Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler’s audacity of hope
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It’s abundantly clear at the moment that Chrysler LLC is whistling past the graveyard. And yet, that sure is some pretty whistling. Behold the Chrysler 200C, a mid- to- full-size concept that, given its timing and nomenclature, is a cinch to be the replacement for the unloved Sebring.
Chrysler trotted this baby out as part of its larger push to promote plug-in and and electric mobility solutions. With ENVI labs’ modular and scalable EV architecture, the 200C can/should/may travel up to 40 miles on all-electric lithium-ion battery charge before a small, sub-1-liter turbocharged gas engine kicks in to charge the battery, for a total range of more than 400 miles.
And now here’s why you should ignore all that. Because it’s a beautiful car, instantly recognized as such by every single person I spoke to about it. People were agog, simply agog, and I’m not even really sure what that word means. The 200C is a clear, formal, aspirationally modern design with clarity of lines and direction; the proportions are harmonious; it looks great from every angle -- and looks wildly like a Mercedes S-Class from a couple of angles. It simply is the best-looking real-world car at the show.
And so for all the chin music about electricity -- which I completely endorse, by the way -- the transcendent truth of automobiles is that people buy beautiful cars. I predict that the 200C will be available in two years with a variety of gas-burning engines in it -- and, yes, probably a hemi. Don’t hate me for keeping it real.
And all that is assuming Chrysler survives.
For a dolorous comparison, check out GM’s new Buick LaCrosse production car (left), which is a complete mess. Weird, contrapuntal, fussy, a design that goes nowhere fast. More to come on the LaCrosse, surely, when it is shamefully withdrawn from the market and the designers are reassigned (to shallow graves). I don’t care if it flies like winged Pegasus and runs on empty Starbucks cups. Honestly, at this point in the game, how can GM muff the styling? Geez.
-- Dan Neil
Photos credits (from top): Chrysler; Dan Neil / Los Angeles Times
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In photos: Detroit Production Cars
In photos: Detroit Concept Cars