15 Jan 08
The Dodge Zeo is a shooting brake-style 2+2 wagon, with electric-only powertrain. Its new-generation lithium-ion batteries give a range of up to 250 miles and its 250kW motor is good for 0-60mph in less than six seconds.
Chrysler describes the Zeo as 'a new, youthful breed of muscle car for the 21st century' and a model 'built for enthusiasts'. At just 4,390mm long, 1,743mm wide and 1,290mm tall, it's some bit smaller than the Caliber and sends some pretty strong hints about Chrysler's plans for a new 'subcompact' model, at least in its styling if not a production-ready powertrain.
Chrysler has recently confirmed that it has done a deal with Chinese car company Chery to supply low-cost small cars for sale in South and Central America, and perhaps also Europe and North America; this has implications for the Dodge brand, too. Chrysler spokesman Tom La Sorda told reporters in Detroit that a small Dodge sports car was very much on the wish-list and the future product plan: the Zeo could thus be on the new Chinese underpinnings. These could also form the basis of a production version of the Demon roadster, an MX-5 rival first seen last year.
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