Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
Detroit 2009: Dodge Circuit EV [w/VIDEO]
by Jonathon Ramsey on Jan 11th 2009 at 2:32PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Circuit EV
The circuit is one of those things that makes us go "Hmmm." It is not particularly attractive, not particularly innovative, and not particularly noteworthy except that it's an electric car with "Dodge" written on it. The 200kW (268 hp) motor get the "Tangoreen" 2-door to 60 in less than five seconds, and the quarter-mile is a 13-second affair.
Still, as the continuation of what might be considered last summer's cynical exercise we have nothing against the Dodge Circuit -- but unless they price it a great deal lower than a Tesla or make it a great deal cooler than Lotus' (possibly) coming range-extendedEvora Europa, then we aren't sure what to do with the Circuit for now. You can read the press release after the jump and check out the high-res gallery of photos below... But for our money, the Chrysler 200C Concept is what the future of the Pentastar is all about.
The circuit is one of those things that makes us go "Hmmm." It is not particularly attractive, not particularly innovative, and not particularly noteworthy except that it's an electric car with "Dodge" written on it. The 200kW (268 hp) motor get the "Tangoreen" 2-door to 60 in less than five seconds, and the quarter-mile is a 13-second affair.
Still, as the continuation of what might be considered last summer's cynical exercise we have nothing against the Dodge Circuit -- but unless they price it a great deal lower than a Tesla or make it a great deal cooler than Lotus' (possibly) coming range-extended
Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Circuit EV
Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV
PRESS RELEASE
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)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
t_bracelin 2:40PM (1/11/2009)
The roof look like it was ripped off a tesla/lotus.
Reply
happy_penguin 2:40PM (1/11/2009)
I heard him say something about a range extender version. Hear that, Tesla?
Reply
F-22 2:56PM (1/11/2009)
Presenting the Lotus Europa...
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2007/2007-Lotus-Europa-FA-1024x768.jpg
t_bracelin 3:04PM (1/11/2009)
Wow dodge, honestly?
AC0 3:10PM (1/11/2009)
Funny you should say that...
Randy 7:13PM (1/11/2009)
I agree!
Actually the general shape looks like a Lotus Elise (which I see one everyday at work in the same color). Other than the roof scoop on the Lotus you can confuse them!
The rear end looks like it was blended onto the Lotus profile with a Mazda 3 and the front lower clip is Dodge's.
Looks neat though! It's a total style ripoff though! Whoever game the first poster a minus should look again...
Jared 8:57PM (1/11/2009)
Tesla & Lotus & Circuit = one in the same...
XGM 12:11AM (1/12/2009)
Its hard to rip off Lotus when they did work on the car, seeing as its based off their Europa concept.
Randy 2:44PM (1/12/2009)
I agree! I posted already but I hit the wrong reply!
This is a drivetrain and rebadge job!
It's the Lotus Europa
Spitting image!
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2007/2007-Lotus-Europa-FA-1024x768.jpg
Sea Urchin 2:44PM (1/11/2009)
Look Chrysler needs cars that will sell in large numbers, ASAP. Why even waste money of this, they need to outfit Seabring with EV tech and see how the public will receive it.
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tankd0g 2:53PM (1/11/2009)
Don't worry, this is just a PR stunt. There's no way in hell they are going to be selling a rebadged Evora.
freshforged 3:33PM (1/11/2009)
see the Chrysler 200 C EV
thanks for keeping up with the news
firstplace 3:30PM (1/11/2009)
this is cool, but agree unless the price is great this will only sell in tesla numbers at best.
Autblogist! 2:49PM (1/11/2009)
I totally agree with Sea Urchin. This thing doesn't even do a good job of sparking interest Chrysler. This has better be some serious trickle down technology. If not it was a pointless excercise and waste of money.
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Dan 2:49PM (1/11/2009)
Good idea, bad execution.
If Chrysler wants to promote electric vehicles, they need a good platform to put it into, one that everyone who wants a Chrysler product would be willing to buy.
This means: Put electrics into the best selling Jeep, the best selling Chrysler, and the best selling Dodge. If you can move the electric concept with those vehicles, then (and only then) should you come up with an electric sports car.
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Indy 2:51PM (1/11/2009)
Nothing new here. Prius FTW!
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Red 3:07PM (1/11/2009)
Cheaper Insight FTW...
happy_penguin 4:33PM (1/11/2009)
Insight beats the living sh!t out of the Pious. The public won't be fooled any longer. They know the Pious sucks in all it's hideousness.
James Mooney 3:01PM (1/11/2009)
I think that of the 5 ENVI vehicles we have seen, the Dodge Circuit is the least likely to make it to production, at least in its current form. The reason for this is that it does not share a platform with any other vehicles. This does not mean that the Dodge EV powertrain is not being developed for another vehicle, but I suspect that CLLC wanted to show an EV sports car but didn't have the body for one. Maybe they are working on a new sub-compact platform that will underpin the Dodge Circuit EV, Dodge Demon roadster, and second-gen Dodge Hornet-- wouldn't that be nice???
This also indicates a commitment for defining the brands more clearly. They could have just as easily shown a Dodge Caliber EV instead of the Jeep Patriot, but they wanted to show a Dodge sports car. The two Chrysler brand EVs are both upmarket premium vehicles, and the two Jeep brand EVs are both off-road capable SUVs (they could have shown a Compass EV and a Liberty EV, but instead they showed two vehicles with a much more rugged image).
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Indy 3:04PM (1/11/2009)
Nice thought, but who cares. Chrysler is dead. Only Toyota, Honda and Nissan will survive.