A digital rendering artist has used his talents to envision what the iconic Chevy Astro van would look like if it were revived as a new battery-electric vehicle.
This artist’s rendition stays true to the original 1980s Chevy Astro van, incorporating the same wheelbase length and a similar silhouette. That’s where the similarities end, though, as this rendering also incorporates current-day Chevy styling cues, including a front fascia inspired by the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV, an LED light bar, large directional alloy wheels (also pulled from the Silverado EV) and smaller, aerodynamically optimized wing mirrors. This design also utilizes invisible door handles, which could be implemented by using touch-based controls on the b-pillar or by using flush door handles like those seen on some Tesla vehicles.
With its flat floor and boxy shape, this modern-day Chevy Astro design would probably be easily adaptable to GM’s existing Ultium battery-electric platform. We think this body style could also prove to be rather popular in the current day, with many consumers desiring larger, more utilitarian and more practical vehicles. That’s not to mention the rise in popularity of off-grid living among van enthusiasts, either.
VW ID Buzz prototype
There’s one more reason why we think a modern-day Chevy Astro van such as this may actually be a popular product. VW is set to come to market with its own battery-electric, retro-styled van in the way of the new ID Buzz, so the German automaker clearly sees a market for this vehicle type here in North America.
We should reiterate that this is an amateur rendering only and GM has not expressed any intention to revive the Astro nameplate. That said, we’re still curious what readers think of this modern-day interpretation of the convenient little van, so be sure to let us know your thoughts by voting or commenting below.
Comments
Hehehe!
I wouldn’t buy it, but it could be successful.
The front grill says 2022. The rest says 1982.
No vision.
The Bowtie is backward? How ironic.
A big error really, for an eye designer, unacceptable, if is to show public… even no regrets if made easy with photoshop CC or even paint… it shows only how Mouarane Bembli do for more money ads in youtube than for passion.
Had a 1993 gov ext van 4.3 4 sd Auto 30 gal gas AWD saved my day many NW winter day nights ! , Believe sometimes go camping with my border collie remove rear bench ( Army cot ) movable tent ⛺ Ha Ha. Ev Astro or clone good potential like VW Ev van
The problem of Sketch Monkey is…. well, first of all the Sweden Guy did same Design School as me, the SPD Milan, Italy.
1. He did the new one, after being sold, so he is more or less new school.
2. I did the old School already in Precotto from already in life Nino di Salvatore, in 1996, so old school
When I did, indeed, was at GM Brasil and had already asked the temporary license to go from own pocket to Italy, because GM only stop paying salary, but guarantee the job post in return, when I returned. It was a fight with Milton Vieira do Carmo, he wanted my dismiss, but his higher level in Director Engineer Carlos Büchler gave me the opportunity, which am Thankful. Well, soon to go there, the Nino Di Salvatore even given half expenses, he wanted to cancel all, because he wanted to sell the school. Indeed he was already too old, met him in person… Well, we wrote a letter for convincing and the school attempted me… The course was made. And I did my time 1996 1997 and went back to GMB… After the School which in meantime would be a computer school, was sold. After was supported by Audi Lamborghini, at my time none Industry.
But as saying, I think Bambli is lazy now… As you see the error in Chevrolet Bow tie… He makes the Youtube videos… even more sporadically and when he does, it is 2/3 time only bla bla bla making only circles, with design explanations which are obvious for everyone and then in 5 min do a redesign… but you know, more a collage of front ends and wheels then really pantone markers digitally like more in past …
For this Chevrolet Astro… well nice colour but still prefer the 1980ies shape and please none EV… !
Ford has started building and selling the e-Transit after successfully testing it in the UK. So GM has to produce an electric van to compete. I agree that it does not need to be powerful, but efficient. The Bolt powertrain is good enough but with a lager battery under the floor.
What I always wanted an Astro van!!!!!
The Astro was a quite capable van as I used one daily while working with the telephone company. It did have its faults. Until they corrected and added antilock brakes, the front brakes would lock up and the rear drive wheels would continue to move and push you forward. That problem was resolved. Front end collusion survivability without serious injuries at the time was bad. Cannot say that this was corrected. As bad as the early results were, I would only hope. Other than those two (and major problems) I was very pleased with the vehicle.
As much as I would like a modern day astro as a work vehicle, the aoutomotive world seems to be moving away from body on frame construction, and a unit body GM van would just be a copy cat of all the other stuff out there.
It would be perfect with the Volt plug in hybrid system. I would buy that and even pay msrp! (if only they GM would make vans again! )
Not if there is still no room in the footwell for feet!
GM dropped the ball during Astro/Safari production. With all of the commonality between the van and the S-10 trucks, GM never offered options such as 4×4.
We as van owners had to take it upon ourselves. Thank you Journey Off-road for kitting up the 4×4 conversation
Folks this is the next big Wuhling brand hit for the Chinese market.
Maybe 2030 we see on the streets