Oh how we love concept cars, especially if they work. But then, car manufacturers aren’t at fault if they showcase just a static, non-working and idiot-proof model at most of the public platforms.


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They need a technologically-sound audience to understand the brilliance of their creation and one such event, that breathes back to life every year, is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The 2017 CES will become the platform for many companies across various industries, including automotive. We know that Mercedes-Benz is prepping up to flaunt its future-tech at the event and so is Hyundai Motor.


Now though news has come from America itself, where the 2017 CES will take place (Las Vegas), that Chrysler will unveil its futuristic Portal Concept car. It is an all-electric, autonomous wagon and here are the highlights.


The Concept...


Chrysler, a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group, says that the concept was conceived to be a “third space” between home and work. It was designed from inside out, and is said to pinpoint the “millennial lifestyle”, using various technologies from today and the ones that will become common in the future. The 180-cubic-foot cabin is accommodating enough to be tagged as a “social hub” for up to six passengers. With large windows all around the car, the interior is said to be airy and allows plenty of natural light.


The Technology...


The Portal concept is equipped with the latest autonomous driving tech, developed by FCA. Once engaged, the car activates a host of sensing technology, including cameras, radar, LIDAR and ultrasonic technology. It is the front and back bumpers of the car which house the ultrasonic tech. That’s not all, as Chrysler has fitted the Portal concept with a facial recognition feature. Upon positive identification, the system is able to configure the driver and passenger’s preferred settings. While that’s all ‘sci-fi’, there is even a voice bio-metric system that will follow commands like locking and unlocking of doors. All that is sure a mouthful and a half but the feature list continues with gesture controls tech and intercom facility within the car.


The Numbers...


Don’t worry, I’ll keep it short and crisp. There is a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that runs along the spine of the car. On full charge, the car can take passengers up to 402km. But what’s in store for people wanting to travel further than that? Well, the car boasts next-gen DC Fast Charger tech. In simple English, it means with a charging time of around 20 minutes, the Portal can get an additional traveling range of up to 241km.


So there you have it. Another concept car deciphered to understand where every carmaker is heading - An autonomous, all-electric, shared and connected means of transport.


Source: CarDekho.com