Chrysler reveals luxury EV future with tech-laden concept
The rebirth of Chrysler as an electrified brand has been quietly and momentarily revealed to the world.
While plans for electrified Dodge muscle cars and RAM pick-ups dominated a recent ‘EV Day’ online presentation by the massive Stellantis automotive group, a luxury Chrysler EV also appeared briefly.
Appearing far closer to production-ready than the similarly-shaped Airflow Concept that first appeared in 2020, this vehicle was unnamed and barely referenced while it was on-screen.
In fact, in a presentation that went for nearly three hours, the Chrysler popped up for no more than a couple of minutes.
But Its sighting is significant because it is the first solid evidence Chrysler will be a “pillar” of Stellantis, as global boss Carlos Tavares promised earlier this year.
Tavares’ statement was welcome because the union of PSA and FCA that formed Stellantis appeared to spell the end for Chrysler.
The brand was once the head of an American automotive conglomerate and a manufacturer in Australia – including the iconic Charger coupe – is now just one of 14 brands under the Stellantis umbrella.
In Australia its future is in doubt because the Chrysler 300 sedan – the only vehicle currently listed on the Chrysler Australia website – supply has dried up. In the USA it’s sustained by the Pacifica people-mover we don’t get here.
The Chrysler concept appeared during a presentation by North American Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles on the flexibility and opportunities presented by the new STLA (pronounced Stella) Large battery electric vehicle architecture.
Gilles hinted the Chrysler could be a new luxury model but didn’t reference it specifically, instead using it as way to extol the eight BEV designs based on STLA Large that will emerge over the next three to five years.
The Chrysler concept is a large (about 4.7m long by 1.9m wide) five-door with a moderately raised ride height compared to an orthodox passenger car.
It features a narrow upper grille balanced by slim headlights with an evolution of the brand’s winged badge in the centre. Lower down three driving lights sit outboard either side with a larger air inlet in the centre.
Internally, it has a high degree of tech, including a large centre console screen, dual dashboard displays, screens mounted on the back of the front seats. The steering wheel is not only flat-bottom but flat-top. A crystalised rotary shifter carries over from the 2020 concept.
“The STLA large platform is an outstanding opportunity to take our customers and our brands on a new journey to the future with us,” Gilles said.
“The work on STLA Large is already well underway in our design studios. So far they look to be some of the most beautiful cars we have designed yet.
“Fully connected and fully electrified on the outside as well as on the inside, we are hoping to bring a new level of digital delight to our customers.”
STLA Large is one of four BEV architectures Stellantis confirmed on EV Day. It will underpin all-wheel drive performance and muscle cars, suggesting the new Chrysler will be a potent vehicle. The promised range between recharges is up to 800km.
“The STLA Large platform has outstanding fundamentals,” Gilles said. “With the batteries nice and low, the EDM (electric drive module) motors at the edges allowing for variety of wheel sizes, suspension heights and widths.
“All of these components are out of the way allowing us to do just about whatever we want on the top surface.”
