Chrysler EV concept unveiled

A few seconds of screentime during a video presentation that went for almost three hours has hinted at a brighter future for Chrysler.

The brand that was once the head of an American automotive conglomerate and a manufacturer in Australia – including the iconic Charger coupe – is now one of 14 brands under the Stellantis umbrella.

In Australia its future is in serious doubt because Chrysler 300 sedan supply has dried up. In the USA it’s sustained by the Pacifica people-mover we don’t get here.

Reassuringly, Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares has described Chrysler as a “pillar” of the new auto giant that combines the old PSA and FCA, dulling expectations it will be killed off.

At the recent Stellantis EV Day presentation streamed over the internet the headlines were taken by future electric Jeeps and RAM pick-up.

But a white luxury crossover bearing the distinctive Chrysler winged badge appeared during a section being presented by FCA 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 EV designs 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 appears to be a far more production-ready version of the Airflow Vision concept that first appeared at CES in 2020.

The concept EV 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.

“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 EV 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.”