Over the past several years, CES has continued to be the place for automotive OEMs to unveil new concept vehicles. This year’s event has been no different, as Stellantis introduced its new Chrysler Airflow concept, a production version of which it plans to launch as its first BEV (battery-electric vehicle) by 2025.

Stellantis also went a step further and announced plans for the Chrysler brand to lead the company’s sustainable mobility plan by setting 2028 as the target model year for a fully electric Chrysler vehicle lineup. The move also ensures the Chrysler brand, founded in 1925, will continue to exist in the future, which had been in doubt since it was acquired by Stellantis from Fiat-Chrysler in 2019.

“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.”

If the new concept’s name sounds familiar, it should. The Airflow—which is named after the full-sized, streamlined car produced by Chrysler from 1934 to 1937—is a mid-sized crossover that integrates leading-edge drive systems with intuitive artificial intelligence and connected vehicle technology that delivers 350- to 400-mi (563- to 644-km) range and fast-charging functionality. It features the Stellantis STLA SmartCockpit, powered by the OTA-capable STLA Brain, which enables an extension of digital, work, and home environments, all in sync to create a personalized experience for every passenger. The concept is also equipped with STLA AutoDrive, which will deliver Level 3 automated driving capabilities and will be upgradable via OTA updates.

The concept features a low ride height and a streamlined, two-tone roofline that achieves “an elegant yet athletic profile while increasing EV range,” according to Chrysler. A long wheelbase and wide track, along with large 22-in wheels and tires, are enhanced visually with Celestial Blue accent color cladding.

“The Chrysler Airflow concept represents the start of the brand’s journey toward a fully electrified future,” said Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer – Stellantis. “It is the result of a thoughtful synthesis of the full arsenal of Stellantis’ connected vehicle technology—inside and out. The design features a decisively elegant aerodynamic exterior and a modern, sophisticated interior that takes the customer on a new level of digital delight.”

From a powertrain standpoint, the Airflow features all-wheel-drive capability and is powered by two 150-kW electric drive motors, one each in the front and rear. The concept is designed to accommodate larger capacity motors, offering the potential for future high-performance versions. Drive motors are located toward the extreme front and rear of the vehicle, maximizing interior space, and enabling a large wheel size and wide vehicle stance.

In addition to being fully electrified, the Airflow previews the brand’s commitment to producing an all-electric vehicle portfolio by 2028 using clean manufacturing processes and recyclable and renewable materials.

Other features of the concept include a modern and spacious interior, accented by light from a panoramic roof and a calming color palette. The user experience technology employs multi-layered, high-contrast graphics and a clean appearance that is intended to be safe, easy to use, and easy to understand.

Customization was a high priority when user-experience engineers designed the concept’s interior. Using a menu-based format, screens throughout the Airflow interior can be personalized, simplified, and grouped based on individuals and interests. Information on the screens can be shared with all passengers by swiping.

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 cabin.

The greater focus on customer-centric connected experiences of the Airflow is one of the focuses behind the series of agreements Stellantis announced this week with Amazon. More broadly, they are intended to transform the in-vehicle experience for millions of Stellantis customers, advance its transition to a sustainable, software-defined future, and involve Amazon devices, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Amazon Last Mile.

The two will collaborate to deliver software solutions for Stellantis’ STLA SmartCockpit starting in 2024. Stellantis selected AWS as its preferred cloud provider for vehicle platforms to deliver on its long-term, software-focused vision. AWS and Stellantis to launch collaborative engineering and innovation initiatives and tools to accelerate time to market for new digital products and to upskill Stellantis’ global workforce. Amazon to be the first commercial customer for the new Ram ProMaster battery-electric vehicle in 2023, further expanding Amazon’s sustainable delivery network.

Regarding the STLA SmartCockpit, the software-defined platform is being developed to integrate with customers’ digital lives to create personalized in-vehicle experiences through AI-enhanced applications for entertainment, Alexa-enabled voice assistance, navigation, vehicle maintenance, e-commerce marketplaces, and payment services. The platform will use Amazon products and solutions that are purpose-built for vehicles, and Stellantis will have the flexibility to create custom, brand- and vehicle-specific capabilities.

The development work on STLA SmartCockpit will leverage Mobile Drive, the joint venture formed by Stellantis and Foxconn in 2021, to develop breakthrough digital cockpits and personalized connected services.

 

Kevin Jost contributed to this article.