If Built, This Concept Could Be Chrysler’s Fresh Start

Chrysler is a brand in search of identity. Gone are the “Imported from Detroit” days of the twenty-teens when the brand sold a tough-looking luxury sedan powered by an equally tough V-8. (The Chrysler 300 ended production late last year). The only vehicle currently in available in Chrysler’s fleet is the Pacifica minivan. Even though it is the best-selling minivan in the U.S., the Pacifica is showing its age, having been around since 2017. Maybe it’s time for a fresh start.

The fully electric Halcyon Concept, revealed at the Stellantis design dome in Auburn, Michigan, could be the fresh start that the brand needs—if it makes production. (UPDATE 3/3/24: The Chrysler Halcyon Concept made its public debut at The Amelia. Be sure to check out the gallery at the bottom of this story for the full photo set of the car under Florida’s palms.)

The Halcyon is Chrysler’s latest step toward a new brand direction dubbed “Harmony in Motion.” CEO Chris Feuell describes the new tagline as “a fully electric tomorrow through new technology suites from Stellantis that integrate with simple and pure aerodynamic design and a seamless, connected and immersive cockpit experience.”

Let’s break that statement down.

Chrysler’s goal is to feature an all-electric portfolio by 2028, with its first pure EV set to debut in 2025. This timeframe falls in line with the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 initiative, in which Chrysler’s corporate parent aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50 percent and to increase its U.S. sales of battery-electric vehicles by the same percentage. Better yet, Stellantis already has a newly engineered platform to fit the Halcyon if a version of the concept makes production—the STLA Large platform that underpins the upcoming Dodge Charger Daytona SRT. However, some of the other EV technology Chrysler is showcasing in this concept, like inductive wireless charging built into roads and 800V lithium-sulfur batteries, simply isn’t scalable yet.

Next are the technology suites and cockpit experience, which are about as ready for prime time as the wireless on-road charging. The Halcyon boasts “a dimmable glass canopy and windshield that can turn opaque with seats laid back for a unique augmented-reality Stargazing Mode.” A computer-generated video showed how directions, text messages, and the aforementioned Stargazing Mode could be projected onto the windshield.

If any of those sound like dangerous distractions while driving, well, you may be relieved to know the car will be driving itself. The Halcyon includes the STLA AutoDrive technology platform, which will allow for Level 4 autonomous driving (full hands off the wheel, but only in specified locations). Today, there are no commercially available Level 4 autonomous systems on cars, but in the future, who knows. The STLA AutoDrive system allows for the Halcyon’s party trick, a fold-away steering wheel.

The interior is reminiscent of an ergonomic chair from Herman Miller rather than a Corinthian leather couch. It features sustainable materials like recycled fabrics and PET plastic, and more interestingly, crushed-up CDs that make up the redesigned Chrysler wing logo. Despite the coach doors and gullwing canopy, ingress into the rear seats is tricky and headroom is at a premium. But, hey, it is a concept car.

The Halcyon really has nothing in common with any of Chrysler’s outgoing designs, and that’s on purpose. “We tried to start over, so we didn’t pull too much from the past,” said Irina Zavatski, vice president of Chrysler Design. The aggressive stance and low roofline stun in person. The windshield glass seems to almost reach into the Charger Daytona SRT–like front air-blade. The surfacing is simple but well-refined. My only criticism of the design is that the front and rear light bars aren’t very expressive.

Chrysler may have been at a loss for direction recently, but this new design shows that the brand is looking to the future. However, as our EV and autonomous future seems to stall, we’ll see if this new, electrified vision of Chrysler’s future pans out.

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