If Chrysler is still around as of May 1, the Dodge Circuit, a new battery-powered, 268-horsepower, two-seat sports car, could become the automaker’s first electric car. The Circuit is scheduled to be released in late 2010.
The Dodge Circuit resembles the electric Tesla Roadster, which costs $109,000. The Dodge Circuit’s pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but will likely cost less than the Tesla Roadster.
The electric two-seater will be able to go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds and will have a top speed of 120 mph, CNN Money reports.
The Circuit will be a plug-in-only car, meaning there won’t be a back-up gas tank or gas engine. It will be able to travel 150 to 200 miles on a full charge. The Circuit will have a 200 kilowatt, or 268 horsepower, electric motor.
"This vehicle is so light it doesn’t even require power steering," said Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa.
Assuming Chrysler is still around in two weeks, many wonder if Chrysler will still be able to produce the small Dodge Circuit sports car.
"To be able to meet a 2010 timeline, you have to be pretty far along in development, and right now we are," said Lou Rhodes, head of Chrysler’s electric car program.
