Iconic American car brand Chrysler says it will be an electric-only company by 2028. That’s why it needs an interior that compliments and accentuates this shift to a zero-emission future. Today, Chrysler unveiled a “demonstrator” cockpit designed to showcase a host of new technologies that the automaker’s future EV owners can expect to see at their fingertips.
Hopefully those future owners hate physical buttons, because if these images are any indication, there won’t be any. However, there will be plenty of screens.
The demonstrator aims to bring together a large number of Stellantis branded software
The demonstrator aims to bring together a host of Stellantis branded software, including the STLA Brain operating system, STLA AutoDrive Level 3 driver assist and STLA Smart Cockpit infotainment system. The Synthesis concept is designed to present all those products together as one uniform system.
Chrysler says its cockpit demonstrator is designed to help “manage the friction and chaos of everyday life with thoughtfully connected technology with a contemporary, sustainable environment that anticipates and delivers Harmony in Motion with every customer experience.” Chrysler envisions its vehicles achieving this by anticipating the driver’s needs before they even get into the vehicle.
The vehicle’s software syncs all your calendars and smart home data and keeps track of what time your appointments are and where, as it begins to plot your day. That includes navigating to all your destinations, with electric vehicle charging points along the way if needed. When you get into the vehicle you are greeted by a virtual assistant who verifies your identity based on ‘biometric recognition’.
The vehicle will be equipped with driver assistance level 3, which means it can perform all driving tasks within a designated area, such as on a highway, without any human intervention. In other words, hands-free driving without eyes. (Experts say this type of driver-assist feature can be extremely dangerous, depending on how it’s implemented.)
Chrysler also promises fun and wellness features, including meditation, karaoke and DJ games. Many automakers are chasing Tesla by offering in-car gaming experiences, and Chrysler seems poised to jump on the bandwagon.
The design of the Synthesis cockpit is inspired by Chrysler’s Airflow, which was released in concept form at CES last year. The concept, which is expected to enter production in 2025, was intended as a preview of things to come. Despite the outdated branding, Airflow is one historical nameplate for the automaker – the concept car is indicative of the “future direction” for the nearly 100-year-old auto company