Electric #Chrysler Portal Concept: Appealing To Millennials(?) [Auto Styling News]

The all-electric Fiat Chrysler "Portal" concept car is aimed squarely at the Millennial Generation (born roughly after 1982) and is designed to grow with the family.

The car is said by the designers to be a "forward-thinking interpretation of the 'fifth generation' of family transportation focused toward the millennial generation."

The four modes of family transportation have been defined as station wagons, minivans, SUV and crossovers; millennials (think the designers) will seek their own version of a family vehicle. Based on internal research, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles say they will want a vehicle that is reflective of their personality, offers value and flexibility, integrates advanced technology and is socially responsible.

The electric-powered concept is estimated to give more than 250 miles of range on a full charge. And of course, the interior will be fitted out with a Wi-Fi network (as are most Chevys these days.)

The Portal concept was created in collaboration with supplier partners who shared their innovations and expertise to bring to life future technologies. These partners include Adient, Magneti Marelli, Panasonic Automotive and Samsung Electronics.

So, how does it look?

The boxy, yet curvaceous exterior centers around an illuminated, portal-shaped front end, and rear doors that allow for easy entry and exit.  It's reminiscent in some ways of 2015's Mercedes Tokyo Vision concept, including the outside illumination idea. (And that it was designed to appeal to Millennials. And that it featured Wi-Fi. And modular interior seating.) It ever better resembles a Kia Soul or a Honda Fit in its shape.

About that seating, the passengers get three seats in the back that move back and forth and side to side for ultimate adaptability. It's a good concept, but no car as of yet has implemented it, probably for safety and practical reasons, such as they may break away from their pillars in accidents, or if they move during travel, passengers may fall out of them. Or stuff like that.

The doors all slide either forward or outward, and that's just ludicrous, and won't make it to production.

The front end looks like a bit of a multi-layered birthday cake, and just as exotic. Some will say it looks like the car is wearing a mask for some reason. Regardless, it's utterly unique.

The rear of the vehicle looks as distinctive as the front, with massive tail lamps that seem to signal the direction all cars are going in the next few years. That alone would make this car distinctive. For now.

The Portal, if it makes it to market, probably won't be anything like this, but will at least be a hybrid with some of these features. That's the standard way these things shake out. But it's a decent-looking car/vehicle/thing, and should do well with the Millennials. If they can afford it.

Photos courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles