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Dodge ZEO concept let loose at NAIAS

 
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dodge zeo naias 001 2

Dodge ZEO concept let loose at NAIAS

Dodge ZEO concept let loose at NAIAS

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As petroleum prices skyrocket and hydrogen fuel-cells remain in the semi-distant future, more and more auto makers are turning to the electric vehicle as the solution for the present. The futuristic styling aside, the Dodge ZEO presents a decent argument for the practical possibilities of an EV. Not that those futuristic looks are in any way out of place or unwelcome - Dodge's new EV is rather sexy.

The 2+2 mates practicality with electro-hot-rod tendencies, such as the 23-inch rims, the muscular fender swells and the powerful 200kW (268hp) electric motor - the same one powering the hydrogen fuel-cell ecoVoyager concept. The combination of strong power and light weight give the ZEO a 0-60mph time that should come in under five seconds, according to Chrysler, which it says 'rivals [its] famed HEMI powerplant.'

The dramatic exterior styling is the focus of the ZEO, which draws inspiration from muscle cars of the past, mathematical concepts and tried-and-true principles of aerodynamics. The heavily sloped A-pillars are derived from the Möbius strip - a loop with only one exterior surface - that twists and joins into the rearward part of the canopy. The wrap-around windshield runs from the front almost all the way to the rear, giving a jet-like canopy to the sporty EV. Scissor doors and unique lighting accents finish the 'custom' feel of the ZEO.

Inside, organic forms are the mode. Aimed at the younger market - people who might actually buy such a car - the ZEO is replete with technological gadgetry. The long, narrow center console divides the cockpit into two regions, rising at the rear to complete the division. The unique steering-column/instrument panel unit are freestanding.

Weighing in at just 2,650lbs, the ZEO provides approximately a 10:1 lbs/hp ratio - just slightly better than a Nissan 350Z. Wheelbase and overall length are close to the Z as well, and with its 2+2 architecture (like the Mazda RX-8) the rear-wheel drive ZEO could prove to be a serious contender - and not just among EVs. Although, with a range of just 250mi, it's not quite ready for long-distance touring.
Dodge ZEO Concept at NAIAS

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Comments (4)

  1. By chris Posted: 1/14/2008 9:12am PST

    I'd like to see this in a more coupe styling. I think the fact that theyre ending production of the magnum should be enough evidence that people dont want a sport wagon. sport hatch? sure, sport wagon? no. the back end reminds me of the volvo c30, and the back end is the only thing that i hate about that car. i dont wanna see rear haunches on a wagon. you cant make a wagon look cool. not like that anyways. the magnum was cool, cause it looked like a mobster's car.

    enough of the looks, cause this car wont hit production and if it does, it wont look anything like this. Not only does it look like this car shares the electric motor of the ecovoyager, looks like the same platform. Not the worst idea ever either; a 4 seater 260 hp mid sized sport coupe riding on the same architecture as an MPV? the suspension would sure as heck be sporty on the light coupe and cushy on the MPV.

    I also like the mobius strip A Pillar. I was confused as to how a real car would model an otherwise impossible mathematical oddity, however, i see it in the pictures and i love it. makes the roof line look incredible.

    Chrysler; make this thing with a nicer looking back end and I'll buy it. Yes; I'll end my allegiance to ford.
     
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  2. By Ray Posted: 1/14/2008 1:14pm PST

    Looks like a Mazda RX-8 if you chop the hatch off.
     
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  3. By Mark Posted: 1/21/2008 10:27pm PST

    It would be nice if Chrysler would follow this design as closely as possible. As far as I'm concerned, the butt end of this car is fine, maybe even great. If Chrysler produces this car with the proposed propulsion and current design, they will be way out in front of a lot of other manufactures. This is the way a green automobile should look, not like the Prius.
     
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  4. By john Posted: 4/2/2008 12:58pm PDT

    well two words "dope car" its as simple as that.
     
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