Devon Motorworks Explained

Devon Motorworks
Type:Private
Foundation:2008
Defunct:2013
Founder:Scott Devon
Location City:Los Angeles, CA
Location Country:United States
Key People:Scott Devon, Andy Benedict, Justin Bell, Daniel Paulin, Jason Wilbur, Dr. Joseph Katz, Aria Group, Jerry Deeney
Industry:Industrial Design

Devon Motorworks was an American car brand based in Los Angeles, California. The company was known for being the sole bidder for the Dodge Viper.

Company

Devon GTX
Production:2009-2012
Class:Sports car (S)
Platform:Dodge Viper
Related:Dodge Viper
Bristol Fighter
Chrysler Firepower
Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3
Body Style:2-door liftback coupé
Engine:8.4 L Viper V10
Layout:FR layout
Transmission:6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual
Wheelbase:98.8inches[1]
Length:172.2inches
Width:78.5inches
Height:48.4inches
Weight:3460lb

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2009 Devon GTX US . September 23, 2020 . carfolio.com.
  2. Web site: Report: Chrysler's Viper Brand Attracts Just One Bid of $5.5 Million. 28 May 2009. Motor Trend Magazine.
  3. Web site: Sad: Devon Motor Works Closes. carthrottle.com.
  4. Web site: Monterey 2009: 2010 Devon GTX. Damon Lavrinc. Autoblog.
  5. Web site: Devon GTX - designad av Daniel Paulin. Av Redaktionen. auto motor & sport. 2009-06-17. https://web.archive.org/web/20100825125738/http://www.automotorsport.se/news/18261/devon-gtx--designad-av-daniel-paulin/. 2010-08-25. dead.
  6. News: Devon MotorWorks Introduces Next Great American Supercar - The Devon GTX . https://archive.today/20120711051623/http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-10-2009/0005041759&EDATE= . dead . 2012-07-11 . PR Newswire . Devon MotorWorks . 2009-06-10 .
  7. Web site: 2010 Devon GTX [Spied again]]. leftlanenews.com.
  8. Web site: "Department of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering" College of Engineering, San Diego State University . 2009-07-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090220163811/http://www.engineering.sdsu.edu/aerospace/katz.html . 2009-02-20 . dead .
  9. News: Devon GTX Sells For Serious Discount at Barrett-Jackson » AutoGuide.com News. 2012-01-24. AutoGuide.com News. 2018-05-30. en-US.