Article at Autoweek with a little bit of information about the Nomad concept and where it stands now that was unveiled at this years Detroit show.

Here's the link to the story.

 

I like the Nomad better then the Solstice. Mainly cause its a coupe. Seems like the perfect application to use a quad coupe (hidden doors) ala RX-8 and ION coupe

 

One of the reasons I like Nomad other than the fact I think it looks cool is that it would be a product not offered by another division (I would hope). I don't see the point in offering multiple versions of the Solstice convertible. It dilutes the impact the car could possibly have for each division.

I really liked the idea of a Pontiac vert, a Saturn 2+2 coupe and the Chevrolet sport wagon - something for everyone without eroding sales for a platform-mate. It would also really showcase the flexibility of the Kappa platform.

Personally (and IMO) I can't see why the Nomad didn't clinic well. It seemed to have the credentials to be a show-stealer. By all accounts, the press really liked it too. So, what happened?

 

The only problem with the Nomad as it stands is that the outside is a little bland. The car could use some wheel well slashes like the 99 concept had and also I think the hood is begging for something?

Did anyone else notice that the HHR is listed as an 06 in the article? I think that is telling because it was supposed to debut at Cali with Cobalt. I still think it will sell, I for one am very interested, but I can see where the Nomad would also be very appealing. Maybe a Kappa based Nomad will come out when HHR has a limited run, like 3 or 4 years, kinda like what Ford is doing with the GT and then the Shelby Cobra.

 

I can see where consumers would come away a bit confused with the Nomad from the clinics. It's too small for a wagon, not a coupe, a hatchback? I guess that's what it most closely resembles (with a tailgate).

I do think it's an interesting vehicle and possibly something I would consider in the future (I did like Mazda's Protege5 as a sporty wagon/hatchback), but the styling doesn't do much to make up for the other doubts. It seems too much like a first-generation Vette. Sure, it's based on one, but I still think it needs some work to be a bit more modern. How about some styling form today's Vette? That seems more appropriate than a bowtie twin to the Solstice (the Chevy Sportster).

Ultimately, I don't think GM wants to give up on the Nomad because they want their own version of the VW Beetle, Mini Cooper, etc. to draw lots of press and buyers into showrooms.

 

I agree totally. I like the car, and it no doubt would be a segment buster the way Chrysler is becoming expert at (PT Cruiser and the Magnum are considered trucks & the 4 door Charger will be called a coupe).

Great to see GM higherups excited about something that isn't extremely expensive & isn't a truck.

Hope GM makes Nomad happen.

 

Doesn't the upcoming HHR sort of fill this roll already?

 

Ditto this thought.

While I haven't seen it live, it seemed to me to be exactly what I'd want as a commuter/grocery getter.

Relatively small, low and hopefully economical (compared to a cute-ute).

RWD

Tailgate instead of liftgate.

 

Yep. But Chrysler's PT got there 1st.

 

I personally prefer the Nomad to the HHR. The HHR seems to me to be a rather blatant PT Cruiser rip-off. Was the HHR even being considered before the PT Cruiser? If that's the case where has it been, the PT Cruiser has been out since when, 2000? I can't recall ever hearing about it until it was announced as going into production. (I may have been asleep:-)

A couple of months ago there were some concept pics of panel-van SSR spin-offs that may be in the pipe drawn up in MT. I think the HHR would be more relevant as a based-on-the-SSR variant rather than as a standalone small minivan. I think the Nomad is more original(?) and could possibly become Chevy's PT, or Beetle or Mini equivalent.

 

You know, I remember hearing about the HHR over at thecarconnection forums back around 2000 or so (way before trolls ran off the industry guys).

 

I dont think the Nomad will make it as that will have 2 wagons priced about the same, the Maxx and Nomad. There is just too much going on there. I think Saab, Saturn and Opel should get a Kappa. Chevy has plenty of small cars.

 

Ya know, if Nomad has fold flat rear seats, like the Dodge Magnum, Nomad qualifies as a truck!!

Maybe that has something to do with GM wanting it in production so bad (4 cylinder vehicle to offset 12mpg Escalades )

 

That would make the Cafe numbers look a lot better with 20-40K of those on the streets. If I remember correct the Nomad concept DID have fold down rear seats.

 

Nomad and Maxx are totally different. Maxx is more like a hatch, is larger, has 4 doors and is FWD. Maxx is just a bit geeky looking too.

I see the Nomad as a kinda of a Mini competitor.