For years now, many rumors have circulated about the future of the Chrysler brand. Having lost a lot of its shine over the past decade, what was once considered a powerhouse in the industry has seen its range melt like snow in the sun. Stellantis, the parent company born this year, however confirmed last week that the brand has a future.
Taking advantage of Software Day, the Euro-American giant presented an electric style study called the Chrysler Airflow Concept. The name refers to a model produced from 1934 to 1937 which pioneered the use of aerodynamics among American manufacturers. When we know the importance of the drag coefficient for electric cars to promote autonomy, it is therefore anything but a coincidence.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STELLANTIS
The Chrysler Airflow Concept
At this stage, Stellantis has a priori disclosed nothing of the technical sheet of this newcomer or the marketing schedule. His presence at the event with Carlos Tavares, big boss of the group, at his wheel, suggests a desire to send a clear message both to investors and to the customers of a manufacturer who has not done electrification. its priority in recent years. It is also specified that the copy presented was very close to the production version which will be released “soon”.
Based on the Stellantis electrification plan unveiled in July, the Airflow should logically be built on the foundations of the new STLA Medium electric platform which promises up to 700 km of autonomy. Its physique should put it in competition with a number of electric compact crossovers, a category in turmoil whose best-known members (Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, Toyota bZ4X) are expected to tow electric sales towards tops.
Like the latter, the Airflow could logically have one or two electric motors, depending on the version chosen. It is also specified that, like Tesla, Stellantis wants to push the use of a more sophisticated software architecture which will allow constant updates of the functionalities. One thing is certain, its imminent arrival will bring a breath of fresh air to Chrysler.