Inside Design: 2004 Dodge Sling Shot Concept:
Dodge's Three Cylinder Roadster...
Dodge Sling Shot was a boldly distinctive new sports car vision from Dodge – one that’s practical, adaptable and, above all, affordable.
Designed from the ground up to be a driver’s car, with the kind of look, feel and responsive drivability that enthusiasts demand, the Sling Shot concept was designed with fuel efficiency is a key part of its basic design.
Dodge Sling Shot was designed for open-air driving with the main roof panel and side rails over the passenger area that can be stored in the trunk (Sling Shot has two storage areas), while a canvas roof panel can slide back and out of the way like a roll-top desk for open-air driving.
The Dodge Sling Shot was based on it’s DaimlerChrysler sibling at the time, the Smart Roadster which was sold in Europe.
Efficient, Responsive and Fun to Drive – Genuine Dodge Character
Sling Shot features a rear-mounted, 3-cylinder, gasoline engine that was tuned to deliver 100 bhp and 0-60 mph time of about 10 seconds due to power to weight ratio of 17.4 lbs/bhp. A five-speed gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes complete the driver-oriented characteristics contributing to the Sling Shot’s efficient, responsive and fun-to-drive personality at the same time delivering up to 45 mpg.
A “Machined” Interior Look
The Dodge Sling Shot concept has an interior design influenced by the legacy of Dodge and Chrysler’s performance past – when “blown” HEMI engines dominated the American landscape. Starting out with engine bits for inspiration, Sling Shot’s interior designers combined these elements into an artful blend of visual excitement and tactical pleasure.
“Sling Shot is a dynamic, creative look at the never-ending quest to offer visually exciting design, structural integrity, operating efficiency and the all-important fun-to-drive quotient in an affordable, entry-level sports car,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Group Design.
