Chrysler Redefines Perceptions About Electric Vehicles
Photo Source: Stellantis
In January 2016, Chrysler debuted the Pacifica minivan for the first time. It is now February 2024–eight full years later–and enthusiasts have yet to see another production car. Examples include the Portal, the Airflow, and now the Halcyon. However, there are signs that things could be different for this rakish two-row electric vehicle, displaying where the company plans to head in the distant future. The Halcyon Concept illustrates what a fully electrified future of the Chrysler brand could have in store with full autonomy paired with personalized driving experiences, futuristic exterior and interior design, and technology that expands upon the brand’s “Harmony in Motion” ethos.
Design Cues of the Halcyon
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept was designed on the STLA Large platform, offering a streamlined, aerodynamic, and uncompromising vision of the Chrysler brand’s future exterior character. That means it rides on the same platform as the Dodge Charger Daytona, set to begin production this fall (2024). The Halcyon Concept is very low to the ground, with the body plunging within four inches of the road. A subtle yet functional front air blade aerodynamic pass-through area enhances performance and all-important battery electric vehicle range capability.
The pass-through is visible from the cockpit, providing the driver with a real-world connection with the concept’s functionality and performance. It is worth noting that the vehicle utilizes an 800-volt architecture, something expected to arrive on the high-performance Charger Daytona Banshee. A warm Acrylic-tinted butterfly-hinged canopy serves as a third door and works with the red-carpet-style side doors to offer spacious ingress and egress. The rear carries its unique silhouette, with a water line that emphasizes the width and shoulders of the car. The front fascia’s cross-car read and LED-lit Chrysler wing logo are mirrored in the back and appear sleek.
The Future Awaits
Here is where things stretch into the realm of science fiction. For example, the Active Aero Technology of the Chrysler Halcyon Concept incorporates a rear spoiler, a sliding rear lower aero diffuser from lightweight composite material, and air suspension to enhance driving dynamics and efficiency. Additionally, the undercarriage is designed to include emergency inducting charging technology, with sensors integrated into the vehicle communicating with sensors under the road to charge the battery and provide unlimited range.
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept relies on a Stellantis A.I. virtual assistant. To clarify, the artificially intelligent virtual assistant prepares the automobile for the day, notifying the driver and the vehicle of upcoming events. It also utilizes personal preferences to set HVAC levels remotely. The car recognizes the driver, comes to life, and offers a greeting through a Welcome Mode that uses biometric identification. In other words, the driver is the “key” to unlocking the concept, as facial biometrics allow safe and secure, hands-free vehicle entry and start-up, with doors unlocking and opening autonomously.
As of this writing, there is no indication that this concept will make it to production. Nonetheless, if nothing else, it is at least a step toward the company launching its first electric vehicle in 2025 and becoming an all-electric brand by 2028. If you believe the potential of the Halcyon Concept is compelling, please come visit Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, where we have a passionate and knowledgeable sales team that will make your buying, leasing, or selling needs simple for any of our new vehicle inventory.