Chrysler Halcyon Promises To Be an Autonomous EV Concept for Drivers

With the death of the Chrysler 300 fresh in our minds, it’s not unreasonable to ponder about the brand’s future. Currently, Chrysler only has one model on sale, the Pacifica. Luckily for the manufacturer, it’s a profitable vehicle that’s keeping the brand afloat.

But Chrysler knows the Minivan being the only bread winner can’t sustain the brand long-term. The company needs a vision, a proper direction. That’s where “Harmony in Motion” comes in, as the full Chrysler lineup heads towards electrification.

Chrysler is set to launch the first battery-electric vehicle in 2025, on route to an all-electric portfolio by 2028. For years the company has been teasing this future, with vehicles like the Portal Concept in 2017, the Airflow Concept in 2022, and the Synthesis Cockpit Demonstrator last year.

For 2024, a new concept has arrived and it’s arguably the best one yet. Called the Halcyon, the new all-electric vehicle encompasses a slippery, functional shape and is stuffed with fantastical technology that may, or may, yet be created. The brand claims this is the design language of future Chrysler products, but we doubt the first ones will be quite as dramatic as this concept.

For anyone familiar with the Gran Turismo video game series, the Chrysler Halcyon looks like one of the game’s Vision Grand Turismo (VGT) cars. These are fictional machines dreamed up by manufacturers to showcase the company’s future direction. So, basically what Chrysler is doing here.

Starting at the front, there’s a thing light bar that runs the entire length of the vehicle. It incorporates adaptive LED lighting and is complemented by a light-up, center mounted, flush Chrysler logo. Above it is a large bubble windshield that travels far down the car since there is no need to house a traditional gasoline engine under the hood. This opens sightlines all around the vehicle, giving the driver a sizeable view outside.

There’s also what Chrysler refers to as a front air blade aerodynamic pass-through. It helps with high-speed stability and range-increasing efficiency. It’s fully visible from the interior of the car, allowing even better lines of sight through the pass-through.

The Halcyon includes a pillarless side profile with low-rolling resistance 255/35R22 Pirelli tires. Sitting just four inches off the ground, the vehicle houses black side aero blades to direct airflow from the front to the back. Adorning them are functional Chrysler Wing logos that light up as the driver approaches to show how much charge is left in the vehicle. Where the side mirrors would regularly be, are thin blades with built in cameras.

Looking closely at the roof of the vehicle, you may notice there are cut-outs on either side above the front doors. These are butterfly flaps that open along with the doors, allowing even greater entry to the Halcyon. Chrysler calls it ‘Red Carpet Entry’ and includes them since the vehicle sits so low. Behind the front doors are another set of reverse-opening doors, similar in design, yet much bigger than, those once found in vehicles like the Mazda RX-8 and Saturn Ion.

Out back, there is another light strip running the full length as well, complete with light-up Chrysler badge. Active Aero is also present, as there’s a sliding rear lower aero diffuser created from lightweight composite material. Above it is an integrated rear spoiler.

Inside, the Halcyon features a 2+2 seating arrangement. Chrysler states the car uses 95 percent sustainable materials throughout the cabin. Of note are the Chrysler Wing logo on the steering wheel, as well as other trim bits, that are made from recycled music CDs. For our younger readers, these were small plastic circles we’d waste our money purchasing, that contained roughly 16 songs and inevitable would get scratched beyond use. As well, the faux suede on the seats are made from recycled plastic bottles.

When no one is using the rear seats, they can retract into the trunk area. Think of it as a future vision of Stellantis’ Stow ‘n Go seating. They can be stuffed back there through biometric identification or voice command. With them stored, the front seats can fully retract into the space where the rear seats once were, creating a large, lounge like cabin space.

With any concept showcasing a brand’s future, a lot of future and/or whimsical technology is sure to be included. The Halcyon incorporates a cross-car, pillar-to-pillar transparent display screen. Basically, it turns the bubble window into a massive head-up display. In addition to this display is a stowable 15.6-inch console screen, that can be rotated for either portrait or landscape orientation.

Personalization is a huge theme for the car. In the Prepare Mode, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant uses the Intelligent Cabin Comfort feature to set the climate control, alert the driver of upcoming events in their calendar, and provide optimal navigation routing using real-time traffic updates. Then, as the driver approaches the Halcyon, the Welcome/Entry Mode utilizes biometric identification to greet the driver with a LED exterior lighting animation, personalized exterior sound features, and a custom greeting on the interior display screens.

While on the topic of sounds, there are also personalized vehicle cymatics, which creates sounds, vibrations, and visuals to set the mood of the vehicle. It can be customized for feelings like calmness or energetic, depending on the driver’s current preference. The car is also capable of gamify travel through places like mountainous ranges, where it can identifying certain landmarks or mark best lap times.

No specifications in terms of drive motor(s), power, or range have been released currently. What we do know is that Chrysler envisions the Halcyon would use a Lyten 800V lithium-sulfur EV battery. This component does not use nickel, cobalt, or manganese, which should be about a 60% reduction in its carbon footprint compared to a current EV battery.

The car would also utilize a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology. Basically, this is the technology where roads are giant wireless charging pads that recharge vehicles through their undercarriages while driving. In theory, this would create unlimited range, but it would also require us to electrify all our roads with built-in charging strips.

While on some of the more fantastical technology, the Halcyon includes STLA AutoDrive technology, which enables Level 4 autonomous driving. This would allow for features like the car driving itself out of a parking garage to meet you at the side of the street when at an office building, or condominium. As well, when in the vehicle, the dimmable glass canopy and windshield can turn opaque, the front seats would lay back and enable the augmented-reality Stargazing Mode.

Finally, there is the Exit Mode. It incorporates Automated Parking features and will automatically put the seats in an upright position as well as raise the car’s ride height to assist with vehicle egress.

The Halcyon isn’t just an automated transport pod. For those looking to take control, voice recognition can be used to redeploy the reverse-yoke steering wheel and pedals. Then, drivers can select a customized EV drive mode that suits their mood, adjusting the air suspension, drive motors, and brakes.

Those less inclined to drive can sit back and watch movies and/or play games. There’s also the augmented reality landmark feature mentioned earlier ready to be deployed.

Don’t get too excited to experience all these features quite yet though, as the Chrysler Halcyon Concept is just that, a concept. But, as a foreshadow of where the brand’s design language and technology are heading, it’s reason enough to believe in, and get excited for, Chrysler’s future.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.