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The Chrysler Airflow Concept has been shown numerous times in the past few years to represent the brand's foray into the EV realm, with a production version set to compete at the heart of the electric crossover segment. But rather suddenly, the Stellantis-owned company has killed the project in favor of a more exciting direction for its first EV.
The decision was first made by Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell, who came back in 2021 to lead the dying brand in a better direction. According to MotorTrend, Feuell motivated the design team at Chrysler to create something more modern and exciting than the Airflow crossover, which always appeared rather bland. Stellantis head designer Ralph Gilles is currently executing the design of the model supplanting the Airflow as the company's first EV, and he reports that initial reactions are much more enthusiastic.
"It blew the doors off. That's a good sign. And Chrysler is ripe for that," said Gilles after the feedback he received at a Los Angeles customer clinic earlier this year. "We've done it before, we've been able to give the brand new, exciting product, so we're pretty stoked about it."
The new Chrysler will not carry the Airflow name, and is likely to adopt a completely new name as opposed to a legacy name in order to create a new image for the brand. Feuell said the 300 designation won't be used either, nor will there be any alphanumeric nonsense. However, the Chrysler boss hinted that another EV might wear a 300 badge in the future. "There is so much wonderful history and equity with the name so I wouldn't want to rule it out for potential future use, but not for this one."
For those who liked the Airflow, a few of its design elements will still translate into the newer crossover, but Feuell said the overall theme will revolve around more advanced tech inside and out. Instead of the RU platform used by the Airflow, this forthcoming concept will ride on the new STLA platform from Stellantis, which will enable 400- to 800-volt fast charging systems and a range of up to 400 miles. Chrysler aims to be among the first to offer some of the most advanced vehicle tech, such as Level 3 autonomous driving, and its new appeal to customers will be offering those sought-after features at an affordable price point.
Chrysler will roll out its new brand image in concept form in 2024, with a production version likely to follow a year or two later. In the meantime, the Pacifica minivan will be the sole model from Chrysler for at least a year until the electric crossover arrives. After that, Feuell says it's smooth sailing with at least one new model being revealed each year until dealers are able to flaunt a full lineup of products by 2028.
Did you prefer the Airflow or are you excited to see the newer concept?
Image Credits: Chrysler
Electric
May 19, 2023
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Chrysler Gives Airflow The Axe, Goes Back To Drawing Board For First EV
Chrysler plans to show a new, more exciting concept next year.
The Chrysler Airflow Concept has been shown numerous times in the past few years to represent the brand's foray into the EV realm, with a production version set to compete at the heart of the electric crossover segment. But rather suddenly, the Stellantis-owned company has killed the project in favor of a more exciting direction for its first EV.
The decision was first made by Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell, who came back in 2021 to lead the dying brand in a better direction. According to MotorTrend, Feuell motivated the design team at Chrysler to create something more modern and exciting than the Airflow crossover, which always appeared rather bland. Stellantis head designer Ralph Gilles is currently executing the design of the model supplanting the Airflow as the company's first EV, and he reports that initial reactions are much more enthusiastic.
"It blew the doors off. That's a good sign. And Chrysler is ripe for that," said Gilles after the feedback he received at a Los Angeles customer clinic earlier this year. "We've done it before, we've been able to give the brand new, exciting product, so we're pretty stoked about it."
The new Chrysler will not carry the Airflow name, and is likely to adopt a completely new name as opposed to a legacy name in order to create a new image for the brand. Feuell said the 300 designation won't be used either, nor will there be any alphanumeric nonsense. However, the Chrysler boss hinted that another EV might wear a 300 badge in the future. "There is so much wonderful history and equity with the name so I wouldn't want to rule it out for potential future use, but not for this one."
For those who liked the Airflow, a few of its design elements will still translate into the newer crossover, but Feuell said the overall theme will revolve around more advanced tech inside and out. Instead of the RU platform used by the Airflow, this forthcoming concept will ride on the new STLA platform from Stellantis, which will enable 400- to 800-volt fast charging systems and a range of up to 400 miles. Chrysler aims to be among the first to offer some of the most advanced vehicle tech, such as Level 3 autonomous driving, and its new appeal to customers will be offering those sought-after features at an affordable price point.
Chrysler will roll out its new brand image in concept form in 2024, with a production version likely to follow a year or two later. In the meantime, the Pacifica minivan will be the sole model from Chrysler for at least a year until the electric crossover arrives. After that, Feuell says it's smooth sailing with at least one new model being revealed each year until dealers are able to flaunt a full lineup of products by 2028.
Did you prefer the Airflow or are you excited to see the newer concept?
Image Credits: Chrysler
