NY Preview: Chevrolet Trax, Beat & Groove Minicar Concepts

GM’s giving you the chance to vote on one of these three Korean designed concepts by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com so that you can assist Chevrolet determine which design/capability package resonates best with potential US buyers. So we have the sporty green-color 3door Beat equipped with a 1.2 Turbo engine, the dark grey-color Scion-HHR half-bread Groove that wears a 1-liter diesel engine and finally the crossover look-alike that we first saw a few days ago, the Trax equipped with a 1-liter petrol motor. -Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and a high-res image gallery

Press Release: Size Doesn't Matter: Three Chevrolet Global Minicar Concepts Pack A Lot Of Personality And Style Per Mile

NEW YORK – Three Chevrolet minicar global concepts designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets prove that art needn’t take a back seat just because the canvas is small. Revealed today at the New York Auto Show, the highly creative Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet Groove and Chevrolet Trax concepts drive the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into cars that deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value.

Democracy lovers will even get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and casting their vote for the Beat, Groove or Trax. The results will help Chevrolet determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which design/capability package resonates best with potential buyers.

All three concepts were designed at GM’s Design Studio in Inchon, South Korea. One of GM’s 11 Global Design Studios, the designers in the Korean center are experts in small car product development.

Built on GM’s global mini architecture, these concepts demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India; while the Chevrolet Groove and Trax micro urban crossover concepts were built at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Mich.

“The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design.

"The design team was so enthused about being given the assignment to develop the perfect small car for urban commuters that they created not one, but three interpretations of how this car may be developed for Chevrolet customers around the world."

Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette. The concepts revealed in New York, for example, offer three different fuel-efficient engines, including a diesel.

“The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts have the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet – already a beloved brand around the world – even further, connecting with young buyers on multiple continents who desire fun-yet-efficient transportation,” said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper. “These are the same brand attributes that made Chevrolet a household name in the U.S.”

Here’s a look at Chevrolet’s three minicar concepts:

Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It’s loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.

Chevrolet Groove: A “funkastalgia”-themed vehicle too tough-looking to be “cute,” the Groove concept is a retro-inspired vehicle with bodacious fender flares and an upright windshield. It looks much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. The front-drive Groove is powered by a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine.

Chevrolet Trax: An urban crossover concept that’s equally at home on the trails or in traffic, it gets a low-cost all-wheel-drive system and looks the part of a rugged SUV many times its size, thanks to a voluminous one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine.

GM’s Global Product Development process
The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts were designed and built leveraging GM’s Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.

As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world.

Chevrolet’s global footprint
Chevrolet is one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, with a sales increase of 158 percent outside North America since 2001. Chevrolet sold 4.3 million vehicles worldwide in 2006, 2.8 million – or 65 percent – in the United States. From 2005 to 2006, Chevrolet’s sales grew 19 percent in the Latin America, Africa and the Middle East region; 19 percent in the Asia/Pacific region; and 15 percent in Europe.

The Chevrolet Aveo sedan and five-door subcompact, engineered and built in South Korea, is a strong contender in the very competitive global small car market.

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Volvo C70 Caresto Edition

Does "Caresto" ring a bell to you? Let us refresh your memory; the Volvo V8 powered Caresto Speedster that premiered at the 2006 Sema Show. This time the Swedish company lead by former Volvo-man Leif Tufvesson has beefed up the C70 coupe-cabrio. The aqua-blue Caresto edition has been dressed with a subtle but sexy bodykit and delicious 20’-inch black rims in Pirelli P Zero Nero 245/30ZR20 tires. We’ll have more on the C70 Caresto Edition when it debuts at the Bilsport Performance & Custom Motor Show in Jönköping Sweden (April 6 to 9).

Technorati: Volvo+C70, Caresto, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

2008 BMW M3 production version shots: Real or fake?

Obviously, we’re in doubt to ask the question. However, let’s start from the beginning. These shots where fist sighted on several Dutch car sites earlier today and since then they’ve been circulating around the net. The Dutch say that BMW released the official photos of the 2008 M3 production version but we checked out all our sources and didn’t find anything. And although the images look real, as a professional pointed out to as, it's possible that they could be the work of an excellent “photoshoper” who could’ve used a photo like the blue car shown below and transformed it into the M3. Either way, there’s no point jumping into any conclusions, as we’ll probably find out soon enough. Pics Via: Autoweek.nl


Technorati: BMW+M3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Porsche 911 Turbo Replica - Can you guess which car it’s based on?

Hats off to our Italian friends over at Autoblog.it for discovering this one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 Turbo replica that’s for sale on German e-bay. Kudos to anyone that can guess what car this crazy dude used to base the replica on –don’t cheat. Still trying? Click “Read More” below and get ready for a surprise… Via: Autoblog.it

Answer: The 911 Turbo replica is based on an ‘89 Opel Calibra coupe!

Technorati: e-bay, Porsche+911+Turbo, Opel+Calibra, replica, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan & Hatch: Official Press Release & High-Res Images

And this time, it’s really official; yes we're not kidding, Subie has released high-res pics so you can see its brand–new Impreza in all its design-glory (we love the darks ones!). Now as for the press release, right ya… What the hell are we to do with a document that informs us only about stuff like that the rear overhang is 165 mm longer than on the 5door model and that it rides on a 95-mm-longer wheelbase than its predecessor. We want specific details on Horsepower and performance figures damn it!!! Jeez, at least that would be somewhat comforting to all Subie fans. Anywayz, we’ll let you check it out for yourselves and promise to comeback with the juicy details later on. -Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: FHI Unveils All-New Subaru Impreza at the New York International Auto Show

Tokyo, April 3, 2007 – Fuji Heavy Industries Inc. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the unveiling of its all new Subaru Impreza (U.S. specifications) at the New York International Auto Show, which will be held from April 6 through 15. (Press days : April 4 and 5) The third-generation Impreza will hit the market around the world starting this summer.

Developed around the product concept of new, more refined designs for comfort, the latest Impreza incorporates sophisticated styling and rich interior design, roominess and space, and outstanding comfort and utility, while offering a pleasant and safe ride enhanced by Subaru Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) with the Horizontally-Opposed engine.

Subaru Impreza WRX 4D

(U.S. specifications)

Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5D

(U.S. specifications)

1. Advanced core mechanism

The new Impreza showcases a redesigned chassis, body construction and drivetrain, as well as substantially improved overall performance, under the theme “Only Subaru can deliver such attractive performance and values.”¹ It also provides a pleasant ride with ease of handling and integrates performance with advanced safety and environmental considerations.

1) FHI recently set forth a new theme for Subaru cars that stipulates Subaru’s goal: Subaru offers a comfortable, pleasant drive for the driver and passengers; provides peace of mind and reliability; and extends convenience, utility and functionality.

[Chassis]

• The newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension effectively absorbs shocks from road surfaces, ensuring high levels of ride comfort and agile handling.

• The lower center of gravity, enabled by the Boxer engine, has been enhanced by mounting the engine slightly lower in the chassis, thereby further improving stability.

• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), available on a wider grade range of the Impreza lineup, increases active safety.

[Body construction]

• Additional use of high tension steel and reinforced joints has greatly improved rigidity.

• Streamlined body construction, while ensuring safety, makes weight reduction possible, which in turn improves fuel economy and maneuverability.

[Engines and transmissions]

• The 2.5-liter Boxer engine features ideal power output characteristics under a practical range of driving speeds through improved mid- to low-end torque. The engine has also been modified to improve emissions and fuel efficiency.

• The 2.5-liter SOHC normally aspirated engine adopts a new intake port and other design changes that make improved low-end torque and fuel efficiency possible. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.

• Incorporating a newly designed intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger, the 2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged engine delivers improved mid to low-end torque and fuel efficiency.

• Transmissions, both manual and automatic, were modified for faster, more responsive shifting and better maneuverability.

[Safety]

• Advancing the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones, the new Impreza has realized high levels of safety and crash worthiness.

• All models are equipped with dual SRS airbags, side SRS airbags, and curtain airbags.

• A collapsible safety pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk to feet in accidents.

2. Refined styling and elegant interior design

The new Impreza combines sporty styling with ample interior space and integrates functionality with elegance.

[Exterior design]

Refined styling is highlighted by a perfectly proportioned body, well calculated panel curves that reflect light and shadow in harmony, and quality details.

• Sweeping character lines on both sides express a sense of speed and individuality.

• A sporty image is underscored by projecting front fenders and rear quarters.

• Projector lamps, used in the headlights, give a dynamic three-dimensional appearance.

5-door model

• A clean and elegant line flows continuously from the front grille, up the A-pillar, across the roof down to the rear gate.

• An aerodynamic rear spoiler, standard on all models, heightens the car’s sporty image.

4-door model

• The rear overhang is 165 mm longer than on the 5-door model, which gives the car a more elegant sedan look.

[Interior design]

• Spacious and open interior provides comfort and improves visibility.

• Aluminum-look insets in the center panels and door trim add a sporty feel and airiness.

• The navigation screen, as well as the vehicle information and audio displays are placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.

• High-grade, double-stitched seat fabrics provide a feeling of quality.

3. Packaging and utility

• The new Impreza rides on a 95-mm-longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which enables expanded interior space.

• The all-new double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a wider and deeper luggage compartment, enhancing the utility of the car.

• On the 5-door model, the rear seats feature a 60/40 split folding mechanism that allows various seating arrangements and increases cargo capacity. The wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags, or five carry-on bags.

• The 4-door model provides a larger trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. The rear seats feature standard 60/40 split backs, giving pass-through access to the trunk.

• Larger door openings, which are enabled through new sash construction, afford improved ingress and egress, and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.

• The door panels house molded recesses that can hold 720-mL PET bottles.

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