Chrysler Nassau Concept

The Chrysler Nassau concept is the latest incarnation of the ‘shooting brake’ derivation once produced by elite manufacturers and coach builders. The four-door Nassau concept is a luxury four-seat ‘coupe’ — influenced by the Mercedes-Benz CLS — which bears absolutely no resemblance to its mechanical and platform sibling, the Dodge Magnum/Chrysler 300C SRT-8.

The Nassau concept gets its power from the 425hp 6.1-litre HEMI V8 (delivering 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800rpm) sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The company claims it’s enough to propel the 4500(est.) pound vehicle to 60mph just 5 seconds, reach the standing ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds, and hit a top speed of 165mph. Not bad considering you could also use it to stow rifles for a weekend grouse hunting jaunt or a few sets of golf clubs.

The design is clean and forward thinking, with the wheels mounted far into the corners to create what Chrysler calls a ‘toned stance’. Short front and rear overhangs make the vehicle appear more compact than its 4981mm length would have you believe, and large 10-spoke 22-inch wheels wrapped in 245/40R22 rubber fill the wheel wells. The absence of a centre B-pillar and thin A-pillars improve outward visibility while the roof is adorned with two longitudinally-mounted glass panels to provide entry of natural light.

The design theme is carried over into the interior which combines refinement with function and style. The instrument panel is a showcase for new technologies in data display, personal control interface, and home theatre-inspired entertainment. Gear selections are accomplished via a pod control mounted on the instrument panel and the steering wheel incorporates auxiliary paddle shifters. Leathers and fabrics derived from futuristic architectural interiors and inspired by the design of contemporary cell phones, computers, iPods and MP3 players, seek to present a new world of luxury to a younger, aspiring audience.

Time and public opinion will determine if this car will grace Chrysler showrooms in the future.