Chrysler Citadel

Chrysler Citadel: Playing to Market Strengths

DETROIT - With all the merging that's going on over at Chrysler, it's no surprise that the company decided to marry two classes of vehicle into one new concept car this year. Hybrid vehicles seem to be all the rage with automakers lately and, as a result, the lines between roadster, coupe, sedan and sport-utility are getting fuzzier every day.

The Chrysler Citadel is a fine example of the blurring of these lines. Part sport-utility and part luxury sedan, the futuristic-looking Citadel concept vehicle not only blends sedan luxury and SUV guts, but also combines both gasoline and electric power.

Under the sheetmetal sits the 3.5-liter, 253-horsepower engine currently found in the 300M and LHS, yet the Citadel is frugal enough to attain 33 mpg of fuel on the highway. Smooth V6 power drives the rear axle while twin electric motors propel the front wheels, providing 70 more horsepower, all-wheel drive, regenerative braking and the ability to charge the electric battery while cruising through town.

In addition to its environmental and technological benefits, the Citadel comes with a plush, spacious interior that can be easily accessed through two, rear power-sliding doors that are incorporated into the B-pillars. Cargo-area access is simplified as well, with a retractable cargo door that slides under the car.

With its large chrome grille and innovative styling, this wagon-esque vehicle certainly stands out in a crowd. The green-and-tan leather interior, garnished with art-deco chrome accents, makes the cabin seem pretty unconventional, too. If Chrysler's Citadel concept does come to fruition, consumers could be driving one by 2003.