Sep

Secret Chrysler Plug-in Hybrid Concept Revealed (to Dealers)!

Posted by admin Published in Chrysler

So that’s what they’ve been up to… After teasing us with $2.99 a gallon gas and half-baked half-electric Aspens and Durangos, Chrysler’s finally shown its petrified dealer network it isn’t entirely out of ideas, let alone out of touch with reality.

Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press told the Associated Press that some dealers have seen advanced prototypes of the company’s plug-in hybrid technology. According to the LA Times, Press said he’d actually driven the “producible prototypes,” which have a range of 300 miles and can do 0-60 in less than four seconds.

Way back in September of 2007, Chrysler tapped its best and brightest to join the Envi unit, a tasked with developing new fuel efficient powertrains. It was a welcome break for Chrysler’s worst and dullest, who already worked tough sufficient on the Sebring. Now, Envi has apparently come up with some real cars that are further along than the ecoVoyager (pictured above), Jeep Renegade and Dodge NEO concepts shown in January.

Press didn’t elaborate on a timeline for releasing the plug-ins, but Reuters reported that Envi is expected to have their first product to market

in three to five years. Most likely, according to Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa, the first Envis will be vehicles with electric-only ranges of 40 miles. Considering the Volt is on track to hit dealerships by 2010 and that countless other plug-ins are in the works, Chrysler may once again be so late to the party that the hosts have already passed out. Of course, that might be when the party’s just getting good.

There is still one market segment that a slightly more nimble Chrysler could conquer. Press presented to be well aware of that when he told reporters the Envi hybrid powertrain would be particularly appropriate for an off-road vehicle. Jeep owners would be thrilled not to have to concern about smashing their oil pan on a boulder, as an Envi-ed Renegade wouldn’t even have an oil pan. Plus, the silent powertrains would allow the most callous off-roaders to desecrate nature without an exhaust note loud sufficient to sharp the Environmental Police.

Image courtesy Chrysler.

Original post by Keith Barry