Chrysler Embraces The Dark Side With Airflow Graphite Concept In NY

The Chrysler Pacifica may be the best pet-friendly minivan around, but it's not exactly exciting. Then again, the brand as a whole has lost its way. But thanks to big investments from parent corporation Stellantis, Chrysler is getting a new lease on life and is promising to launch new vehicles. One of these was previewed by sketches of the Airflow Concept that we first got acquainted with back in 2020 before a production-ready concept rolled around in January of this year. Revealed with sleek styling, it seems to herald a comeback for the ailing automaker, but it seems that Chrysler isn't quite sure what it wants to do with the design of this vehicle as it has just revealed a new take on its styling at the New York Auto Show.

Called the Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept, this new take is being called an "alter-ego version" of the original concept we saw at the start of the year. The body is finished in Galaxy Black with Cyprus Copper accents both inside and out. The cabin also adds Ice Grey accents for a "rich" interior feel. This color scheme is paired with 22-inch wheels, but the only really significant change is the addition of a trendy full-width LED "grille light blade" which acts as a visual announcement of the car's electric powertrain. Inside, this light blade can be seen on the infotainment display as a unique start-up graphic.

As before, Chrysler is aiming for up to 400 miles of range on a single charge and has added the STLA SmartCockpit. Powered by the STLA Brain architecture, it's supposed to act as an extension of both home and work environments, which is why there are screens and cameras for every occupant to conduct conference calls from within the Airflow. Level 3 autonomous driving systems are also planned here, with over-the-air updates set to regularly enhance the experience.

"The Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept, the latest version of our all-electric concept, represents the many possibilities on our brand's road to an all-electric future," said Chris Feuell, Chrysler CEO. "This new persona of the Airflow highlights the flexibility of the Chrysler brand's future design direction and our ability to create personalities reflective of our diverse customers."

Hopefully, we'll see the brand's first production EV (scheduled to arrive "by 2025") very soon.