Dodge has updated the front of its Lotus-based EV Concept car – and the automaker has given it a new, much more evocative name: Circuit. The new Dodge, presented with the automaker’s trademark crosshair face, also gets a new “Tangogreen” paint scheme.
Chrysler first revealed a concept they called the Dodge EV: an electric plug-in based on the Lotus Europa. This “production-intent” prototype was driven, photographed and written about – but the yellow concept with black racing stripes didn’t quite carry over the Dodge styling cues.
Take a look at the EV’s front end and you will notice it is now sporting Dodge’s signature cross-hair grille, giving the Lotus Europa-based sports car a complete and thorough Detroit look – as well as a much more fitting name with Circuit.
Chrysler had initially expected the production version of this sports car to reach showrooms in 2010, but after confirming that the project was still on, and then off, it has now been shelved indefinitely. Chrysler’s new ownership doesn’t see the practicality or profit potential in electric vehicles for at least several years, and as such they have put off development of EVs until they become more viable.
Dodge says the Circuit offers 150-200 miles of all-electric range and that it will hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. Drag strips will pose little challenge thanks to a 13 second quarter-mile figure. Dodge says the Circuit can be charged in a standard 110v outlet, though a special 220v outlet will halve charge times.
01/11, 1:23 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Average american will not fit their a$$ in that vehicle.
01/11, 1:44 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman
sweet looking car
01/11, 1:51 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Cool name. Cool car. Maybe Chrysler is finally getting their wires uncrossed.
01/11, 2:57 PM
posted by:
bolex
not bad, but i think they should release the EV minivan at the same time.
01/11, 3:30 PM
posted by:
Gundy
Oh my God, this is my new favorite car (except for the Gallardo, R8, and a couple of others in the 6-figure range that I’ll never have). This is my favorite Dodge since the Razor concept that I begged them to make. I would have written a check for one of those on the spot, and I still would. I’m guessing this will cost more than the $15,000 that the Razor would have been though.. The inset headlights and tail lights, mmm-smack (kissing fingertips), NICE detail. The left-rear 3/4 view is to die for, totally gorgeous. What a beautiful machine, no matter if it’s gas, electric, hybrid, diesel, or rubber band powered. I could care less about how fast it goes, I can’t “legally” go faster than 70-75 anyway, but give me a drop-dead beautiful, sexy, low, car like this, and if it’s fuel-efficient too? World class. Rolex, you are 100% right, if Dodge makes an EV minivan it’s a done deal, financial crisis over, guaranteed. Badge engineering or not, this EV is beautiful and the timing is perfect. Dodge, please, please make this car.
01/11, 3:32 PM
posted by:
Gundy
Hey Johnny, dumb question for ya, how do you get your user name to be a hot link? I’ve noticed that a few folks have links attached to their “names”.
01/11, 3:41 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Gundy, I have no idea how that happened. I may have spilled some beer on the keyboard during a particularly violent post.
01/11, 4:35 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Mutant, the average amarican will not drop money on a company that is about to go bankrupt, or a ****ty car for that matter!
01/11, 4:52 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
If Pontiac never made a modern FIERO and DODGE made this, I would be happy.
01/11, 5:07 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
One of the more impressive things about some of you people is how quickly you forget that Lotus doesn’t make most of its money making cars. They make money tuning and co-developing cars with and for other automakers. They also will license their cars to other carmakers. It would be like HONDA licensing out their S2000 to another carmaker who wanted to have a sports car but either did not have the money to develop one from scratch, Most likely CHRYSLER’s case, or the licensee just liked the licenser’s car more.
DODGE did not try very hard to hide the fact that this car is based a LOTUS. I doubt LOTUS has its own hybrid program running/ If they do it is running concurrently with another carmaker’s program and/or backing. But why should it matter, anyway? It is another car well worth taking at least a look at, should it come to market.
We could be looking a their next “Viper”.
01/11, 5:38 PM
posted by:
bolex
…next Viper, man i hope your wrong. I’d except Stealth but Viper, yikes.
01/11, 5:48 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
A lotus with Dodge Stealth styling …On papaer that sounds bad but Its a positive thing in reality
01/11, 6:14 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Watch your back Tesla.
01/11, 6:41 PM
posted by:
AFSOCSARGE
idrinorbarsaku
Negative thinking is the cause for the current economic problem, you are the cause and not the solution, “The Car” is a well proven Chassis and when “Your Back Is Against The Robes You Have To Come Out Swinging” So let the Road Test Speak and not Negativity.
-Sarge
01/11, 8:24 PM
posted by:
Gundy
That’s odd, some people have links connected to their names, HOW DO THEY DO THAT?!
01/11, 8:32 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
For it not being a Dodge product, the back really does look like they designed it and a little bit of a Dodge Viper’s.
01/11, 8:37 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
“Negative thinking is the cause for the current economic problem, you are the cause and not the solution”
Uh, no. Greedy, foolish people are part of the cause of our current economic problems, and they expect me, the taxpayer, to be the solution.
01/11, 8:49 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Dodge says this vehicle will never make it to production.
01/12, 12:45 AM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Maybe a version of their ZEO E-car which was hot and totally practical, seating up to four and having a sound 250hp motor on the rear axle. That would be more fitting in the current market anyway.
01/12, 2:25 AM
posted by:
DrCruelty
Nice timewaster Chrysler!
01/12, 4:35 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
Wow, it actually looks better than the vanilla Europe! Who would have thought!?! GJ Chrysler!
01/12, 11:19 AM
posted by:
sakio327
The Circuit? CIRCUIT?? Are you serious??? First it’s the Volt, now Circuit. What second graders are naming these cars. What’s next, the Ford Amp? or Pontiac Ohm?
01/12, 12:28 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Has Dodge thought of slapping a regular engine in there and trying to sell it? I bet it would do better than the Avenger.
01/12, 1:40 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
Nice Lotus…
01/12, 3:51 PM
posted by:
A4
wow besides the stupid name this car is awesome… i would buy this over a Tesla any day. They may as well pack it up.
01/13, 1:12 AM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
This is a nice car and if its priced right it will sell.
02/10, 5:58 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
They’re starting to get smart
is it too late?
01/28, 7:42 AM
posted by:
Planet Xtream
Lets look at this a LITTLE closer,,, This design is a direct REDESIGN from the Tesla Roadster !!! You have to seriously be BLIND not to see that. “Come on Dodge” !!! I know your broke but I also know you have some GREAT designers, that can come up with a Concept Car that’s ORIGINAL…