For years, Chrysler was defined by the blocky 300 sedan, but as the brand transitions to being electric-only it’s taking a new design direction.
The new direction has been previewed by the electric Chrysler Halcyon concept, which shares its STLA Large underpinnings with upcoming models like the Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S and next-generation Dodge Charger.
Chrysler calls the concept an “aerodynamic, streamlined and uncompromising vision of the Chrysler brand’s future exterior character” and where the 300 sedan was upright, the Halcyon liftback is low and sleek.
There’s a “front air blade aerodynamic pass-through area” visible from the cockpit, while there are both coach doors and, more unusually, lift-up glass panels in the roof.
Adaptive LED headlights sit within an exceedingly slim full-width light assembly, above which sits an LED-lit Chrysler wing logo.
Illuminated aero blades display the vehicle’s charge as the driver approaches it.
It rides on 22-inch wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance 255/35-profile Pirelli tyres, and features air suspension.
Other features include camera mirrors and a semi-autonomous parking assist.
Chrysler hasn’t released any powertrain or battery specifications, other than to confirm the concept uses a lithium-sulfur battery which doesn’t have nickel, cobalt or manganese for a claimed lower carbon footprint.
It also features Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology, allowing it to be wirelessly recharged while driving along specially equipped roads.
The Halcyon features the STLA AutoDrive technology platform, which enables Level 4 autonomous driving. Activating this sees the steering wheel and pedals retract, while the glass canopy and windscreen can turn opaque for privacy.
A Stargazing Mode even sees the seats recline fully, with the augmented-reality head-up display projecting information on stars and constellations.
The head-up display also includes a Memory Landmark feature, which allows you to pin points of interest during your drive, and can display information like speed and charge status.
A footrest runs the entire width of the cabin up front, while a 15.6-inch rotating screen sits on the minimalist dashboard.
The cabin uses 95 per cent sustainable materials, including polyester, Mélange Heather trim, and the Solar White suede upholstery made from 73 per cent PET bottles that’s used on the upper seat and door areas.
Various parts of the cabin are made from 100 per cent recycled composite material from old music CDs, which Chrysler says is a nod to Detroit’s musical heritage.
A Dark Grey wood interior floor consists of a malleable, textile-infused wood with a microfibre backing, which continues to the boot.
Chrysler has used the concept to preview a potential next-generation vision of its Stow ‘n Go seating, which debuted on its people movers, where the rear seats can be stowed away.
While the Halcyon is just a concept, Chrysler plans to launch its first EV in 2025 ahead of becoming an electric-only brand in 2028.
Car & Driver reports the brand’s first electric model will be an SUV, likely on the STLA Large platform, but it won’t be a production version of the Airflow concept that appeared virtually production-ready after Chrysler went back to the drawing board.
“The brand was not invested in for a very long time,” Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell told media at the reveal of the Halcyon.
“When I joined in 2021, we set out to develop a product and technology road map to revitalize the future of Chrysler.
“We have a really healthy cadence of new-product development and launches starting with the battery electric vehicle launching in 2025. We’ll have a Pacifica refresh coming, and then some more new vehicles launching in quick succession after that.”
With the 300 having recently exited production, Chrysler offers just one vehicle: the Pacifica people mover, available with either petrol or plug-in hybrid power.
Pacifica
It’s the best-selling vehicle in its segment in the US, comfortably beating the likes of the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival in 2023.
“We believe in the future of the minivan. I think we just need to reframe and reimagine what it can be,” said Ms Feuell.
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