When Chrysler unveiled an electric crossover concept in 2021, then named it legacy Airflow nameplate, it looks like an alternative to showrooms based on its production-ready look.
That’s no longer the case, with brand new CEO Christine Feuell canceling the production version of the Airflow concept.
Instead of, Motorcycle Trends reported that Ms. Feuell had called for a medium that looked like a statement. While the Airflow’s design is modern, it’s arguably not particularly exciting for 2022, let alone 2025 when it’s supposed to go on sale.
Instead, Stellantis design director Ralph Gilles is working on a new full-size two-row crossover, one that will have a more modern design.
It will be revealed next year, although an “intended production” car has already been shown to dealers.
“Chris [Feuell] Mr. Gilles said. “She wanted a statement that was completely unrelated to anything you see today, even the Airflow concept car. It is developing in a new direction.”
“Airflow is a great exercise in re-signing the kind of vehicles Chrysler might want to do,” he continued, pointing out that Airflow is the starting point and his team aims to deliver something even more intriguing.
The production model will not be called Airflow, a nameplate last seen in 1937, notes Ms. Feuell: “There was a group of people who loved the name Airflow and just as many begged us not to use it. It.”
The upcoming model will also not wear the 300 nameplate.
“I do not think [the 300 name is] perfect fit for this product,” said Ms. Feuell.
“That could be a great name for something we will introduce in the future. There’s so much great history and justice to the name that I don’t want to rule out its future use, but not with the name.”
Chrysler has phased out alphanumeric names, and is considering both old and new names for its future products.
The Chrysler brand’s first electric vehicle will use the new STLA Large architecture.
The STLA Large vehicles will offer a dual-motor four-wheel drive option and will use electric motors, each producing between 125kW and 330kW. That creates the possibility of dual-motor 660kW performance models.
Vehicles on this architecture will also be able to support batteries ranging from 101-118 kWh, facilitating a maximum operating range of up to 800 km.
The Airflow concept has a 150 kW electric motor on each axle, with a claimed range of 560 km to 645 km. It also has Level 3 autonomous driving technology.
Chrysler had previously confirmed there would be an electric-only lineup starting in 2028.
“Starting in 2025, you’ll see a ton of new products coming from us every year,” said Ms. Feuell, although she did not confirm how many cars there would be in total.
However, a three-row electric crossover is expected to follow the upcoming two-row model.
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2023 Chrysler Pacific -
2023Chrysler300
Chrysler currently sells only two models: the Pacifica people mover and the 300 sedan. However, the latter model will be discontinued later this year, and with a two-row electric crossover due to arrive until 2025, the brand should have a single-model lineup for at least a year.
The Chrysler brand leaving the Australian market The 300 is the automaker’s only model since 2014 when the Grand Voyager was scrapped, with Chrysler’s only other vehicle – the Pacifica – left-hand drive only.
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