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Fiat
has given the green light to the production of a
new ‘mid-size’ (D-segment) Chrysler saloon which
will be based around the styling of the
well-received 200C EV concept car and
underpinned by the Italian carmaker's new D-Evo
platform.
The mid-size
segment is a key category that Fiat has to tackle head-on,
as Chrysler’s current entrant, the Sebring, is one of the
most lacklustre cars in the class. Dodge’s platform
spin-off, the Avenger, has similarly failed to capture the
imagination of buyers. The Sebring is based around the GS
(‘Project Global’) platform that was developed jointly by
Daimler and Mitsubishi and this architecture has received
poor reviews in almost every application to date. In the
segment, the key players are the Toyota Camry and Honda
Accord, the platform sharing Ford Fusion and Mazda 6, Nissan
Altima, the new Suzuki Kizashi, and a raft of overlapping
products from the GM stable, such as the Chevrolet Malibu
and Saturn Aura.
The Chrysler
200C EV was presented at the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit in January as an “Electric Vehicle”
concept, and its styling immediately received very positive
reviews by the media. While it was designed primarily to
showcase Chrysler’s EV technology, its reception led to
closer consideration for it as a replacement for the Sebring
in dealerships, and Chrysler hinted that its production (as
a conventional car) was under consideration. “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,” Ralph Gilles, Chrysler’s Vice-President of Design,
said at the time of its launch. The work of Chrysler’s
Advance Interior Design Studio in Detroit, the 200 EV’s
design paid close attention to aerodynamic efficiency.
Although Fiat
has not yet confirmed the platform choice for the production
Chrysler 200, it is certain to be the group’s new ‘D-Evo’
architecture. This platform is being developed from the C-Evo
platform that is set to make its debut on the forthcoming
Alfa 147 replacement (dubbed ‘Milano’ in the media), and
which in turn has evolved from the Compact platform that
underpins the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta. Originally
developed for the Stilo in 2001, its advanced technology,
using spaceframe ideas, allows the architecture to be easily
stretched to allow it to be used across the C, D and H
segments.
Meanwhile, it
has also emerged that emerged that Fiat has requested
changes to the front and rear styling for the replacement of
the full-size Chrysler 300, due next year as a 2011 model,
along with its platform stablemate, the Dodge Charger.
Chrysler 200 EV
(Electric Vehicle)
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 Group, back in January. “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. 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.
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 colour 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 aluminium
accent trim.
Maximising
interior comfort, utilising 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 colour, 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 colours 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 aluminium 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 aluminium 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 utilised
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 aluminium 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 centre 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.
The interior of
the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle was created in
Chrysler'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 modelling
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.
The Chrysler
200C EV concept is the most recent Chrysler ENVI
electric-drive vehicle. Utilising 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.
ItaliaspeedTV:
Chrysler 200C EV Concept
/
Chrysler 200C EV Concept
"Connectivity"
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