The Nomad is a concept car built by GM and introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Its not a sedan, wagon, SUV or any other categorizable vehicle, but it simultaneously conveys presence and practicality.

‘The Nomad is the type of vehicle that creates an instant bond with certain personalities,’ said Simon Cox, design director, GM Advanced Design, United Kingdom. ‘It’s a personal vehicle that carries the expressions and emotions of the driver, causing them to seek out enthusiasts of the same mindset.’

Based on GM’s new Kappa architecture, which also serves as the foundation for the Pontiac Solstice production model and Saturn Curve concept, the Nomad represents another line of thought when it comes to leveraging a new sports car platform. Its off-the-hook styling is readily identifiable as a Chevrolet, but with a contemporary flair.

And since it’s Kappa-based, the Nomad is rear-wheel drive, boasting independent front and rear suspensions attached to a rigid chassis that uses a pair of full-length hydroformed frame rails as its foundation. To make room for rear-seat riders in its 2+2 configuration, the Nomad rides on a 107-inch wheelbase – 2 inches longer than other Kappa architecture-based concepts.

A turbocharged Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Nomad, which also features a new Hydra-Matic 5L40-E electronically controlled five-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. The turbocharged Ecotec is good for 250 horses – 87 horses more, for example, than a certain ‘miniscule’ chap from across the pond.

A turbocharged Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Nomad, which also features a new Hydra-Matic 5L40-E electronically controlled five-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. The turbocharged Ecotec is good for 250 horses – 87 horses more, for example, than a certain ‘miniscule’ chap from across the pond.

Styling

GM tapped its global network of designers to pen the Nomad – a group that brought to the design table a diverse cultural background and linked with North American counterparts to produce a series of stunning, contemporary concept vehicles. It was designed in Great Britain and assembled by Renowned Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.

The Nomad team created a forward thinking and forward looking design while evoking the spirit of the 1954 Chevy Nomad concept vehicle, including round headlamps mounted on gently curving fenders, a trademark Corvette grille and a forward-sloping B-pillar.

Like the ’04 concept, the ’54 Nomad shared a new sports car platform – the Corvette – and challenged the thinking of car-based utility. The new Nomad goes even further, incorporating 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 – another nod to the character of the 1954 concept vehicle.

The interior has a large, fan-shaped central gauge cluster mounted in the dashboard. The cluster takes on a 3-D look, with an aluminum 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 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.

Story by General Motors Corp, edited by Supercars.net