From Concept to Reality: Chevrolet Orlando MPV

The upcoming Orlando minivan, which shares its platform with the Cruze, is another one of Chevrolet's upcoming attempts to rectify its sub-par image as a brand. How has the MPV developed since it debuted as an attractive concept two years ago to woo European car buyers? Well, it still seats seven and will get both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines as promised, but unfortunately, it's put on some flab over the concept's original well-toned lines. While GM has yet to release photos of the interior, expect a modern Chevrolet cabin very similar to the concept.



Debut (Concept): 2008 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile

Debut (Production): 2010 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile

Lost in translation: the aggressive, rising belt line in favor for a wider daylight opening; the retractable side skirts; the swept-back headlights and squat stance, plus the concept's shapely taillights, which have been replaced by a pair of rather mundane, peaked units that flow with the backlight's corner kinks.

But we got to keep: the chunky wheel arches (but not as well-executed as the concept's), and very likely, the interior design and 7-seat setup.

And gained: From what I can see, not much. The production Orlando is looking to meet Chevrolet's goal of providing a compact, 7-seat MPV, but has lost some of the traits that made it appealing visually as a concept.

Engine range: A 1.8-liter petrol unit producing 141-horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel available in two flavors, with 131HP and 163HP.

Where is it now?: Getting prepped for its first public outing at next month's Paris motor show before it goes on sale in Europe in early 2011. There are no plans to market the Orlando in the States.

By Phil Alex



2011 Chevrolet Orlando MPV




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2008 Chevrolet Orlando MPV Concept Study

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Next Corvette Stays the Course, Mid-Engine Layout but May Gain Hybrid

Plain and simple: no mid-engined Corvette, maybe a hybrid, and a statement that GM is not testing any V6s in the Corvette (yet). That's from GM's global vehicle engineering VP Karl-Friedrich Stracke, and it's fine by me. Spend wisely, slowly upgrade the program, don't rock the boat.

The Mid-Engine and Dual-clutch Transmission:

Stracke decided to finally bury the mid-engine rumors once and for all by "quashing [them]" under his corporate boot heel. Also, he decided to let PR clarify that there is no dual-clutch transmission on the way. For those of you wondering about that, Autocar heard from a Saab source that just such a transmission was developed while Saab was still part of GM.

Let me get this straight: Saab had the time and money to invest in a snazzy tranny, but somehow couldn't muster the energy to upgrade the 9-5 for the better part of a decade? No one else saw a hole in that story? Guess it's torque converters and clutches for the immediate future.

The V6 Powerplant:

GM says nope, I say why not? An entry-level twin-turbo V6 is an option people might consider instead of the V8. Most of the people I see driving Corvettes probably wouldn't even notice the difference (same goes for a hybrid). That's not to say that the Vette would ever lose what made it great, but performance and function could be had with a high-output whistling-sixer while also helping with that pesky CAFE rules.

Before anyone screams bloody murder, can we look back to 1953 for a moment and marvel at the Blue Flame inline-6 under the hood? That's right, 6 cylinders. So it is possible to incorporate less than a V8 under-hood without raining on the fanboys' parade.

The Hybrid and the Future:

A hybrid system would certainly be a fascinating option to have on an order sheet. GM has the tech in place already, so why not go mild-hybrid and have all the clutchless wonders out there save some dough while puttering quietly around town?

Shouldn't more be done to bring the Corvette in line with its competition and the modern era? As epic as it is, it's a wee bit outdated. The Vette is supposed to be the big-daddy for General Motors, not just Chevrolet; that means it should not only eviscerate Porsches and Ferraris, but look just as amazing. A nip and tuck here, some new tech there, and presto: a halo car, but also so much more. It could finally appeal to global consumers.

With no mid-engine, a possible hybrid, and that V6 just begging for a chance, the Corvette will continue to live on for now as it always has: heart beating up front, legs kicking out back.
Maybe one day, hopefully, the Corvette will finally evolve into something more...I sense a digital smack coming...modern. There, I said it. Now if you'll put down your pitchforks, let's bring GM's bad boy into the 21st century.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoweek


Photo Gallery 2009 Corvette Stingray Concept (Transformers)

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Surf's Up for Chevrolet's Spark Woody Wagon Art Car

First of all, to put your taste buds at ease, the Chevrolet Spark Woody Wagon isn't a production model nor will its woodgrained vinyl paneling and whitewall tires be available as an option from the maker. The Spark Woody is a one-off art car that recalls the surf movement in the USA of the late Fifties and early Sixties - hence the surfboard, if you didn't notice.

It is one of many Art Sparks created for promotional reasons by Chevrolet Europe that have included a Spark DJ model and a WTCC leading car by Portuguese art student Jose Rocha.

The Spark Woody special made its first public drive around Newquay in Cornwall, UK, at the start of the annual Boardmasters surf, skate and music festival. The supermini will be showcased at the grand finale of this year's "Young? Creative? Chevrolet!" arts competition, which takes place in Paris on the eve of the International Motor Show at the end of September.

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