Like any vehicle, looks are definitely subjective, and the Nassau has gotten mixed reviews from both our readers and the Autoblog crew. The concept has a very strong stance, aided by huge rims and rubber, and the same wide, RWD architecture as the 300C. The front grille is much less in-your-face than that of the 300, giving the Nassau a more refined look. The headlights and taillamps look fancy and expensive, with brightwork and LCDs galore. The hatch, on the other hand, will take some getting used to, and there's no saying whether it will ever be acceptable. Perhaps if the Nassau were more the Chrysler version of the Magnum we'd like the hatch more, and for all we know it just may be.
Perhaps the most appealing view of the Nassau is from the inside, as richly textured blue and white materials dominate the cabin. The center stack creates an almost Lexus-like V-shape that channels all the way to the back seat. Of course, there are several non-working components inside, like the frozen-solid paddle shifters and, well, everything else that isn't a steering wheel, pedals, or the Star Trek-like push-button gear selector.
To start the vehicle, you merely push the start button, and you're ready to go. Since that space-age gear selector didn't light up to signify which gear was selected, I kept a foot on the brake just in case. To put it bluntly, the Nassau was a hell of a lot easier to drive than the Dodge Demon we'd driven minutes before, and with the exact engine and chassis as the production 300C, we weren't surprised.
Of all the concepts driven at the Chelsea proving grounds, the only one we had trouble keeping under the 40mph speed limit was the Nassau. It was über-smooth and it kept coaxing the devil in us to punch the accelerator. In the interest of getting invited back to future Chrysler events, we kept Lucifer at bay. We didn't have a very large area on which to test the vehicles, and turns were taken with the greatest of care, so we can't give you a very realistic description of the car's handling.
In all, we hope the Nassau concept is not the next 300C, but we think it could definitely sell as a new-age station wagon. For our money, it's probably better looking than the Imperial concept that has been rumored for production.
Interior Design
The Chrysler Nassau’s luxury interior is designed for a younger, aspiring audience. The presiding interior theme is one of flowing seamless sculpture composed of leathers and fabrics derived from futuristic architectural interiors.
“We looked carefully at space efficiency,” said Ben Chang, principal designer of the Nassau’s luxurious interior. “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. We strived to achieve a seamless interface between your car and the rest of your electronic world.”
The instrument panel is a showcase for new technologies in data display, personal control interface, and home theater-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.
While the instrument cluster has its own taut brow, the shape of the forward portion of the instrument panel is sensuously sculpted. Housing the main cluster, the upper surface of the panel includes a wide asymmetrical elliptical opening.
The shape was inspired and reminiscent of Constantin Brancusi’s famous Bird in Space sculptures.
Brancusi, an artist based in Paris from the 1920s to the 1940s, was preoccupied with the physical attributes of birds in flight, or more specifically, the essence of flight. The theme fits perfectly with the vehicle’s goal of giving the constant impression of smooth, slender movement.
Within the housing of the instrument panel (I/P) is a three-layer screen, which allows the simultaneous display of the navigation, passenger entertainment, and vehicle function displays.
As they move toward the doors, the left and right side lower portions of the two-tone I/P rise upward, again subtly reprising the Chrysler wings.
Sandwiched between the upper and lower surfaces of the instrument panel are partially concealed horizontal vents that direct cool air into the cabin.
The four handsomely formed bucket seats are covered in cream-colored leather, with suede accents in a fine bamboo texture, a theme repeated on the door trim panels.
Occupants can gaze upward through twin “Picture View” skylights, and longitudinal blue-tinted glass panels that run the length of the roof panel.
Those in the rear seats can enjoy a movie displayed on the flush video screens incorporated into the rear-facing portion of each of the front seat headrests.
Running fore-aft between the seats is a center console with a satin silver trim strip that travels from the I/P center stack to the upper rear seat backs.
Set within the console are the front and rear “joy stick” controls designed to function much like the “mouse” control of a home or office computer. Power window switches and flush-mounted pop-up cup holders are also contained in the console.
Among the more interesting visual details within the Deep Mystic Blue and Cream interior are the refined yet simple chrome accents and textures used on the silver speaker grilles on the doors, seat back monitors, headliners, and foot pedals.
Behind the passenger cabin, the surface of the boat's tail-shaped cargo cover is accented with five stainless steel accent strips, while panels in the carpeted cargo area below offer additional storage.
“With its sculptural artistry and technological sophistication, the interior of the Chrysler Nassau is the perfect complement to its visually arresting exterior,” said Chang.
