Possible return of the Chrysler Airflow as an electric SUV
Chrysler is behind the times when it comes to electric vehicles, and it won’t be until 2024 to see some serious action. The return of the Chrysler airflow and by its configuration, it will directly target the Ford Mustang Mach-e.
The management of Chrysler, under the aegis of Carlos Tavares, may not be in a hurry by electrification, it is aware that it is inevitable, that the competition is already active and ahead. To catch up, and following the unveiling of the EV Concept earlier this summer, the Ann Arbor builder is now hinting that it won’t stay in concept form for very long. We are indeed considering a production.
Why the Airflow?
To mark the change in attitude of the manufacturer, rumors suggest that we would reintroduce the name Airflow in the range. Why Airflow? It was initially introduced in 1934 and produced until 1937. We go back in time, but at that time the Airflow was the embodiment of modernity, in particular because of its design which set the stage for the notions of aerodynamics in the American mass automobile. Even today, the Airflow of the 1930s is cited as an example. Chrysler therefore wants to make such a strong statement with its first electric SUV / crossover. A further indicator of his comeback, Stellantis has re-registered the name under his tutelage all over the world.
Up to 443 horsepower and 700 kilometers of range
On the technical level, we are still in a certain mystery. The Airflow is expected to adopt the STLA compact and mid-size vehicle platform, obviously slated for electrification. It would be able to accept batteries of up to 104 kilowatt hours and giving a maximum of 700 kilometers of range. This foundation also allows engines with 2 or 4 driving wheels. In terms of expected power, this platform can range from 168 to 443 horsepower depending on the configuration. For the moment, what will be the options and possibilities retained for the Airflow? It’s hard to confirm what Stellantis’s intentions are in this regard.
2022, 2023, but above all 2024
It can be said that the arrival, even only in 2024, will do the Chrysler division good. There hasn’t really been anything new since 2017 with the introduction of the Pacifica. Today, in addition to the van, there is only the venerable 300 left so the last generation dates back more than 10 years without change. Carlos Tavares says there will be action in 2022 and 2023, but it remains to be seen what those products will be and what public interest will be in them given that consumers are currently fond of electric SUVs.
