Chevrolet has unveiled two new four-seat coupe concepts at the Detroit motor show, the Chevrolet Tru 140S and the Chevrolet Code 130R. General Motors plans to let younger buyers directly influence Chevrolet's future product strategy by asking them what type of cars they want to see Chevrolet make.
The Two Detroit concepts are the first stage of this, as those asked by GM said they wanted "coupe styling with space for their friends", according to GM's North American president Mark Reuss.
Both concepts are powered by the firm's turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which also features in the new Chevrolet Sonic RS, another model making its show debut at Detroit. Both concepts were designed at Chevrolet's Californian design centre.
The Tru 140S is based on the front-wheel drive Cruze platform. Reuss says its brief was to be a car with an "affordable exotic" look. The sleek three-door gets Chevy's recognisable front-end, with chrome wheels and a matte white paint finish.
"The Tru 140S is for those who want an affordable sports car with lots of style," said Reuss. He added that it's research had indicated that young buyers wanted an Italian sports car look, and this was incorporated into the Tru 140S's design.
The Code 130R is described as a coupe with "pure functional muscle". It harks back to muscle cars of the 1960s, but GM insists there's nothing retro about it. "It celebrates our performance era, but with no error feel," said Reuss.
No platform has been confirmed by GM for the rear-wheel drive Code 130R. Autocar understands the architecture is a shortened version of the new Cadillac ATS.
Neither concept has an interior at present. Instead, GM will be asking Detroit show goers to directly influence the interiors of the concepts by asking what direction they should take. The concepts will then be fitted with interiors and presented at a future motor show.
"We want input from the wider public before we modify them," said Reuss.
Reuss said that if the concepts were to go into production, they each would command a price tag of around $20,000.
The long-term strategy for concepts and production cars like these is to "make young people - future Chevrolet buyers - fall in love with an automotive brand in the same way they do with an technology company, or a gadget," said Reuss.
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Re: Detroit show: Chevrolet concepts
I like what I see so far. Attractive body (well the white one at least), rear drive and what could be a half decent engine. Wonder if it would also make the Chevy Europe line up too? Could do the brand image in this country some good!
That said, I am surprised they haven't pushed out a Volt coupe concept. Appeal to the younger "enviro" generation with a car that looks good?
Never know, that could also pick up some more "traditional" customers too.
Re: Detroit show: Chevrolet concepts
These are ace, particularly the Tru 140S (if thats the silver one!). Alfa Romeo take note. Something like the Tru to sit below the new 4C would offer a great replacement for your old customers who bought the GTV!