The Chrysler Group's touch-and-go financial status brought down the mood at the Dodge-Chrysler press conference this afternoon at the Palexpo. After a trio of European-market debuts for the Sebring convertible, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Avenger, none of which will set the world afire, an actual fire was lit in honor of the Dodge Demon concept, which does seem to merit the attention. But much like on a beef fajita special, the flames extinguished almost immediately. It was kind of cool, but lacked the funk and randomness typical of previous Chrysler press conferences...
As we noted in our detailed first look at the Demon, its feasibility for production is in question as well. On the surface, it's a much more appealing and cohesive design than the awkward-looking Caliber and Avenger, but at the moment, Dodge has no compact, rear-drive platform to put it on -- a task made all the more difficult by the need to build it to a price, a very low price. — Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
Add a comment