Flight of fancy

Before Chrysler partnered up with Fiat, the company showed off its electric vehicle possibilities on the 2009 auto show circuit. Although any future plans are being revised, it’s interesting to see how Chrysler envisioned its future.

One of the most notable introductions was the 200C EV concept that showcased not just leading-edge technology, but also the design path possibilities for the next-generation Chrysler sedans.

The look could very well be the evolution of the 300, with more flowing and sculpted lines creating a sleeker look over the current boxiness of Chrysler’s rear-drive flagship sedan. Its functional, easy-to-build qualities stand in stark contrast to the leading edge technology of the interior.

There are no switches or buttons to be found inside, with designers choosing to go with a multi-media touch screen to show instrument readouts and touch screen controls in a panel display that wraps around the steering wheel.

Using technology similar to that used on the latest generation of touch-screen phones, the driver is able to move images around to select backgrounds and preset vehicle functions. A computer slides out from the dash for use by the front seat passenger. It can be passed to the rear seat passengers, who also have a touch-screen display similar to the driver’s for their own preferences and infotainment choices.

The entire interior system can be programmed to a smartphone, allowing start-up and various other vehicle functions to be performed remotely. Security can be monitored via an in-car camera, diagnostic information can be accessed any time, and the car can even be tracked and disabled if it were stolen. And of added interest these days, a teen setting allows the parent to pre-program systems and monitor the car’s usage.

All of that is just flight of fancy, though, on a base that could come to market fairly soon – a four-door family sedan driven by plug-in electric power with an on-board gasoline engine to help generate that electricity once the batteries are depleted – as a Chevy Volt rival.

As with other plug-in EVs, range is 65 km on battery power alone, and extendable to 645 km with the onboard gasoline engine acting as a generator to power the electric motor driving the rear wheels (although it can reportedly be used to drive the front wheels).