Chrysler Unplugs ENVI Program

You could see this one coming – in a bid to concentrate on bringing forth new products based on mostly Fiat technology, the Chrysler Group LLC pulled the plug on its ENVI electric car program. ENVI, which was featured front and center last year as Chrysler sought financial assistance from the federal government, is going away demonstrating what mostly everyone knew about this initiative: that it was vaporware.

L.A. Showing

Last year, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, I saw the ENVI display hurriedly put together by Chrysler. Those cars included electric versions of a Chrysler minivan and Jeep Wrangler in addition to the Dodge Circuit EV (pictured). Chrysler had promised way back when that the Circuit would hit the market by the end of 2010, provided that the requested funding from the federal government was made available. Those funds came, Chrysler went bankrupt, Fiat took over and the ENVI program has been aborted.

Apparently, the following statement issued by Chrysler in September 2008 about the ENVI no longer applies:

“We have a social responsibility to our consumers to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and our intention is to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO – Chrysler LLC. “The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market.”

Nardelli Vanishes

Okay, Nardelli is long gone and the face of Chrysler has changed, but you have to wonder exactly what position Chrysler will take when it comes to delivering fuel efficient, environmentally friendly cars. Their only chance of that seems as though it is hinged upon whatever Fiat does and, according to what I’ve read, the Fiat 500 may be the best effort put forth by the Italian automaker. Perhaps that diminutive gas model will eventually be joined by a plug-in electric hybrid. Who knows.

ENVI stood for the first four letters of “environmental” – which was tasked with helping Chrysler develop electric-drive production vehicles and ancillary technologies.

Circuit EV

If there is anything unfortunate about this announcement is that the design for the Dodge Circuit EV may end up going to waste. Apparently, there is an all new Viper design in the works for 2012, but my thinking is that vehicle will come from Ferrari/Maserati, not Lotus which crafted the Circuit. Ferrari and Maserati are part of the extensive Fiat Group which means that whatever design plans are on the horizon, an Italian design studio may be involved.

Tesla S Unveiled!

Somebody with Tesla Motors may be in deep trouble for leaking the following three photographs just hours before the public unveiling of the upcoming Tesla S to the world today.

No matter, the pictures are out and the car has been unveiled, revealing a gorgeous sedan to go with the automaker’s first car, the Tesla Roadster. As commented on elsewhere, the Tesla S looks a lot like the Jaguar XF, especially from the rear, with the clear roof being a distinguishing feature on the swoopy new sedan.

Check out the center stack — the biggest and probably most comprehensive unit of its kind in the industry.

It won’t be before 2011 when the Tesla S rolls out, but with an anticipated sticker price of $57,400 it’ll match the XF in looks and be darn close in price.

Looks like Tesla Motors has another winner on its hands, a sedan that has the potential to push the brand ever upward.

Chrysler 200C EV: Beauty Meets Electricity

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show is the Chrysler 200C EV concept.

Now being shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan are five vehicles from Chrysler LLC, concepts cars which each run on electricity.

One of the cars featured, the Chrysler 200C EV, is actually based on a shortened version of the automaker’s rear wheel drive architecture, a five passenger sedan that offers a fluid design and an overall handsome look.

“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.”

Getting the car into production may be a bit of a challenge for Chrysler who is presently going through its worst financial crisis since its founding. Recently, the automaker received a multi-billion loan package from the federal government and is currently seeking an additional three billion dollars in a bid to stay afloat.

Each of the Chrysler electric vehicles on display are either reworkings of current models or in the case of the Chrysler 200C EV and Dodge Circuit EV, entirely new cars designed by Chrysler’s design team which is headed up by Ralph Gilles, the designer of the award winning Chrysler 300C.

If Chrysler manages to find funding and/or a buyer to survive for the long term, each of the lithium-ion powered cars could play a significant role in the automaker’s future.

However, the current economic downturn and the federal government’s unwillingness to continually support the trouble American auto industry could cut short Chrysler’s quest to rebound.

Source: Chrysler LLC