Chrysler LLC has not given up on the sports car dream. With the Dodge Circuit EV the company is starting from scratch in trying to understand what the demands of the future luxury street racer are without entirely letting go of its sporting past. Based on the Lotus Europa the Dodge Circuit EV features styling inspired by the powerful Dodge Viper with its distinctive crosshair grille, wide track and low hood.
But what makes the car very special is its powertrain. "The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Design, Chrysler LLC.
Gilles' statement is supported by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain. It produces 268hp (200kW) for driving the wheels and utilises an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor. A controller then manages energy flow. Zero to 60mph is covered in under 5 seconds, the quarter mile in 13 seconds and top speed is 120mph. All that with no greenhouse gas emissions at all.
The Dodge Circuit EV will be able to cover between 150 - 200 miles (240km - 322km) before needing a recharge. That recharge can be performed at any standard 110-volt household plug and charging time would be cut in half if done at a 220-volt outlet.
Dodge Circuit EV
Dodge Circuit EV: Brand new version of all-electric sports car boasts unique, fearless Dodge design
All-electric vehicle delivers sports car performance with zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and 150-200 mile driving range
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.
Dodge Circuit EV – Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle Type Battery Electric Vehicle,
2-passenger performance coupe
Weight and Dimensions
Length 153.5 inches / 3900 mm
Width 67.5 inches / 1714 mm
Height 45.3 inches / 1150 mm
Wheelbase 91.7 inches / 2330 mm
Track front / rear 57.4 inches / 1457 mm 58.7 inches / 1490 mm
Turn circle 38.0 feet / 11.6 m
Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - Independent
Rear - Independent
Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P195 / 45ZR17 23.9 inches / 607 mm
Tire size rear P235 / 40ZR18 25.4 inches / 645 mm
Color Scheme
Exterior Tangoreen
Interior Black Leather with Satin Silver accents
Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) less than 5 seconds
Standing ¼-mile low-13 seconds
Top speed greater than 120 mph (approximately 193 kph)
All-electric range 150-200 miles (approximately 241-322 km)
ivanadrive
January 11, 2009 1:20 PM
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