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What Is It?

Chevrolet Nomad Concept

What's Special About It?

Sharing GM's new Kappa vehicle platform with the production Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Curve concept, the Nomad's goal is to add a bit of usefulness to the sporty rear-wheel-drive lineup. Taking styling cues from the Nomad concept of 1954 (a show car that was based on the then-new Corvette), the new Nomad concept sports an obvious vintage Corvette grille and round headlights. Because the Nomad utilizes the Kappa architecture, it is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that should offer stiff, sporty handling. With independent suspension in the front and rear, the Nomad is looking to blur the line between all-out sports car and pleasant riding sport coupe.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.2-liter version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder engine and it's hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine is good for more than 200 horsepower and the automatic can be shifted via Tap Shift paddles to enhance the driving experience.

The cool blue interior and dash lighting are more reminiscent of a hip nightclub than a car, but that is exactly what Chevy is going for. Like any good wagon, the rear seat can be folded and the rear tailgate folds down as well for increased cargo-hauling options. The interior is topped off by a powerful Panasonic stereo with speakers in the dash and doors as well as subwoofers in the armrests.

What's Edmunds' Take?

The Nomad is obviously more a design study than a real car. Still it does offer an interesting look at what the future holds for this new rear-wheel-drive platform from GM. — Brian Moody