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.

Engine & performance:

Position: fron longitudinally

Type: V6

Capacity: 3.7-liter

Power: 210 hp

Torque: 319 Nm

Drive: 4WD

Top speed: 160 km/h

0-100 km/h: 8 s

Dimensions:

Length: 4229 mm

Width: 1631 mm

Height: 1687 mm

Wheelbase: 2845 mm

Weight: 1134 kg

SOURCE: Chrysler