2002 Dodge M80 Concept

Detonator Looks. Explosive Power

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. With its 'just-right' size, 'surf-to-snow' capability and authentic 'job-rated' Dodge Truck power, the Dodge M80 will exceed the needs of tomorrow's compact pick-up truck customer.

In profile, M80 offers simple, chiseled lines enhanced by the fender vent vanes, push-button door handles, integrated PET-plastic side-storage lockers, dual spin-off fuel-filler caps in satin-stainless steel-look and stamped-steel 20' wheels. The useful five-foot bed is protected by a durable PET-plastic liner and bulkhead and incorporates myriad tie-down cleats compatible with MOPAR bike-, ski- and surfboard racks. The tailgate features 'stamped-through' lettering for the Dodge and 4x4 emblems. Oversized, performance-tuned dual exhaust pipes and jewel-like round tail lamps complete the exterior highlights.

The back of the cab features a full-width flipper-glass. According to Chrysler Group designer John Opfer: 'It not only has a clean, modern design, but it is truly functional. You can easily get to your gear in the back, and if the bed is not long enough, you can open the flipper-glass and add the cabin to your load-length.'

Dodge M80's interior was designed by Jeff Gale, who expanded upon Opfer's mission of finding practical solutions for difficult design dilemmas. 'This concept asked for a no-frills, rugged and durable interior,' said Gale. 'And, it should offer unexpected and youthful features.'

Gale said that is why there is an abundance of Detonator Yellow body-color sheet-metal panels on the inside of M80, enhanced by satin-silver hard-plastic covers and water-repelling Neoprene-look seat-trim. The center console doubles as a portable cooler while the lightweight seats can be removed and used outdoors. Behind the fold-flat seats is a vehicle-wide bin for wet-goods such as shoes, umbrella or a snowboard. The instrument panel features a large storage drawer.

Growing up in California, 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. 'We were always looking for stylish, low-cost four-wheel-drive vehicles to accommodate our ever-changing activities,' said Opfer. 'That is exactly what I had in mind while sketching the Dodge M80. I also looked at the 1939 Dodge TC and 1941 WC for inspiration, creating a modernist interpretation of these classic Dodge trucks.'

Source - Dodge Media