Today at #CES2017 in Las Vegas, auto brand Fiat-Chrysler-Alfa Romeo (now known as FCA U.S.) debuted its futuristic designed-by-millennials-for-millennials semi-autonomous electric vehicle (EV), the Chrysler Portal concept (or #PortalConcept). Chrysler claims its Portal will be built with the three things millennials desire most in a car: technology, sustainability and affordability.
FCA is hoping to bring this triple threat of affordable eco-transportation tech to millennials by building an all-electric car that goes 250 miles on one charge and provides an open work and living space. The Portal’s interior is definitely attention-grabbing, roomy, comfortable, utilitarian and flexible.
Chrysler Portal back side by Aniesia Williams @iamaniesia
Outside, The Portal has that Kia Soul kind of look, doesn’t it? FCA U.S. calls it an “illuminated, portal-shaped articulating front.” That’s one way to say it. The other way is: Chrysler’s Portal is a thoroughly modern EV that takes the mini CUV to a new genre.
Chrysler planning for The Portal to have a driving range of 250 miles per charge would have sounded like a pipe dream only a year or so ago. But now–with Chevy’s Bolt going 200+ miles on one charge and with Chrysler’s recent triumphant launch of “the only electrified minivan,” the 2017 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid (really it’s a plug-in) – perhaps 250 miles for a mini CUV like The Portal isn’t so far-fetched after all.
FCA U.S. is dreaming big with The Portal’s car autonomy tech too. Chrysler is proposing a classic four-level autonomy approach by providing a “suite of sensing technologies” that “enables SAE Level 3 semi-autonomous driving mode.”
Chrysler Portal side view at #CES2017 in Vegas by Aniesia Williams @iamanesia.
Auto infotainment tech, says Chrysler, will include an “in-vehicle wireless network” that “seamlessly integrates with mobile devices to enable community social sharing among passengers and Internet cloud-based applications.” That means your Portal will become a Wi-FI hotspot and be able to “play” all of your smartphone-based apps, plus some driving-specific ones, too.
Chrysler says its Portal concept was “created in collaboration with supplier partners who shared their innovations and expertise to bring to life future technologies,” including Adient, Magneti Marelli, Panasonic Automotive and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
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For more information on FCA U.S. visit:
FCA U.S. Blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
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