Dodge ZEO Concept. Click image to enlarge |
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Dodge Zeo concept
Detroit, Michigan - Demonstrating that electric cars don't have to be boring, Dodge unveiled the ZEO concept (which stands for 'Zero Emissions Operation') a four-door, four-passenger, all-electric, sport wagon with 23-inch wheels-at-the corners, muscular styling, and a clean, pollution-free powertrain.
"The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like," said Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO principal exterior designer. "An electric car can be as expressive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. The Dodge ZEO concept proves that point - and then some."
The rear-wheel drive ZEO has a 200-kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor that contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds. Its 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack gives the ZEO a range of at least 400 km (250 miles), says the company.
Inspired in part by the architecture of a Möbius strip, the Dodge ZEO's rakish A-pillars curve into extended roof rails that twist and converge towards the rear. The windshield glass continues in an unbroken, curving plane nearly to the rear of the car, giving both front and rear passengers an unimpeded, all-around view while showcasing ZEO's inventive interior. Other expressive details include "scissor" doors, front and rear lamps treated as separate sculptural forms, and the "ZEO Orange" and dark silver exterior.
"The lit crossbar grille," says Zheng, "is designed to communicate the use of electricity as the ZEO's power source."
The ZEO's interior is "inspired by organic forms and wireless technology…and is loaded with attitude and intelligence expected by youthful buyers," says Lou Gasevski, principal interior designer of the Dodge ZEO concept. "The Dodge ZEO concept is an example of designing for people who are used to a dynamic lifestyle and who are surrounded with information and virtual friends at all times."
The entire cabin is treated as if it were a single piece of sculpture. A broad sloping fabric-wrapped surface in front of the driver curves dramatically into the door and quarter panel. It then sweeps around the back panel to the opposite side quarter and door, ending in a sloping surface in front of the passenger.
A slim centre console slopes down from the windshield, creating a dual-cockpit effect. It then levels off to divide the cabin by continuing clear to the back panel. To avoid visual clutter, customary controls and a viewing screen are set flush with the surface.
Instead of a conventional instrument panel, the steering wheel, column and instruments are treated as a single freestanding design element. The Dodge ZEO concept's steering wheel has two vertical spokes, set closely together, leaving 80 percent of the rim "open" for maximum visibility. The laid-back centre hub, containing the driver air bag and auxiliary switches, is stationary, with the wheel rim revolving around it. Left and right horizontal paddle-levers just behind the wheel rim activate the remote radio functions.
The sloping plane of the centre hub, which cantilevers forward above the steering column, houses the instruments which are displayed on a thin blue acrylic viewing screen set directly in front of the driver. The entire multi-piece ensemble adjusts with the wheel rim to the driver's needs.
For maximum comfort, the four bucket seats sport highly-contoured bolsters on the seat cushions and backs. When in the down position, the slim sculpted headrests nestle neatly into the tops of the upper seatbacks. The seat shells are constructed from milled aluminum, with video screens integrated into the front seatbacks.
"Those who will desire the ZEO concept are unquestionably driving enthusiasts. They are less family-oriented, with a desire for things that are high-tech, and place less emphasis on pure practicality. While they boast environmental and overall responsibility, they also exhibit a "need for speed", explained a Dodge news release.
