We give Chrysler PR main man Jason Vines a lot of credit — probably way too much — but it's because once in a while he's able to deliver from his ADD-adled mind some truly amazing attempts to break through the clutter and cacophony of noise that is automotive public relations. Whether it's fueling the fire of the "Muscle Car Wars" (coming soon to a Woodward Avenue near you!) or coming to work dressed as his favorite sexual fantasy, Vines certainly doesn't act like other auto PR bosses. The newest example is the e-mail we just received with a video revealing some sketches of the automakers Detroit Auto Show concepts for the Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep brands. The video stars Vines, Chrysler's chief product man Frank Klegon, chief design man Trevor Creed and Sandy Fraser, the real boss running the show over at Chrysler PR. The video is a mix of schlock and the usual Vines shtick, and was executed flawlessly. We mean, other than Vines confusing his phone with his computer screen — but otherwise it's adorable. So, without further ado — we've got a short clip from the video above and below we've got some sketches of the threesome of enviro-friendly designs from Chrysler — the 2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, the 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept and the 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept — and the full press release below the jump.
2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept The 2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept celebrates the romance of automobile travel embodied in a four-door, four-passenger distinctively American design. Designed for customers seeking elegance, simplicity and serenity, the elegant one-box design takes advantage of space normally occupied by a conventional powertrain setup. The 2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager features an advanced lithium-ion battery pack, along with a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell that serves as a range extender. The result is a vehicle with a total range of more than 300 miles that emits no emissions from the tailpipe except water vapor.
Specifications
Length: 191.2 inches (4856 mm)
Width at H-point: 75.4 inches (1915 mm)
Height: 63 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase: 116 inches (2946 mm)2008 Dodge ZEO Concept
The 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-passenger, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, expressive look of the Dodge brand, exhibiting a new, youthful breed of muscle car for the 21st century. Built for driving enthusiasts, it features an electric-only propulsion system with a lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Unlike other such vehicles, the 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-door, four-passenger model that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.Specifications
Length: 172.8 inches (4390 mm)
Width at H-point: 68.6 inches (1743 mm)
Height: 50.8 inches (1290 mm)
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches (2792 mm)2008 Jeep® Renegade Concept
The 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept is a sporty B-segment-sized two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather delights of off-roading and dune surfing. Featuring a cut-down speedster windshield, a roll bar, openings in the door lowers and a hose-out interior, it is an "eco-friendly" vehicle with minimized use of materials - designed for those who want to enjoy the earth while taking care of its future. The propulsion system combines a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack and a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine. The result: fuel economy of more than 110 miles per gallon.Specifications
Length: 153 inches (3885 mm)
Width at H-point: 62.9 inches (1598 mm)
Height: 56.3 inches (1431 mm)
Wheelbase: 101.6 inches (2580 mm)# # #