Like many different automotive improvements, the Chrysler 426 Hemi owes its existence to car racing’s need for extra. The automaker’s NASCAR crew felt it had reached the 426 Wedge engine’s efficiency limits by the conclusion of the 1963 racing season. Seeking extra horsepower and velocity, Mopar engineers utilized Chrysler’s hemispherical cylinder-head know-how, developed within the Nineteen Fifties, to the Wedge’s 426-cubic-inch huge block, making a 426 Hemi with super potential.
Chrysler Racing debuted the 426 Hemi on the 1964 Daytona 500 NASCAR occasion on February 23. At the top of the 500-mile race, 4 426 Hemi-powered Chryslers completed within the high 5, together with a Plymouth Belvedere, pushed by Richard Petty, that led 184 of the 200 laps round Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval for the win. In addition to NASCAR, the 426 Hemi succeeded within the high ranges of NHRA drag racing.
Chrysler started producing 426 Hemi-equipped Plymouth Belvedere and Dodge Coronet fashions for the 1965 mannequin 12 months to fulfill NASCAR guidelines. From 1966 to 1971, the 426 Hemi powered automobiles such because the Barracuda (or ‘Cuda), Charger, and Road Runner, to call just some.
The 426 Hemi used a 4.25-inch bore and three.75-inch stroke to realize its displacement. The secret to its 425-horsepower score lies within the dome form of the cylinder head’s combustion chamber. The dome form is well-suited for burning gas and heat-shedding, and the design permits giant consumption and exhaust valves to maneuver giant volumes of air by the engine.
Stellantis is issuing a voluntary recall for sure 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans as a result of a problem with their aspect curtain airbag inflators. The automaker found that among the modules might rupture and ship shrapnel into the automobile, injuring occupants.
The recall impacts 284,982 sedans, however Stellantis believes the problem exists in lower than one p.c of the autos. However, it would urge homeowners to repair the issue as quickly as attainable.
The merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Peugeot Citroën was finalized in early 2021, birthing Stellantis. But even earlier than the deal was performed, the auto conglomerate shared its luck with its workers with the “pay for performance” initiative. Stellantis has since distributed €6 billion (about $6.4B at present change charges), with one other wholesome 2023.
After robust gross sales final yr, Stellantis can be rewarding its employees with a fats test in 2024. Employees are getting a whopping €1.9B ($2B) whole. The firm doesn’t say how many individuals will profit from the profit-sharing deal, but it surely does point out that round 95 p.c of its workforce was included within the “pay for performance” plan final yr.
But it isn’t all excellent news. As the corporate strikes towards an electrical future, the corporate will trim 1000’s of jobs. In November 2023, Stellantis introduced voluntary buyout packages for six,400 salaried workers within the United States. This adopted an earlier announcement in April about voluntary exit packages supplied to 33,500 US-based workers, together with 31,000 hourly employees and a pair of,500 salaried employees.
An identical scenario is unfolding in Europe, the place job cuts are a continuing concern amid the trade’s shift to EVs. In its three years for the reason that merger, Stellantis has eradicated round 7,000 jobs in Italy alone. This regardless of the corporate’s dedication to maintaining all 14 manufacturers alive, together with Lancia.
The new Ypsilon, unveiled this week, alerts the rebirth of the troubled model and marks a big milestone as Lancia’s first electrical automobile and one in every of 18 EVs Stellantis plans to construct this yr. The firm goals to broaden its electrical choices additional, with a goal of getting 48 purely electrical fashions in its portfolio by the top of 2024.
Chrysler has revealed a futuristic super-saloon as a preview of its upcoming electric car line-up.
The Stellantis-owned American model, which at present sells solely the Pacifica MPV, will fully reinvent itself for the EV period, ushering in a daring new design language alongside a raft of next-generation applied sciences, together with high-level autonomy and superior connectivity.
The new Halcyon idea bears completely no relation to any Chrysler mannequin previous or current, nor does it resemble the future-looking Airflow crossover concept that Chrysler revealed in 2022. Indeed, it is unclear whether or not a manufacturing model of that EV remains to be on the playing cards.
Chrysler’s newest effort follows equally conceived present automobiles from Stellantis sibling manufacturers Peugeot, Lancia and Vauxhall as a imaginative and prescient of what will be achieved utilizing Stellantis’s new STLA platforms and software program structure.
The Halcyon relies on the STLA Large platform, which can underpin eight manufacturing automobiles by 2026, together with a brand new Chrysler – the positioning of which hasn’t but been confirmed – in 2025.
Chrysler hasn’t confirmed exact technical specs of the Halcyon, however STLA Large is designed to accommodate batteries ample for 500 miles of vary and “extreme” powertrains that may ship a automobile from 0-62mph in as little as 2.0sec.
In this utility, the Halcyon’s 800V batteries – stated to have a 60% decrease carbon footprint than ‘at this time’s best-in-class batteries’ as a result of they do not use nickel, cobalt or manganese – are claimed to assist wi-fi charging on “specially equipped, dedicated road lanes”.
This, Chrysler stated, means the Halcyon theoretically has “an unlimited range” – though the know-how is at present not in business use, so it has restricted real-world implications.
The Halcyon is designed extra to showcase Chrysler’s design and sustainability ambitions because it eyes an all-electric line-up by 2028.
The Chrysler Airflow is dead, and the Halcyon is right here. Whereas the Airflow had a sense that it could possibly be a manufacturing automobile, the Halcyon is decidedly an all-electric idea. Chrysler gives no point out of powertrains, efficiency, or vary estimates, however it’s primarily based on an actual platform. And it is packed to the gills with programs designed to assist drivers make a “connection with the vehicle.”
The Chrysler Halcyon is very low, with the nostril simply 4 inches off the bottom. Front and rear doorways open a full 90 levels, revealing a spacious inside devoid of a B-pillar. To make entry simpler, roof panels open gullwing fashion, forming one thing extra akin to a Nineteen Eighties T-top than a futuristic idea. At the rear is a modest trunk, hidden beneath the flat rear glass and clean form of the automobile’s haunches. To our eyes, it is a very clear form that is enticing, if a bit nameless.
Underneath the pores and skin is the Stellantis STLA Large platform. That’s the identical setup the forthcoming Dodge Charger Daytona EV will use, and there are different connections value mentioning. Chrysler states the Halcyon makes use of an 800-volt structure, one thing anticipated on the high-performance Charger Daytona Banshee. The physique incorporates loads of aero trickery, together with an enormous passthrough on the entrance the place air is directed by means of the grille and over the hood. That’s one other Charger Daytona function, fascinating contemplating the Dodge is slated for a debut on March 5. Perhaps the Halcyon is not as conceptual as we thought.
Looking at Chrysler’s listing of tech programs will persuade you in any other case. Chrysler says the Halcyon has Level 4 self-driving functionality, punctuated by a steering wheel and pedal association that may totally retract, letting the motive force merely be a passenger for the journey. To that finish, there is a neat stargazing mode that modifications the opacity of the glass and reclines the seat so you’ll be able to, effectively, stargaze. There’s an enormous pillar-to-pillar clear display on the entrance, and an augmented, full-screen heads-up show can dispense info to people inside, whether or not they’re driving or not. Powering every part is a lithium-sulfur battery of unknown output.
Here’s the place it will get slightly bizarre (and even a bit creepy). Chrysler talks concerning the Halcyon making in depth use of AI for a customizable driver expertise, one the place the automobile greets you with a particular mild and sound show as you strategy. It preps itself for the drive, bearing in mind every part from climate situations to your day by day calendar (which is related to the automobile). Chrysler’s imaginative and prescient for the Halcyon is one the place the automobile and the motive force have a reputable, private connection.
It would not cease with a greeting. Biometric scanners acknowledge you, and as soon as inside, the automobile performs calming sounds and units every part up simply as you prefer it. The stress-reducing audio is visualized on the automobile’s show screens, creating an audio-visual expertise that reminds us of Disney’s Fantasia. And whenever you get to wherever it’s you are going, the automobile provides you all types of particular send-offs with extra sounds and lights. Chrysler calls it “Harmony in Motion.”
Interestingly sufficient, Chrysler has set its sights on electric manufacturing in latest instances, a stark distinction from its unique gas-heavy and reliant messaging. Of course, these fashions haven’t but began pre-order, however they’re set to be prepared for buy in 2024.
Some confirmed specs for this electrical SUV embody a dual-motor setup offering 201 horsepower every, probably providing a mixed output near 400 horsepower. We’re additionally seeing the Chrysler Airflow boast a 118.0-kWh battery pack, with Chrysler claiming it has a spread of 350–400 miles. That would outpace its competitors (as of proper now), which is nice information for Chrysler.
America’s most awarded minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica boasts of options that make it much better than most SUVs and here is how.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Chrysler and different authoritative sources, together with sellers, Car and Driver, and different respected shops.
The 2025 Chrysler Airflow Is Stunning
This once-ever-lasting idea automobile is lastly coming to market in 2024.
The 2025 Chrysler Airflow would be the model’s first-ever all-electric automobile.
As we enter the yr of electrical SUVs, Chrysler emerges as an underdog out there. With its first-ever electrical mannequin hitting the streets by the top of 2024, the Airflow nameplate might be an enormous launch for the historically gas-powered U.S. automaker. This model has been a concept vehicle for a few years, with many believing it could by no means roll off manufacturing strains. However, beginning this yr, we’ll see Airflow make its means into the electrical market and hopefully symbolize a bigger stake within the recreation for its firm, Chrysler.
With confirmed specs being up to 400 miles on a single charge, All-wheel drive with two 150 kW digital driving modules, and STLA AutoDrive that delivers Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, this is without doubt one of the most vital releases from the model.
This Is Fierce Competition For Ford And Tesla
One of the most important sources of controversy and a spotlight that the 2025 Chrysler Airflow is getting is how spectacular it’s when in comparison with the Ford Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. As of 2024, you have got the newest-generation Mach-E providing a price ticket of $43,495 and as much as 310 miles of vary, and the Model Y costing $43,990 and offering you with practically 330 miles, the potential 400 miles of vary at an analogous worth level places everybody on discover; courtesy of Chrysler.
Stellantis is rushing up its electrification developments with the intention to catch up within the EV race and safe its future.
400 Miles Of Range Plus Front Or Rear-Wheel Drive Standard Makes The Chrysler Airflow A Stand-Out
Chrysler
The 2025 Chrysler Airflow will supply an anticipated 400-mile vary per cost.
DC quick charging permits you to spend underneath half-hour along with your Airflow on cost.
When contemplating the 2025 Chrysler Airflow as your subsequent EV, it is value noting that this mannequin will boast among the best ranges of the yr upon its 2024 (anticipated) drop. Thanks to a 118.0-kWh battery pack and ultra-fast Level 3 DC charging, it is possible for you to to spend much less time on the outlet and extra time on the open highway on this super-sleek mannequin. A huge part of Chrysler’s strategy with the Airflow is to offer you, the motive force, extra vary, in addition to make plugging in a breeze.
Of course, Tesla put Superchargers on the map, however by way of strategic partnerships, AI, and American manufacturing, this SUV is heading in the right direction to shake issues up: Significantly. The 2025 Airflow was initially proven with twin motors, every providing 201 horsepower, so if that stays included within the remaining mannequin, you will notice roughly 400 horses from this SUV. Chrysler’s now not solely good at minivans, individuals!
You’ll Only Spend ~30 Minutes Replenishing Those 400 Miles
Chrysler
Something else to get enthusiastic about is that through Level 3 fast-charging (DC fast charger stations), it is possible for you to to plug your SUV in, wait about half-hour, and go from zero to 80+ % of cost in a breeze. The motive behind this push for quick charging is that Chrysler is aware of its long-time fan base has vary nervousness, and superfast charging, will treatment the state of affairs. This is slated to be one of many higher “first-time” electrical automobiles for buyers in fairly a while.
Chrysler is making daring strikes with the launch of its first EV that is a 300 successor. But, in a room stuffed with eSUVs, does a sedan stand any likelihood?
A Sculpted Frame And Sleek Interior Help The Chrysler Airflow Shine Bright
Chrysler
The Airflow SUV affords spacious, Tesla-reminiscent interiors.
This mannequin sees a Pacifca-style entrance grille to pay homage to the minivan nameplate.
One of the extra placing features of the 2025 Chrysler Airflow is its exterior body and inside. Resembling a Tesla Model Y inside, this SUV feels reasonably open, with loads of pure gentle getting into the primary cabin. You additionally see a little bit of Pacifica homage on the entrance grille, which is becoming since that nameplate and mannequin have saved the lights on at Chrysler for a few years. Even with that, the Airflow seems like modern-day Chrysler blended with the longer term, and it is very interesting for its mid-range pricing.
Moreover, you may count on issues like a powerful cluster of screens paying homage to Mercedes’ lavish Hyperscreen inside this SUV, plus a brand new software program platform that permits over-the-air updates. Technology might be an integral a part of this mannequin, as Chrysler has used all of its sources to excellent Airflow after a few years as an idea automobile.
Despite being an amazing product, the Chrysler Pacifica has all the time been an underrated product, and here is why
The 2025 Airflow May Just Save The Brand
Chrysler
Chrysler will unveil its first-ever solely electrical mannequin (Airflow) within the coming months.
This marks a brand new daybreak of producing and messaging for the corporate.
Although Chrysler has seen success in its lineup in fashionable instances, the corporate as a complete wants a mannequin like Airflow. Boasting class-leading specs, beautiful design components, and vary for days (or weeks), this electrical SUV has the possibility to tug Chrysler out from the ashes and into the primary ring throughout the EV section.
With fierce competitors within the SUV area, the Chrysler Airflow will go toe-to-toe with models including Mach-E and Model Y, each of which have witnessed falling gross sales extra just lately. Range nervousness was a high precedence when creating this four-door automobile. With 400 miles and quick charging, we may simply see droves of potential electrical house owners and drivers flock to the Airflow over a number of the others.
You Can Expect The All-New Chrysler Airflow To Hit Streets In 2024
Although the precise launch date of this mannequin shouldn’t be but out, the Chrysler Airflow will maintain a 2025 debut mannequin yr, and can come out in small batches beginning this yr. It’s finest to remain tuned to Chrysler’s official web site when in search of certainly one of these SUVs, in addition to right here on TopSpeed. There’s no higher time than the longer term!
Having produced the last 300C earlier this month, Chrysler is right down to a single product. And the Pacifica is getting up there. The minivan went on sale again in 2016 and obtained its final main facelift in 2020 with the brand new all-wheel-drive model. Now lastly, one other replace is coming.
Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell introduced a “mid-cycle action plan for the Pacifica,” in an interview. She went on to say “it will be more than just a moderate refresh. It will be pretty significant.” Although she declined to say when it will go on sale, the pinnacle honcho revealed it’s going to come back out after Chrysler’s first EV.
It’s time to say goodbye to 2 auto business icons. The Chrysler 300 and Honda e are completely completely different in each means, from how they give the impression of being to who buys them. So what have they got in widespread? They each performed vital roles for the manufacturers that constructed them.
Here’s how the small Honda from Japan and the massive Chrysler from the States modified the automotive business.
Polar Opposites
The Chrysler 300 is a big sedan powered by V6 or V8 engines, a few of which flip the 198.6 inch boat right into a throaty muscle car. The 300 borrowed bits from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class again when Daimler Chrysler was a factor. Once upon a time, it might match as much as now-dead rivals just like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and Toyota Avalon, amongst others. But now it is the final participant within the phase.
On the opposite hand, the Honda e is an electrical B-segment hatchback designed for the tastes of motorists in Japan and all through Europe. Its retro design is a callback to small, boxy metropolis automobiles however beneath exists a contemporary electrical powertrain. The Honda e was meant to be the model’s first mass-market EV, although it did not fairly work out that means.
A Lifesaver
The 300 gave Chrysler a world edge. In truth, the primary technology of the 300 (obtainable between 2004 and 2010) used many parts of the Mercedes E-Class W211. The second-generation debuted in 2011, although it was largely an replace of the unique.
Fiat’s takeover of Chrysler was a chance to increase the 300’s presence. In 2011, Lancia determined to rebadge the 300 and promote it in Europe because the Thema. The operation failed, with simply 6,000 models bought between 2011 and 2014. Approximately 1.4 million 300s have been bought (together with the aforementioned Themas) in virtually 20 years. The 300 was by no means an total best-selling automotive, however it did have an effect on the automotive world. If nothing else, it was a lifesaver for Chrysler.
As Iconic As It Is Unpopular
Meanwhile at Honda, the influence of the Honda e is not about gross sales quantity. It’s about how the small hatch put an electrical Honda on the map. Although the EV’s specs weren’t thoughts blowing, the Honda e captured the general public’s consideration because of its cute design. It’s additionally noteworthy as being the automobile that ushered Honda into the trendy mainstream battery-electric market.
The little Honda e by no means wished to shake up the world of electrical automobiles, nevertheless. It had a excessive worth and restricted vary – huge limitations within the first section of the electrification period. The outcomes of which are fairly clear: Honda bought simply 12,500 models of this small automotive between 2020 and November 2023, with European quantity accounting for over 80 % of the full. And but, regardless of the lackluster gross sales, it is a automotive that will not be forgotten anytime quickly.
The creator of the article, Felipe Munoz, is the Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
The Chrysler 300 is quite an old car. The current generation was introduced in 2011, but the core architecture of the car dates all the way back to the original model from the mid-2000s – a vehicle itself based on a decades-old Mercedes platform. Despite its age, Consumer Reports reports that people are paying more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Chrysler 300 on average, in comparison to any other vehicle on sale.
Consumer Reports analyzed data from TrueCar to identify which vehicles are currently selling for the most over their respective sticker prices. The analysis revealed that on average, each Chrysler 300 was selling for 12 percent over MSRP. This is a surprising statistic, especially considering that very little has changed about the car in the last decade.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a more challenging moderate overlap front crash test on several minivans, including the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna. Unfortunately, the results were far from impressive.
The IIHS ranks vehicles based on their performance, using categories such as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. Let’s take a look at how these minivans fared:
Model
Overall Rating
2023 Chrysler Pacifica
Marginal
2023 Kia Carnival
Marginal
2023 Toyota Sienna
Marginal
2023 Honda Odyssey
Poor
In this updated moderate overlap front crash test, the IIHS now evaluates the safety of second-row passengers. While all these minivan models scored well in terms of protecting the driver, the concern lies in ensuring the safety of rear occupants. The IIHS uses a crash test dummy representing either a small woman or a 12-year-old child in the back seat.
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