When Chrysler introduced the world to a trio of electric vehicle concepts at a hastily assembled press conference back in September, we were surprised. Chrysler claimed that it had chosen not to make a big noise about its alternative powertrain development, distancing its plan from the approach GM is taking with its many (and continued) progress updates on the Chevrolet Volt. Up until that point, it seemed the Pentastar was content to let the world believe that the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen two-mode hybrids—on sale just this summer and already slated to be killed off by January—were its only solutions. The three EVs proved otherwise.
Two of the concepts were extended-range EVs based on a minivan and a Jeep Wrangler—two of Chrysler's few competitive products—while the third was a fully electric affair created using a Lotus Europa 2+2 coupe. The word back in September was that one of the three cars would go into production by 2010, and it was easy for us to believe that we’d never see the Dodge EV on the road again. Not so, apparently, as these spy shots provide the second surprise from the Lotus-based car.
Testing appears to be ongoing, with these grainy photos showing reworked front and rear fascias that likely accept Dodge-specific lights. (In the rush to show the vehicle to the press this fall, Chrysler rolled out what was basically a Lotus with Dodge emblems, including one glued over the badge on the steering wheel.) The most obvious change is on the face where Dodge’s signature cross-hair treatment fronts the lower grille, giving it a striking resemblance to the now-defunct Stratus coupe. We’ve created a rendering of what this vehicle might look like based on the spy photos. The new styling shows that Dodge is serious about its plans to bring this vehicle to market, even while it’s having trouble selling its mainstream wares.
Two of the concepts were extended-range EVs based on a minivan and a Jeep Wrangler—two of Chrysler's few competitive products—while the third was a fully electric affair created using a Lotus Europa 2+2 coupe. The word back in September was that one of the three cars would go into production by 2010, and it was easy for us to believe that we’d never see the Dodge EV on the road again. Not so, apparently, as these spy shots provide the second surprise from the Lotus-based car.
Testing appears to be ongoing, with these grainy photos showing reworked front and rear fascias that likely accept Dodge-specific lights. (In the rush to show the vehicle to the press this fall, Chrysler rolled out what was basically a Lotus with Dodge emblems, including one glued over the badge on the steering wheel.) The most obvious change is on the face where Dodge’s signature cross-hair treatment fronts the lower grille, giving it a striking resemblance to the now-defunct Stratus coupe. We’ve created a rendering of what this vehicle might look like based on the spy photos. The new styling shows that Dodge is serious about its plans to bring this vehicle to market, even while it’s having trouble selling its mainstream wares.
