What Is It?
Dodge Kahuna
What's Special About It?
Part VW Microbus and part futuristic PT Cruiser, the Kahuna offers a hint at what Dodge has in store for some of its more affordable cars. Obviously Dodge designers have been spending some time in the California sun. Much of the inspiration for the Kahuna seems to have been lifted straight out of a Beach Boys song — features such as a folding canvas top, pillarless side windows that roll down and carbon-fiber surfboards recalling a simpler time and certainly a simpler lifestyle. The "woodie" theme has been updated on the Kahuna with aluminum accents and 22-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the "big wave" theme is used throughout. The blue curved dash has a wave look, as do all the foldable seats and door panels. All rear seating can be folded down to reveal a hard plastic tabletoplike surface with built-in cupholders. The Kahuna offers flexible seating for up to six people.
Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that's good for 215 horsepower. While 215 hp is nothing to sneeze at, the goal here is plainly not speed, but rather fun. The Kahuna rides on Dodge's minivan suspension.
Why Should You Care?
It's doubtful the Kahuna will make it to production as it sits, but like many other Dodge concepts shown in Detroit, the Kahuna was driven onto the stage under its own power suggesting it is more production-ready than most other concept cars. While the Kahuna is nothing less than an exercise in cool, it wouldn't be all that odd to see a similar vehicle on sale within the next few years. — Brian Moody
Dodge Kahuna
What's Special About It?
Part VW Microbus and part futuristic PT Cruiser, the Kahuna offers a hint at what Dodge has in store for some of its more affordable cars. Obviously Dodge designers have been spending some time in the California sun. Much of the inspiration for the Kahuna seems to have been lifted straight out of a Beach Boys song — features such as a folding canvas top, pillarless side windows that roll down and carbon-fiber surfboards recalling a simpler time and certainly a simpler lifestyle. The "woodie" theme has been updated on the Kahuna with aluminum accents and 22-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the "big wave" theme is used throughout. The blue curved dash has a wave look, as do all the foldable seats and door panels. All rear seating can be folded down to reveal a hard plastic tabletoplike surface with built-in cupholders. The Kahuna offers flexible seating for up to six people.
Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that's good for 215 horsepower. While 215 hp is nothing to sneeze at, the goal here is plainly not speed, but rather fun. The Kahuna rides on Dodge's minivan suspension.
Why Should You Care?
It's doubtful the Kahuna will make it to production as it sits, but like many other Dodge concepts shown in Detroit, the Kahuna was driven onto the stage under its own power suggesting it is more production-ready than most other concept cars. While the Kahuna is nothing less than an exercise in cool, it wouldn't be all that odd to see a similar vehicle on sale within the next few years. — Brian Moody
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