Detroit Auto Show: Nassau concept hints towards the future of Chrysler RWD
Click image for a high-resolution photo gallery
With a press conference set to the percussion of the Drum Cafe, Chrysler rolled out the Nassau "shooting brake" concept this afternoon to hint at the future styling direction for the brand and especially its RWD line-up.
Based on the LX platform and stuffed with the SRT8 powertrain (that's a 425 HP 6.1L Hemi and 5-speed A580 automatic), the Nassau strikes a far different pose than its 300C predecessor. Viewed from a low front 3/4 perspective, the rear cargo area disappears and the silhouette takes on the popular "four-door coupe" appearance. Viewed from behind, well, it has a rather boat-tailed look.
The impossibly white interior features a center stack that brings a cell phone-like appearance, along with console-mounted multimedia controllers for the front and rear passengers. The driver gets to select gearbox position via pushbuttons on the instrument panel and a pair of paddles behind the steering wheel; the gauge package is said to be inspired by "expensive" watches.
Plenty of high-res shots from the press conference are included in our gallery.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
megalon 7:33PM (1/08/2007)
I like it, check out the boat tail. Wish it was a little less jellybean like but good overall.
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SteveP 7:53PM (1/08/2007)
What's up, bloated Crossfire?
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David Wiles 7:54PM (1/08/2007)
I've been waiting for a car like this since I first saw some of Renault's tall wagons in Europe. Looks great, drives like a car, not like a truck or a crossover with a high roll center, carries people and things in style and goes fast. Bring it with a diesel and I'm there.
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atl 9:38PM (1/08/2007)
Build it!!
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Mike from Scarborough 9:59PM (1/08/2007)
Cool,,,Originality
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kevin 10:34PM (1/08/2007)
Cool. I hope Chrysler brings back the push button automatic. I've got a 64 Valiant with the push buttons and people think that is the most interesting part of the car.
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W 9:40AM (1/09/2007)
Butt ugly
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Dustin 1:51AM (1/09/2007)
*sigh* I thought we were done with glowing blue a few years ago. Oh well, better late to the party than never??
Anyhow, the car does have some spirit, although its profile feels oddly reminiscent of a saab 93x wagon.
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Ekow 8:04PM (1/09/2007)
I dont' know...that thing is pretty hiddeous.
I could never see myself driving that - who would be the target market for that thing?
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Andy 12:40AM (1/09/2007)
Not shabby.
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Moose 11:09PM (1/09/2007)
Wow, it's both bloated AND poorly proportioned. Would fit right in with the PT cruiser line.
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BOB 2:06AM (1/09/2007)
" S H O O T I N G B R E A K" -- WHY NOT "HORSELESS CARRIAGE", or "LAUNDALET" -- Get off your English high horse, please!
Attractive, but that dumb square grille on the 300 works better than this Chrysler grille, which is on several models.
Not to mention the Merc 4 dr convertible concept and this are uncomfortably close cousins.
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amp 9:45AM (1/09/2007)
At first I was really put off by this concept. But after studying it some more, I think it's one of the better ones that Chrysler has done. The Imperial concept from last year can't hold a candle to this think. I'm anxious to see it in person, since it looks so much smaller than the 300/Magnum/Charger it's based on.
What really baffles me is that somehow this concept and the Sebring production vehicle came out of the same design studio. One is understated and gorgeous, the other is obnoxious and repulsive.
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Norman Berger 6:36PM (1/09/2007)
The 'Concept Car' concept is an awful idea for except to juice up the non-buyers and to give their designers something fun to do all it does is remind everyone how bland and backward the current models are. This is no way to sell the present inventory.
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leo 11:01AM (1/10/2007)
Best looking car Chryslter has ever crated. Shame if they don't build this one, and plese make sure the interior is soft as well, unlike the Sebering's which is horrible and has stepped backwards in time.
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What do I know? 1:43PM (1/10/2007)
Great concept!
I wondered what they could do as a follow-up to the 300.
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