This should've been obvious. We know Chrysler's electrified drivetrain is winding its way through its model line. We also know Chrysler's been developing a new, mid-sized sedan. But the automaker's ENVI dog and pony show provided enough bright orange smoke (thanks to the Circuit EV) to distract us until the 2009 NAIAS, where it promptly removed the ace from its sleeve in the form of the 200C EV Concept.
Under the 200C EV's hood is the struggling automaker's now familiar ENVI extended range electric powertrain. It works in a similar fashion to GM's Voltec system, with an electric motor as the primary source of power and a gasoline engine acting as a range extender. Chrysler says the system is capable of 40 miles in all-electric range, meaning no fuel consumption and zero emissions. Chrysler pegs total range at some 400 miles.
At the show, the 200C was introduced with a 268-hp electric motor and a two-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine. Chrysler claims the combination is good for sub-seven second 0-to-60 mph acceleration. While the ENVI system sounds great, it's still several years away at best, and Chrysler has hinted that if produced the 200C could first come to market with a traditional gas engine on board. Although the 300C-sourced platform is V-8 capable, the packaging and design constraints of the 200C reportedly won't allow one. If a non-ENVI 200C indeed hits the market, it would reportedly receive power from the automaker's new Phoenix V-6.
Chrysler shortened the rear-drive LX platform by four inches for the 200C, and though the exterior is new, some shadows of the 300C remain. This should be expected and it's not a bad thing by any means. Recently promoted VP of Chrysler design Ralph Gilles oversaw both vehicles.
Most of the 200C's exterior credit goes to Chrysler designer Nick Malachowski, who utilized clean lines for an attractive, somewhat European look and feel. The concept even mimics some BMW traits -- the trunk for instance is reminiscent of the 6 Series. The head- and tail-lights, raked down the vehicles flanks, appear more modern and stylized. And a new take on the Chrysler logo is affixed to the grille. The front and rear fascias receive an LED treatment, allowing the fog and reverse lamps to recess into the bodywork for a seamless appearance.
The 200C is sprayed in a water-based paint described as "liquid graphite pearl," further underscoring the car's green-themed mission. The trend continues inside, with green LED lighting, recycled nylon as the primary ingredient for the carpeted floor mats, and recycled leather lining the trunk. Interior styling is an intriguing mix of Spartan and avant-garde: the steering wheel for example has one spoke while the rest of the interior contains no switches or levers.
Instead, Chrysler employed a future vision of its highly-touted UConnect multimedia system, a touch-screen interface which controls everything on the 200C.
Not the standard "everything" such as radio and HVAC vehicle systems, but "everything" like a navigation system capable of monitoring traffic cameras; a personal and transportable tablet computer; a Facebook-esque networking and music sharing system; a link to the home or office phone; even parental control over the vehicle's top speed. In short, e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
In total, the striking interior, smart exterior design and the ENVI drivetrain exemplify that even in these trying times that Chrysler can still produce a well-executed concept. Of course the real question now is if the 200C EV -- or at the very least a gas-powered version of it -- will make it to production. But for the time being, we'll enjoy the pleasant surprise.