Perhaps a fitting sign of the times, Chrysler has announced that it is “seriously considering producing” the Louts Europa-based Dodge EV that was unveiled earlier on Tuesday. Chrysler is no stranger to platform sharing as it currently produces the Routan minivan for Volkswagen – based on the Chrysler Town & Country – and will soon begin producing the Titan pickup truck for Nissan – based on the Dodge Ram.
On the other side of things, Lotus is no stranger to lending out its hardware to various automakers, either. The UK sports car maker currently supplies California-based Tesla with its Elise two-door, which serves as the basis for the company’s all-electric Roadster model. Chrysler took notice of the Roadster’s Lotus roots and discovered just how ideal Lotus platforms were for sporty, yet efficient, vehicles.
“Lotus has a lot of experience with lightweight vehicles and aluminum structures,” Frank Klegon, Chrysler executive vice president of product development, told Automotive News. That light curb weight is a major factor in the Dodge EV’s ability to sprint from 0-60 in under five seconds and reach a top speed of 120 mph.
If Chrysler does ultimately give the Dodge EV the green light – and it looks like it will – the Michigan automaker will source the EV’s platform directly from Lotus. However, like Tesla, Chrysler will supply its own drivetrain.
But because of Dodge’s value image, look for the production Dodge EV to undercut the Roadster’s $109,000 price tag. Klegon noted the Dodge EV would list for less than $109,000, but failed to give an exact figure. Whatever the price, the Dodge EV could be roaming the streets in production guise as early as 2010.
09/23, 5:10 PM
posted by:
A4
Well judging by the Viper i dont know if theyre completely focused on that value image…
09/23, 5:20 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
could this be the Dodge EV Demon?
09/23, 5:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Could this replace the Viper if Chrysler is indeed serious about selling it?
09/23, 5:51 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
A move of desperation and a marriage of convenience on Chrysler’s part—both equate to a high probability of failure.
09/23, 6:03 PM
posted by:
Generic User Name
A4, the Viper is a value for the segment at under $90k, undercutting a lot of other cars in that class by tens of thousands of dollars. I agree $90,000 isn’t exactly a ‘value’, but it’s all a matter of perspective.
09/23, 6:35 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
By the tiny little picture shown, it looks a hell of alot like the Lotus Europa
09/23, 6:36 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
Oh, it is based ont he Europa..I posted that first comment before reading..Sorry
09/23, 7:42 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Now that Lotus has a proper mid-engined 2+2 with the Evora, they have no more use for the awkward, ancient Europa platform and bodyshell. Strange that Chrysler wants it though!
09/23, 7:56 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
@zoomzoomer—excellent!
09/23, 9:12 PM
posted by:
zeeck
zoomzoomer-probably because it is still better than anything chrysler has out right now in terms of chassis etc, at that caliber.
abd they could never replace the viper with an EV, that would be retarded, the Viper is all about brute power with huge engine displacement, viper fans would be in outrage.
the dodge demon EV however, that is a good idea
also, nice to see them undercutting those Tesla asses,…, well hopefully,…
09/24, 12:03 AM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
Like zoomer stated, it’s just like Chrysler to take on another car company’s obsolete platform. Very reminiscent of the Crossfire being based on the previous generation Mercedes SLK.
09/24, 2:25 AM
posted by:
Jordan
if they put it into production it could be the start of a whole range of dodge “snake” sports cars. viper for massive displacement and horsepower ratings, this lotus-based model for handling and agility. call it the dodge sidewinder or something.
09/24, 11:30 PM
posted by:
FlyingB
They could call it the Dodge Charger-Upper.