Chrysler is revving up for an exciting celebration marking 100 years of pioneering innovation and iconic vehicles that have shaped the American automotive landscape over the last century; Chrysler marks 100 years on June 6, 2025, and is kicking off its centennial at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) with a special three-vehicle display that showcases the brand’s iconic past, segment-leading present and bright future; 1924 Chrysler Six, 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid and Chrysler Halcyon Concept will be spotlighted at NYIAS, which is marking its 125th anniversary; Original 1924 Chrysler Six on display is the same vehicle that debuted at the 1924 National Automobile Show in New York City; Details on Chrysler Century of Innovation events and initiatives will be shared and activated throughout the year, including showcasing 100 years of iconic vehicles and industry innovations; Chrysler Century of Innovation social media campaign will feature multi-part video series of iconic vehicles, concepts, innovations and moments from Chrysler’s 100 years.
A Century of Innovation: Chrysler is celebrating a Century of Innovation, honoring 100 years of bringing to life groundbreaking Chrysler sedans, minivans, convertibles and crossover vehicles filled with innovative, first-ever features and technologies that have influenced culture, impacted the economy and contributed to Chrysler becoming a part of the fabric of automotive history.
Chrysler CEO’s Perspective: “Chrysler holds a significant place in automotive history and culture and has been a symbol of innovation and resilience for 100 years,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler CEO; “It’s an entire century of innovation: from its introduction of the HEMI® V-8 engine, to the creation of the minivan segment and Stow ‘n Go seating; As one of the original Big Three, Chrysler contributed to industrial growth and influenced culture with iconic vehicles like the Chrysler 300; Chrysler is more than just a car brand, it’s a key part of the automotive industry.”
Centennial Kickoff at NYIAS: Chrysler is kicking off its 100-year anniversary celebration April 16-27, 2025, at the 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), as the show celebrates its 125th anniversary this year; The Chrysler exhibit will include a special three-vehicle display that showcases the brand’s iconic past, segment-leading present and bright future: the 1924 Chrysler Six, 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Halcyon Concept.
Official Anniversary Date and Plans: The Chrysler display in New York is just the start of the brand’s Century of Innovation celebration; Chrysler officially rings in 100 years on June 6, 2025 — the date Maxwell Motors officially became Chrysler Corporation with Walter P. Chrysler as president — featuring a dynamic lineup of initiatives and events to honor its 100-year history.
Social Media Campaign: The Chrysler Century of Innovation social media campaign will feature a multi-part video series taking an in-depth look at iconic vehicles, groundbreaking concepts, technological innovations and historic moments from Chrysler’s 100 years.
Branded Merchandise: Chrysler will also debut a 100th anniversary line of branded merchandise, including apparel and gifts, at Collection.Chrysler.com; Additional Century of Innovation events and initiatives will be announced later this year.
Looking to the Future: “Reaching 100 years is an accomplishment we want to both celebrate and use as an opportunity to declare our commitment to a future that honors Walter P. Chrysler’s legacy of innovation, engineering excellence and beautiful, affordable designs,” Feuell added; “As the brand celebrates this milestone, the future looks bright with exciting new releases: a refreshed Chrysler Pacifica in 2026, a new crossover soon after and a third product inspired by the Halcyon concept.”
1924 Chrysler Six: The Chrysler Six on exhibit in New York represents a full-circle moment in automotive history – on loan from the Stellantis automotive archive, it’s the very same vehicle that founder Walter P. Chrysler brought to New York City for the 1924 National Automobile Show; The original Chrysler brand vehicle, the Chrysler Six, was a light, powerful vehicle equipped with a groundbreaking L-head six-cylinder engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes — an uncommon feature in the 1920s; The 1924 price tag of $1,565 included tubular front axles, full pressure lubrication, aluminum pistons, replaceable oil and air filters, shock absorbers and indirect interior lighting.
2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid: Chrysler created the minivan segment, and more than 40 years and 15 million minivans later the brand continues to be a leader in the segment and help families come together on their journeys with the Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, which revolutionized the minivan segment when introduced for the 2017 model year; Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid is still the first and only plug-in hybrid in the segment; Pacifica is the most-awarded minivan ever and offers segment-exclusive features, including Stow ‘n Go, the innovative seating and storage system that allows second- and third-row seats to stow into the floor; Chrysler is celebrating 20 years of the feature in 2025 with a special Stow ‘n Go Challenge at NYIAS.
Chrysler Halcyon Concept: Unveiled in 2024 and making its first appearance at the NYIAS, the Chrysler Halcyon Concept represents a future design theme and direction for Chrysler that embodies the brand’s vision of Harmony in Motion; Crafted with stunningly modern, sustainable design and seamlessly integrated technology, the Halcyon Concept stands out with a pure, streamlined exterior design statement that balances aerodynamic and sculptural elements, and an immersive interior with nearly 360-degree range of view, creating a cockpit that is stress-free with autonomous features; Select design elements and features of the Halcyon Concept, such as the advanced Head-up Display and SmartCockpit, are features and experiences that may be offered in future Chrysler products.
Future Vision (1934 Airflow): The 1934 Chrysler Airflow is the first production vehicle designed in a wind tunnel, in a new facility built by Chrysler at its Highland Park, Michigan, headquarters; Wind tunnel testing inspired the Airflow’s modified teardrop shape and resulted in a vehicle that represented future design and engineering advances.
HEMI B-Day (1951 Firepower V-8): The HEMI engine owns an iconic place in the history of Stellantis brands, and the high-horsepower fun all started back in 1951 with the Chrysler Firepower V-8 engine, the first of the legendary hemispheric V-8.
Turbine Power (1954 Turbine Testing): Chrysler begins testing a revolutionary gas turbine engine in 1954; in 1963, 50 Chrysler Turbine cars are loaned to 200 families throughout the country for real-world evaluation.
OG Muscle (1955 Chrysler 300): One of the first muscle cars, the Chrysler 300, is introduced in 1955; The hardtop contained a 300-horsepower HEMI V-8, with solid valve lifters and dual four-barrel carburetors, the most powerful full-size car in the world.
Cruisin’ Ahead (Automatic Speed Control): As the nation’s system of highways begins to take shape, Chrysler is prepared, introducing automatic speed control in 1958, and cruise control as an option in 1959.
Disc Changer (In-Car Record Player): In 1956, Chrysler introduces an in-vehicle record player, and in 1960 introduces a vehicle record player for 45 rpm discs, with a capacity of 19 small records.
Minivan Memories (1984 Minivan Introduction): On November 2, 1983, the first minivan rolls off the line for the 1984 model year; More than 40 years later, Chrysler is still a segment leader with the Chrysler Pacifica, Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid and Voyager.
Open Sesame (Sliding Doors): In 1996, Chrysler introduces a driver-side sliding door and, later in 2001, power dual-sliding doors.
Still Stow ‘n Go in’ (2005 Stow ‘n Go): A class-exclusive feature for 20 years after its introduction for the 2005 model year, Stow ‘n Go revolutionizes the minivan, with the ability to stow the second- and third-row seats.
TV Time (2022 Pacifica Uconnect Theater): In 2022, Chrysler Pacifica begins offering rear-seat subscription-based TV on the Pacifica Uconnect Theater system.
Powertrain and Performance Details: While the press release highlights numerous innovations, specific details regarding the powertrain and performance of all featured vehicles are not the primary focus; However, it does mention the groundbreaking L-head six-cylinder engine of the original 1924 Chrysler Six, which was considered powerful for its time; The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid is noted for its hybrid powertrain, combining a gasoline engine with electric motors to offer both efficiency and performance, though specific output figures are not provided in this context; The Chrysler 300 from 1955 is specifically mentioned as having a 300-horsepower HEMI V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors, establishing it as a high-performance vehicle of its era; The Halcyon Concept, being a future-looking vehicle, is described as having advanced technology, which would undoubtedly include an electric powertrain, though specific details on its performance capabilities are not the focus of this announcement.
Summary
- Chrysler celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025.
- Centennial celebration kicked off at the New York International Auto Show.
- Display featured the 1924 Chrysler Six, 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, and Chrysler Halcyon Concept.
- Chrysler highlights a century of innovation and iconic vehicles.
- Key innovations include the Airflow’s aerodynamics, the HEMI engine, the minivan, and Stow ‘n Go seating.
- A year-long celebration includes social media campaigns and branded merchandise.
- Future plans include a refreshed Pacifica, a new crossover, and a vehicle inspired by the Halcyon Concept.
Source: Chrysler
AI Assistance: Gemini
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details.