Chrysler 200C EV Concept

Presented at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, the Chrysler 200C EV is a sporty sedan based on a shortened version of Chrysler’s rear-wheel-drive platform.

The aerodynamic body combines the organic form and language of Chrysler’s design roots with the proportions of the Chrysler 300.

Inside, there are no switches or 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.

The ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology allows the 200C EV Concept to run for up to 40 miles on battery-only power, while a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator produces electricity to extend the driving range up to 400 miles.

From the official Press Release:

Exterior Design

Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design explains “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.”

“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 Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle […] 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 appearance with their assertive shape.

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 color 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 aluminum accent trim.

Interior

Maximizing interior comfort, utilizing 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 color, 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 colors 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.”

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 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 enhanced by an aluminum appliqué which 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 aluminum. 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 swept back and emboldened with the Chrysler winged badge.

Climate control for the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle can be utilized 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 aluminum 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 center 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 Advance Interior Design Studio

The interior of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle was created in Chrysler LLC’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, using state-of-the-art design software and computer modeling processes.

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.

(Source: Chrysler)