As early as 1934Stellantis North America

 

 

As early as 1934, the Chrysler Airflow caused a stir with its streamlined body. Now the Chrysler parent company Stellantis is reactivating the name of the former luxury vehicle. Actually, the Stellantis predecessor company FCA already presented the Airflow Vision Concept at CES 2020. 

However, the study was not assigned to any brand at the time, and information about the drive was rather sparse. Two years later, another Airflow Concept rolls into the limelight in Las Vegas; this time as a real Chrysler and much closer to a future production model, which should be on the market by 2025.

This year, Chrysler presented the Airflow electric car study at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Previously, the concept car was only known as an electric car designed by Chrysler's parent company Stellantis. At the New York International Auto Show, Chrysler had the Airflow in its luggage again - this time in the Graphite Concept version. 

 

 

The Design

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The original study was painted white, but the Graphite Concept is black. On the outside, there are now some copper-colored accents - for example on the 22-inch rims. The interior seems unchanged compared to that of the first study - here, too, a few copper-colored accents are added. 

In terms of shape and size, the car is a competitor to the Ford Mustang Mach-E that has been delivered since December 2020. The design also makes it clear that the Chrysler Airflow will compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and its Kia offshoot EV6 or VW ID.4/5. 

It shows an SUV-like appearance with a long wheelbase and flowing shapes as well as hardly any body openings, a roof in a contrasting color and narrow lights. For optimized aerodynamics, the electric car has small exterior mirrors and recessed door handles. One looks in vain for metal ornaments; such elements, such as the brand logo in the small front grille, are represented with light. The rims measure 22 inches all around. Thanks to crystalline LED technology, the lights are capable of special animations.

 

 

The Power

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In terms of technical facts, Chrysler confirms a few assumptions: the car is actually based on the STLA medium platform of parent company Stellantis. The platform is intended for electric vehicles from the C and D segments – i.e. the Golf and Passat classes. 

It will be available to all Stellantis vehicle brands from 2023: models from Alfa Romeo and Fiat to Peugeot and Opel to Jeep and Ram can also use the kit. The range of the Airflow should be up to 400 miles. 

The Airflow Concept shown at CES 2022 has electric motors on each axle, each with an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and providing all-wheel drive. However, Chrysler points out that more powerful engines can also be integrated. 

In addition, the later series version should also be available with single-motor drive options. The battery sits between the axles deep down in the chassis. Chrysler provides a quick charge option for the Airflow but has so far withheld further information.

 

 

The Interior

The InteriorStellantis North America

 

 

When it comes to digitization and networking, the Chrysler Airflow Concept is the most modern that Stellantis has to offer. It combines the new STLA Brain software architecture, which shines with artificial intelligence, with the STLA Smart Cockpit. 

This has a very airy design and is equipped with four screens in the first row: an instrument display sits in front of the driver above the square valance. In the middle is a large infotainment screen and below it is another screen for climate control and the like. 

On the far right, there is a separate monitor for the passenger that does not protrude over the top edge of the dashboard. There is also a separate screen for those sitting in the rear. The driver and front passenger each have their own screen, with the large infotainment screen and the screen for the climate control in the middle.

The front and rear passenger displays are equipped with cameras so that they can participate in video conferences. As is now common, software updates are carried out wirelessly "over the air" (OTA). Depending on your needs or your own preferences, you should be able to configure the menu structure of the infotainment system yourself. 

Information and displays should also be able to be transferred from one monitor to another by swiping. This allows the passenger to select a navigation destination, for example, which he can then slide onto the large screen so that the driver can follow the route guidance. 

Individual interior elements are made from recycled materials or are plant-based. However, Chrysler also uses metals and leather for the seat covers. The Airflow's seats are slim, with two individual seats positioned in the rear, separated by a center armrest. A real design element is the front center console with an open storage compartment in the front and a floating design in the rear. 

The floor of the trunk, which is not specified in terms of capacity, can be pulled out a few centimeters for easier loading. The panoramic glass roof and indirect, customizable ambient lighting provide light in the airflow cockpit.

 

 

The Tech

The TechStellantis North America

 

 

The Airflow Concept also draws on the new possibilities of the Stellantis Group with regard to autonomous driving functions. The technology capable of level 3 autonomous driving is called STLA Auto-Drive and is on board the new Chrysler.  

The series airflow should therefore be able to overtake, brake, and accelerate independently. But only for a certain period of time: as soon as the situation becomes too confusing, the person behind the wheel has to take over. The system is also OTA capable; additional functions can also be integrated when the car is already in use.

 

 

Conclusion

The AirflowStellantis North America

 

 

The Airflow is the first new model in many years for the Chrysler brand, which is said to have been on the verge of extinction not so long ago. The manufacturer is even said to play a pioneering role within the Stellantis Group in the future: in the course of the airflow unveiling, Chrysler announced that they wanted to offer a purely electric model portfolio by 2028 at the latest.

Those responsible for Stellantis have recognized the signs of the times: A new car has to drive electrically, have a long-range and, above all, it must not restrict its occupants in any way in terms of infotainment. So in the new Chrysler Airflow, every occupant gets their own screen, which is extensively networked with the other monitors.  

The entire technology of the Airflow is based on the STLA medium platform, which is also available to the other Stellantis brands. For this reason, Airflow gives a clear technical outlook on the future worldwide models of the multi-brand group.

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Tankut Basar

Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end. 

 

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