AutoblogGreen.Com | Posted Jan 14th 2008 12:00AM by Dan Roth
click above for more high-res images of the Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
One of three Pentastar concepts powered by some combination of cutting-edge technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager continues the automaker's fascination with art-deco by resurrecting the Stout Scarab. Doing away with a conventional powertrain and installing a 45kW fuel cell allows the 268-horsepower electric motor to spin the wheels for 300 miles before refueling. The Li-Ion batteries give the concept a theoretical range of 40 miles before the fuel cell is called upon, and regenerative braking recovers some energy for the batteries, too.
The skateboard nature of the chassis and power systems allows for a very roomy cabin and low center of gravity, which aids handling. Weighing in at a modest 2,750 pounds, the ecoVoyager doesn't have a problem performing like the cars we know and love, either. 0-60 is dispatched in 8.8 seconds, and Chrysler's claiming a 12.9 second quarter mile, which we find astounding to the point of disbelief. A 13-second quarter mile seems too fleet, even for the eyeball-flattening torque delivery of electric motors. Nuts and bolts aside, Chrysler outfitted the ecoVoyager's interior to keep occupants connected, entertained, fed and watered. There's even dual strips of sunroof that don't look at all like toaster slots. The goal was to create the earth-bound experience that a Gulfstream jet offers in the air. The powertrain of the ecoVoyager certainly outpaces the mere jet-age ideas of a G5.
Gallery: Detroit 2008: Chrysler ecoVoyager concept
AutoblogGreen.Com | Posted Jan 14th 2008 12:00AM by Damon Lavrinc
click above for more high-res pics of the Dodge Zeo concept
Chrysler is out to convince folks of its green cred here in Detroit, so it's offering up the Dodge Zeo to the fuel- and emissions-conscious masses. The 2+2 coupe features 64kWh of electric energy that's sent to the rear wheels via a 268-hp motor. Dodge claims that the 2,650-pound Zeo can amble along for 250 miles before it's due for a recharge, although we'd suspect that turning the massive 23-inch wheels might take a bite out of the Zeo's long-range cruising capabilities. The actual mechanicals are also, most likely, a figment of some product planner's imagination at the moment.
The design is typical concept car flare, with wheels pushed to the edges of the body and a steeply raked windshield that carries all the way to the rear of the vehicle, terminating in a tapered hatch that's accentuated by massive fender flares.
We don't expect the Zeo to come to fruition anytime soon if at all, but we approve of automakers at least entertaining the idea that being green doesn't need to overwhelm a vehicle's personality.
AutoblogGreen.Com | Posted Jan 14th 2008 12:00AM by Alex Nunez
Click image for high-res gallery
Chrysler is showing three concepts that leverage the automaker's ENVI electric vehicle tech tech today in Detroit. The Chrysler ccoVoyager and Dodge ZEO concepts will be covered in separate posts, but they share their main electric drivetrains with Jeep's open-air concept. At the center of ENVI is a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor with a 40 mile range that's powered by lithium ion batteries. The Renegade concept uses a pair of these -- one on each axle to create a proper 4X4 -- and adds a low gear mode, locking differentials, and a Bluetec diesel "range-extender" engine that gives it the equivalent of 110 mpg when combined with the electric motors. We see a little of the 1998 Jeepster Concept in the Renegade's front end, but beyond that, the little two-seater goes its own way, putting a modern spin on the Wrangler ethos that incorporates environmental sustainability into the overall equation without sacrificing the brand's off-road roots and identity. You can read Chrysler's full press release on the Renegade after the jump.
AWD, TT 4.0L V6, SRT-badging, $3-5k premium, and 20k a year production.
Any family man who still has balls left over from the marriage and kids will buy it.
Family men who have lost their balls will buy it to get them back.
Win-win.
__________________
"This car is 100% sh*ts and giggles."A car can be a tool but it can also be so much more. It can be a heart-starter, it can be a drug, it can be a piece of art and it can stir your soul.
"Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary... that's what gets you." Jeremy Clarkson
the jeep is ugly, and the chrysler looks like a chrysler take on the prius, with more expense. I really like the Zeo though. I hope that one makes production. It's a rolling claybar unfortunately, none of those media shots are 'real' shots of it moving, all photoshop work.
Looking at the interiors, though, the interior looks good compared to recent attempts from daimler; granted a little too bright [too much white, but it looks good in all three concepts.
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