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."
