The Chevrolet TRU 140S and CODE 130R Concepts unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show are just the beginning of GM’s exploration of automotive tastes of the Millenial Generation. GM Authority has learned that General Motors will debut more concepts aimed at the the younger generation throughout 2012.
The GM Authority Take
While we’re not privy as to how many more concept vehicles GM plans to unveil, we’re sure hopeful for at least two more. What sort of concepts are you hoping to see as the year goes on? Sound off in the comments!
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Comments
2.0T with eAssist, or a 3.6 V-6 TT with eAssist
Keep in mind that these are for the Millennial segment… which means the price needs to be in the low $20,000s for a feasible production version.
Good, I say.
Hopefuly we can kill any change for a return of the flabby, underwhelming, land barges along with the mentality that tries to rationalize them in a 21st century setting; as if such cars were even wanted by a majority population anywhere on earth.
Cue in James… who I’m sure will have a lot more to say on the topic of outdated land barges and electrification. James – the floor is yours, sir.
Hopefully they won’t look like that VW Golf GTi ripoff Sonic or that abortion Code 130R! I know they can do better with a RWD Concept and 2 doors! Like the Pontiac Solstice Coupe would have been great as a Chevy or a Mini version of a Cadillac CTS Sport Coupe!
The Sonic is a lot smaller than the GTI… and its designers weren’t influenced by the GTI one bit… and what don’t you like about the 130R?
Alex I would like the 130R if it was a fastback hatch! or maybe similar to the last Pontiac Solstice Coupe with tat Jaguar XKE roofline before they closed it.. Then and only then I will love it! It’s really the only thing besides a more than likely underpowered little 4 banger engine that I don’t like about it. Of course Unknown about the interior. I like the visual looks of the TRU 140S but in a RWD or AWD version only. Do you see a “slight” resemblance in the Code 130R to the 2008 Chevy SS Concept?
“I would like the 130R if it was a fastback hatch! or maybe similar to the last Pontiac Solstice Coupe with tat Jaguar XKE roofline before they closed it.. Then and only then I will love it!”
Of course, styling is very subjective. I’d like to see a fastback as well — but something tells me that we won’t see it. Both of these concepts were penned with a significant amount of input from the Millenials. So it may just be that you’re not the target market for this car or its design, depending on your age.
The goal of something like the 130R is not pure speed or straight-line performance, but rather a perfect driving experience ala the Toyota GT-86. So an overly-powerful engine isn’t necessary, nor is it the goal.
Here’s an interesting tip we received about the 130R:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/01/chevy-130r-concept-will-be-the-most-balanced-car/
I hope a redesigned Impala is forthcoming (RWD, please) but it probably wouldn’t be targeted to millenials.
Since GM has a history of presenting concepts that never make it to production, what do they need to see to convince them to build more niche market cars? It’s apparent they are willing to sink money into high-volume designs (Malibu, Sonic) and also cars with a huge following (Camaro, Corvette). Aside from those (and the Volt), what would it take to convince GM to build a 2-seater sports coupe, or a RWD sports sedan, or a Chevy based Granite (highly configurable utility)? Or just something to compete with the lower volume segments that Mazda and Subaru compete in?
I understand economies of scale is important, but these other cars could be “halo” or “statement” cars that lead people to consider the brand – even if they don’t buy that particular vehicle.
From what we hear, the case with these two concepts is different. GM is actively paying a lot (a lot!) of attention to the feedback the 2012 concepts receive, so I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these little coupes make it to production.
Trust me when I say that GM is hungry for more — and they won’t let the new generation of car buyer walk on by without making a purchase. We’ll have an article GM’s newfound passion/hunger shortly. 🙂
Also, as long as the volume model is doing fine, the economies of scale for niche models doesn’t matter. For instance, the 140S is on the Delta II shared with the Cruze. As long as Cruze is doing well, GM can make 2, 3, and even 4 niche-market/low-volume derivatives easily and inexpensively.
PS: which models from Mazda and Subaru would you like to see GM compete with?
Mazda MX-5 and/or RX-8 and obviously the Subaru WRX STi.
I would like GM to make a statement, that they are not just a sales leader, but an innovation/technology leader. I think the Volt has led to other GM sales with the technology. They’ve also shown they can bring the performance with Corvette and Camaro. Combine performance and technology and apply it to new exciting offerings to pull sales from those smaller high profile markets. If they can win sales away from Mazda and Subaru, it will force those companies to take notice, and push them to innovate more. The more we raise the bar, the better the cars issued to the public.
GM needs to be the one that raises the bar. They can do that through performance. That’s how the V-8 has become so advanced, which has trickled to V-6’s somewhat. GM has often followed the Japanese with the I-4s. Attack it from a performance standpoint. Performance and efficiency are interconnected. I think they’re on that track with the four bangers now, and offering a performance alternative to the Miata/MX-5 can help improve that image while also getting people to realize the abilities of the smaller motors.
Yeah I am sure I am not in the age niche for these cars but age is just a number to some older peeps like myself. A British workmate here in the States who is 64 years young drive’s a Pearl Blue WRX STi though and Of course I would love a 2 door RWD V8 powered midsized coupe and not a Camaro RS/SS like my wife’s. But If GM Chevrolet could compete with the Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo X or whatever Roman Numeral they are on now. lol That would be impresive to me and the 20+ somethings! The kids as I call them say 18-30 year old range who always talk about what they want in and for a car if they could have one at work is a WRX STi and SRT4 and are at the top of the list besides the out of this world “and paycheck” Supercar’s Nissan Skylines,Silvia’s and GT-R’s.
370Z’s and used early Supra’s which are fastbacks are also there faves and some of the kids have them in the parking lot. There still Japanese minded and want performance in there small rice burner. So I think GM should keep this in mind as long as they can build a 4 banger with a turbo or supercharger who’s head gaskets won’t leak after 8-10 years! When these concepts come out in the magazines I am going to ask them what they think about the looks anyway of these concepts and see what I get for a reaction. But I don’t want GM to give up! Hopefully something even better will come about on the Code 130R platform. Maybe a new Corvair Monza is in the works! 😀