Whether so small a car would be deemed advantageous to Dodge in the North American market is another question. It's about as far from the brand's new HEMI image as any car could be, what with a 90-hp 3-cylinder engine good for accelerating the Sling Shot from zero to 80 km/h (50 mph) in about 10 seconds - that's 80 km/h not the usual 100 by the way. Its 5.2 L/100 km (45 mpg) fuel economy would definitely help boost the division's CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) rating mind you.
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| Will DaimlerChrysler be able to find a big enough audience in North America for a small niche-market car such as the Sling Shot? (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
But there are much slower cars currently on the market, and the Sling Shot's low ride height should make it feel faster than it really is - if distant memories of piloting a certain BRG MG Midget can be relied upon.
The concept features a sophisticated 5-speed manual transmission, rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension system and 4-wheel disc brakes, which should translate into extreme competent handling characteristics.
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| Chrysler refers to the Sling Shot's stylish interior as "machined." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Like the original Viper R/T 10, the Sling Shot features a removable targa-style hardtop that can be stored in the trunk, turning the little coupe into a convertible. Alternatively it features a canvas roof panel that "slides back and out of the way like a roll top desk," states Chrysler Group.
This brings to light a truly stylish interior, a motif that Chrysler Group refers to as "machined." This includes a cylindrical aluminum gearshift knob that looks like a tiny engine piston, gear shaped aluminum bezels surrounding gauges laid out to mimic the car's mechanicals, and additional aluminum trim for that industrial look that has become so popular as of late. The leather clad seats are extremely sporty as well, featuring the brand's Ram logo stamped into the headrests.