Chrysler is heralding a bold electric future with the stunning Halcyon concept

Despite approaching its 100th birthday, the Chrysler brand has been somewhat influenced by parent company Stellantis in recent years. Once producing the sleek 1940s Windsor, the long, elegant Imperial and New Yorker, as well as the more recent and divisive Crossfire, Chrysler is now limited to the aging 300 sedan and Pacifica minivan.

It’s not the most exciting style model, but things look like they’re about to change with its latest and most impressive Halcyon car. It seems to point to a very exciting electric future for one of America’s most coveted bonnet badges.

Based on the Stellantis Group’s massive STLA platform, which will underpin a number of new EVs in the coming years, the Halcyon is a tall but shapely four-seat electric roadster that would take on the likes of Porsche’s Taycan, Lucid Air. and Tesla’s Model S if it goes into production.

(Photo credit: Stellantis/Chrysler)

It has Active Aero Technology, including an active rear diffuser, as well as a “front air blade area, front air curtains and windshield” to help the car cut through the air more efficiently.

Long, low and sleek, the Halcyon cuts a striking figure and even the doors have butterfly hinges to allow easy access into the cavernous interior.

Of course, none of these will make it to production, as there isn’t even full evidence of a powertrain, but Chrysler claims that the Halcyon concept boasts an 800V lithium-sulfur battery at its core, with a 40-mile charging range. in minutes from a suitable fast charger.

However, it goes one step further as it is also supported by inductive charging technology, meaning that any roads and highways with Wireless Power Transfer Capability can theoretically power the car with unlimited range. That said, the technology isn’t commercially viable, so don’t hold your breath for that.

AI inside

(Photo credit: Stellantis/Chrysler)

The sleek, attractive exterior is complemented by an equally impressive interior, which features four individual seats that use biometric recognition to set the scene accordingly.

This plays well with Chrysler’s vision of a SmartCockpit that recognizes occupants and allows seamless data transfer from personal devices to the car’s infotainment system – itself powered by a bold 15.6-inch console.

The AI assistant can predict and set the next stop in the navigation based on calendar entries and schedules, while reversible levels of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems can intervene in the car if it detects that the occupants need to spend their time working, rather than driving.

(Photo credit: Stellantis/Chrysler)

To help with this, the brand claims that the Halcyon is capable of Level 4 autonomous driving, meaning it can handle multiple driving tasks while the person behind the wheel interacts with other digital functions, or even reverse (see below) .

So long as they are available to take over at any time, Halcyon can run itself… if the law allows it.

Chill mode

(Photo credit: Stellantis/Chrysler)

Should the Halcyon reach a time when higher levels of autonomous driving are safe and legal, Chrysler plans to offer what it calls a ‘Chill Mode’. Once enabled, the wheel folds back into the dash and both head and footrests are visible so occupants can enter a more laid-back, zen-like state.

The retractable glass sunroof and windows will automatically stream, while the full AR Head-up Display will appear and the system can effectively stream any type of media that can be streamed on the panoramic glass roof.

According to its manufacturer, the same HUD can cover information about the stars and constellations in the night sky, if those on board fancy themselves Sir Patrick Moores while flying towards the target. Monocles optional.

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