2007 North American International Auto Show
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January 8, 2007

Chrysler Nassau concept

Stylish four-door luxury car is bigger than it looks - just don't call it a hatchback

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Detroit, Michigan - Though built on the Chrysler 300's full-size rear-wheel drive platform with a long 120-inch wheelbase, the stylish Chrysler Nassau luxury concept car appears more compact than it really is due to its taut bodywork, large 22-inch wheels and tires, and short front and rear overhangs. The Nassau's dimensions are 196.1 in. (4981 mm) long, 74.2 inches (1885 mm) wide, and 58.9 in. (1496 mm) tall, almost identical to a Chrysler 300.

The four-seat, four-door Nassau has no centre pillar above the window ledge and appears 'pillarless' with front and rear windows lowered. Perhaps its most distinctive styling feature is its unique wraparound rear window that stretches back to the very rear of the car. The trunklid is in fact a hatchback, but that word wasn't mentioned in Chrysler's presentation.

"Traditional exterior proportions have been enhanced with a silhouette that recalls the classic English 'shooting brake,' said Alan Barrington, principal exterior designer of the concept Barrington. ('Shooting Brake' is a British term for an upscale or custom built station wagon - ed.). "This provides SUV-like interior volume with a lower, more roadworthy physique," he said. "We sought to capture the effect of a classic sculpture - an artistic approach with a shapely flowing of lines that give the impression of movement even while standing still."

The interior was designed for a younger, "aspiring" customer, said Ben Chang, principal designer of the Nassau's interior. "We looked carefully at space efficiency." "We pushed the interior surfaces outboard to increase the space inside while individual bucket seating provides each of the four occupants personal space." The look of various components inside the vehicle was inspired by the design of contemporary cell phones, computers, iPods and MP3 players, Chang added. "We paid close attention to the graphics and finishes of these technologically advanced products, seeking to make controls in the Nassau's interior that the driver interfaces with similar to what you'd find in the office or among personal electronic devices."

The instrument panel is a showcase for new technologies in data display, personal control interface, and home theatre-inspired entertainment. Gear selection is accomplished via a pod control mounted on the instrument panel while the steering wheel incorporates auxiliary paddle shifters. "The look of the instrument cluster was based on an expensive watch, again because we sought to create a visible connection with what people have and use," Chang said.

The instrument panel features a unique three-layer screen, which allows the simultaneous display of the navigation, passenger entertainment and vehicle function displays.

Its four body-hugging bucket seats are covered in cream-coloured leather, with the suede accents in a fine bamboo texture, a theme repeated on the door trim panels. Occupants can gaze upward through twin "Picture View" skylights, blue-tinted glass panels that run the length of the roof panel. Rear passengers can enjoy a movie displayed on the video screens in the rear of the front seat head restraints.

Running the length of the cabin between the seats is a centre console with a satin silver trim strip. The console features front and rear "joy stick" controls designed to function much like a mouse of a personal computer. Power window switches and flush-mounted pop-up cup holders are also contained in the console.

Behind the passenger cabin, the surface of the boat tail-shaped cargo cover is accented with five stainless steel accent strips, while panels in the carpeted cargo area below offer additional storage.

Power comes from Chrysler's 425-horsepower 6.1-litre Hemi V8 engine connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Nassau concept has a fully independent suspension and four wheel disc brakes. Though it's a concept vehicle, Chrysler says it will do 0-60 mph in five seconds and the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds, with a top speed of 165 mph. Obviously a running prototype, the Nassau could be ready for production if there's enough interest.

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