Airflite: Function And Elegance
The Chrysler Airflite is the newest design statement from DaimlerChrysler, and blends the passion of Chrysler design, the styling of a coupe and the practicality and function of a sedan to create a unique interpretation of the 5-door hatchback.
The long, clean aerodynamic lines of Airflite’s striking profile combine with the spacious, creative but practical interior to produce a car that is as much museum-quality sculpture as it is personal transportation. It brings form and function together in a stylish, sporty vehicle designed to appeal to the mainstream market segment.
“The Airflite is the ultimate expression of functional art,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design, Chrysler Group, at the unveiling of the concept car in Geneva this month. “It is designed to offer true functionality in a beautifully designed exterior and interior package that is as exciting and as elegant as any coupe on the road.”
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The long, tapered roof line, uninterrupted glass and body side forms of the Airflite’s exterior evoke the emotion of the Crossfire, Chrysler’s sporty, two-passenger coupe. But Airflite delivers a wealth of new ideas that bring new excitement to the 4-passenger sedan segment.
“The Airflite once again demonstrates that product innovation, styling leadership and pushing back the barriers of traditional market segments are among the core focus of the Chrysler Group,” said Creed. “The unique combination of function and elegance brings excitement and a stunning new profile into what is generally seen as a more conservative sector of the market.”
In creating the Airflite, exterior designer Greg Howell and interior designer Simeon Kim drew on influences from sources as diverse as contemporary furniture design; classic marine architecture; and the Chrysler Building, an Art Deco icon of the New York City skyline.
The result is a sedan-coupe hybrid that has five doors and full-size seating for four in an elegant vehicle that resembles a piece of uniquely American sculpture.
The Airflite (which is about the same length as a Kia Carnival)contributes unique design features that give it a distinctive style, beginning with the new look and function of the hatchback. The hatch cuts deeply into the vehicle’s form, with hinges set far forward for ease of opening and access. The fuel filler cap is located inside the hatch for additional security and simplicity of the exterior lines.
Surface breaks and transitions are minimized; the graphics are graceful and understated; rear fog lamps, third brake light and repeater lamps set into the side vents contribute unique elements to the Airflite design; the boat-tail feature drives unique rear fender forms and a dramatic tapering roofline; the tail of the car is finished off with a bold chrome wing badge that underscores Chrysler brand’s unique design.
The Airflite’s front end offers a fresh interpretation of the face of Chrysler, with its unique grille form, distinctive headlamps, and use of the Chrysler wing badge creating an expressive, athletic look. The satin silver accented A-pillar and upper windscreen surround help to tie the low, sleek upper car surfaces to the sculpted hood and fenders.
The Airflite’s interior employs nautical-inspired themes, creative use of materials and unique “floating” components, including seats, instrument panel and armrests, to create an open, elegant and ergonomically-friendly passenger environment.
The most striking interior element is the dominant centre spine that connects the interior from front to back. The satin silver-coloured centre console appears to be a structural member that ties the two sides of the car together.
The brushed metal look of the centre spine contrasts dramatically with the natural look of the wooden floor, accented with brushed aluminium strips that protect the wood finish and reflect the centre console theme.
The floor is stepped up behind the rear seats to create a raised cargo area. Leather seats enhance the natural look and broaden the range of materials of the interior space.
The open environment theme is expanded in the “floating” interior components – seats, armrests and instrument panel – allowing for freedom of movement within and between passenger and cargo areas.
The four independent seats are attached to the centre console, creating more open space underneath passengers. Armrests float off the door trim to enhance the roominess of the interior.
And the free-form instrument panel and the leather-wrapped steering wheel become an independent piece of sculpture within the vehicle, with its simple, clean and symmetrical shape and reverse sweep form.
Craftsmanship and attention to detail are reflected in components such as the functional control knobs and saddle-trimmed terra-cotta-coloured leather accents located on the centre console.
Key Specifications of Airflite
Length: 4838 mm
Wheelbase: 2946 mm
Width: 1870 mm
Height: 1488 mm
Proposed engine: 3.5 V-6 driving rear wheels
