Chrysler has shown a preview of its first EV, which is scheduled to silently roll onto our Benna DCJR showroom in 2024 as a 2025 model. It is a beautiful mid-sized crossover similar in size to the Mustang Mach-E and EV Blazer. Unlike those vehicles which take on styling cues of their namesakes, the Airflow takes Chrysler in an all-new design direction. Even the Chrysler winged badge is displayed in a very abstract manner on the front.
New Car, Old Name
While the name “Airflow” seems quite appropriate for an EV designed to operate efficiently on the highway, the name actually dates back almost 90 years to the boldly-designed Chrysler production models of 1934 – 1937. Other cars of the time had radiator grilles, separate headlight pods, outboard fenders, and running boards. By contrast, the 1934 Airflow featured integrated headlights, an art-deco grille flush with a curving hood, bodywork over the rear wheels, and other design elements intended to celebrate the car’s ability to flow through the air around it. The design was about 25 years ahead of its time. Depression-era shoppers still able to buy a new car didn’t know what to make of it, and too few of them wanted to take chances. The 1938 Chrysler reverted to more traditional styling.
Appears Close to Production
Such will not be the fate of this Airflow. It, too, appears to be a child of the wind tunnel but with some distinctive character lines along its side and nothing that could be considered controversial. In fact, while the Airflow is considered a concept, there is very little to the exterior that does not look ready for production. Until recently, the LED front trim incorporating the badge would have been considered concept eye-candy but is fully
production possible now. The wheels will likely come down to a more practical and range-friendly size. Inside, we can expect the interior to be toned down to a more affordable level, the steering wheel to get rounder, and the rear bucket seats to give way to more useful 3-across seating. For the most part, however, this looks to be what we can expect for sale in 2024.
Just a few Mechanical Details
The concept features all-wheel drive with one 201 horsepower motor in the front and another in the rear. This is likely an optional or upper trim-level setup with a single-motor, rear-drive arrangement as standard. Under the Airflow’s floor is a 118.0 kWh battery pack Chrysler estimates to provide a range of between 350 and 400 miles. Figure the single-motor model for the higher end of that range.
Under a glass roof, the white interior looks very light and spacious. The dash is a series of LED displays, including one for the front passenger, and there are additional touch displays on the front seat backs for rear passengers. The crystal starter switch on the flying center console is quite attractive though its placement appears begging to be accidentally hit by your right arm. If these features make it to production, they will likely be reserved for the flagship trim level. What the Airflow indicates, more than anything else, is that Chrysler is ready with an EV platform with an attractive body on top of it that is ready to appear in Benna CDJR’s inventory in about a year. And once you have a viable EV platform, other models can follow. For now, we are really looking forward to the production Airflow and hope you are as well. If you are interested in updates on the Airflow and when it will arrive in our showroom, contact us, and we will put you on our waiting list.
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