Fast forward five years and the new Nomad concept took its place on the 2004 North American International Auto Show stand. Simon Cox, design director of GM Advanced Design, described it as follows: "The Nomad is the type of vehicle that creates an instant bond with certain personalities. It's a personal vehicle that carries the expressions and emotions of the driver, causing them to seek out enthusiasts of the same mindset."
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| "The Nomad is the type of vehicle that creates an instant bond with certain personalities." (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Although that statement may seem somewhat esoteric to the more pragmatic of us, I understand the point that Simon is making. Compare the potential buyer to Corvette owners or those that will end up laying down the seventy large for the brand's new SSR pickup. There's a basic kindred spirit among these types of drivers, especially among Corvette owners, that gets demonstrated with every wave or nod when passing each other on the road. GM is aware of such alliances and anticipates a similar association between Nomad owners, should the concept become a reality.
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| Not a sedan, wagon, or SUV, the Nomad defies the traditional categories. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
According to GM, the Nomad is not a sedan, wagon, SUV or any other categorize-able vehicle; although the automaker says it "simultaneously conveys presence and practicality."
In its "forward thinking" design, GM went back to the original 1954 prototype and harvested the genes to initiate the new life-form. Take for example the "signature" Corvette C1 grille that GM has implanted into the sleek nose of the new concept, or the beautifully sculpted LED headlamps mounted on the smoothly curving fenders. Or more importantly, the forward-sloping B-pillars are a direct link to the early production car.