Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler's audacity of hope
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 aging Gansta 300C 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 More to come on the LaCrosse, surely, when it is shamefully withdrawn from the market and the designers are reassigned (to shallow graves).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
As for the Chrysler, it's a pretty one, so let's hope company survives! Hate the name though, as it sounds like a 300C minus 100 "c" (whatever that means!). How about bringing back a nice old Chysler name like "Newport" or update the "New Yorker" name to "NYR."
Posted by: Edward | January 12, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Ugh, those portholes! When is Buick gonna drop this tired design trick?!
Posted by: Edward | January 12, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Chrysler has the BEST designers, but not 1 ENGINEER; WORST engineering in the industry, unless one is building an old, lead brick, powered by gas suckers extrodinaire!
Posted by: Robert NO longer in LA | January 12, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Chrysler has the BEST designers, but not 1 ENGINEER; WORST engineering in the industry, unless one is building an old, lead brick, powered by gas suckers extrodinaire!
Posted by: Robert NO longer in LA | January 12, 2009 at 10:05 AM
That is the best looking Buick in a long time. I don't see what the writer is talking about? I saw other pictures of the car and the styling is finish is actually pretty nice. If it had a Toyota symbol the story would be different...
Posted by: jonah1979 | January 12, 2009 at 02:46 PM
The 200C look beautiful. I hope they make it rear wheel-drive. It would be a shame to waste that body, like the Chevy Malibu, on a front-wheel drive car.
Posted by: Benny Gunns | January 12, 2009 at 02:47 PM
This is just the beginning of the NEW Chrysler! Improved quality, fuel economy, and products are whats coming next. Engineering is the heart of all Chrysler products. Style is the culture that makes the hearts beat quickly.
Purchase a Chrysler today, so Chrysler can lead the automotive industry next year!
Posted by: antonio311 | January 12, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Chrysler products are fine. I own a Caravan and a Dakota, and both run great.
As for the LaCrosse, if that design is the actual thing, ugh. And that's too bad, because I would truly butt the current incarnation of the V8 LaCrosse up against the so much more expensive Lexus (and win).
Posted by: JR | January 12, 2009 at 02:47 PM
The Chrysler 200c looks awesome and hope Chrysler survives to release this car and many products after. Now The Buick Lacrosse looks good to. I don't what you guys are talking about, it's a great looking car.
Posted by: Brandon | January 12, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Seriously, that car is not pretty.
It's just another mediocre looking american car, sorry.
Posted by: detroitlove | January 12, 2009 at 08:45 PM
From the two pix supplied, the Crysler and the Buick look like they came off the same drawing table. Neither one would I consider great design, but remove those portholes and I like the Buick better!
Posted by: Eddie Tucker | January 13, 2009 at 11:48 AM
hows you resale value on Chrysler lol what a joke.
Posted by: ksd | January 19, 2009 at 09:09 PM