Motor Authority - blog Category: Circuit

Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment.

Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV.

With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that... Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment. Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV. With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that will undercut by "tens of thousands", the Dodge Circuit EV should prove a huge success, provided it can deliver on its claims. We’ve already seen a preview of the car in the form of the Dodge Circuit EV concept from January’s Detroit Auto Show, and the production version would have its chassis assembled by Lotus in Europe, then shipped to the U.S. for the electric drivetrain install. As yet, there's not official timeline for the car's release, but prototypes are currently under testing. Following the sports car, CNNMoney previously reported that Chrysler will then add electric sedans, SUVs and crossover models, and some also based on Fiat platforms. Via: AllCarsElectric2009 Dodge Circuit EV concept Read More

Most people are satisfied with the performance and handling of a stock Ferrari. It is, after all, a Ferrari. But for those with even higher standards, Ferrari has created the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package, revealed in March at the Geneva Motor Show. This week, seven-time F1 champ Michael Schumacher took the car for a 20-lap test at the circuit in Fiorano.

The car's lap time around the Fiorano test track is already known - Ferrari says it's capable of a 1 minute, 26.5 second trip. That's not just quick, it's seriously quick - the legendary F40 takes 3.1 seconds longer, while the current F430 takes another half second, as does the F50... Most people are satisfied with the performance and handling of a stock Ferrari. It is, after all, a Ferrari. But for those with even higher standards, Ferrari has created the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package, revealed in March at the Geneva Motor Show. This week, seven-time F1 champ Michael Schumacher took the car for a 20-lap test at the circuit in Fiorano. The car's lap time around the Fiorano test track is already known - Ferrari says it's capable of a 1 minute, 26.5 second trip. That's not just quick, it's seriously quick - the legendary F40 takes 3.1 seconds longer, while the current F430 takes another half second, as does the F50 supercar. Schumacher drove the car as part of the factory's Pilota Ferrari driving course, but his times haven't been released. The Pilota Ferrari driving courses give Ferrari owners a comprehensive range of expert tuition designed to progressively instruct drivers in the art of performance driving, enabling them to use their full potential in absolute safety, both on the track and on the road. Four levels of courses are available - Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, along with a special On Ice course, and they are available in the U.S., China, Japan and of course, Italy. Check out the gallery below to see Schumacher and the 599 HGTE in action.2009 Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE packageMichael Schumacher tracks the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE at Fiorano Read More

Chrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative.

Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with $224 million to come from Chrysler and an equal amount... Chrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative. Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with $224 million to come from Chrysler and an equal amount matched by the DOE. If approved, Chrysler plans to use the funds to build a demonstration fleet of EVs and plug-in hybrids, as well as create a new-vehicle electrification technology and manufacturing center located in Michigan. Under the plan, this new facility would be functional by next year and be capable of producing more than 20,000 vehicles per year. As for the demonstration fleet, Chrysler intends to build more than 365 EVs and plug-in hybrids for use by select customers and partners. The majority of the vehicles will be plug-in hybrid versions of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and Dodge Ram pickup, as the regular petrol versions of these models already cover a wide range of drive cycles and consumer-usage patterns in diverse geographies and climates throughout the country. Read More

Chrysler's recent announcement revealing its new global alliance with Italian auto giant Fiat now means that the company has to hurry to re-establish itself in the market. In order to do this, Chrysler will be unveiling a new advertising campaign to show off future models and get people interested in the company's rebirth.

The tagline for the campaign, "We're building a new car company. Come see what we're building for you," focuses on the direction that the company hopes to take, and will be used in prime time television spots to help boost Chrysler's image.

The first television ad mentions Chrysler's new alliance with Fiat, and a... Chrysler's recent announcement revealing its new global alliance with Italian auto giant Fiat now means that the company has to hurry to re-establish itself in the market. In order to do this, Chrysler will be unveiling a new advertising campaign to show off future models and get people interested in the company's rebirth. The tagline for the campaign, "We're building a new car company. Come see what we're building for you," focuses on the direction that the company hopes to take, and will be used in prime time television spots to help boost Chrysler's image. The first television ad mentions Chrysler's new alliance with Fiat, and a voiceover explains that Chrysler's "new alliance with Fiat" gives it "access to even more high quality, environmentally friendly, fuel efficient vehicles". The ad also shows the Dodge Circuit electric vehicle concept, Chrysler 200C concept and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as the voiceover concludes with "At Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, the future is not only bright. It's electric. Come see what we're building for you." The ads will appear this Monday on the NBC, ABC and Fox networks, and the ads are also expected to be rolled out in international markets eventually, although it’s likely they will be edited differently. There will also be a print advertising campaign for the new Chrysler, as well as specific ads for each brand. The focus on electric vehicles is not a surprising one as the new Chrysler will be hoping to distance itself from the attitudes and practices associated with its former incarnation - whether or not the American public buys into Chrysler's new image is another thing. Read More

Back in September Chrysler showed off three vehicles designed to show the world that it too could keep up with Ford and GM as they developed low emissions powertrains for the future. One of those vehicles was essentially a Lotus Europa with Chrysler badging, but this was understandable as the project was in its initial stages.

Today, the company showed off what was supposed to be a Dodge electric sports car, however, they have again chosen to simply re-brand a Lotus Europa, this time adding some additional Dodge styling cues to make it look more original.

Chrysler claims the Dodge Circuit EV is capable of some impressive figures – 0-60mph in...

Back in September Chrysler showed off three vehicles designed to show the world that it too could keep up with Ford and GM as they developed low emissions powertrains for the future. One of those vehicles was essentially a Lotus Europa with Chrysler badging, but this was understandable as the project was in its initial stages. Today, the company showed off what was supposed to be a Dodge electric sports car, however, they have again chosen to simply re-brand a Lotus Europa, this time adding some additional Dodge styling cues to make it look more original. Chrysler claims the Dodge Circuit EV is capable of some impressive figures – 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds and a standing quarter mile in 13 seconds - figures that would make any sports car proud, let alone an electric one. The Dodge Circuit EV uses three powertrain components for propulsion. These include a 268hp electric motor, a lithium-ion battery system for power, and a controller that manages energy flow. The lithium-ion battery is expected to give the Dodge Circuit EV a driving range of around 150-200 miles depending on the way it's driven. It's charged using a 110v household power outlet, but the charging time can be cut in half by using a 220v outlet. Regenerative braking is also used to help increase the range. Despite the lofty claims by Chrysler you won't be seeing the Dodge Circuit EV in your driveway any time soon. The vehicle is purely a concept, and the fact that it uses a Lotus underbody implies that a production version of a vehicle like this is years away. Also on show in Detroit is the Jeep Patriot range-extended EV concept, which you can read about by clicking here. 2009 Dodge Circuit EV concept Read More

The youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history, Lewis Hamilton has no shortage of talent behind the wheel. Now that the 'silly season' has arrived, however, he's taken to a more conceptual field, and designed his own personal take on the ultimate F1 circuit.

Though the track is thus far nothing more than a design, its provenance gives it some hope of being made real. Combining 10 of the toughest, most interesting corners in F1, the track offers a challenge even for the likes of Hamilton.

"I wanted to create a circuit that would be challenging, exhilarating and enjoyable," said Lewis, "but most of all somewhere you would love to have the... The youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history, Lewis Hamilton has no shortage of talent behind the wheel. Now that the 'silly season' has arrived, however, he's taken to a more conceptual field, and designed his own personal take on the ultimate F1 circuit. Though the track is thus far nothing more than a design, its provenance gives it some hope of being made real. Combining 10 of the toughest, most interesting corners in F1, the track offers a challenge even for the likes of Hamilton. "I wanted to create a circuit that would be challenging, exhilarating and enjoyable," said Lewis, "but most of all somewhere you would love to have the chance to drive and provide the definitive test for any driver, in any car." The ten turns run, in order, through Turn 8 from Istanbul, Estoril at Magny Cours, 130R at Suzuka, Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps, Tabac at Monaco, Turn 1 at Suzuka, Pouhon at Spa-Francorchamps, Casino Square at Monaco, Mergulho at Interlagos, and finally Copse at Silverstone. With cornering forces regularly in excess of 4.5g and speeds varying from 80mph to 185mph (130km/h to 295km/h) the track would be a true test not only of driver skill but of physical conditioning as well. Read More