of the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan
