0-60 Magazine
Your Source For Cars, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, and More …
Chevrolet's Detroit Show Concepts Promise A Scion-Like Future
But we won't complain. Not when a compact RWD coupe is part of the deal.
Wow, did Chevy just steal the Scion playbook while Jack Hollis was busy spiking his hair? Because the two concepts GM’s keystone brand brought to this year’s Detroit Auto Show have the distinct aroma of Scion about them. (It’s a combination of Axe Messy Look holding paste and beef Cup Noodles, in case you were wondering.)
Chevy’s two new concept cars were developed with those 80 million Americans under the age of 30 in mind. Well, them and their supposed trillion dollars in “purchasing power,” though we’re pretty sure about $800 billion of that belongs to their parents. The two cars have been outfitted with the horrific names “Code 130R” and “Tru 140S,” but while the names are terrible, the cars they’re attached to don’t seem half bad.
Consider the Code 130R, which is basically GM’s FR-S: front-mounted four cylinder, rear-wheel-drive, designed to be sporty without being priced out of the hands of the average member of Generation Y. Where the Scion FR-S goes with a simple naturally aspirated boxer four, however, the Code 130R teams a turbocharged 1.4 liter inline-four with eAssist mild hybrid tech, improving fuel economy but adding unnecessary cost and weight—both of which are anathema to the target audience. We know. We are the target audience. (Another bad sign: a six-speed automatic is standard, while a manual is optional.)
The second car, the Tru 140S, plays the role of the tC in Chevy’s Scion-play. It’s front-engined and front-wheel-drive, designed to appeal more to kids who want style and gadgetry instead of speed and ass-out oversteer. With the same turbocharged 1.4 liter, 150 hp inline-four as the Code 130R, the Tru 140S reportedly goes 40 miles per gallon, all the while allowing passengers to surf the web over the built-in WiFi connection or listen to LMFAO Radio on Pandora through their iPhone 4S. Also, it has 21″ wheels. On a compact.
As for the cars’ looks, well…while some on the blogosphere have been ragging hard on the styling of these new Chevys, we’re going to be a bit nicer. There’s potential here. The Code 130R has an awful lot of the BMW 1 Series M’s boxy, tightly-wound strength in the rear—it just doesn’t mesh well with the long, flowing hood and front end. Likewise, the (ugh, worst name) Tru 130S has a sleek, mid-engined look that would be very attractive…if it didn’t remind us so damn much of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. With a bit of tweaking, both these cars could turn out quite nicely.
Chevrolet hasn’t mentioned production possibilities for either car, but our gut tells us the Tru 130S might just herald a Cruze coupe destined to show up in showrooms in the near future. The Code 130S seems like a longer shot, based on the lack of other uses for a compact RWD platform. Then again, that’s the sort of Old GM thinking the car maker needs to run away from, isn’t it? [via Chevrolet]
Press Release:
Here’s a Concept: Chevrolet Puts Next-Gen Buyers in Charge
Two concept coupes designed to inspire ideas and create discussion
DETROIT – Chevrolet today introduced two concept coupes at the 2012 North American International Auto Show aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers to take the wheel and suggest ideas for a car they can co-create.
“Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We’re seeking out our newest customers’ opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways.”
According to U.S. Census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30. They represent 40 percent of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power.
Over the past year, Chevrolet has conversed with young consumers across the United States. Based on their feedback, the Chevrolet concepts explore the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they are looking for in a car.
Code 130R, the first Chevrolet concept, is a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Painted in an all-new red metallic paint with matte anodized gold wheels, Code 130R features heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. With an aggressive front fascia, Chevrolet fender flares, straight body side and Chevy crossflag emblem, Code 130R makes a link to Chevrolet’s performance heritage.
Code 130R’s designers conceived the turbocharged engine to be tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology. By shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration, this concept takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy.
Tru 140S, the second Chevrolet concept is a front-wheel-drive, “affordable exotic” four-seat sporty coupe. The three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car. Shown in an all-new matte white with Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range.
Tru 140S designers want to demonstrate technologies typically found in more expensive cars, including direct injection and a starter-based stop-start technology, balancing internal combustion and electrification to deliver high value and improved fuel economy.
The concepts share attributes younger buyers say they value:
Sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers
Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display
40 MPG with a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 horsepower
Possible production price range in the low $20,000s
“Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience,” said Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio in Los Angeles where the two concepts were developed.
Inside the concepts, connectivity and personalization enable the individualization that the generation says is essential.
“This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enabling the vehicle to be their own docking station,” said Saucedo. “The interiors currently exist in 2D only. This allows us the flexibility to continue the discussion and encourage more dialogue as we continue to develop these concepts.”
From Detroit, the pair of Chevrolet concepts will travel to major auto shows, key lifestyle events, one-on-one experiences and other venues such as college campuses. Chevrolet also will engage customers using the social media tools that young consumers use to talk with one another.
“For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity,” said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet Global Marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. “At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”
# # #
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
