Originally Posted by Autoblog
PRESS RELEASE
Chrysler 200C EV Concept
Contemporary design, Range-extended Electric Vehicle drive system and platform for future connectivity
• Inspired and soulful look at the new Chrysler DNA
• Beauty and brains coalesce in Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle with design and technology appeal
• Futuristic in-vehicle connectivity takes center stage
• ENVI's Range-extended Electric Vehicle drive system with 400-mile range
• 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions
The definitive blend of design and technology, the all-new Chrysler 200C EV concept redefines the idea of responsible mobility with a touch of class and sophistication never before embodied so elegantly in one vehicle.
"The Chrysler 200C EV concept represents the perfect blend of provocative design and leading-edge technology, as well as the new Chrysler DNA," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "Chrysler's latest concept vehicle combines the benefits of progressive, ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology – which offers nearly zero emissions during daily commutes – with a design that boasts a combination of modern shapes, a planted athletic stance with classic overtones and an undeniably luxurious interior.
"What makes the Chrysler 200C EV concept even more meaningful is the use of technology that will make traveling and managing one's life an absolute pleasure," Klegon added. "The 200C EV concept is a connectivity portal to the world outside, creating a rewarding relationship between driver and automobile. The result is a driving experience that celebrates the human instinct to be connected to our world."
The Chrysler 200C EV concept body was designed to manage aerodynamic forces while delivering a stunning form.
On the inside, the 200C EV continues the theme of embracing the future with a highly sculpted and richly appointed environment. The interior is free of switches and levers. All vehicle functions, settings and uconnect features are managed via a panoramic multimedia touch screen, a passenger-dedicated "techno-leaf" and a stowable tablet PC.
Based on a shortened version of Chrysler's successful rear-wheel-drive platform, the Chrysler 200C EV is a performance sedan in a package that looks spirited and agile. It delivers a blend of style, performance and amenities that both automotive and technology enthusiasts want.
"The Chrysler 200C EV embodies our passion for problem solving by combining the best of engineering and automotive design," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design. "With the 200C EV, we were able to maximize the effectiveness of the ENVI powertrain with the stunning, wind-cheating vehicle shape, while pushing toward the future with the avant-garde interior and advanced in-vehicle connectivity.
"Designed for the car lover, the Chrysler 200C EV was inspired by Chrysler's dynamic design legacy, and provides a glimpse at the possibilities for a next-generation Chrysler performance sedan," Gilles added.
Simple and Elegant Exterior Styling
The Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle evokes timeless beauty, coupling the organic form and language of Chrysler's deep design roots with the noble proportions of the Chrysler 300 to create a modern product statement that appeals to both luxury and sports car enthusiasts.
"It was important to design a car that not only appealed to the Chrysler enthusiast, but also could sway the interest of a wide variety of potential customers," said Nick Malachowski, Chrysler 200C EV Lead Exterior Designer. "The essence of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle is sophisticated and fresh. It embraces a more organic design philosophy and helps to push the Chrysler brand design to the next level."
Efficiency is a key element in the design of the Chrysler 200C EV, as its swept-back front end contributes to the vehicle's aerodynamics. The front fascia is a modern interpretation of the winged Chrysler badge, and its distinct grille continues to shape and evolve Chrysler's brand identity. The encompassed grille bars within the front fascia reinforce the sinuous elegance of the 200C EV concept vehicle with its assertive shape and precise execution.
The headlamps and taillamps are treated as dramatic sculptural elements on the vehicle and reinforce the organic form and function carried throughout the design theme. Their placement on the far corners of the vehicle help to visually reduce the front and rear overhangs and contribute to the vehicle's efficient appearance. The lower frontal fog lights and rear backup lights are seamlessly integrated onto the surrounding fascia, and are minimized in scale through the use of LED technology. Modern graphic cues, such as the use of a dissipating dot matrix, are utilized throughout the concept vehicle as both functional and visual elements.
The Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle projects a confident stance and proportion with its optimized wheel-to-body relationship. The clean body-side and restrained line work communicate an elegance achieved only when the "less is more" rule of modern design is followed. Simple, modern details such as aerodynamic mirrors and door handles continue the marriage of form and function.
The eco-friendly, water-based Liquid Graphite Pearl exterior color of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle is a luminous, dark gray, which conveys a serious and sophisticated attitude. The windows are tinted in a Warm Bronze, helping to reduce air-conditioning loads. They are surrounded in hand-crafted polished aluminum accent trim.
Comfort and Connectivity Define Interior Space
Maximizing interior comfort, utilizing space and creating a connected environment were key objectives in creating the interior of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle. Natural, luxurious, organic materials and modern furniture design served as inspiration for the interior design team.
In contrast to the exterior color, the interior space is light and inviting. On the inside, Leaf Green LED lighting and stitching accentuates the organic, clean shape. A combination of Pearl, Graphite and Leaf Green colors combine to create a warm and inviting interior cabin.
"The interior space of the 200C EV concept vehicle is defined by a modern, sculptural form and language that doesn't sacrifice an open and spacious feel," said Ryan Patrick Joyce, Chrysler 200C EV Lead Interior Designer. "If occupants are given the choice to take the short or long route home, I want the interior to inspire them to choose the long way."
Immediately noticeable upon entry is the large screen located on the instrument panel. Starting the vehicle activates the electronic instrument panel that contains an advanced electronic vehicle information center, the next generation of Chrysler's uconnect infotainment system and a compound touch surface.
The compound touch surface is a touch screen that serves as the hub for the vehicle's connectivity system – a system that offers endless avenues of communication and transforms the interior into a portal to the outside world. It can be personalized to suit different drivers or simplified based on preference. Similar to recently introduced touch-screen electronic devices, the driver is able to move images, select infotainment choices and customize images, backgrounds, mood, volume and lighting by simply touching the screen itself.
The emphasis on open space is a hallmark of Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle. An aluminum appliqué dramatically sweeps from the center console, across the instrument panel and onto the passenger's door. The first-row compartment strays from traditional 50/50 seating and has been cleverly designed to give the perception of a more spacious 60/60 seating space. The driver and passenger seats, thin in design with a focus on spinal support, are covered in Pearl chromium-free leather and trimmed with Leaf Green stitching, giving the interior a sporty and luxurious look. All four bucket seats can be heated or cooled with individual temperature controls.
The first-row passenger has access to a techno-leaf that houses personal climate controls and an infotainment system. A simple touch to the smooth glass surface deploys a personal touch screen computer from the glove box. Users can surf the Internet, scroll through their personal media library, schedule vehicle maintenance or send directions to the driver. The compartment located below the techno-leaf is a charging station for personal mobile devices. Electronic devices can be charged by simply laying the unit on the charging pad. Rear passengers have access to a similar charging compartment under the cantilevered front-console arm rest.
The thick-rimmed, one-spoke steering wheel is trimmed in two types of leather. The top of the steering wheel is wrapped in Pearl leather and the lower is covered in Graphite leather accented with Leaf Green perforations. The steering column and stalks are milled from aluminum for a precise, technical feel. Drivers can move the transmission into drive positions via the right stalk. The horn pad is draped in Pearl leather with Leaf Green stitching and is dramatically swept back and emboldened with the Chrysler winged badge.
Climate control for the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle can be utilized indirectly or directly. Indirectly, air flows through the cabin via a metal-mesh outlet located near the windshield. Air can be pointed onto occupants through an illuminated metal-mesh bezel that surrounds the driver screen and passenger outboard vents.
Interior doors on the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle are two-tone. The top-half of the door is trimmed in Pearl leather with Leaf Green stitching and polished aluminum accents; the lower-half is an extension of the flooring.
The concept vehicle flooring is inspired by a Zen rock garden. Gentle Graphite waves flow from the floor, across the sides of the center console and undulate onto the doors. Removable carpeted floor mats are practical and sustainable as they are composed of recycled nylon.
Additional storage can be found in the trunk of the vehicle, which contains a load floor made from recycled leather.
Advance Interior Design Studio
The interior of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle was created in Chrysler LLC's Advance Interior Design Studio. The primary goal of this studio is to improve the quality and fit and finish on all future Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles. By using state-of-the-art design software and computer modeling processes, interior designers can achieve quality and fit and finish objectives faster than ever before. Implementation of the Advance Interior Design Studio has enabled the company to engage suppliers up to a year earlier, allowing more time for customer research, feature approval and material selection. The Advance Interior Design Studio features a dedicated, customer-focused, interior-centric team of designers and engineers.
ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology: The Chrysler 200C EV concept is the newest Chrysler ENVI electric-drive vehicle.
Utilizing ENVI's Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology, the Chrysler 200C EV concept boasts clean, quiet elegance and seamless acceleration, underscoring the engaging driving experience of the Chrysler brand.
Capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power – using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions – the 200C EV uses a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator that produces electricity to extend the driving range to 400 miles.
Chrysler 200C EV Concept – Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle, 4-passenger sedan
Weight and Dimensions
Length 192.1 inches / 4879 mm
Width 73.6 inches / 1870 mm
Height 57.3 inches / 1455 mm
Wheelbase 116.1 inches / 2948 mm
Track front / rear 63 inches / 1600 mm 63 inches / 1600 mm
Turn circle 33.4 feet / 10.1m
Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Motor Peak Power: 200 kW (268 hp), Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - Independent, Rear - Independent
Range extender SULEV gasoline engine and electric generator, Continuous electric power: 55 kW (74 hp)
Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P245 / 45R20 28.7 inches / 728 mm
Tire size rear P245 / 45R20 28.7 inches / 728 mm
Color Scheme
Exterior Liquid Graphite Pearl
Interior Pearl / Leaf Green accents
Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) approximately 7 seconds
Standing ¼-mile mid-14 seconds
Top speed greater than 120 mph (approximately 193 kph)
All-electric range 40 miles (approximately 64 km)
Total driving range up to 400 miles (approximately 644 km)
PRESS RELEASE
Chrysler 200C EV Concept: Platform for future Chrysler Connectivity Features
"uconnect future" to let consumers combine on-line and on-road worlds
• Convenience: new levels of connecting the vehicle to the home and digital lifestyle
• Socialization: in-car social media capability to create "buddy vehicles" with technology similar to MySpace, Facebook and Twitter
• Synchronization: consumers can keep schedules, music, friends and life in synch, even when in their vehicle
The passion for state-of-the-art, transformational vehicle connectivity continues at Chrysler LLC, as demonstrated in the all-new Chrysler 200C EV concept. Delivering unprecedented connectivity in the areas of convenience, socialization and synchronization, the Chrysler 200C EV connects consumers' on-line and on-road environments in state-of-the-art fashion as consumers begin to treat their vehicles as their second home.
"Chrysler is already offering a wide and diverse portfolio of connectivity and infotainment features under its popular uconnect umbrella," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "The 200C EV concept demonstrates Chrysler's 'uconnect future' – a host of unique, trend-setting innovations that will ultimately provide unprecedented convenience to consumers."
The Chrysler 200C EV concept's advanced connectivity features focus on three primary areas: convenience, socialization and synchronization.
Convenience
Personalized profile
Chrysler's advanced connectivity system welcomes the driver, and operator-specific options display on-screen settings.
Settings include radio with audio tagging – allowing occupants to purchase music by clicking on the Mopar icon. Access to Internet radio, stored MP3s, seating position and temperature, are also featured.
Additionally, a "teen setting" can be placed on the vehicle to limit speed and warn the owner if the vehicle is being driven erratically or out of a specific range from home.
Navigation upgrade
A next-generation navigation system features a link to city-street cameras, allowing vehicle occupants to view traffic situations in specific intersections, roadways and airport security terminals in real-time.
Much like an aircraft navigation system, real-time weather data is available to the driver.
Additionally, this advanced system can anticipate fuel efficient routes and provide route recommendations to the driver.
Socialization
Vehicle networking
Using a format similar to existing web sites such as Facebook and Twitter, other vehicles can be added to Chrysler's system which links "buddy" vehicles. Among other capabilities, this feature can show vehicle locations of friends, share directions and music, and provide "instant messaging" capabilities. Drivers can also create their own vehicle networking systems.
Passenger PC
Hidden in the dashboard is a personal computer that neatly slides out for front-seat passenger use. This computer gives the front-seat passenger the ability to use the Internet, access the navigation system, run vehicle diagnostics and read the owner's manual, among other capabilities. All Internet features are available, from video conferencing to checking restaurant reviews and making dinner reservations on Zagat's from the vehicle. The personal computer can be passed from the front-seat passenger to passengers in the rear.
Synchronization
Home/office link
This feature adds a harmonious link between the vehicle and the home and office. System capabilities include monitoring home and office, adjusting home/office lighting, powering up home appliances and utilizing intercoms.
Cell phone fobs
This technology links a "smart" phone to the vehicle. The phone can be programmed to allow starting of the vehicle, adjust power windows and locks and set vehicle temperature.
In addition, an in-vehicle camera can monitor security of the vehicles.
In the event of a lost or stolen vehicle, the phone can disable the vehicle and locate it using satellite imaging.
Finally, the system can relay diagnostic information to the phone, keeping the owner apprised of vehicle systems, such as state of battery charge.
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