Chevy Nomad for the New Generation
It’s hard to say just what the Chevy Nomad is – it looks like a stationwagon and yet the lines are sporty, and it offers more practicality than a traditional stationwagon, with a good measure of performance for cruising on the highways.
The concept car is representative of the new breed of vehicles which are a blend of various types to cater to the active lifestyles of today’s motorists who also have diverse requirements.
Based on GM’s new Kappa architecture, the Nomad represents another line of thought when it comes to leveraging a new sportscar platform. Its fresh approach to styling and contemporary flair comes from having an international network of designers to pen the Nomad. This group has a diverse cultural background and has often collaborated with their North American counterparts to produce a series of stunning, contemporary concept vehicles. Renowned Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina helped assemble the vehicle which is fully engineered.
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Being Kappa-based, the Nomad has rear-wheel drive, boasting independent front and rear suspension attached to a rigid chassis that uses a pair of full-length hydro-formed frame rails as its foundation. To make room for rearseat riders in its 2+2 configuration, the Nomad rides on a 2718 mm wheelbase.
A turbocharged Ecotec 2.2-litre 4-cylinder 184 kW/250 bhp engine powers the Nomad, which also features an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with finger-operated tap shifting. Through the use of variable engine valve timing, valve lift and duration can be adjusted throughout the rpm range to improve fuel economy, emissions and performance. der Pininfarina helped assemble the driveable vehicle.
In terms of utility, the Nomad goes incorporates clever details to accommodate large, bulky items, such as a removable rear roof panel and a unique folding tailgate. A sliding cargo floor extends over the folded tailgate so items placed on the load floor are easily pushed into the cargo area. Chrome strips on the outside of the tailgate complement styling ribs on the Nomad’s rear roof.
LED technology for the headlamps and taillamps not only add a modern, high-tech touch to the Nomad, but allows for the slim profiles. They look pretty cool when illuminated, too and brighten up more quickly than conventional bulbs.
“There is a simple, yet very expressive design to the Nomad,” said Dale Brewer, lead exterior designer. “The face of the vehicle, along with the lights, the shape of the grille and the tailgate have Chevrolet heritage, but conveyed in a thoroughly modern way.”
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That goes for the interior, too, which has a large, fan-shaped central gauge cluster mounted in the dashboard. The cluster takes on a 3D look, with an aluminium background and special instrument lighting. It’s a luminous appearance that adds visual depth and a sophisticated feel to the interior.
In front of the gauges is a large, classic-looking steering wheel that is covered in leather. Chevrolet “bowtie” insignias accent a metal band that runs the length of the dashboard – a styling cue on Chevrolet models of the 1950s that contributes to the interior’s geometric theme.
The black leather-trimmed interior features Cove Blue performance Nubuck inserts, anodized blue aluminium gauges and energizing blue lighting. A color used increasingly by trendsetting designers for its ability to evoke relaxed emotions and convey sophistication, the blue lighting and accents add a uniquely urban ambiance to the Nomad’s passenger environment – like the atmosphere of a hip martini bar.
Besides looking cool, the interior also offers clever functionality, including three folding options for the rear seat: the center armrest folds to store long items, such as skis, while each rear seatback folds to dramatically increase the Nomad’s overall cargo space.
The cool theme continues the Ice Blue Metallic exterior color, complemented with an ultra-fine tinted silver-blue accent. In addition to being one of fashion’s most popular palette choices, the blue hue bolsters the Nomad’s sophisticated, urban character.
“Wherever you look or whatever you touch in the Nomad, it creates a satisfying emotional reaction,” said Jose Gonzalez, lead interior designer. “There are cars that offer more room and amenities, but the Nomad’s environment has soul. It’s a car you want to get in and drive.”
“The idea for a vehicle like this is more relevant now than ever,” said Gonzalez. “As much as people crave a sporty, great looking vehicle, modern lifestyle interests demand functionality. The Nomad has both. Whether or not they can convey it in words, it’s what everybody is looking for in a new vehicle.”
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