|
The definitive blend of design and technology, the all-new Chrysler 200C
EV concept redefines the idea of responsible mobility with a touch of
class and sophistication never before embodied so elegantly in one
vehicle.
"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."
The Chrysler 200C EV concept body was
designed to manage aerodynamic forces while delivering a stunning form.
On the inside, the Chrysler 200C EV continues the theme of embracing the
future with a highly sculpted and richly appointed environment. The
interior is free of switches and 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.
Based on a shortened version of Chrysler's successful rear-wheel-drive
platform, the Chrysler 200C EV is a performance sedan in a package that
looks spirited and agile. It delivers a blend of style, performance and
amenities that both automotive and technology enthusiasts want.
"The Chrysler 200C EV embodies our passion for problem solving by
combining the best of engineering and automotive design," said Ralph
Gilles, Vice President - Design. "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," Gilles
added.
Simple and Elegant Exterior Styling
The Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle evokes timeless beauty, coupling
the organic form and language of Chrysler's deep design roots with the
noble proportions of the Chrysler 300 to create a modern product
statement that appeals to both luxury and sports car enthusiasts.
"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 essence of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle
is sophisticated and fresh. It 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 sinuous elegance of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle with its
assertive shape and precise execution.
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 of
the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle 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.
Comfort and Connectivity Define Interior
Space
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 Chrysler 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."
Immediately noticeable upon entry is the large screen located on the
instrument panel. 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 offers endless avenues
of communication and 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 a hallmark of Chrysler 200C EV concept
vehicle. An aluminum appliqué dramatically 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
for a precise, technical feel. 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 dramatically 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.
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. By using state-of-the-art design
software and computer modeling processes, interior designers can achieve
quality and fit and finish objectives faster than ever before.
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.
ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle
Technology
The Chrysler 200C EV concept is the
newest Chrysler ENVI electric-drive vehicle.
Utilizing ENVI's Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology, the
Chrysler 200C EV concept boasts clean, quiet elegance and seamless
acceleration, underscoring the engaging driving experience of the
Chrysler brand.
Capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power - using zero
gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions - the 200C EV uses a
small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator that produces
electricity to extend the driving range to 400 miles.
|
