The Dodge M80 is a concept car that Dodge introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. It was designed as a modern interpretation of Dodge trucks of the 1930s and 1940s and was considered for production as a low-priced small truck for young buyers.
Dodge M80 at a glance
| Shown | 2002 North American International Auto Show |
|---|---|
| Class | concept compact pickup |
| Base | Dodge Dakota chassis and powertrain |
| Engine | 3.7 L EKG V6, 210 hp |
| Torque | 235 lb-ft |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph | about 8.0 seconds (Dodge estimate) |
| Wheels | 20-inch with 265/50R20 Goodyear tyres |
| Design | 1930s and 1940s Dodge trucks |
| Outcome | project cancelled in May 2003 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Dodge M80. The material is short, so this page is brief.
History of the Dodge M80
Chrysler considered putting the M80 into production at a new factory in Canada, with plans to base it on the existing Dakota and to compete in the small truck segment as a low-priced offering aimed at young buyers. The project was killed in May 2003 after the company could not make the financial side work, and the M80 never reached production.
The concept was based on the chassis and powertrain of the Dodge Dakota and used the Dakota’s naturally aspirated 3.7-litre EKG V6, producing 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque through a five-speed manual transmission. Dodge estimated acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. The truck rode on 20-inch wheels with 265/50R20 Goodyear tyres.
The exterior was loosely based on pickup trucks of the 1930s and 1940s, while the interior was described as rugged, simple and minimalist. It had racks able to carry objects as large as an all-terrain vehicle, a storage compartment under the bed and a flip-open rear window, and the seats could be removed for outdoor use. The removable centre console doubled as a portable cooler.
Design and features
- Retro styling: a modern take on 1930s and 1940s Dodge trucks.
- Dakota mechanicals: the chassis and 210 hp 3.7-litre V6 of the production pickup.
- Outdoor equipment: removable seats, a cooler console and under-bed storage.
- Large racks: able to carry an all-terrain vehicle.
Dodge M80 versions
- M80 concept (2002): the only example built.
The M80 used the Dodge Dakota as its base and looked back to the Dodge D series era for its styling. More Dodge trucks are in the Dodge collection.
Sources
- Dodge M80, English Wikipedia: concept, planned production, specification
