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.”

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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.

CHEVROLET CODE 130R CONCEPT COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept Coupe

Body style / driveline:

four-passenger coupe, rear-wheel drive

EPA vehicle class:

compact car

Engine

1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 w/ eAssist

Displacement (cu. in. / cc):

83 / 1364

Bore and stroke (in. / mm):

2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6

Block material:

cast iron

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

Ignition system:

individual coil on plug

Fuel delivery:

sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control

Compression ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kW):

150 / 110

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm):

148 / 200

Recommended fuel:

regular unleaded

Max engine speed (rpm):

6500

Emissions controls:

close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor

Estimated fuel economy (hwy):

40

Transmissions

6-speed automatic

Application:

standard

optional

Wheels/Tires

Wheels:

20-inch matte gold

Tires:

P245/40R20

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

109.3 / 2775

Overall length (in / mm):

173.1 / 4396

Overall width (in / mm):

71.5 / 1816

Overall height (in / mm):

54.7 / 1390

Track (in / mm):

front: 60.4 / 1535

rear: 61.8 / 1569

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):

2-Feb

Headroom (in / mm):

front: 30.7 / 780

rear: 33.1 / 841

SOURCE: Chevrolet