Chrysler’s New Halcyon Concept Uses the Bones of the Charger’s Daytona EV

The Chrysler Airflow is dead, and the Halcyon is here. While the Airflow had the impression that it could be a production car, the Halcyon is an all-electric concept. Chrysler doesn’t divulge powertrains, performance, or range estimates, but it does depend on the actual platform. And it’s packed to the gills with systems designed to help drivers make a “connection with the car.”

Chrysler Halcyon is very much down, with the nose only four inches off the ground. The front and rear doors open a full 90 degrees, revealing a spacious interior without a B-pillar. To ease entry, the roof panels open in a throw-style fashion, creating something more akin to a 1980s T-top than a concept of the day. future At the back there is a moderate trunk, hidden under the flat rear glass and the smooth shape of the rear parts of the car. To our eyes, it’s a very clean look that’s attractive, if a little obscure.

Under the skin is a large platform Stellantis STLA. That’s the same configuration as the upcoming Dodge Charger Daytona EV, and there are other connections worth mentioning. Chrysler says the Halcyon uses an 800-volt architecture, something expected on the high-performance Charger Daytona Banshee. The body incorporates many aero tricks, including a large front passage where air is directed through the grille and over the hood. That’s another Daytona feature for the Charger, interesting considering the Dodge is set to debut on March 5. Maybe the Halcyon isn’t as much of a concept as we thought.

A look at Chrysler’s list of technology systems will convince you otherwise. Chrysler says the Halcyon has Level 4 self-driving capabilities, featuring a steering wheel and pedal arrangement that can fully retract, allowing the driver to be just a passenger for the ride. To that end, there’s a neat stargazing mode that changes the transparency of the glasses and reclines the chair so you can stargaze. There’s a large transparent pillar-to-pillar screen up front, and an upgraded, full-screen head-up display can provide information to occupants, whether they’re driving or not. Powering everything is a lithium-sulfur battery of unknown output.

This is where it gets a little surprising (and even a little scary). Chrysler talks about the Halcyon making heavy use of AI for a customizable experience, where the car welcomes you with a special light and sound display as you approach. It prepares itself for the car, taking into account everything from the weather to your daily calendar (which is connected to the car). Chrysler’s vision for the Halcyon is one where car and driver have a legitimate, personal relationship.

It doesn’t end with a greeting. Biometric scanners recognize you, and once inside, the car plays soothing sounds and sets everything to your liking. A soothing soundtrack appears on the car’s screens, creating an audio visual experience that reminds us of Disney’s. Fantasia. And when you arrive at your destination, the car gives you all kinds of special send-offs with more sounds and lights. Chrysler calls it “Harmony in Motion.”

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There’s no indication from Chrysler that the Halcyon will go on sale in any way visible here. But it’s another step towards the company launching its first EV in 2025 and becoming an electric brand by 2028.

“The Chrysler Halcyon Concept creates a level of stability that perfectly represents the Halcyon name,” said Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell. “Halcyon demonstrates innovative and sustainable mobility solutions that embrace technology and deliver value to customers while delivering ‘Harmony in Motion.’