Chrysler: 20 years of Concept Cars

tags: Chrysler | in: Automotive Design 28 May 2007

Celebrating 20 years of modern concept vehicles, with more than 100 prototypes built, Chrysler has released new image sets of its latest concepts: the Chrysler Nassau, the Dodge Demon and the Jeep Trailhawk.

During the latest years, the Chrysler Group design philosophy has been based on the “Concept to reality” idea: all the concept vehicles created by the Group are working prototypes, and most of them provided the basis for production vehicles, introduced within a few years from the concept reveal.

This approach started with the Frankfurt Motor Show reveal of the Lamborghini-engined, cab forward-styled, four-door Chrysler Portofino concept sedan in 1987.

From the official Press Release:

"Concept vehicles have two major roles for the Chrysler Group: they showcase to management, the media and the public the potential future design direction for Chrysler Group cars and trucks, and they help to attract the best young designers in the world into its design studios."

"Chrysler Group’s concept vehicle program allows designers to test new colors, features, vehicle size and segments."



Above: the Dodge Demon Concept

Cherysler Nassau and Dodge Demon concepts

Concepts can also be showcases for new design cues, which often find their way into production on future vehicles – even if the entire concept vehicle does not.

According to Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Product Design Office, Chrysler Group, “We’ve always said at Chrysler that we don’t just produce concepts for fun.

"We have proved year after year that our concepts are innovative and relevant.

“Our track record shows that many Chrysler Group concepts, and several of the design features showcased on our concept vehicles, have gone into production,” he added.

“While we can’t say yet if any of our 2007 concepts will eventually be seen in our showrooms, they clearly hint at exciting and innovative future design directions that could find their way into our company’s products.”