The Chrysler 200C EV was a plug-in hybrid concept car unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based on a shortened version of the Chrysler LX platform, it combined a petrol engine with an electric motor and was the first Chrysler to carry the 200 name.
Chrysler 200C at a glance
| Type | plug-in hybrid concept car |
|---|---|
| Shown | 2009 North American International Auto Show, Detroit |
| Platform | shortened Chrysler LX |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive sedan |
| Petrol engine | 268 bhp (200 kW) |
| Electric motor | 74 bhp (55 kW) |
| Electric range | 40 miles (64 km) |
| Combined range | 400 miles (640 km) |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h in about 7 seconds |
| Top speed | over 120 mph (190 km/h) |
| Tyres | P245/45R20 front and rear |
| Exterior design | Nick Malachowski |
This page is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the 200C EV concept.
History of the Chrysler 200C
What it was
The 200C EV was built to show that a large rear-wheel-drive Chrysler could be electrified without giving up performance. The concept used a shortened Chrysler LX platform, a petrol engine rated at 268 bhp and a 74 bhp electric motor. Chrysler quoted an electric-only range of 40 miles (64 km) and a combined range of 400 miles (640 km), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly seven seconds and a top speed of more than 120 mph. The car rode on 245/45R20 tyres at both ends.
Interior and design
The exterior design was led by Nick Malachowski, while the interior came from Chrysler’s Advance Interior Design Studio under Ryan Patrick Joyce; even the flooring was inspired by a Zen rock garden. Inside, the car used uConnect features controlled through a panoramic multimedia touch screen, including a “teen mode” that warned of erratic driving or of leaving a set area and could limit the maximum speed.
Why it mattered
The 200C gave its name to the production Chrysler 200 that followed for the 2011 model year, although the production car was a front-wheel-drive mid-size saloon and convertible rather than a rear-wheel-drive hybrid. The concept remained a one-off show car.
Design and features
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain: a 268 bhp petrol engine paired with a 74 bhp electric motor.
- Long electric range: 40 miles (64 km) on electricity alone, 400 miles (640 km) combined.
- Shortened LX platform: rear-wheel drive in a smaller package than the Chrysler 300.
- uConnect touch screen: a panoramic multimedia display with a “teen mode”.
- Design-led interior: a studio exercise whose flooring was inspired by a Zen rock garden.
Chrysler 200C versions
- 200C concept (2009): the show car itself, a rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid sedan.
- Production Chrysler 200 (2011): the front-wheel-drive saloon and convertible that carried the name to dealers.
The concept was built on the platform of the Chrysler 300 and gave its name to the production Chrysler 200. More cars are in the Chrysler collection.
Sources
- Chrysler 200C EV, English Wikipedia: powertrain, performance, design, show debut
- Chrysler 200C EV, Wikimedia Commons: photographs
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