Zac Quinn 
Chrysler recently unveiled the Halcyon Concept, showing off what a fully electrified future of the Chrysler brand could have in store with futuristic exterior and interior design, full autonomy paired with personalized driving experiences, and futuristic technology that expands upon the brand’s “Harmony in Motion” ethos. But we can’t help but think back to the ME Four-Twelve concept Chrysler unveiled in 2004, the first example of what a Chrysler supercar could look like, and featured a quad-turbo V12 engine. Maybe the Daimler days weren’t so bad?
Chrysler, as a brand, is undeniably starved for tangible, appealing product. Yet, aside from the Pacifica, have only debuted one concept car after another over the past decade or so (300C notwithstanding). Maybe even longer than that. Each one carrying the similar fate of not quite making it to production. The Portal, the Airflow, and now the Halcyon. However, there are signs that things could be different for this rakish two-row EV.
Chrylser Halcyon Concept: Details
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept was designed on the STLA Large platform, offering an aerodynamic, streamlined, and uncompromising vision of the Chrysler brand’s future exterior character. That means it rides on the same platform as the Dodge Charger Daytona, which is set to begin production this fall. The Halcyon Concept is very low to the ground, with the body plunging to within four inches of the road, meaning driveways are its sworn enemy. A subtle yet functional front air blade aerodynamic pass-through area enhances performance and all-important BEV range capability. The pass-through is visible from the cockpit, providing the driver with a real-world connection with the concept’s performance and functionality. The vehicle utilizes an 800-volt architecture, something expected to arrive on the high-performance Charger Daytona Banshee. Though a Mid-engined, four-turbo Twelve Cylinder with 850 horsepower and a greater power-to-weight ratio than a McLaren F1 is arguably cooler.
A warm Acrylic-tinted butterfly-hinged canopy serves as a third door and works with the red-carpet-style side doors to offer spacious ingress and egress. The rear carries its unique silhouette, with a water line that emphasizes the width and shoulders of the car. The front’s cross-car read and LED-lit Chrysler wing logo are mirrored in the back and look a lot sleeker than the ME Four-Twelve concept’s 96 LEDs scattered across the rear, but the quirks add character.
Here’s where things stretch into the realm of science fiction. The Chrysler Halcyon Concept’s Active Aero Technology incorporates a sliding rear lower aero diffuser from lightweight composite material, a rear spoiler, and air suspension to enhance efficiency and driving dynamics. The undercarriage is designed to incorporate emerging inducting charging technology, with sensors integrated into the vehicle communicating with sensors under the road to charge the battery and provide unlimited range.
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept uses a Stellantis AI virtual assistant, which prepares the car for the day, notifying the driver and the vehicles of upcoming events. It also utilizes personal preferences to set HVAC levels remotely. The car recognizes the driver, comes to life, and provides a greeting through a Welcome Mode that uses biometric identification. The driver is the “key” to unlocking the concept, as facial biometrics allow safe and secure, hands-free vehicle entry and start-up, with doors unlocking and opening autonomously. The perfect kind of vehicle setting for diabolical twins.
There’s no indication that this concept will ever make it to production. However, it does envision a breakthrough 800V lithium-sulfur EV battery that doesn’t use nickel, cobalt, or manganese, resulting in an estimated 60% lower carbon footprint than today’s batteries. If nothing else, it is at least a step towards the company launching its first EV in 2025 and becoming an all-electric brand by 2028, much to the desire of politicians.
