A sprint to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, top speed greater than 140 miles per hour, a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and an engine displacement of 2.4 liters. These specifications can only mean one thing -- less weight, more fun. Unveiled at the 2002 Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge RazorTM concept car embodies the purest of sports coupe design: aspirational, emotional and inspirational. Through efficient design, Dodge Razor cuts right to what is vital for enhanced driving pleasure.
"Dodge Razor has a simple shape with every line offering an abundance of emotion and purpose," said Akino Tsuchiya, who developed the exterior with Kevin Verduyn. "Razor's dramatic proportions scream 'I'm bold, I'm powerful, I'm Dodge'. The in-your-face 'Orange Slice' body color reflects the same attitude." Adds Verduyn: "Working off an all-new platform, we could create extreme proportions. The long hood, high sills, wide body, narrow greenhouse and low center of gravity all indicate secure, protective performance."
To keep the Dodge Razor affordable should it ever reach production, many 'off-the-shelf' corporate suspension and underbody components were used. While the six-speed manual transmission was developed in Stuttgart, Germany, the engine is an upgraded version of Chrysler Group's 2.4-liter inline DOHC four-cylinder, now with a turbocharger and intercooler. The engine develops 250 bhp. (187 kW) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 Nm). Aimed at young driving enthusiasts, the Razor concept was designed with a targeted sticker price of US $ 14,500.
True to minimalist form, Dodge Razor's only ornamentations are the chrome bumpers, the racing-style billet-aluminum gas cap, the classic door handles and mirrors and the jewel-like lamp design. "This project really is about the power of purpose and purity," said Verduyn.
The same holds true for the interior. It offers the necessities for driving, nothing more. No power windows or mirrors, no radio or leather power seats, no frills whatsoever. Dodge Razor offers its two occupants lightweight, competition-style seats, four-point racing harnesses, storage behind their seats and the pure joy of driving. "Razor's interior is like a clean canvas. Our vision is that you would be able to get additional features through MOPAR to paint your ideal driving setting," said interior designer Chris Schuttera.
The Dodge Razor's instrument cluster has an integrated tachometer/speedometer with analog reading of the revs and a digital read-out of the speed. This compact unit is flanked by easy-to-read gauges for temperature/oil pressure and fuel/battery. The interior is finished in body color and extruded aluminum. "We feel passionate about keeping it simple and honest," said interior designer John Sodano. "Razor has a focused driver's interior, enhancing the experience of raw power as only a sports car can."
Packaged with the most necessary performance tools and functions, including two orange Razor scooters, and providing customers the opportunity to make its interior entirely their own, Dodge Razor offers driving excitement to go.
Text and photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler
