Follow us today...
Chrysler fans are finally getting some answers about the future of the brand with the release of the Chrysler Airflow concept. Chrysler executives say the brand will have its first battery electric vehicle by 2025 and go all-electric by 2028. Chrysler is revealing the Airflow concept, with a 350-400 mile range, at the CES show in Las Vegas.
“The Chrysler Airflow Concept represents the future direction of the Chrysler brand, providing a peek at the dynamic design, advanced technologies and seamless connectivity that will characterize the full-electric portfolio we plan to reach by 2028,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO - Stellantis. “Chrysler is an iconic American automotive brand, with a heritage in creating new advanced technologies and product segments. Our brand will serve at the forefront as Stellantis transforms to deliver clean mobility and connected customer experiences.”
Airflow Leads Electric Charge into All-Electric Future
Chrysler’s fans have been worried about the nearly 100-year-old brand because it has very little left in its lineup. Chrysler only offers the large 300 sedan and the very popular Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
Airflow will use Stellantis’ new STLA SmartCockpit technology that will wire the entire cabin, giving each passenger their own screen and connectivity. The screens can be used individually, for example to make a phone call or watch a movie. Or the screens can be synced, so the passengers can all watch the same movie.
According to Chrysler, “Each screen is a personalized space to access the digital world via connected entertainment, apps and downloads. Each seat also features a built-in camera, enabling occupants to participate in a group video conference call from the comfort of the Airflow cabin.”
The sleek five-passenger vehicle has a panoramic roof. The concept features all-wheel-drive capability. It is powered by two 150 kW electric drive motors, one in the front and one in the rear. Interestingly, the concept is designed to accommodate larger capacity motors, so the same vehicle could feature high-performance versions. Drive motors are located toward the front and rear of the vehicle. That allows designers to maximize interior space. The battery is designed to achieve between a 350- and 400-mile range on a single charge.
“The Chrysler Airflow Concept represents the start of the brand’s journey toward a fully electrified future. It is the result of a thoughtful synthesis of the full arsenal of Stellantis’ connected vehicle technology – inside and out,” said Ralph Gilles, chief design officer - Stellantis. “The design features a decisively elegant aerodynamic exterior and a modern, sophisticated interior that takes the customer on a new level of digital delight.”
The Airflow concept is Arctic White. Up front, the Airflow has the Chrysler wing logo illuminated with crystal LED lighting. A crystal LED taillight runs the full width of the vehicle. The lighting glows an aqua color when the vehicle is charging.
Airflow to Feature Latest Autonomous Technology
The Chrysler Airflow is fully over-the-air (OTA) capable, designed to quickly deliver new and upgraded features and functions that enhance and improve the vehicle over time. It is also designed to deliver Level 3 autonomous driving. That means that the vehicle can drive itself but has to be supervised by a human who can take over if something goes wrong.
Chrysler is not saying how much the Airflow will cost or where it will be built at this point.
Chrysler Photos
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
Follow us today...
