Normally, the MSM “sells” whatever the automakers are selling. Something to do with advertising, perhaps. The autoblogosphere—no stranger to junketry and the press car gravy train—is not unfamiliar with this paradigm. You’d be forgiven for thinking that Chrysler’s incipient collapse would force both camps to at least mention the domestic’s forthcoming dissolution when hyping a new model. You know, “As Chrysler struggles to survive, the company has announced plans to produce an electric roadster, which has less chance of seeing the light of day than a Palestine Mole Rat.” To its credit, Autobloggreen almost goes there: “It looks like the Dodge Circuit EV may have won the ‘who wants to be the first electric Chrysler concept to go into production’ contest. Although they still haven’t officially made an announcement, Chrysler’s viability plan did list an ‘EV Roadster’ as part of their 2010 product line. Based on the lightweight Lotus Europa and using drivetrain parts pilfered from UQM . . . its 150 to 200 mile range is significantly higher than many other electric vehicles in the works and should add to its appeal . . . Since the Circuit will probably change somewhat as it makes the transition to a production vehicle, tell us in the comments section what you would like to see in the sales-floor version.” I’m thinking cupholders. You?
Lotus is making quite a little business for themselves building electric cars with other people’s money. Tesla redux.
I like the way it looks, especially the color. Slap the SRT-4 motor in there, or even the old 2.2 Turbo, and we are good to go.
The Acura RSX called – it wants it’s headlights back.
Building an electric toy off someone else’s platform with a fixed range and no thought to charging, that’s easy.
Let’s see that EV Caravan.
Isn’t Chrysler within days of liquidation?
“Although they still haven’t officially made an announcement, Chrysler’s viability plan did list an ‘EV Roadster’ as part of their 2010 product line…”
So Autobloggreen is speculating, another words talking up a rumor since there is no official announcement.
“Since the Circuit will probably change somewhat as it makes the transition to a production vehicle, tell us in the comments section what you would like to see in the sales-floor version.”
Farago, you were right about advertisements – but not of the traditional kind. This was blatant attempt to get page hits so they could get more adverts for a 2nd rate blog.
This should have been done long ago. Irrespective of Musk’s behavior I like the idea of the plucky startup, but the established players should have murdered his business plan with some direct competition right from the start.
NickR
While I might agree with you 100% this thing is going to cost as much (or more) than a Viper, so it’ll need a v-8 or EV powertrain (something sexy for marketing).
If this does show up and is priced below the Tesla it won’t be good news for the west coast car maker.
Well, at least it looks better than the Tesla IMHO.
Of course it will be the first ENVI car to make it to production. It basically admits the hybrid T&C and Jeep were snow jobs. Amazing what a little vinyl decal work will do for the media when you disconnect the hood latch and lock the doors.