NAIAS Highlights: Concepts
Dodge's retro Super8 Hemi
Dodge's Super8 Hemi sedan concept combines styling cues from the past with present-day technology. A prototype, 5.7-L pushrod V8 engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers and two spark plugs per cylinder powers the concept car. Its estimated 263 kW (353 hp) and 536 N•m (395 lb•ft) are delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed AutoStick "manumatic" transmission, allowing the vehicle to go from 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) in less than 6 s. The concept utilizes a custom independent suspension, with modified MacPherson struts in the front and a five-link coil-over-shock rear setup.
The Super8 Hemi's Passenger Priority design features panoramic bench seating for the driver and passengers, which allows for higher seating compared to other sedans. The rear seats set higher than those in the front and provide improved viewing capability for rear-seat occupants. In addition, the front and rear bench seats are anchored to the floor at the ends and slide independently along a custom rail system. The seats, along with the absence of a B-pillar, enhance the concept's spaciousness and create an open interior. "At first glance, the seats appear to be floating in air," said Bill Chergosky, Design Manager at DaimlerChrysler Corp. "With support coming only from the rail system, the lack of a middle support creates a spacious, bridge-like form. Not only does this add to the interior storage capacity, but it also allows for easy folding and unfolding of the seats."
The concept's interior - which includes a combination of brushed and painted aluminum gauges and trim - draws its styling from 1950s vehicles while also utilizing innovative technology. It is equipped with a multi-passenger "Infotronic" system, which was developed in cooperation among researchers at DaimlerChrysler's Research and Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA, Sun Microsystems, and the Espial Group. Features include an off-board navigation system, Internet-based real-time weather and traffic updates, e-mail, and access to an Internet-enabled home and appliances. The system is directed by a voice-recognition system or through its liquid-crystal display (LCD) integrated into the instrument panel. In addition, two LCD touch screens on articulating arms are mounted to the backrests of the front seats.
The concept also comes with a Sirius Satellite Radio, which allows clear reception from coast-to-coast of more than 100 channels. Further, a media-beaming application enables wireless transfer of digital audio (MP3) and video (MPEG) files between a home entertainment system and the vehicle while parked in the driveway or garage.
- Ryan Gehm
