New Dodge roadster to square off against Pontiac Solstice

[Ultra]

Dodge wants a big piece of that entry-level roadster pie, it seems, as they are preparing a relatively inexpensive droptop of their own that will compete directly against the Pontiac Solstice. Although a precise design has not yet been revealed, industry insiders are saying that it will draw much of its inspiration from the 2002 Dodge Razor concept pictured to the right. Of course, it will be offered as a convertible (maybe even a hardtop), possibly replacing the not-so-successful Chrysler Crossfire.



We won't need to wait long before they reveal the new concept either, as the current plan is to unveil the yet-unnamed roadster at the Geneva Auto Show in March. This is according to the most recent issue of Autocar, a UK-based weekly car magazine. Even Chrysler Group design chief Trevor Creed agrees that the "small sports car market is an ideal fit for Dodge." Grab life by the horns and tear off the roof.

[Tifosi]

Will a Hemi fit into it?



Dan

[Stephen M]

I'd like a transverse SRT-4 mill between the rear tires.

What I'll get is perhaps the same engine under the hood, driving the rear wheels... or worse yet, the front ones.

[MG]

The SRT4 was a pretty good car and this one COULD be too. Sure hope they don't plug in the engine and CVT from the Neon replacement that is so awful I can't even remember its name.

And for the moment, the design sure looks more ugly than enticing.   

[Boxer2500]

The design you speak of is the Dodge Razor concept from 5 or 6 years ago. It made the rounds back when those little Razor scooters were all the rage among the too-young-to-drive set. It was actually a pretty cool design in the flesh, and I remember it rather fondly.

If DCX can build it, they will come.

[Arthur Dent]

SRT4 engine would be perfect - they already have a rwd tranny for it (from the 4cyl, rwd Liberty that almost no one bought). Tweak the Razor styling and price it right  = winner.