If you recall
Chrysler's PR coup from this past summer, you'll likely remember the Dodge EV - a two-seat electric sports car that was reportedly a demonstration of Chrysler's forthcoming electric technology. You'll then realize the
2010 Dodge Circuit, unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, is essentially the same car. Though it wears a new coat of tangerine paint and a cute electrical double-entendre name (Charger, it seems, was already taken), the Circuit is obviously the EV's twin - albeit with a few tweaks. The most notable modification lies with the front fascia, where designers added the Dodge four-bar grille in an attempt to disguise the Circuit's Lotus origins. The remainder of the car - headlamps included - is carried over from Lotus' Europa, which keen-eyed sports car enthusiasts will certainly notice.
Underhood, things haven't changed since we first saw the Dodge EV. The Circuit still uses a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor, which produces a whopping 480 lb-ft of torque.
Chrysler claims that torque lets the Circuit hit 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds. Top end is reportedly more than 120 mph. Powering that motor is a lithium-ion battery pack, mounted just behind the cabin. Chrysler's mum on the technical details here, but says the batteries will provide enough power for a 150 to 200 mile range. Recharging can be done in four hours via a 220-volt outlet, or in eight hours with a standard 110-volt household outlet. Chrysler says all of its ENVI concepts - the
2010 Dodge Circuit included - are production intent and could reach dealers by 2013. That said, we wonder how much of a market exists for a low-volume, high-cost electric roadster built in part by Lotus.
Dodge Circuit Wallpapers
Dodge Circuit Wallpapers
Dodge Circuit Wallpapers
Dodge Circuit Wallpapers
