chrysler debut the 'portal': a car for millennials, by millennials

CES 2017: chrysler has revealed its concept for the ‘chrysler portal’, a fully electric, semi-autonomous vehicle described by the american manufacturer as ‘next generation family transportation designed by millennials for millennials.’ the concept specifically targets the infamously tech-savvy generation, appealing to their sense of environmental responsibility, smart connectivity and desire for cost effective means of transportation. in order to perfect the design, the company worked alongside the very people the concept targets — chrysler’s own ‘millennial’ employees.

described as ‘next generation family transportation designed by millennials for millennials’

‘the chrysler portal concept is backed by significant research on the millennial generation. millennials have clearly defined that they want a vehicle that will grow with them as they experience life changes,’ said tim kuniskis, head of passenger car brands, north america. ‘FCA (fiat chrysler automobiles) is a leader in family transportation and it was essential that we fully explored the idea of what a vehicle could look like for this emerging generation.’ to accommodate the evolving needs of its users, the portal is designed to maximize interior space, offering dynamic, flexible configurations and turning the car into a conceptual ‘third space’ — as essential to daily life as home and work. using a modular, flexible design, the portal anticipates what the car of the future might look like: one that actively grows to meet the changing needs of its owner and their family.

the concept specifically targets the infamously tech-savvy generation

the interior design of the portal focuses on an open and tranquil aesthetic, with clean, accented lines and neutral hues throughout. seats can easily be folded away to create a more open, spacious main carriage and can even be removed altogether thanks to tracks on the floor. battery electric vehicle technology has resulted in a vastly minimized engine compartment. clean and simple high mounted screens display the various interfaces of the portal, with eight docking stations located throughout for charging and connectivity. ‘I think one of the biggest goals we set forth was to not approach it like a traditional automotive enclosure’, comments cindy juette on the interior design, ‘but more like a beautiful place that we wanted to be in.’
the portal is designed to maximize interior space, offering dynamic and flexible configurations

the design features a mono-volume form that ‘shrink wraps’ the the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain and interior packaging. two portal shaped side openings — the vehicle’s namesake — articulate the front and rear doors. framed by LED lights, these portals can be programmed to take on different color sets or animated appearances. a clear polycarbonate roof panel runs the length of the vehicle, drenching the main carriage in natural light.

‘one of the biggest goals we set forth was to not approach it like a traditional automotive enclosure’

powered by an all-electric front wheel drive, the chrysler portal is driven by a lithium ion battery back integrated into the underbody to enhance control and comfort. the concept is estimated to have over 250 miles of range on a full charge — DC fast charging at 350 kW would enable the battery pack to be recharged for 150 miles of range in less than 20 minutes. under certain highway criteria, the driver will have the option to turn over control to the portal’s SAE level three semi-autonomous operation, with future software upgrades enabling more advanced levels of piloted driving as the technology improves.

the chrysler portal is powered by a lithium ion battery back

intended to connect seamlessly with existing devices and integrate into a wide array of smart home systems, the portal features a plethora of software components. facial recognition and voice biometrics will allow users to control interior settings and store favorite destinations. personal zoned audio enhances sound and directionality for approaching emergency vehicles, while sensor technologies such as LIDAR, radar, and sonar constantly monitor conditions outside the vehicle, providing crash warnings and traffic sign recognition. needless to say, getting your car to talk to your phone and personal devices won’t be a problem, with integrated ‘community sharing’ supporting effortless media exchange among passengers.

facial recognition and voice biometrics will allow users to control interior settings