Download: Chevrolet Code 130R and Tru 140S: live from the 2012 NAIAS (with videos)

Sunday 15 January 2012

Chevrolet Code 130R and Tru 140S: live from the 2012 NAIAS (with videos)

Chevrolet Code 130R and Tru 140S: live from the 2012 NAIAS (with videos):

Chevrolet is at the 2012 NAIAS with two new concept cars called Code 130R and Tru 140S. Both models sport a quite athletic attitude and are powered by the same 1.4-litre Turbo Ecotec delivering 150 hp and 200 Nm of peak torque, with an average fuel consumption of 17 km/l. This unit works in tandem with the so-called eAssist technology, which integrates start-stop sytsem, kinetic energy recovery system and releases a sort of overboost during acceleration.

The Chevy Code 130R (the one in red) measures 4.40 meters in length, 1.82 meters in width and 1.39 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.77 meters. The model bears a certain resemblance to Chevy’s Camaro and, in a way, BMW’s 1-Series as well. This front-mounted rear-wheel drive engine uses 20″ alloys and LED technology for both head and tail lights. The Tru 140S instead has been developed on the same platform as the Cruze, but looks pretty similar to the Mitsubishi Eclipse. It measures 4.51 meters in length, 1.81 meters in width and 1.36 meters in height. The model comes with a set of 21″ alloys fitted with 245/35 tyres.

Chevy is considering putting both model into production with 6-speed automatic and manual transmission, with a an indicative price “in the low $20,000s”. Here is the official photo gallery released by the carmaker as well as some live pics taken by our friends from Autoblog.it. Right after the jump, you will access two official videoclips released by Chevy starring the two models as well as the Press Release featuring more info about both Code 130R and Tru 140S.

View the full Chevrolet Code 130R and Tru 140S photo gallery
View Chevrolet Tru 140S live pics from the 2012 NAIAS
View Chevrolet Code 130R live pics from the 2012 NAIAS

2012 North American International Auto Show | Code 130R Concept | Chevrolet

2012 North American International Auto Show | Tru 140S Concept | Chevrolet

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.