Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Jeep Concept Cars
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Chrysler concepts
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MOST POPULAR
ALL THE OTHERS
2014: Jeep Renegade Rip Tied and Frostbite
2013 concepts:
2012 SEMA concepts
and the rest:
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Fiat concepts
Concept cars are made for many reasons, largely to get a visible, tangible look at a design before production so its feel can be evaluated, possible problems can be foreseen, and so reactions of non-gearheads can be judged. Sometimes, concepts test particular ideas - for example, colors and materials, controls and dashboard layouts, and the like. Those ideas can be rather subtle and hidden.
Other concepts are designed to help designers think out of the box. One example of that is the Jeep Treo, a study to consider what cars might be like when fuel cells are common (if they become common), and how that would affect styling. Without a large engine in front, for example, the Treo allows drivers to actually look through the grille.
![Image]()
Concept cars can be divided more precisely. Pre-production cars like the Challenger, Prowler, and Viper were all production-based concepts dressed up in doodads and geegaws to hide the production intent. A "true" concept is a styling, engineering, or manufacturing excercise that tests out consumer reaction to various ideas and is not a specific model production intent vehicle. For example, the Renegade pickup was actually a 2008 minivan concept.
Driving concept cars is a fascinating experience because you begin to realize why they did things - the old question of "what the #*$#@*&!^! were they thinking?" is answered. Designs that seem over the top become reasonable. However, before the expensive concepts are driven by outsiders, they usually get some form of mechanical limiter so the engine can roar but the car won't move. The exceptions in our experience were the Sling Shot, a rebodied smart car, and the 2.4-turbo equipped, five-speed Pronto Spyder, which would have been an amazing Plymouth had it been produced.
Some historical Chrysler concept cars
Hans Riemenschneider wrote: The '41 Thunderbolt was designed by
Alex Tremulis (a.k.a. Tucker Torpedo). It had a one-piece retractable
hardtop. Five were built, four survive.
David Ryan wrote: We at the shop have the official 1941 Chrysler
Newport Dual-cowl Phaeton Pace Car (non-hiding headlights). I had to
fab the bumperettes for it. The car is currently green; Walter P.
Junior didn't appreciate the silver colour, so he had it painted to his
liking. The doors and half the body are made of aluminum, wood
structure, the rest is steel, totally ahead of its time.
![Image]()
Richard
Wagner wrote: The 1941 Chrysler Newport with LeBaron design similar to
the BMW 328 may actually be the missing link to this list of concept
cars and dare I suggest, an inspiration to the final design of another
classic, the 1948 Jaguar XK-120.
Chrysler TwoPlace LeBaron
Ric DiDonato wrote: The 1983 Two-Place name is derived from the fact that this is a two-seater. The rear area is covered with a hard shell which contours to the headrests similar to the early 1960s Ford Thunderbird sport convertibles. The style and elements that were later used on LeBarons and Reliants, particularly the rounded edges used on the 1986 K bodies, and the grill treatment. It's also interesting to note the resemblance to the Mercedes SL convertible.
![Image]()
Jeep Commander 2
The Grand Cherokee-based Commander 2 has a hybrid-electric fuel cell
powertrain and dual electric motors which increase its equivalent of
gas mileage by 12 mpg. As with the Intrepid ESX,
it runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is fueled by
hydrogen from an on-board methanol reformer. Methanol eliminates the
need for large hydrogen storage tanks. The battery captures energy
normally lost during braking. Despite a light-weight plastic body,
which cuts body weight nearly in half while saving manufacturing costs
(with near total recyclability), the Commander 2 is 5,700 lb, due to
the heavy powertrain. It is seven inches wider than the standard Grand
Cherokee. (1998?)
Up and coming cars, trucks, and minivans • Modern Chrysler Concept Cars - The Cars That Saved The Company
![Image]()
Concept cars are often made so a car's feel can be evaluated, problems can be foreseen, and reactions of the public can be judged. Some concepts test specific ideas, colors, controls, or materials - either subtle or out of proportion, to hide what's being tested. Some are created to help designers think "out of the box." The Challenger, Prowler, PT Cruiser, and Viper were all tested as production-based concepts dressed up to hide the production intent.
Concept cars • popular: https://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/firepower.htmlFirepower • Tomahawk • ME412 • Mighty FC • Gladiator
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Chrysler concepts
| Chrysler ME-412: Supercar prototype, killed by its own success? (2004) |
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| Chrysler Patriot: Turbine-Powered Hybrid Racing Car |
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| The outrageous Chrysler Phaeton (1997) - dual cowl luxury with a V12 engine |
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| Chrysler Firepower: Hemi-powered, Viper-based flagship |
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| High-tech, elegant: Chrysler Nassau : Getting inside the upscale 2007 Chrysler |
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| Chrysler 700C minivan: 2012 concept previewed Pacifica ideas |
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| 1951-1955 Chrysler Ghia Specials: Was Karmann Ghia an imitation? |
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| Chrysler Chronos: Stunning 1998 V10 concept car |
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| Chrysler Atlantic: Straight-eight retro luxury |
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| The original C200: Celebrating Virgil Exner |
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| Chrysler Norseman: an inside story: Cantilevered-roof concept car lost at sea |
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| Neon-based Aviat (1994) |
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| Natrium: sodium borohydride fuel cell minivan (2003) |
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| ecoVoyager (2008) - preview of a mid-sized crossover, based on the Challenger |
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- Mopar 200S, 300 Super S (2015)
- Chrysler 200S Mopar (2014)
- 2014 Chrysler 300S (2013)
- Chrysler 300 Luxury (2012) - Moparized C300
- Chrysler Mopar 300 S (2011) - redone version of the Chrysler 300
- Chrysler 200C (2009) - extended-range electric car, rear drive and attractive
- Chrysler EV minivan (2008) - extended range electric
- SRT-392 Roadster, Town & Country Blackjack (2007 SEMA cars)
- Chrysler 300C (2003) - Hemi engine with 400 horsepower. Now a real production vehicle.
- Chrysler Pacifica (2002) - the real thing was based on a minivan and came out several years later
- Chrysler 300 (1991) - Viper-based V10 car, showing Chrysler flagship thoughts
- Chrysler turbine cars (1954-1989) - Fifty 1963 models were distributed. An M- or K-based turbine was planned for production.
- Chrysler La Comtesse (1954) - predecessor of the La Femme.
- Chrysler K310 (1953)
MOST POPULAR
| V10 Dodge Tomahawk: The 2003 Viper-powered concept motorcycle: 0-60 in under 3 seconds. |
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| 1967 Dodge Deora: A-100 pickup concept |
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| Dodge M4S/PPG Pace Car: mid-engined turbo-2.2 racing car |
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| Dodge M80 concept: 2002 design test built off a Dakota frame |
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| 1999 Dodge Charger concept: Natural-gas V8 power in a sleek package |
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ALL THE OTHERS
| 2035 SRT Vision Tomahawk: A virtual concept car for PlayStations |
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| Challenger Scat Pack concept car: A graphic tribute to metallic green muscle |
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| 2011 Avenger rally concept - Nice package that sorta faded away |
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| Dodge Circuit EV (2009) - Viper looks, electric motor |
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| 2006 Dodge Challenger concept - The car that started a renaissance |
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| Dodge Rampage (2006) - "Truck" concept was a minivan testbed |
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| Dodge Scooter concept: Never shown, but here it is, from 2005... |
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| Dodge Demon (2007) - yet closer to the new small car? |
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| Dodge Hornet concept (2006)- Mopowering a Nissan Cube |
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| Nitro concept (2005): first look at the "Dodge Liberty" |
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| Dodge Sling Shot - (2004) quick, fun two-seater - that we drove |
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- Dart GLH, Deep State 3 Charger, Challenger GT AWD (2015)
- Dodge Challenger T/A, Viper ACR, Poison Dart, Mopar Charger (2014)
- Dodge Dart Carbon Fire (2012) - many Mopar parts
- Moparized Viper (2012)
- Dodge EV (2008) - electric sports car based on the Lotus Elise
- Dodge Dakota MX Warrior, Caravan R/T, Avenger Tuner Stormtrooper, Ram BFT (2007 SEMA cars)
- Dodge Nitro (2005) - this Liberty-based vehicle has the squarish Land Rover look that's in vogue, along with all the Jeep's weight and off-roadability. The real Nitro is more practical on the street, faster in R/T form, and not designed for off-roading.
- Dodge Caliber (2005) - next-gen-Neon-based SUV; look for it on dealership lots in 2006.
- Dodge Magnum SRT-8 (2003) - with a supercharged Hemi engine putting out 430 horsepower through the rear wheels. Now a real production vehicle.
- Dodge Durango Hemi (2003) - may show up next year!
- Dodge Kahuna and Avenger
(2003) - the Kahuna looks like a PT Cruiser done ugly, the Avenger seems to be an Audi-influenced next-generation Neon. Both are likely to be produced - the Avenger as the next-generation Neon (under the name Dodge Caliber?) - Dodge Neon SRT (2002) - produced!
- Dodge Razor. (2002) - a small car to be made by someone else
- Dodge PowerBox. (2001) - the shape of trucks to come?
- Dodge Intrepid ESX. (1999) - searching for the 80 mpg large car
- Dodge Copperhead. (1997) - low-cost rear drive high-performance car
- The Wraith (M4S clones / "Turbo Interceptor") (1980s) - cars loosely based on the M4S, for the movie
- Dodge Polycar. (1980) - weight-saving version of the Lebaron
| 2017 Moab concepts: Switchback, Grand One, Trailpass, Safari |
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| Jeep Quicksand (2017): hot rodded, chopped Wrangler |
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| 2015 Moab concepts: Based on Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Renegade |
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| Jeep J12 (2002): Retro Wrangler pickups with snazzy interiors |
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- Moab concepts - Africa, Chief, Staff Car, Red Rock Responder, Overlander, Desert Hawk, Canyon Trail
- Wrangler Red Rock
2014: Jeep Renegade Rip Tied and Frostbite
2013 concepts:
- Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk II
- Jeep Wrangler: Recon • Stitch • Sand Trooper II • Flattop • Slim
2012 SEMA concepts
- Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Half & Half
- 2012 Moab concepts
- Jeep Mighty FC: the Wrangler-based Forward Control pickup
- Jeep Wrangler Apache: 6.4 Hemi-powered, with serious interior and off-road upgrades
- Jeep J12 pickup: Wrangler-based, retro look
- Jeep Traildozer: 6.4 Hemi-powered AEV concept
- Trailhawk: Grand Cherokee deco package
and the rest:
Jeep Rescue: Ram-based concept: The big 2004 Wrangler-style off-roader Jeep Willys2: frame-web tech: carbon fiber body-on-frame (2001) Jeep Gladiator concept: Diesel-powered 2005 Wrangler-based pickup
Jeep Hurricane (2005) - dual-Hemi powered monster with four wheel steering. Exclusive photos.
Treo: Bug-eyed, light, airy: Is this really the 2024 Jeep? (2004) Jeep Dakar concept: Looking at four-door Wranglers in 1997 Jeep Icon concept: Visions of the 2020 Wrangler, from 1997 Salute: a Jeep tribute to the Willys MA: Saluting 75 years of Jeeps in 2016 Jeep XJ-002 Bolide: Restoring the 1969-70 4x4 sports car with the world's first T-top Treo: Bug-eyed, light, airy Jeep concept: Is this really the 2024 Jeep? - 2011 Jeep and Ram Moab Concepts and New Pickup Kit - JK8 Independence, Pork Chop, Canyon, Cherokee Overland, Wrangler Renegade, Blue Crush, Mopar Ram
- Jeep Moab Safari concepts (2009) - Lower Forty, Grand Canyon II, Wrangler Overland, All-Access, Liberator II, and J8 Sarge
- Jeep Patriot EV (2009) - another extended range electric vehicle
- Jeep EV (2008) - extended range electric vehicle with 4x4 capability
- Jeep Renegade (2008 NAIAS)
- Jeep Wrangler JT, Wrangler All-Access, Wrangler Ultimate (2007 SEMA cars)
- Jeep Trailhawk (2007) - Wrangler based SUV, just like the Cherokee...but different.
- Jeepster (2004)
- Jeep Commander 2 - see below
- Jeep JJ internal concept (1980s) -
entry-level "soft-roader" that met full Jeep off-road standards;
designed for export markets but killed to make funds available for the
Grand Cherokee
- Plymouth Howler - replacing the 3.5 liter V6 and automatic with a 4.7 liter V-8 and stick-shift, but with a slower 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds despite a manual transmission; also had a pickup-truck bed. (Thanks, Dimitri).
| Plymouth Pronto Spyder (1998) - neat sports car previewing the 2.4 turbo and tortoise-shell wheel |
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Plymouth Belmont (1954) - the Corvette/Thunderbird fighter |
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| Plymouth CCV (1998) - totally recycled plastic Plymouth meant as a low-cost, environmentally sound car for China and India; copied by Ford's 2003 "City Car." |
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| Duster Sportwagon concept by Chrysler designer John Samsen |
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| 1997 Plymouth Pronto: Intended to continue the new Plymouth |
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- Plymouth Truck - Cruiser (2000?) - the PT Cruiser!
- Plymouth Pronto (1997) - styling study for a new Plymouth
- Plymouth Falcon (1955) - the Valiant
was originally to be called the Falcon, and a remarkably sporty concept
car shows what it could have been. (At valiant.org) - Plymouth Explorer, Plainsman, Cabana (1954)
| Li'l Red Express Truck: The 2012 SEMA concept pickup with 1978 cues |
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| 2013 Rumble Bee: Ram 1500 concept truck |
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| Ram concepts for SEMA '15: Rebel X and two sharp custom vans |
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| Ram concepts: SEMA 2016: Power Wagon Macho and a ProMaster mobile bar |
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| A 392 Hemi Ram 1500?: Meet the 2012 Urban ram concept! |
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| 2011 Ram Long-Hauler |
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- Outdoorsman and ProMaster Custom (2014)
- Sun Runner (2013)
- ProMaster Rolling Garage (2013) and Case Dually
- Ram PowerWagon (2011)
| Ram 2016: Power Wagon Macho and a ProMaster mobile bar |
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| 2016 Chrysler and Jeep: The new/old CJ66 and the Pacifica Cadence |
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| Dodge 2016: 1971/2017 Challenger Shakedown and the Durango Shaker |
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| 2015 Dodge concepts: Challenger GT AWD, Dart GLH, Deep Slate 3 Charger |
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| 2015: Two Chryslers, a Jeep, and two Fiats |
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| Ram 2015: Rebel X and two sharp vans |
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| Mopar 2013 cars: preview: Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Fiat concepts |
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| Dodge 2014 concepts: Viper ACR, Poison Dart, Challenger T/A, Mopar Charger |
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| 2014 Jeep and Ram: Ram ProMaster Man Cave/Hospitality Van, Outdoorsman, and two Renegade dress-ups |
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| Chrysler and Fiat 2014: Chrysler 200S, 500 Scorpion, 500L Custom |
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| 2012: Urban Ram, Carbon Fire, Sand Runner, and other concept cars |
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- Fiat 500X Chicane and Mobe (2015)
- Fiat 500L Thalassa
- Fiat 500L Adventurer
2015 SEMA Chrysler, Jeep, and Fiat concepts: Two Chryslers, a Jeep, and two Fiats - Fiat 500L Beach Cruiser
Concept cars are made for many reasons, largely to get a visible, tangible look at a design before production so its feel can be evaluated, possible problems can be foreseen, and so reactions of non-gearheads can be judged. Sometimes, concepts test particular ideas - for example, colors and materials, controls and dashboard layouts, and the like. Those ideas can be rather subtle and hidden.
Other concepts are designed to help designers think out of the box. One example of that is the Jeep Treo, a study to consider what cars might be like when fuel cells are common (if they become common), and how that would affect styling. Without a large engine in front, for example, the Treo allows drivers to actually look through the grille.
Concept cars can be divided more precisely. Pre-production cars like the Challenger, Prowler, and Viper were all production-based concepts dressed up in doodads and geegaws to hide the production intent. A "true" concept is a styling, engineering, or manufacturing excercise that tests out consumer reaction to various ideas and is not a specific model production intent vehicle. For example, the Renegade pickup was actually a 2008 minivan concept.
Driving concept cars is a fascinating experience because you begin to realize why they did things - the old question of "what the #*$#@*&!^! were they thinking?" is answered. Designs that seem over the top become reasonable. However, before the expensive concepts are driven by outsiders, they usually get some form of mechanical limiter so the engine can roar but the car won't move. The exceptions in our experience were the Sling Shot, a rebodied smart car, and the 2.4-turbo equipped, five-speed Pronto Spyder, which would have been an amazing Plymouth had it been produced.
Some historical Chrysler concept cars
Hans Riemenschneider wrote: The '41 Thunderbolt was designed by
Alex Tremulis (a.k.a. Tucker Torpedo). It had a one-piece retractable
hardtop. Five were built, four survive.
David Ryan wrote: We at the shop have the official 1941 Chrysler
Newport Dual-cowl Phaeton Pace Car (non-hiding headlights). I had to
fab the bumperettes for it. The car is currently green; Walter P.
Junior didn't appreciate the silver colour, so he had it painted to his
liking. The doors and half the body are made of aluminum, wood
structure, the rest is steel, totally ahead of its time.
Richard
Wagner wrote: The 1941 Chrysler Newport with LeBaron design similar to
the BMW 328 may actually be the missing link to this list of concept
cars and dare I suggest, an inspiration to the final design of another
classic, the 1948 Jaguar XK-120.
Chrysler TwoPlace LeBaron
Ric DiDonato wrote: The 1983 Two-Place name is derived from the fact that this is a two-seater. The rear area is covered with a hard shell which contours to the headrests similar to the early 1960s Ford Thunderbird sport convertibles. The style and elements that were later used on LeBarons and Reliants, particularly the rounded edges used on the 1986 K bodies, and the grill treatment. It's also interesting to note the resemblance to the Mercedes SL convertible.
Jeep Commander 2
The Grand Cherokee-based Commander 2 has a hybrid-electric fuel cell
powertrain and dual electric motors which increase its equivalent of
gas mileage by 12 mpg. As with the Intrepid ESX,
it runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is fueled by
hydrogen from an on-board methanol reformer. Methanol eliminates the
need for large hydrogen storage tanks. The battery captures energy
normally lost during braking. Despite a light-weight plastic body,
which cuts body weight nearly in half while saving manufacturing costs
(with near total recyclability), the Commander 2 is 5,700 lb, due to
the heavy powertrain. It is seven inches wider than the standard Grand
Cherokee. (1998?)
| 1989 Millenium (Intrepid-like profile) | 1993 Thunderbolt |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| 2000 Power Wagon | 1998 T-Rex - 500hp and a 26,000 pound towing capacity |
|---|---|
|
|
|
Up and coming cars, trucks, and minivans • Modern Chrysler Concept Cars - The Cars That Saved The Company
Concept cars • popular: https://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/firepower.htmlFirepower • Tomahawk • ME412 • Mighty FC • Gladiator
Home •
Engines •
Reviews •
Chrysler 1904-2018 •
Upcoming •
Trucks •
Cars
Spread the word via <!--Tweet or--> Facebook!
We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
