Dodge unveils all electric sportscar

Zero fuel consumption, zero emissions but plenty of performance. That's the promise from the Dodge Circuit EV unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week.

The beleaguered brand showed that it still has some fight left in it by demonstrating its ability to produce a state-of-the-art sportscar. The Circuit EV is a low-slung two-door coupe fitted with a 200kW electric motor. Unlike hybrid cars the Circuit has no auxiliary petrol engine so it requires no fuel and produces no emissions.

Based on the Lotus Europa chassis, Dodge gave the exterior of the car a complete makeover. The company's famous crosshair grille has been used to help the car's aerodynamics by directing the air across the bonnet and roof. Large air intakes on both sides of the car -- just ahead of the rear wheels -- help give the car a sense of purpose.

Dodge calls the interior "uncomplicated" with only what the driver needs left in the leather lined cabin. The only indication of the car's hi-tech powertrain is a small digital display of the electronic systems.

"The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car," says Ralph Gilles, Vice President -- Design, Chrysler LLC. "The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment."

The powertrain is made up of three main components; the 200kW electric motor, a lithium-ion battery and a controller that manages the energy flow between the devices. Dodge claims that the Circuit has a range of over 300km thanks to the latest battery technology. The car can be charged in a standard 110-volt household powerpoint.

Dodge's claimed performance figures for the Circuit certainly make for an interesting proposition with a 0-100km/h coming up in less than five seconds, a top speed of over 200km/h and a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds.

But there is some bad news for people eager to enjoy a fuel-free thrill ride. Given the company's perilous financial position the Circuit is just a concept at this stage but does demonstrate there are still some clever minds at work in the design and engineer departments. Given the high cost of the technology in the car it is unlikely the Circuit will ever make production even if Chrysler LLC regains its strength.