VIPER JR. In these days of corporate takeovers and private equity firms, the Demon could be exactly what Dodge needs.(News)

Byline: Wes Raynal

Nine a.m. on a gorgeous, sunny spring morning in Southeast Michigan, perfect convertible weather. Lo and behold, we have one. And not just any convertible but one we've never driven, the Dodge Demon, a car that has been called everything from a nice Miata fighter to a styling nightmare. Whichever way you lean, we figure the auto world can always use another open two-seater.

The Demon made its world debut back in March in Geneva ("Geneva Convention,'' AW, March 19). That was a fitting venue, considering Chrysler wants to push the Dodge badge in Europe.

Our Demon drive was brief but instructive. Chrysler had an engineer ride along with us, but, refreshingly, there was none of that "Keep it below 7 mph, please'' going on.

We're impressed. For starters, the car was really well built for a concept/show car. Fit-and- finish inside the snug little interior was terrific, as were the materials.

The Demon was more driveable than other concepts we remember. The seating position was near perfect, and while the steering was a little loosey-goosey, it wasn't too bad. The engine, a 2.4-liter, 172-hp, 165-lb-ft inline-four, developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai, gave off a nice, loud bbbbrrrrrraaaaaaappppppppp when we nailed the gas. Word is that if the Demon is ever built, it will use 1.8- to 2.4-liter engines, with a 300-hp turbo at the high end.

Jae Chung, the Demon's chief designer, said he wanted styling that instantly says Dodge, with hints at where Dodge styling fits in with Chrysler and Jeep. The car looks simple and clean outside as well as inside, where gauges, vents and radio fit within a single piece of brushed-aluminum trim. Secondary controls are located lower on the dash.