If it's attention that Chrysler wanted, it sure got what it asked for with the most secretive concept model of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the 700C minivan. And this despite the fact that the automaker didn't even issue a formal press release on its conceptual people carrier.
But all for good reason as Chrysler brand global boss Saad Chehab explained in an interview with Australian news site Drive at the Cobo Center.
Chebab told the website that Chrysler did not release any supporting information on the 700C because it "wanted unsolicited opinion about the car and its potential" from the motor show visitors. He also said that the 700C was a last minute addition to Chrysler's Detroit Motor Show booth.
“This is the first step we are taking into it to see what the feedback would be from customers, from the media, to see if this is something we might see in the future that maintains the useability of people-movers, but at the same time giving something more to the driver and the passenger next to them," Chebab explained.
We also learn that the 700C is based on the current Town & Country's running gear and that the designers' goal was to redefine the category not by reinventing its packaging features but rather the interior and exterior styling.
“It’s a styling exercise for us, looking at the future of mobility, of people-movers,” said Chebab. “What’s the Swiss Army knife of cars going to look like in the future?
“It’s the first step into the future and we are asking people ‘what do you think?’... Is it stupid, beautiful, crazy…?”
And with that, Chebab gave us the idea for our poll, which you can vote on below right after you take a look at the comprehensive gallery that follows.
What do You Think About the Chrysler 700C Concept Minivan? Is it...
40 Comments:
this is really ugly!! i bet i could the ugliest car, even the aztec looks interesting next to it
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Where is the vote button for "really really really fugly"???
I'm no fan of Chrysler, as a former employee I know them all too well, but now that they've been taken over by Fiat I'm willing to give them a chance again. This is the first minivan coming from Chrysler that actually has some visual appeal for me. I'm kind of on the fence as to the styling, the profile looks pretty good, far more exciting than any other minivan that's come from Chrysler. I'd like to see a shot from above, does the blackout hood match some kind of dark glass panels on the roof? I seem to see some transparent areas above the passenger compartment, would've liked to see more shots of that part of the van, also some better shots of the interior before I make up my mind about it.
A great design that no other could think of, and that also makes it more exclusive. Even though it's very intrepid for some conservative folks to accept, it acutally is a very beautiful design when you look at it in detail, and yes I agree the Aztec is an ugly car, may be the ugliest, but this van is NOT ugly.
Back in the 1990's, Chrysler cranked out more radical concept cars than just about anyone else.
This may just be a hastily put together showpiece to restart that trend.
The overall shape is nice but too many of the "styling" elements just don't work. The slanting-back B-pillar only manages to make the van look dis-jointed (like it's pulling a trailer.) The blacked out and chromed window frames are a way-too-obvious lie about the actual size of the windows. What's the deal with that glossy black part of the hood? Am i supposed to think it's an extension of the windshield or is is playing off the matte black hoods on '60s muscle cars? Or is it just trying to break up the too-long snout? Who cares, it's design fail. That grille is way too small to support that huge winged emblem in it (Mind you, the 'floating' emblem in the rear window is brilliant.) The fenders are nicely flared and I like the curving body line plus, Chrysler has always done a nice job hiding the door rails. Dash looks classy from what I can see of it. Just give it a nice, generous greenhouse with no styling tricks and a bigger grille and you may be on to something. Shorten the schnoz if you can and go big on interior features and boost the cabin materials up to 300 levels and roll 'em out.
it is quite interesting how Americans are implying double standards on themselves... if it was a vehicle manufactured in Europe everyone would complain how Americans are not getting good-looking cars but once it is presented by their domestic manufacturer - they find it hard to acknowledge that they can also make beautiful cars.
It's different, however you can no say it's ugly. I may call it as interesting.
It's a new form that deserves to be worked prior given for production
The FIAT Multipla (1st generation) was discribed by many as ugly, I amy describe it charismatic !
It's only on what prospective you see it ... In any way it is not sexy like say a Ferrari 458 Italia !
I think we should give the design team the chance to let their emotions out.
I don't think it's ugly, it's just strange, different !
I think they are heading in the right direction here but they kinda went too far. I can appreciate what they are doing with the windows but it is just too "swoopy", for lack of a better term. I think if they tone down the angles for the windows, they'll be a lot closer to a really good looking vehicle.
I think those windows really distract people from what is otherwise a very nice looking vehicle. The exterior door handles look great. I like the beltline the put across the body. The grill just needs a larger grill. The rear is pretty much production ready. I wouldn't change anything there.
From what I see of the interior, I'd say that Chrysler is spot on in the right direction. It doesn't look good, it looks damn good. I just need to see if they've done something different with the gear selector. I hate the placement of the current one. I think they should go with a push button setup similar to the MKZ concept. I don't like it in a sedan, but it makes more sense in a minivan.
Just your opinion......but thanks for your life story.......will wait for your opininion in the future when more info and photos surface.......GIVE US A BREAK.
The overall design is just ok. The main problem is the B pilar. Looks like a bad chinese design or a student project. The Odyssey is a real succes beside this !
So they didn't really stop the redesign phase of the PT Cruiser.
Maybe a little courtesy for others' opinions, please?
I guess you have a problem with my opinion. Obviously you are a supporter of Pope Brown,the king of blogeriah.
OMG you're Pope Brown's assistant.
I support less rudeness on the internet.
You mean to tell me that Chrysler (aka: FIAT/Alfa) has the money to blow on building a thing like this JUST FOR PUBLIC REACTION? Seriously? They can WASTE money like that? Why not just display huge, animated computer generated renderings of the vehicle and let the public vote. Somehow, when an automobile company claims they're strapped for funds, 'going broke', etc., and then so something like this makes NOT trust anything they say(!)
Please change the name to "Homer". Does it have thirteen horns too?
Fire the idiot that penned this.
I guess you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. If Chrysler came out with a concept that looked like a box then they be pooed for little effort. They have a concept that looks interesting and has the potential to be a real stunner, plus it's like nothing out there and they're still pooed.
A+ for effort
Mike, every company in the car business needs to build concepts. It's part of the development of the products, not a waste of money at all!
A rendering is a 2D image, is not 3D... a render is just one task in the middle of the development of a concept, means nothing compared to a real product that you can touch and feel.
Funny coming from a country that is best described as rude.
Stay classy, my friend!
its all the above
Try to imagine just how difficult it is to bring something new to the design of what must always first and foremost be a long, rectangular, and boxy vehicle. Sending up a few trial balloons is part of the business of building cars and this is not THAT far out, is it? I think the styling is quite interesting at the rear of the vehicle. We should be proud of what Fiat and Chrysler have done so far. Chrysler vehicle quality ratings are way up from where they were, and even grouchy Consumer Reports gave the 300 a good rating recently.
only hyundai makes very beautifull and crazy cars
It appears to be doing without the middle door roller and track, and just has rollers at the top and bottom.
Lancia seems to be big on the black hood, roof, and tailgate thing. I don't like it either.
They already have a minivan which, unlike the two preceeding models, does look like a box.
Toyota. Honda, and Nissan all came up with attempts to make some kind of cool new minivan and none of them are that great. With a little more directionality to this kind of design I think Chrysler might have a winner. Anything would be better than the current model, which was a huge step backwards after the previous two models.
To paraphrase the current wireless commercial; Minivans are so 47 seconds ago...
Is it me or does this minivan look like they took the philosophy of Mazda and applied it here? The rear fender flare and winged side glass all remind me of a 2006ish Mazda3 Hatchback...?
Sorry, but that design is just awful for words...
It is.
Eye doctor for this one.
psych!!!
Ugly, ugly
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