Chrysler 200C EV Concept at the Detroit Auto Show

• Looks like: A Chrysler that won’t end up at Alamo
• Defining characteristics: 40-mile range on a full charge, touch-screen controls
• Ridiculous features: Leaf Green LED lighting, one-spoke steering wheel
• Chance of being mass-produced: If Chrysler can survive, pretty good

Witness Chrysler’s four-door competitor to the Chevy Volt: The 200C EV Concept can run 40 miles on electric-only power and 400 miles using a small engine-generator. It’s built on a shortened version of Chrysler’s rear-wheel-drive LX platform – think 300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger – but looks like no other Chrysler on the market. The front end looks a bit like the Hyundai Genesis, while the rear recalls a BMW 6 Series. All are good signs for a company better known for designing cars of a more pedestrian, er, caliber.

Inside, the 200C is still very much in concept-car territory. A panoramic screen spans much of the dash, purportedly offering the sort of roaming touch-screen interface we saw in the latest Bond movie. A recharging port for mobile devices, media libraries and internet browsing are all part of the setup, and the four-seat interior has heated and cooled chairs with pearl leather upholstery. As in several BMW and Mercedes models, the 200C has a column-mounted electronic shifter. Chrysler says the floor was inspired by a Zen rock garden, with molded waves and recycled-nylon floormats.

The prospect of a production 200C depends on Chrysler’s survival, but the drivetrain has promise. It offers very similar capabilities to the Volt, and if it makes it into a production car it will likely go a long way toward lifting Chrysler’s downtrodden image.

Comments

Hmm... maybe I don't want Chrysler to go bankrupt...

There is hope...

For the first time in a long while (for Chryslers)... wow. Just, wow.

The trunk lid reminds me of the 5-series, but seems to blend in a lot better on the 200C. The front grill is Genesis-esque and works well. The side profile is just about spot on.

Now I hope Chrysler doesn't go bankrupt. This might work out for them. Hope it works out for em though. It looks good all 360, and something that won't be straight from an Avis or National rental service.

I have to say this totally surprised me. It is a good looking car.

Ok, that is a very, very good looking design. I would drive this.

They can't build that soon enough. Just make sure the underpinnings are up to par with the design. The current sebring drives horribly.

That is a great looking car. When we see it in the showroom though it will have sub-17 inch wheels instead of the 20+ inchers on the concept and it will have a different looking set of ground effects if any. What you see above will be in the way-up trim.

Still though...looks like a smoother version of the caddy CTS. I would buy one in a heartbeat if it drives like it looks and comes with a 3-pedal option (stick).

DP..St. Louis

I usually don't like cars with long wheelbases as it makes them look like Dacshunds but this one hides those proportions very, very well. Not sure about the CTS reference though, that car was designed with a ruler. This is sort of last gen E-class front, Infiniti profile and blunt 6-series tail. Love the aggressive quick dropoff on the tail and short decklid too. Combined with the snug overhang on the nose it hides the overall size well.

if Chrysler were to take this vehicle and put in the two-mode system that it already has, then it could save the company.

if we are to stay we at chrysler's must
continue to redisign our smaller cars.
I believe we need to invest in engines that can get 40 miles to the gallen. especially
our smaller cars. Then we'll be on our way
out of the and back into the black.
sincerly chrysler retiree.

this is really nice should take us in the right direction if you guys build it. now on to pressing news is there any way we the people can take a sneek peek at the 2011 chrysler 300 concept i really need to see should be as beautiful as this one.................talk to you soon..................

I am blown away. I can't help myself from being excited. This car is beyond words to describe. Always knew Chrysler had top designers. I love the 95-00 Cirrus/Stratus, PtCruiser, Pacifica, 300C, Magnum and Challenger. The Charger was a disappointment to me. But this 200C is way ahead in design and has me totally into the wanting one now feeling. Cannot wait to see them in the showrooms. Chrysler was certainly doing there work, yet still so many said let them fail.

This is one great looking cars, I have yet to drive a Chrysler, of any model but I have seen them on the roads in South Africa and they are stunning, this model is no exception. It is filled with for great features for a luxury sedan, and the safety features are even better, I will be looking out for this one the roads to see how good it looks. Nice post.