[car fanatics]

Chevrolet
Photo credit: Chevrolet

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.”

[car fanatics]

[atvman]

That little RWD coupe would be cool, it would be a nice little auto-X car. They should build it.

[bojangles beast]

LOL The red one looks like a Camaro raped a 1 series and the gray one looks like they took a last gen Eclipse with a pig grill and a bow tie. Sorry GM but after the new Fusion and Dart these two are a GIANT let down.

[lengnert]

I know we've had the discussion about how there could be a market for these sporty coupes. There aren't too many out there right now.

I miss the Ford Probes that I owned. They were great to look at and really a blast to drive.

I like the red model, but don't think the Chevy grill 'works' with the rest of the design.

I applaud GM for giving these designs the light of day, though.

[GotMopar?]

The Code130R...to quote another forum member, "Meh."
The Tru140S looks pretty damn cool!:2thumbsup:

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The Code130R...to quote another forum member, "Meh."
The Tru140S looks pretty damn cool!:2thumbsup:

[Gixser995]

The Code130R looks like a BMW 1 series, and the Tru140S is pretty cool looking. More extreme than the Code, but looks like it would be FWD. Like a Scion tC competitor.

[BasiliskSt]

Not feeling the upright Code model.

I like the little Tru better. It looks like an evolution of the Miray to more production ready form with a hardtop.

[docCarter]

I am not amused.

[docCarter]

Looking at dimensions, 130R underneath the sheetmetal is an ATS. Maybe it could hint design cues for the next Camaro? Who knows, I don't mind it. I would have preferred something big and Sedanish with a little more Zeta, but I guess I'll have to wait just that little bit longer.

GM, if you release the Zeta Sedan concept next month at Chicago while I'm covering it, my happiness will be strong enough to end world hunger.


The 140S does not appeal to me.

[atvman]

I kind of agree with Doc, I was expecting a RWD sedan concept.

[REVolution]

Gixser995;164314 Wrote:The Code130R looks like a BMW 1 series, and the Tru140S is pretty cool looking. More extreme than the Code, but looks like it would be FWD. Like a Scion tC competitor.

I agree. The 130R is a Chevy body on a 1-Series and it looks like it rides high like a 1-Series. The 140S is something I'd drive on a commute. It looks cool.

[Luas]

The Tru140S kind of has a more aggressive and stylish CRZ vibe to it. The other one isn't really something I care for.

[Chevroletguy]

Not sure how I feel about these except let down. I hope the 140S becomes a new Cruze coupe. The 130R could translate into a larger sedan on Zeta, but as it is, I'm disappointed. I'm also confused as to how they can say the cars are sporty with only 150hp on tap. But the upside is that it proves that the 1.4T can make more power and maybe those changes will make their way into the Cruze for the 2013MY MCE.

[The 'Burg]

Not liking the Code 130 at all. Looks like a science experiment gone haywire.

The Tru 140 looks good and I hope GM continues with the development of it.