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Chevrolet's Code 130R packs big muscle into a small package: Comments


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If you're a fan of rear-wheel drive GM muscle, then this year's Detroit Auto Show should give you a decent reason to rejoyce. Photos of the new Chevrolet Code 130R concept have recently begun to hit the internet and, so far, the small, rear-drive Chevy coupe is shaping up to be an interesting proposition.

The Code 130R is one of two new Chevrolet concept vehicles GM is rolling out for Detroit. With its blistered fenders and square-shouldered roofline, the styling can definitely evoke strong images of the classic 1970 through 1972 Chevelle muscle cars. However, unlike the classic Chevelle, GM says the Code 130R could be capable of up to 40 mpg if it were to go into production thanks in part to its 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine augmented by eAssist technology and linked up to a six-speed manual transmission. The Code 130R is also signficantly smaller as well -- photos suggest that this would be somewhere close to the current BMW 1-Series in size. Depsite its small stature, the Code 130R still has room for four people.

GM also says that if the Code 130R were to go into production it would carry a price tag somewhere in the ballpark of $25,000. If so, the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S may have something to worry about. Now, about that name ...

Click over to page two to read the press release and view the gallery here.


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.

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

6-speed manual

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 / 2

Headroom (in / mm):

front: 30.7 / 780

rear: 33.1 / 841

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.


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Not bad, I don't care for how upright the rear roof line is, and it looks like something I've seen before, can't quite put my finger on it though.

Nevertheless there's certainly room for a small RWD slotted below the Camaro to compete with the FR-S, BRZ, and to a less extent the Genesis Coupe.

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I can't help but think of this:

1966_Chevrolet_Nova_Hardtop_Front_1.JPG

and I want it badly. Like this spring.

On another site I saw a rumor that Chevy was looking at reviving the Nova name...wonder if the 130R could become a new Nova.

Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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And I like that, in making this, that they shied away from the trend of having headlights that go all the way up the fenders. It has a very classic look, but fits right in with the current Chevy showroom. Please make this....now!

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I was thinking this is 6th Gen Camaro design language too... I've always had the thought that the next gen Camaro would take after the '70-73 Camaro as the current 5th Gen takes after the '67-69. It's not too much of a stretch for me to see (split grille, small wide-set headlights/taillights, duck wing spoiler)

http://www.retro.net/keywords/1974_camaro/1974_camaro_8.jpg

http://www.bobbittville.com/CamaroZ28-1978GregBrayton.jpg

Edited by NOS2006
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That is the most mixed up bunch of awkward styling I have seen since the 3000GT and the 1st gen LX Charger.

Like the 140S, Chevy has to come up with a better grill setup.

I like the concept, including the quasi-notchback roofline. But GM seems to have lost the ability to make a good looking coupe door cut. The front and rear look like a lot of the same ole' same ole' for Chevy concepts.

If both are based on Alpha, as I understand, GM is only going to be able to build one, which is a real shame. Ideally, the 130R could make a new Nova (with a LOT of styling help), but the 140S should have been offered as a Pontiac.

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Not feeling. I hope it is better when I see it in person.

Just not much flow to the styling in the photo's It might look better in person.

As for this being a Camaro. Maybe under the skin but not in this body. This would have to be a different name and car than the Camaro. We will see this chassis but we will get a different body will be my guess and it will be a Camaro. The tail could be a future Camaro styling element.

So far the guys at work all are not really thrilled with the styling but are excited with the drivetrain.

Edited by hyperv6
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Not feeling. I hope it is better when I see it in person.

Just not much flow to the styling in the photo's It might look better in person.

As for this being a Camaro. Maybe under the skin but not in this body. This would have to be a different name and car than the Camaro. We will see this chassis but we will get a different body will be my guess and it will be a Camaro. The tail could be a future Camaro styling element.

So far the guys at work all are not really thrilled with the styling but are excited with the drivetrain.

I agree that Camaro will never use a body like this car.

Seems to me it all depends on when the new Camaro comes as I don't see Chevy offering two coupes on Alpha.

Not that I'd object, mind you.

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I could see the next Camaro having this platform and wheelbase, but would it be this small (thought I read this concept was about 175 inches long)...that would be quite a downsizing from the current model's reasonable size.

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I could see the next Camaro having this platform and wheelbase, but would it be this small (thought I read this concept was about 175 inches long)...that would be quite a downsizing from the current model's reasonable size.

That all depends on Alpha's degree of dimensional flexibility.

That said, the current car is reasonably sized - for a Chevellle that is.

Camaro should shrink a bit.

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With regards to Alpha flexibility - Sigma goes away on the next generation of CTS and Cadillac has made it plain that they intend to use the CTS to compete with the E-Class and 5-series head to head on size both internal and external. The next CTS is Alpha. Given the weight reductions GM has shown here and the weight gain BMW has shown on the 5-series, the world could end up turned upside down.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE the 130! This would be a fantastic rebirth of the Nova nameplate (or at least the Nova "idea"), in coupe, sedan and convertible. The true coupe roofline really does it for me.

The 140 reminds me of a last-gen Celica with a Lambo body kit.

Many more people are commenting on the 130 than the 140 over at Autoblog... the 130 has TWICE as many comments... a good indicator to Chevrolet on which car should be built. The 130 has people talking, and hoping anew for an affordable, smaller RWD sporty car from GM.

The 140 is flash-in-the-pan trendy... it wears earmarks of many other small, sporty coupes that have had short shelf lives. Not what GM should be doing. The 130 is something no other manufacturer can do. The 140 smacks of Celica, Eclipse, even last-gen Cougar. It is a shocker that will grow stale quickly, imo.

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gallery_51_326_3518.png

1970%20Chevrolet%20Chevelle%20Malibu%20SS-396%20Sport%20Coupe%20-%20rVl.jpg

Seriously? Please don't tell me I'm the only one here who sees the very clear influence in the side sculpting.

(Also, rumor has it GM was considering using the Chevelle name for the Code 130R. In spirit of the idea behind this and the Tru, however, GM wanted the names of both concepts to be chosen by the target audience, hence the uninspiring monikers. Chicane would have been the name attached to the Tru 140S, from what I hear.)

Edited by black-knight
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I agree that Camaro will never use a body like this car.

Seems to me it all depends on when the new Camaro comes as I don't see Chevy offering two coupes on Alpha.

Not that I'd object, mind you.

It might could happen.

The Code 130R should preview the F6 Camaro in:

  • Its platform (that's a given).
  • Its general dimensions (leaving room for an inch or two here and there).
  • The drivetrain layout, save for the four-cylinder engine. You can probably bet money that eAssist will be optional somehow on the Alpha Camaro.

The Code 130R possibly differs from the F6 in the fact it was designed to be fuel efficient first and foremorst while still being fun to drive. The Code 130R, from what I understand, was primarily designed to use four-cylinder engines without any consideration for six or eight-cylinder engines. The F6 Camaro will allow room for all three, with emphasis still on a V6 and V8.

A small, fuel efficient coupe with practical headroom and leg room for four adults that shares a majority of its parts and engineering with the next Camaro can make sense. The Camaro becomes cheaper to build due to it sharing so much content with the Code 130 and the ATS, and the Code 130R's fuel efficiency can only boost CAFE scores, even at a low volume. Sure, a four-banger Camaro might sell, but this little coupe could sell even better because of one simple reason: it isn't a Camaro.

I'm saying there's a 40/60 chance on this playing out. GM designed the Code 130R (and the Tru 140S) to potentially carry on into production for a very good reason.

Edited by black-knight
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Wow, yeah Jacket. Looking at them both together, I can see what you're talking about. The '72 Heavy Chevy graphics emphasized that sculpting, and the sunken back glass is another item these two share.

To me though, Chevelle was bigger than the Code130R projects. This new concept calls out "Nova" to me in the lineup pecking order. I'd love to see the Code130R spawn a family of fun, small RWD vehicles... coupe of course, but also convertible and sedan.

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I love this thing aside from the color of the wheels. The only element of the 140 I like is the rear, but as a overall package I prefer this car. It's retro without being obvious about it. It's unique especially with that upright roof, I'm not a fan of compact cars usually, but this is a sweet coupe.

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Wow, yeah Jacket. Looking at them both together, I can see what you're talking about. The '72 Heavy Chevy graphics emphasized that sculpting, and the sunken back glass is another item these two share.

The level of design influence the '70 through '72 Chevelle had on the 130R is similar to how the '69 Camaro influenced the current fifth-generation Camaro -- it's retro without being a feckless rip-off of the original car, genuine and modern.

To me though, Chevelle was bigger than the Code130R projects. This new concept calls out "Nova" to me in the lineup pecking order.

The Chevelle was certainly larger than the 130. I don't think GM designers were too hung up on that, though. And while I see your point about the Nova, I think the ignorant lore assoicated with that particular name has almost barred it from ever returning.

I'd love to see the Code130R spawn a family of fun, small RWD vehicles... coupe of course, but also convertible and sedan.

That would be a real dream come true, but I think we'll have to keep our fingers crossed for just the coupe first.

I hate to bring up the Arrowhead card, but if Pontiac were still around, well ... we both know how this would be playing out instead. There's no need to divulge any further.

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gallery_51_326_3518.png

1970%20Chevrolet%20Chevelle%20Malibu%20SS-396%20Sport%20Coupe%20-%20rVl.jpg

Seriously? Please don't tell me I'm the only one here who sees the very clear influence in the side sculpting.

(Also, rumor has it GM was considering using the Chevelle name for the Code 130R. In spirit of the idea behind this and the Tru, however, GM wanted the names of both concepts to be chosen by the target audience, hence the uninspiring monikers. Chicane would have been the name attached to the Tru 140S, from what I hear.)

I see Chevelle bulges on the fenders, Nomad show car from a few years ago in the front fender curve, Monza town car in the winshield and B pillar, 5 Gen Camaro tail and the rear window I see maybe 2nd gen Monte. A lot of good elements that just don't fit together in one small car.

I love all of these older cars but not in one car. There is just no cohesiveness or flow to this model in styling.

The tail would make a great tail for an updated Cruze.

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I see Chevelle bulges on the fenders, Nomad show car from a few years ago in the front fender curve, Monza town car in the winshield and B pillar, 5 Gen Camaro tail and the rear window I see maybe 2nd gen Monte. A lot of good elements that just don't fit together in one small car.

How on earth do you see the Monza Towne Car in this?

monza1.jpg

The 130R's b-pillar has a dramatic forward slant to it and isn't upright like the Towne Coupe's. The only way the windsheilds are the same is in the fact that they're pieces of glass installed on the car to keep bugs out of the driver's teeth.

I also fail to see the Nomad concept (I'm assuming you mean the Kappa version) anywhere in this design, ditto the second-generation Monte Carlo (the 130R's back glass certainly isn't creased in the center like the baroque Monte's; where are you seeing that?).

The Camaro influence is there in the taillights to a degree, but then again that's understandable. The Cruze, Volt, Spark, and Sonic are the only four Chevrolet cars that are devoid of having their own spin on the Camaro's taillights (and even then the Volt is debatable to a degree).

I love all of these older cars but not in one car. There is just no cohesiveness or flow to this model in styling.

Don't get me wrong, there are a few small details I would probably change, but all in all I'm not seeing what has people so up in arms about the styling of this car. As a whole, it's great and is unappologetically a Chevy. I also don't understand how people are seeing design elements in this car that aren't really there.

Edited by black-knight
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I like the 130R ... to a point. Definitely a good start, but needs some "fine touches".

Course, I'd like to see this in person before I completely judge it. After all, some cars look better (or worse) in person than in pics/vids.

At least the 130R is RWD, but what to name it? Chevette ... Chevelle ... Monte Carlo ... Malibu?

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Monza Towne Coupe recall comes in the no-nonsense, upright, true coupe roofline and simple quarter glass. To me, the rising fender line recalls Corvette. The side sculpting is '71-'72 Chevelle. The general, overall demeanor, for me, is a cross between Camaro and '66-'67 Nova.

This is a "correct" COUPE roofline. For reference, look at countless photos of 1930s and '40s coupes. You will see a relatively short (lengthwise), high, and CLOSE COUPLED greenhouse as the defining feature. It is a designer's definition of "coupe" played perfectly, imo.

Love it!

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The car looks better when it isn't trying to look like an extended cab Miata:

gallery_51_326_3518.png

That's actually close to one of the small tweaks I had in mind -- hiding the b-pillar behind the glass, similar to the Dodge Challenger. It really cleans up the daylight opening.

Other changes I would make would be slightly larger headlamps and certain elements of the front fascia massaged and rearranged.

The rear end and side scuplting are perfect as is. I also don't mind the c-pillar. Perhaps that's because I'm quite used to a very upright roofline.

Edited by black-knight
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The car looks better when it isn't trying to look like an extended cab Miata:

gallery_51_326_3518.png

That's actually close to one of the small tweaks I had in mind -- hiding the b-pillar behind the glass, similar to the Dodge Challenger. It really cleans up the daylight opening.

Other changes I would make would be slightly larger headlamps and certain elements of the front fascia massaged and rearranged.

The rear end and side scuplting are perfect as is. I also don't mind the c-pillar. Perhaps that's because I'm quite used to a very upright roofline.

I really dislike the cutline that the trunk makes in the rear quarter.

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One last thing...someone on another forum commented that the greenhouse resembles the Neon coupe..hmmm...I see a resemblance in the c-pillar and side window.

Wow, yeah, Neon coupes were also strict adherents to the textbook definition of "coupe". Nice reference! And Nick, old boy, where you been at? Yes, the 1-Series is another reference point. Also that Nissan coupe concept from a few years back, when we falsely believed Datsun was bringing back the 240SX in a traditional, upright coupe bodystyle.

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The roof line is not bad in it's self but it is too big for the car. It looks out of proportion to the rest of the car. If they would put this greenhouse on a larger car I think it would look better. To me it makes me think that it looks like they took a greenhouse off of a Camaro size car and planted it on a smaller Cobalt size car.

As the lower car is it would look better with a Convertible top or a GT fast back roof line.

Like I said the parts are not bad but they are just trying too much here. It may be GM is just threw a lot of ideas on one car to see what we think? As it stands I don't see this as any kind of production car. GM can do better than this.

Note this is based just from the photo's I could change my mind in person. Also I am not a fan of the BMW 1 series either. To me it is a little car trying to look big and just does not flow well. It is just not a design that you can feel inside and stirs the soul. Audi has been doing this much better of late accept for the near identical front end on every car.

Edited by hyperv6
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