We just heard something extraordinarily compelling about the Chevrolet CODE 130R Concept that General Moors unveiled on Monday at the Detroit Auto Show.
According to a source with a proven track record with GM Authority, if (or when) brought to market, the vehicle that would become the production version of the 130R will be “the most balanced car General Motors has ever made.”
Yes, the most balanced: you read that correctly.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to extract the 130R’s platform from our mystery man.
The GM Authority Take
It’s important to point out that General Motors has not announced any plans to make the 130R a production reality… but if it did, we’re told the vehicle will match — and possibly even surpass — the natural equilibrium of the Toyota GT-86/Scion FR-S and its Subaru cousin.
Toyota: be afraid… very afraid.
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Comments
Believe the front should be redesigned. Looks to much like a BMW 135!
Agreed! Not just because I hate BMW but because I just think the 1 Series, particularly in notch-back, is butt ugly. The hatch-backs I can tolerate to a very small degree, though.
Isn’t the ATS pretty near 50/50?
Looks like a squashed Camaro.
The low center of gravity of that Subaru boxer engine makes the Toyota/Subaru GT-86 a good benchmark. GM had just started to play in the small RWD segment with the Solstice/Sky. The Code seems a bit more practical for most but should be every bit as fun to drive and more efficient. Looks can be tweaked, but handling, weight, and power need to be balanced (first) for a car to be great.
Profile shot looks like a BMW 1-series front half with an Impreza rear half
I find the whole car is out of sync. The roof line doesnt go with the lower body. Lower body is to big/fat bulky. The front is ugly. Needs a redo. It is not a vehicle I would purchase. The car looks like it needs to go on a diet. GM you can do better. .
Then again it is a chevy. GM you need to look at the new offerings from Ford and Chrysler.
I hate the new designs from ford they are disgusting, the new chryslers are very nice tho.
Just curious — which new Chryslers are nice? 🙂
The Dart looks pretty nice but that hasn’t even came out yet.
300, Dart(at least on paper and looks) , and the Grand Cherokee
The 700 C concept!
The 130R is Alpha based, just like the ATS.
Is a Mazda RX-8 Look a like …..
3200 lbs, 300hp, 30+ mpg hwy. $24,000, Sign me up.
Who cares if it’s balanced – it looks like a freakshow!
Seriously, the more I look at it, the more I scratch my head.
Designed by committee? Designed by 12 year olds?
Notice the detail of the huge 20″ wheels – now look at the Sonic RS and see the concept turned to reality in little 16-17 inchers. I guess this is what concepts do…you can gauge bits and pieces and incorporate them into production models. But since this nugget has no interior and no guts – I think it’s safe to say they should crush it and turn it into ashtrays….or something…
I like the way it looks. Just more proof that design is very subjective 🙂
I like it too, just the inside of the tail lights look like they came off of the TRU 140, besides that, I’d love to buy this.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/250698485001606/
Please build the Code 130R FB group! : )
IT’S THE GREENHOUSE! It makes no sense and it ruins the car to have it drop off at the rear so abruptly. If they stuck with a fastback style, said goodbye to the already tiny trunklid and went with a hatchback, I would put my vote for production behind the 130 and not the 140.
Ironically, the greenhouse is the part I love!
Although I wouldn’t mind seeing a fastback, either.
ARGG! Stop liking things about concept cars that I hate!
I love the greenhouse too, it makes this car distinct, instead of the hunchback all cars have.
I guess for the detractors this is another case of American styling sensibilities contrasting with classic overseas styling touches.
Like Alex and others the greenhouse and the short truncated front and rear are what appeal to me the strongest. It says “classic” RWD sport compact in every wayI When I first saw it I was immediately reminded of the BMW 1 series, which I love because of the E30 BMW, which reminds me of the 2002tii, which also shares proportions with the Datsun 510, and Alfa GTV. Then there’s the other equally awesome Japanese classic RWD sport compact coupes, like the first gen “Hakosuka” Nissan GTR, or the early-mid 70s Celicas, and RX-3, and 4.
If they can keep the weight down and have an option for a 2.0 turbo Ecotec, consider it sold if they produce it. Final comment: if this is a chevy Alpha concept, and the new Camaro is supposed to be Alpha derived, what is GM really showing/testing here? (wink, wink)
Like it. Only needs some clean up of details. Produce it but with the turbo 2.0 liter.