The world got to see the future of compact pickup trucks at the 2002 North American International Auto Show as the bold, versatile and affordable Dodge M80 concept took the stage in Detroit. With its 'just-right' size, 'surf-to-snow' capability and authentic 'job-rated' Dodge Truck power, the M80 will exceed the needs of tomorrow's compact pick-up truck customer. Growing up in California, Chrysler Group designer John Opfer used to live just one hour from the beach and one hour from the snowy mountains. Vehicles of choice included a '70s Jeep Wagoneer and a Dodge Raider. The Dodge M80 is a small, affordable truck with a design loaded with character and intrinsic value. Minimalist, new, neat design details are abundant as stand-out design elements include the satin-stainless steel-look signature Dodge-crosshair grille and headlamp surrounds, classic round lamps and the metallic slate-gray, molded-in-color PET-plastic fenders and bumpers with integrated tow-hooks. Based on a Dodge Dakota frame with independent short-and-long-arm front suspension and a solid axle with leaf springs in the rear, M80 incorporates a high percentage of existing corporate components, making it affordable to build. Power comes from Chrysler Group's all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine coupled to a carry-over 5-speed manual transmission and 4x4 transfer case.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
Not saying anything but since when do people buy trucks to be fast. The last time I checked people liked trucks becouse they were big enough to help them move there stuff around. Which you can't do with is truck becouse it's not powerful enough. But for the few who do want a fast truck I guess they got what they wanted. But it's still ugly.
Dodge M80-Retro, Rugged, A Winner-build it Chryco!
markhp48g 24-4-2003
"The Dodge M80 will be a sure fire winner in the marketplace of lookalikes, pretty much as she stands. The fools who state that its appearance is ungainly do not realize that it is a simplistic affordable reincarnation of the WWII Dodge Power Wagon. Its powertrain, the new 3.7 V6 is a substantial offering with acceptable performance; even a stout inline 4 such as the 2.4 would do just fine in the base model. Listen, Juvenile Idiots, the retro 40's look-especially in pickups is the way to proceed along with proven work horse powertrains & just a touch of modern conveniences & materials. Aftermarket parts makers will swamp this little Dodge. The Japanese in particular cannot follow this path easily, since they have little history of this type to rely on. It really should be a replacment or at least supplement for the Dakota. Build it soon Daimler-Chryco, it will move off the floors quite rapidly, I foresee a big hit with this one.-MLH, engineer"
why its v6
temur 15-4-2003
the reason y its a meagre 3.5 v6 is that its weight is an astonishing 2500 pounds... almost the weight of a mazda miata... this gives u 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds... so please understand why its only a 3.5 liter v6
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The world got to see the future of compact pickup trucks at the 2002 North American International Auto Show as the bold, versatile and affordable Dodge M80 concept took the stage in Detroit. With its 'just-right' size, 'surf-to-snow' capability and authentic 'job-rated' Dodge Truck power, the M80 will exceed the needs of tomorrow's compact pick-up truck customer.
