In these days of forced political correctness in the automotive world, I’m almost embarrassed to say that the very concept of electric cars leaves me cold. They have a place deep within urban settings and it is fun to be silently motivated, but there is something missing from the emotional equation. Noise, smells, vibrations all go into the visceral experience that is the automobile. Electric cars just don’t have it.
Even still, the traditional Big 3 know they have to lead the way to the near future if they are to not only survive, but to wrangle public opinion into their corner. All 3 seem to have come out of their Detroit corner swinging today with a barrage of Electric Vehicles. While all are important and somewhat interesting, there is only one that has made this gearhead look twice. The Dodge Circuit EV.
Absolutely, drop dead gorgeous! What an incredibly sexy machine yet I have to admit that I can’t bring myself to read all the gory details, because no matter how fast it is it will still be silent. The highlights? Sub 5 second zero to sixty. 13 second 1/4 mile. 120 mph top speed. Even the 200 mile range is pretty impressive, but….
What about the soundtrack?
Regardless, if Chrysler can make this and their other EV’s really work in the real world they could just lead the way through this crisis.
Read the press release and see more of the dead sexy Circuit after the break
Detroit, Jan 11, 2009 – The Dodge Circuit EV displays bold exterior and interior styling with outstanding performance, zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.
The Dodge Circuit EV design screams pure sports car from every angle. The Dodge Circuit EV’s profile demonstrates perfect proportions for balanced handling, placing the driver and passenger midway along the wheelbase. At the front of the vehicle, the distinctive Dodge crosshair grille splits the wind, sending it over the long, low hood and cleanly over the windshield and cockpit. The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish.
“The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment.”
The Dodge Circuit EV is adorned in all-new “Tangoreen” exterior color, wearing large “EV” graphics on both sides of the sports car.
The uncomplicated interior of the Dodge Circuit EV delivers a combination of pure function and athletic refinement. The cockpit design puts complete control of the car at the driver’s fingertips. Nestled within a leather-covered instrument cluster are two primary analog-face gauges. A digital display conveys information regarding the electric-drive system.
The seats feature deep bolsters and are covered in premium leather. The same premium leather covers the center console and the width of the instrument panel.
The Dodge Circuit EV delivers all of the convenience features of a performance sports car, including premium sound system, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, speed control.
Propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV posts impressive performance numbers:
* 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds
* ¼-mile in 13 seconds
* Top speed of more than 120 mph
Perhaps the most impressive Dodge Circuit EV number, however, is zero. That’s how much gasoline the vehicle consumes while providing exhilarating sports car performance. It’s also how much tailpipe emissions are produced.
The Dodge Circuit EV utilizes just three powertrain components. These include a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.
Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of 150 to 200 miles between charges – more than triple the average daily commute of most consumers. Recharging the vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.
The Dodge Circuit EV offers driving enthusiasts a performance sports car that can be driven to work every day – without consuming gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Those who know me will vouch that I’m not one for green environmentally friendly machines.
I tend to look at it this way…If our children and our children’s children are going to have to drive around in geeky looking cardboard boxes doing 25mph just to save the planet, then their lives are not going to be worth living anyway, so let’s all drive honking great V8’s and go out with a bang!!
However, if that new concept from Dodge is the future, then I say, “Bring it on”! I wouldn’t care if it was powered by elastic bands or hemp, I’ drive it!!!
Next big spec series?!?! HAHA fans would think they went deaf as the electric “racecars” went by….
I don’t care if I can’t hear the thing running… It would be that much cooler to hear all the other cars as I go by…
Think how pissed a guy would be to get passed by something that doesn’t make a sound!!! haha