A Literal Inside Look at Chrysler’s Future In-Car Tech from CES
We’ve seen all the exteriors of Chrysler’s all-electric concepts but only interior teases, now Stellantis demonstrates its future cockpit tech at CES 2023.
As Chrysler, a two-vehicle brand that is still a going concern entering 2023 and looks to pivot to a fully electric future by 2028, it's coming up with new user experience concepts and tech to stuff into those EVs. That future is coming up quick with the forthcoming Airflow EV, and Stellantis—formerly Fiat Chrysler, post-merger with PSA Group—is finally giving us a hint at what to expect during this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with the "Chrysler Synthesis" demonstrator. It's a two-seat cockpit setup equipped with Stellantis' "STLA" technology all branded as "Advanced Technology for Real Life."
While this concept is a preview of what is coming from Chrysler and its all-electric lineups interiors, it's really giving us a glimpse into just how STLA tech will work in Stellantis' vehicles going forward, minus any human controls for the actual driving. Just like you'll hear from many brands at CES 2023, STLA hopes to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and dive head-first intothe Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) future all automakers are chasing, in which digital aspects of a car dominate over the mechanical.
In all, there are three STLA technologies demonstrated through the Chrysler Synthesis mockup: STLA Smart Cockpit, STLA Brain, and STLA AutoDrive. STLA Brain is the electrical architecture behind the scenes of the Synthesis and works in conjunction with the STLA Smart Cockpit infotainment system. This infotainment system works within a shaped black glass and a large dual screen for the driver that spans across the 37.2-inch digital dashboard.
More Than Just Infotainment
The "smart" part of the Smart Cockpit is AI that learns in order to determine the best software for the user interface and downloads new content as well as enhancements via OTA. Chrysler states this AI cockpit will stay "fresh, exciting and capable during each day of ownership." Chrysler also demonstrates how the interior will change to suit different users via biometric recognition, rather than an on-screen button on that massive display.
The Smart Cockpit is also capable of synchronization of your home, work, and personal devices like a virtual personal assistant. Just as it does with daily use, the AI will also install updates, sync up calendars to help with route planning and scheduling, recommend parking and charging options, work with e-commerce services, and connect to devices and smart homes with little effort on the part of the user.
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It also works in conjunction with STLA AutoDrive, a Level 3 autonomous driving system demonstrated on the Chrysler Synthesis that is (theoretically) capable enough to let drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. This also explains why the Synthesis demonstrator's missing set of pedals and steering wheel, demonstrating a driverless future with a Chrysler spin.
The STLA Smart Cockpit allows users to multi-task easier while the STLA AutoDrive pilots the future Chrysler vehicle using both technologies. It, too, will utilize OTA updates and upgrades to help make the autonomous system flexible and capable through adding in new features, according to Chrysler.
A Day in a Life
In order to show how this will all work, Chrysler created a "daily life" demonstration called "MyDay." First, the Synthesis recognizes you during its welcoming and has your virtual assistant set the vehicle to your liking and scheduling. It will then allow the user to do a video conference while it recommends a lunch spot that has convenient parking and charging options. It then will take the user back "home" and tell this smart home to "wake up" upon arrival.
Better, Greener Materials Highlighted by LEDs
The other point of the Chrysler Synthesis borrows from the creation side of the term it's named for. All of the materials inside the physical mockup are made from sustainable components and include environmentally friendlier, chrome-free trim. The seats use vegetable-tanned materials, the flooring is textile-infused walnut, and the dash is recycled melange heather created using recycled plastics from industrial and ocean waste.
Besides the greener materials, the Synthesis interior also demonstrates the use of LED lighting effects to highlight Chrysler badging, exterior features, and different interior modes. While not specified to be a part of future Chrysler interiors, the demonstrator also allows users to create their own music with its "Synthesis Music Experience." It's on top of meditation, karaoke, and DJ game modes that Chrysler says will be able to work while both stationary and driving autonomously on a fully-functional vehicle. Chrysler nor Stellantis have stated exactly when these technologies will arrive, but they did say the Synthesis took "inspiration" from the Chrysler Airflow Concept that was last seen at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. Most likely, when that vehicle reaches production is when we'll start to see these technologies come online.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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