Chrysler built a vehicle called the Airflow once before, from 1934 to 1937. The original Airflow was the first full size car in U.S. history to make use of streamlining to reduce air resistance. The new electric crossover is poised to be far more aerodynamic than its forefather and will be packed with the latest technology including a promise from Chrysler that the swoopy SUV will be capable of Level 3 autonomous driving.
A Clever Crossover but will it be the Airflow?
Chrysler has announced its plans for an all-new, all-electric crossover SUV. The project is currently called the Airflow. Based closely on a sleek concept car design and utilizing an innovative EV platform by its parent company Stellantis, the EV will also use new battery technology for an impressive driving range of over 400 miles. The plan is for the 2025 crossover to arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2024 and take on competitors such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Ford's Mustang Mach-E.
Pure Power
Chrysler has not released details regarding the new EV's horsepower and torque figures, but industry insiders tell us that this clever crossover will be available in single or double electric motor variants, with the two-motor option being all-wheel drive. The concept car version was shown with dual motors, one at each axle, and each provides 201 horsepower. As of this writing, combined hp for the production car is unknown but may be close to 400 horses.
Â
The automaker has claimed that a 118.0-kWh battery pack will provide the vehicle with 400+ miles of range and that DC Fast Charging will allow for a charge from 20- to 80-percent in about 30 minutes. If all that is true, the car will help to eliminate "range anxiety" from first time EV owners.
Â
The Inside Scoop
This four-door, five-seater will be open and spacious, featuring a futuristic cabin design and plenty of cargo space. An impressive cluster of screens will be reminiscent of Mercedes' lavish Hyperscreen, offering a digital gauge cluster, a large touchscreen for navigation, infotainment, safety and driver assist features that takes up most of the dash. Chrysler tells us the new screens for driver and front passenger will utilize a forward-thinking software interface which allows over-the-air updates.
Â
When it comes to driver assist tech, the EV will include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and available adaptive cruise control with the Stellantis STLA AutoDrive system for advanced Level 3 autonomous driving, meaning this advanced people mover may very well be able to drive itself.
Final Words
While Chrysler has not announced the suggested MSRP for this super car, it will likely start off with an entry level trim that comes in at a price of around $50,000. According to Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell, details for this all-electric SUV are still on the drawing board. In fact, the production vehicle may not even be called the Airflow. Stay tuned for more news to come.
