Deja Vu: Chrysler Brings Detroit Show EV Concepts to Geneva

To the surprise of no one, cash-strapped Chrysler LLC won't be performing any global premieres at next week's Geneva Motor Show. Instead, the American automaker will showcase its electric vehicle future (that is, if it makes it through the economic crisis) with the European premieres of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle and Dodge Circuit EV prototype, both of which made their debut at January's Detroit Auto Show.

The stylishly-penned Chrysler 200C EV mid-size sedan concept comes equipped the firm's ENVI electric-drive system that combines a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator. According to Chrysler, the rear-wheel drive 200C has 64 kilometers (40 miles) of all-electric range, and a total-driving range of 644-kilometer (400-mile).

The Lotus Elise-based Dodge Circuit EV is a sport proposition that boasts a range of 241 to 322 kilometers (150 to 200 miles) with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

Video Galore: Chrysler 200C Hybrid-Electric Concept Presentation, Driving and Static Footage

True, as many of our readers cleverly pointed out, Chrysler's surprise concept at this year's Detroit Show, certainly does bear a resemblance (or two...) up front with the Opel Insignia. But to tell you the truth, in our books, Chrysler's designers did a wonderful job with the 200C EV, creating a dynamically styled and well proportioned rear-wheel drive sport sedan. If the firm manages to make it through these difficult times, we hope that the 200C will find its way into production. Hit the jump to watch four videos of the concept that include the Detroit Show presentation, driving and static footage as well as interviews with car's designers.

Chrysler 200C EV Detroit Show Presentation

Chrysler 200C EV Driving and Static Footage

Chrysler 200C EV Exterior Designers

Chrysler 200C EV Interior Designers

Detroit Show: Chrysler's Gorgeous 200C Hybrid-Electric Concept

Seeing Chrysler's all-new 200C mid-size sedan concept, it makes you wonder how different things would have been for the brand if it had presented a car like this as the Sebring's replacement. Blending the classic, rear-wheel drive design proportions and low roof line / high beltline of the Chrysler 300 with modern styling elements, the 200C is a beautifully penned sedan. Usually we find official statements as being boring and unreal, but we fully agree with Chrysler when it says that the 200C is "a modern product statement that appeals to both luxury and sports car enthusiasts."

On the inside, Chrysler's design team went for a futuristic -and obviously non-realistic- look with a highly sculpted dashboard that is free of switches and levers. All the vehicle's functions, settings and connect features are managed via a panoramic multimedia touch screen, a passenger-dedicated "techno-leaf" and a stowable tablet PC.

Based on a shortened version of the 300's rear-wheel-drive platform, the 200C features Chrysler's ENVI electric-drive system that combines a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator that produces electricity to extend the driving range to 400 miles. According to Chrysler, the 200C is capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power, using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions.