Devon Motorworks

Devon Motorworks was an industrial design house based in Los Angeles, California that specialized in the development of premium lifestyle products. The company was notable for being the sole bidder for the Dodge Viper.

Devon Motorworks
TypePrivate
IndustryIndustrial Design
Founded2008
FounderScott Devon
Defunct2013
Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA
,
United States
Key people
Scott Devon, Andy Benedict, Justin Bell, Daniel Paulin, Jason Wilbur, Dr. Joseph Katz, Aria Group, Jerry Deeney

Company
Devon GTX
Overview
Production2009-2012
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door liftback coupé
LayoutFR layout
PlatformDodge Viper
RelatedDodge Viper
Bristol Fighter
Chrysler Firepower
Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3
Powertrain
Engine8.4 L Viper V10
Transmission6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase98.8 in (2,510 mm)[1]
Length172.2 in (4,370 mm)
Width78.5 in (1,990 mm)
Height48.4 in (1,230 mm)
Curb weight3,460 lb (1,570 kg)

Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Scott Devon, Devon Motorworks' stated focus is to undertake "multiple design projects that have a common purpose of providing sculptural power with recognizable beauty." Devon's initial production vehicle, the Devon GTX super car, was scheduled to begin production in early 2010, however, economic downturn shelved production.

Devon Motorworks made news for being the single bidder for Chrysler's Dodge Viper platform, originally intended to provide the basis for the Devon GTX.[2] The bid was, however, rejected by Chrysler for being below the US$10.0 million reserve and with the fourth-generation Viper upon which the GTX was derived being discontinued, Devon Motorworks was closed.[3]

Products

The initial product, Devon GTX, was unveiled in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.[4] The vehicle was conceived by Swedish designer Daniel Paulin [5] and Devon Motor Works Founder Scott Devon, who shared a vision for an American supercar that combined classic and contemporary design cues.

The distinguishing features of the Devon GTX included an aircraft-quality carbon fiber body, “up and forward” articulating doors, two-tone wheel surrounds, minimal front/rear overhangs, dual center exhaust ports and carbon fiber racing seats.

In validation testing, the vehicle set an unofficial lap record at California’s Willow Springs Raceway.[6] Following subsequent testing, spy photos of the prototype appeared online.[7]

Product development for the Devon GTX was led by former Ford executive engineer Andy Benedict, while assembly and manufacturing was headed by Clive Hawkins, founder of the Aria Group. Aerodynamic testing was supervised by Dr. Joseph Katz, Chairman of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at San Diego State University.[8] Vehicle validation and testing was handled by former 24 Hours of Le Mans champion Justin Bell.

Two GTX cars were completed before production ceased, with one selling for $220,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2012.[9]

  • Devon GTX Front View
  • Devon GTX Side View
  • Devon GTX Rear View
  • Devon GTX Interior View

References
  1. "2009 Devon GTX US". carfolio.com. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  2. "Report: Chrysler's Viper Brand Attracts Just One Bid of $5.5 Million". Motor Trend Magazine. 28 May 2009.
  3. "Sad: Devon Motor Works Closes". carthrottle.com.
  4. Damon Lavrinc. "Monterey 2009: 2010 Devon GTX". Autoblog.
  5. Av Redaktionen. "Devon GTX - designad av Daniel Paulin". auto motor & sport. Archived from the original on 2010-08-25. Retrieved 2009-06-17.
  6. "Devon MotorWorks Introduces Next Great American Supercar - The Devon GTX". Devon MotorWorks. PR Newswire. 2009-06-10. Archived from the original on 2012-07-11.
  7. "2010 Devon GTX [Spied again]". leftlanenews.com.
  8. ""Department of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering" College of Engineering, San Diego State University". Archived from the original on 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
  9. "Devon GTX Sells For Serious Discount at Barrett-Jackson » AutoGuide.com News". AutoGuide.com News. 2012-01-24. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.