Chrysler's electric hot rod

Dodge Circuit, a two seat sports car, could be Chrysler’s first step into electric power, provided the company survives.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — A battery-powered 268-horsepower two-seat sports car is in line to become Chrysler LLC’s first electric car, provided the carmaker lives to see another day.

To survive, help is needed from Italy’s Fiat but as negotiations strain with the Italian automaker, and a two week deadline to hammer out a partnership approaches, the company’s future – as well as its aspirations for an electric hot rod – are increasingly in doubt.

Chrysler’s first electric car, set to be introduced late next year around the same time as General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt, will will be a sports car with a zero-to-60 time of under five seconds and a top speed of 120 miles per hour.

Following that, according Chrysler’s filings, will come electrically-powered cars, SUVs and crossovers some based on Fiat vehicles, according to the “viability plan” Chrysler submitted to the Treasury Department.

CNN