Chevy Unveils Two Concept Coupes: Comments

[Drew Dowdell]

Chevrolet unveiled two coupe concepts at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. Chevy is actively courting the sub-30 crowd with these two small coupes with a heavy emphasis on connectivity both virtual and personal. Chevy said that while youth buyers wanted coupes, they also wanted to be able to take their friends with them. Thus the ability to seat adults comfortably in the rear is emphasized. Chevy has also included a high level of digital social connectivity in a way that isn't distracting using the Chevy's MyLink infotainment system.

The first concept, the Chevrolet Tru 140S, is a front wheel drive "affordable exotic". It is inspired by the sleek lines of Italian supercars. The Tru 140S is based on the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt platforms and features a 1.4 liter turbocharged, direct injection engine with about 150 horsepower. The engine also features automatic start/stop technology for additional fuel economy.

The Chevrolet Code 130R shares an engine with the Tru 140S, but it turns it 90 degrees for a rear wheel drive arrangement. The Code 130R's upright profile evokes Chevrolet heritage without being retro.

Though not officially said, we are assuming that the Code 130R rides on the same Alpha platform as the Cadillac ATS shown yesterday since the wheelbase is the same and track is only 0.9 inches wider.

Both concepts were shown without interiors intentionally. Chevrolet wishes to keep the design and development process open to future ideas.

Browse the galleries below for your Chevy Coupe goodness.

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[Robert Hall]

The 140S has a mix of G6 coupe and CTS coupe styling cues...also reminds me of a more angular Eclipse. The 130R is unusual..similar proportions to the 1-series.

[Intrepidation]

That's what the 230R reminds me proportionally of, the 1 series, although better looking.

I agree the 140S looks like a more angular Eclipse, but I like it.

[Camino LS6]

Need better pics...

[Camino LS6]

...and the comparison to Chevelle is a bit of a stretch.

[regfootball]

130= like a lot

[Camino LS6]

So far, I like both designs to a degree. The press pics are awful though, so all I really have is a first impression.

- I like the concept of both cars, but hate the noses on both.

- The names are awful.

- The pair of them just need a few design tweaks to really look good.

[Z-06]

Hold your judgement till you see some on the floor photographs. But overall it is a good design effort for both concepts.

[Drew Dowdell]

Need better pics...

Coming later this afternoon.

[Camino LS6]

I think the 130 would make a fine ragtop.

[Intrepidation]

I think there's room for both a Cruze coupe and a small RWD coupe slotted below the Camaro to compete with the FR-S and BRZ.

[Robert Hall]

I think there's room for both a Cruze coupe and a small RWD coupe slotted below the Camaro to compete with the FR-S and BRZ.

Yes...more coupes wouldn't hurt Chevy at all...they have the 4dr/5dr market covered quite well..more fun is a good thing...

[Camino LS6]

Assuming that the 130 is on the ATS platform, this Buick looks more possible than ever:

And let's not forget what inspired Alpha in the first place:

[z28luvr01]

I'm going to go out on a limb (very, very far out on a limb) and say that the Tru 140s (the silver one) is a styling exercise for the next Camaro. Don't laugh just yet. Picture it stretched over Alpha and without the front 1/4 glass - it would be an interesting take on a "modern" Camaro.

The 130R - yes please!!

[AAS]

I'm going to go out on a limb (very, very far out on a limb) and say that the Tru 140s (the silver one) is a styling exercise for the next Camaro. Don't laugh just yet. Picture it stretched over Alpha and without the front 1/4 glass - it would be an interesting take on a "modern" Camaro.

The 130R - yes please!!

Funny you mention that, I was thinking "what if the 140s shows the exterior and the 130R shows the guts/platform, and together they make the new Camaro?"

Is the 130R on Alpha, or something else?

[Robert Hall]

Is the 130R on Alpha, or something else?

Alpha...same wheelbase as the ATS, I think...I assume the 140 is on Delta II or Gamma?

[regfootball]

oops, the 140 is the one i like....cruze coupe?

[AAS]

Is the 130R on Alpha, or something else?

Alpha...same wheelbase as the ATS, I think...I assume the 140 is on Delta II or Gamma?

So the 130R could just be a Camaro preview, though I would hope the next generation Camaro doesn't take too much inspiration from the 130R.

[Robert Hall]

Is the 130R on Alpha, or something else?

Alpha...same wheelbase as the ATS, I think...I assume the 140 is on Delta II or Gamma?

So the 130R could just be a Camaro preview, though I would hope the next generation Camaro doesn't take too much inspiration from the 130R.

Maybe...but it seems awfully small to be a Camaro....

[AAS]

Is the 130R on Alpha, or something else?

Alpha...same wheelbase as the ATS, I think...I assume the 140 is on Delta II or Gamma?

So the 130R could just be a Camaro preview, though I would hope the next generation Camaro doesn't take too much inspiration from the 130R.

Maybe...but it seems awfully small to be a Camaro....

It would be interesting to see the current Camaro parked next to the 130R.

I personally wouldn't mind smaller if the interior space doesn't get cramped.

[Camino LS6]

Neither one should have much to do with the next Camaro if GM is smart.

[Z-06]

Just talked with Mr. Baker, the lead behind 130r. He confirmed it is an alpha, and both concepts were designed in LA.

[Camino LS6]

Just talked with Mr. Baker, the lead behind 130r. He confirmed it is an alpha, and both concepts were designed in LA.

If you happen to catch him again, ask him how flexible the architecture is (wheelbase, width, cowl height, dash-to-axle...).

Could be very interesting to hear his response.

[Robert Hall]

Just talked with Mr. Baker, the lead behind 130r. He confirmed it is an alpha, and both concepts were designed in LA.

If you happen to catch him again, ask him how flexible the architecture is (wheelbase, width, cowl height, dash-to-axle...).

Could be very interesting to hear his response.

That's what I'm wondering....can it grow enough for Sigma/Zeta sized cars?

[David]

What I would love to know is can this platform be used for AWD versions. These cars would be awesome in AWD mode. Yes I know not everyone lives in a state with mountains and snow, but I think these would sell well as a subaru competition.

Go Chevy!!

[yougojay]

Tell Mr. Baker thank you -

These are really, really nice looking vehicles. They are both beautiful looking, really impressed. Go Get 'Em GM!

[Z-06]

What I would love to know is can this platform be used for AWD versions. These cars would be awesome in AWD mode. Yes I know not everyone lives in a state with mountains and snow, but I think these would sell well as a subaru competition.

Go Chevy!!

Yes it is an AWD ready platform - look at the ATS. One of the ATS on floor was a AWD.

[Drew Dowdell]

Guys, I just uploaded a bunch more pics of these two concepts into the same gallery listed in the first post.

On the Tru 140S (the matte white one) - look at that from the side. There is your business case for the Cadillac ELR right there.

[Camino LS6]

I was thinking the same thing, Drew.

[SAmadei]

Chevy has to rid themselves of the ugly bar across the grill. They are overemphasizing the grill on the front... and I'm not loving the Audi taillights. Make something with more detail.

Overall, I like the shape a lot. To me, its what a futuristic car should look like. But judging from the proportions, is this really Alpha based? Unfortunately, it looks WAY too small for me to ever drive.

I prefer the Pontiac version of the 140S...

[Drew Dowdell]

Can you re upload that first pic?

[hyperv6]

_{I am all for the 140 and it needs to be done in some form. A Cruze Coupe 2+2 2 with a 2.0 Turbo and 1.4 turbo please. The Cadillac ELR is also a Delta so you can really see where this is going.}

_{The 130 is not giving me any feel. I may have to see it first but it looks odd in it's shape to me. They two cars remind me of a Monza 2+2 and a Monza town car.}

_{I suspect the 130 is on a Camaro platform as the Camaro will shrink in size and weight. I suspect from hints I have heard it will be smaller and lighter than any of us imagine. The 3300 pound ATS sedan weight is telling.}

_{The Camaro is well on the way the the Disciples are may be calling in around Feb. I am not sure what all they are showing them but I do know they are fully being used for the Alpha car feed back. They have been asked about things for it for a little while now.}

[Drew Dowdell]

The 140S is Delta based. It shares with Cruze, Volt, Verano, and hopefully ELR.

The Code 130R (the red one) is Alpha based. It is RWD and share the same wheelbase and track as the ATS. It was designed for only inline 4 cylinders, so they didn't need to leave room up front for a V6.

[Robert Hall]

As far as a 6th gen Camaro, any buzz about time lines?

[hyperv6]

As far as a 6th gen Camaro, any buzz about time lines?

The last I heard was the target was 2015. This is why we are only getting trim packages and an interior upgrade to the present car.

We will get the ZL1 and there is still work going on for the Z28 but I am not sure if it will appear with the present car or the next. It is to compete with the 302 Boss as a track/street car. Handling will be it strong suit.

The Disciples can give any info unless they are given permission. They are excited with what they have seen but can not give details.

The Alpha is flexible in track and length as are most GM cars. It has limits but it will not be one size fits all. I expect the Camaro will be shorter than the present car and more narrow. After seeing the new CTS weight I can see a 3200 pound car being possible with the right engine.

The Alpha and the investment of Cadillac money in it will give us a better Camaro than we have ever seen. No more cars where they do it just good enough.

The key will be the styling. How do you move on from the retro look but still change the car to give it a fresh appearance. The Mustang is evolving but it still looks much the same. They have hinted the next Mustang will change more.

Retro is cool but it can get you into that PT Cruizer box that is hard to get out of.

Edited January 9, 2012 by hyperv6

[Robert Hall]

2015 sounds about right...I suspect Ford will time the release for the NG Mustang for MY 2015 in April 2014 for the 50th anniversary...I've read the next Mustang will be less retro as it is intended to be a global model.

Edited January 9, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Camino LS6]

Leaving Camaro aside for the moment, it wouldn't surprise me all that much if neither of these two concepts went to production.

They aren't bad - but the 130 is no Solstice coupe, and the 140 is no ELR.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think the 140 is the way the ELR goes into production. It becomes the Cruze coupe with e-Assist and then there is the ELR above the Volt with the Voltec power train.

[ocnblu]

I love the 130's upright, true coupe shape. The rear 3/4 view is amazing. It does come across as Monza Town Coupe meets BMW 135, but with a hot-rod dynamism that hits me more each time I take a look at it. I would LOVE for Chevy to have a RWD coupe smaller than the Camaro... but with this being on Alpha and the next Camaro there too... where would this fit? As a Monza, Nova or Chevy II, this would be such a great little car... but only if it is without the e-Assist junk, at least optionally. This car was made for 2.0t and six speed manual motivation! Bring it, Chevrolet!

The 140 is oddly shaped and reminds me of a "Lamborghini" kit car based on a last-gen Celica. It also has its moments, style-wise, but I am much more interested in the 130 as a real production prospect smaller than Camaro. After having my memory refreshed with the Pontiac study photos, I am less impressed with the 140, as it seems it was designed years ago.

It is evident to me after hearing the verbiage used by the GM honchos that they know the Cruze is a bit too sleepy, otherwise we would have gotten a straight-on Cruze coupe (which we may still get, as there have been spy photos posted).

[Blake Noble]

I'm not a big fan of the Tru 140S, honestly. It reminds me of this:

The Tru is less dowdy and pudgy, I'll give it that.

I can see how it fits into the big picture, though. Like Olds said, it can share some of its unique hard points with the ELR, making it that much cheaper to build. It also eliminates the need for a Cruze coupe while, at the same time, sharing a good portion of its parts with it. Two birds, one stone.

Edited January 10, 2012 by black-knight

[ocnblu]

A Code130R with 2.0t and six speed manual would be a fantastic car. A true 4-seater with real cabin space and practical visibility for safety on the road.

The Code130R would totally negate the need for a Cruze coupe for me. Just keep the e-Assist crap as an option, not a mandatory spoiler of an otherwise authentic vehicle.

[Croc]

I like both of these designs a lot...and I can see the LA inspiration came from. The white one is clearly inspired by West LA and the exotics you see around the Platinum Triangle (Bel Air, Beverly Hills & Holmby Hills), while the red one was probably inspired by the Beach Cities and all the classics you see tooling about on a Friday evening going to/coming from the Redondo Harbor meet-ups off Harbor Boulevard. I'd bet my money on it.

[smk4565]

The 140S has some good styling cues, I like how it looks from behind and the tail light design. But it reminds me of the ELR in how the driver seems to sit near the front of the car, and there is a lot of C piller and tail end and the high butt thing that is plaguing recent GM design.

The 130R thing is a disaster, looks even more upright than a 1-series (which isn't a good looking car).

[hyperv6]

Anyone notice the return of USA 1 Plates on both cars.

This was something missing on the return of the 5th Gen Camaro that would have flowed well with the retro look.

Funny Chevy goes global and now is using the USA 1 tag again. It may not mean much to some here but overseas in some places it would be a cool thing for many. American cars have their pockets of fans around the world.

[knightfan26917]

I'm not entirely keen on either concept, but I definitely like 130R better.

Course ... heard some interesting name possibilities for that one ... Chevette, Chevelle, Malibu, Monte Carlo..... At least it is RWD!

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[ocnblu]

Those crossed flags and the USA-1 plates make me warm inside.

[Camino LS6]

Those crossed flags and the USA-1 plates make me warm inside.

Both welcome details.

[FAPTurbo]

Just an unscientific test:

I had the Tru 140s on my Mac's screen for several minutes when fooling with my tablet. I had five guys come up to me and ask what it was. I then showed them the 130, and the response was far less positive. 'Too retro' and 'for old guys' were the two standout quotes.

Chevrolet should build both. If that's not possible, then I feel the Tru 140s is the one to do. The 130 looks to the past, but the 140 is the future, in my opinion.

[Camino LS6]

Just an unscientific test:

I had the Tru 140s on my Mac's screen for several minutes when fooling with my tablet. I had five guys come up to me and ask what it was. I then showed them the 130, and the response was far less positive. 'Too retro' and 'for old guys' were the two standout quotes.

Chevrolet should build both. If that's not possible, then I feel the Tru 140s is the one to do. The 130 looks to the past, but the 140 is the future, in my opinion.

Interesting.

I would say that the 140 looks like a copy, while the 130 looks original.

[Robert Hall]

140 reminds me of an Eclipse mixed w/ the ELR w/ Chevy styling cues mixed in. The 130 has the proportions of the 1-series, but otherwise looks unique in a strange way..