- Chrysler didn't talk about it publicly, but tucked a futuristic minivan concept, dubbed 700C, on the back of its auto-show display in Detroit.
- The concept was created by Chrysler Design.
- Chrysler decided to put the concept on the show floor without publicity or fanfare, to gauge public opinion.
DETROIT — Chrysler didn't talk about it publicly, but tucked a futuristic minivan concept, dubbed 700C, on the back of its auto-show display in Detroit.
The concept was created by Chrysler Design. The automaker reportedly decided at the last minute to put the concept on the show floor without publicity or fanfare, to gauge public opinion.
The 700C appears to be a non-running fiberglass model, without engine or transmission.
European media reports speculated the concept could foretell a future luxury MPV for the Lancia brand in Europe.
At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show two years ago, Chrysler without explanation displayed a version of the Lancia Delta fitted with a Chrysler front end, but disclosed no further details about or plans for the car. Eventually, Fiat decided to merge the two brands in Europe, rebadging a number of Chrysler models as Lancias, and vice versa.
Inside Line says: During press days, the media response seemed to be mixed. What do you think?
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damienca2ga says:
10:18 AM, 01/13/2012
Nissan already tried this with the funky minivan theme. the result was them not selling all that many minivans. Take note!
rwatson says:
07:32 PM, 01/12/2012
Functionality is the big concern for me. A lot of people today with small, start-up businesses (including me) rely on minivans. I have a 2005 T&C that's a life saver for my business, however if it gets shrunk by just several cubic feet or the roof hight is reduced, then I'm sunk. However, that's if I were in the market for a new purchase.
I chose the Chrysler since they have a patent on that particular variation of "stnow-n-go" seating that nobody else can use. Unfortunately, it's the only configuration that works for my business. Believe me, if someone else had it (besides VW's chrysler built one) I'd be buying it. The Chrysler is a POS.
zman24 says:
04:54 PM, 01/12/2012
It is very hard to gauge perspective from a single front 3/4 shot. Props to Chrysler for trying to take a minivan design in a different direction from the Japanese caricature designs ala Toyota and Honda. My first impression, however, was that it looks like a design study from Hyundai. Still in all....I like it.
openeyes1 says:
04:33 PM, 01/12/2012
Congratulations to Chrysler for dusting off American Motors old plans, for the unique 1980 AMC Pacer Minivan!
dagmar3 says:
02:52 PM, 01/12/2012
The 700C is yet another minivan designed by people and for people who don't like minivans. Nissan tried this a few years back and laid an egg -shockingly, people who don't like minivans don't buy minivans.
The 700C has no purpose in life. Is Fiat/Chrysler that clueless?
madarchitect says:
01:04 PM, 01/12/2012
I give them credit for trying something new to the minivan market.
Imagine how hard it is to try and make something cool out of a standard minivan shape and still not lose the function of one.
lookatmyshoes says:
12:06 PM, 01/12/2012
This design elements may evolve into the future Town & Country. I am sure a stylish minivan with a nice diesel engine 40mpg borrowed from the JGC could be the comeback of Chrysler topping minivan sales in the US.
ek900 says:
11:13 AM, 01/12/2012
I give them some credit for taking minivan ideas is an interesting direction. But I do envision that rear window treatment getting seriously toned down. More powertrain info. would be welcomed. Minivans have always seemed like prime hybrid targets to me, yet no automaker has introduced a hybrid minivan. Chrysler could get a jump here if they did so.
fantastic says:
11:10 AM, 01/12/2012
The windows may seem bizarre in concept form but i personally think in production form they would make the van looks like one of a kind... simply because it would look like nothing out there. it is growing on me...i may like it if i see a near production model. ok... I like it!!!!!!!
blklahot1 says:
11:07 AM, 01/12/2012
Its ugly!