Dodge Readies Nitro Panel Van Concept

Every year, the folks who build those ridiculously huge wheels and gigantic spoilers you see on the road get together for a trade show like no other: SEMA. We won’t be covering all those wheels, spoilers and tuner versions of new cars like some other blogs will; that’s just not us. But anything you may potentially find at a dealership fits in our realm of coverage, and this early look at one of the show’s concepts is as good a starting point as any for our SEMA coverage.

Dodge’s new Nitro SUV hasn’t been out long enough for a full Cars.com review, but we did get some seat time a few weeks ago and were impressed. Is there need for a flat-panel version, like the HHR Flat Panel that Chevy introduced for production a few weeks ago? We’re not sure. These early sketches look good and could sway a few businesses —  think surf shops —  to plunk down real cash, but the regular four-door version has a floor that folds almost as flat and still fits four people for a lunch run.

Folks at Dodge say there are no plans for production of this concept. We’ll wait until the real thing rolls onto the floor at SEMA before passing final judgment, but so far we’re guessing there’s a 50/50 chance this sees the light of day.