Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV
Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando concept
Now that the Paris Motor Show is finally upon us, General Motors has officially taken the wraps off its new Orlando Concept. In case you hadn't noticed, SUVs aren't selling well right now, GM has given up on minivans and Chevrolet has nothing but CUVs to fill the void. Multi-Purpose Vehicles are hot sellers in Europe and the Orlando gives a clear indication that the General has noticed that trend and will be entering the MPV segment soon. Seven seats fill the large available interior space of the Orlando, which comes courtesy of the modified Delta II platform that's shared with the recently unveiled Cruze sedan. Those seats also fold flat for versatile cargo-carrying utility.
Ice-blue accents cover both the interior and exterior of the Orlando Concept and solar panels are fixed to the roof in a nod to its concept status. On the inside, there's a lot going on with multiple fabric and plastic textures, but the overall layout looks pretty solid. Power for the Orlando comes from a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that offers up nearly 200 lb-ft of torque. We'll have live shots from the Paris Motor Show soon enough, but in the meantime, check out the early press release after the break and take a look at our large high-res gallery below.
Gallery: Chevy Orlando Concept
[Source: GM]
PRESS RELEASE:
Chevrolet Orlando Show Car Signals Entry into New Segment for the Brand
* Distinctive SUV-like styling
* Adaptable seven-seat accommodation with flat load floor configurability
* Latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel power
The Orlando show car is a clear indication that Chevrolet is considering an expansion to its portfolio with a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with distinctive sport-utility-like design, adaptable seating and impressive interior space.
Based on the recently announced all-new Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car carries Chevrolet's signature design language into a new vehicle segment. It explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon in a single execution.
Chevrolet Orlando cuts a distinctive silhouette, replacing conventional monocab proportions with a more defined contrast between the hood and windshield lines. With flared fenders instead of a flat side-body, Orlando has a muscular stance that gives it the appearance of a sport utility vehicle, yet it offers dynamic ride and handling, excellent fuel efficiency and easy entry thanks to its car-based architecture.
Inside, the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants. Whenever load carrying becomes a priority, the spacious cabin can be quickly transformed into a large cargo area. A generous 2,760 mm wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks provide Orlando with outstanding interior roominess.
Chevrolet's latest-generation, 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/110 kW and 320 Nm of torque, provides a powerful and efficient powertrain.
Strong Design Statement
Orlando takes Chevrolet's design into the multi-purpose vehicle segment. The front features the brand's signature twin-port grille and the large, sweeping headlamp housings seen on the Cruze. It also incorporates a concave shoulder line that extends along the body into the wraparound tail lights, another design feature from the Cruze that will distinguish future-generation Chevrolet products.
This distinctive look is complemented by the flared fender lines, defining a 'wheels-out/body-in' stance that visually lowers the higher roof line. The ice-blue theme for instrument illumination is also used on the exterior of Orlando in the laser-etched surfacing of the headlamps, tail lights and full-length glass roof.
Inside, Orlando features Chevrolet's 'dual cockpit' design theme, with grained, dark grey accents extending outwards either side of the center stack.
The cabin is designed to meet the demands of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with infotainment options and navigation. Overhead, a storage compartment extends along the center of the roof, providing useful stowage space for rear passengers. Design details include a center stack recess to hold a personal device/MP3 player when it is connected to the USB or Aux ports. Further storage space is provided inside the floor console, the second row center arm-rest and under the floor in the rear.
The raised roof enables a theater-style seating layout. It provides all occupants, particularly children, with an improved view inside and outside the vehicle, while enabling conversation between all those on board.
Adaptable Interior
A generous 2,760 mm wheelbase, 75 mm longer than that of the new Cruze sedan, and front and rear tracks 40 mm and 30 mm wider, provide Orlando with seating and cargo-carrying space that is among best-in-class for compact MPVs.
It is a true seven-seater, with second and third row legroom of 950 mm and 753 mm, respectively. The reverse faces of these seat backs are covered in a tough, metal finish and can be folded completely flat for easy loading. A range of occupant and load-carrying configurations is provided by 60/40 second-row and 50/50 third-row split folding seating.
"We focused on giving Orlando a strong, robust appearance," says Designer Seungwoo Kim. "It draws on Chevrolet's tradition for honest, simple design, while at the same time extending our new design language into the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JAZ 3:10PM (10/01/2008)
Not bad, but not great either.
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Donpella 3:16PM (10/01/2008)
Well,it looks alot better thn that wack-ass Pontiac Vibe
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sk 3:29PM (10/01/2008)
Which is basically the same as a Toyota Matrix
lester 3:16PM (10/01/2008)
I like it, I'd take that over an HHR
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Eric Liberatore 3:19PM (10/01/2008)
Me too.
"Multi-Purpose Vehicles are hot sellers in Europe...the General has noticed that trend and will be entering the MPV segment soon."
Nothing like waking up 10 years too late.
Nix 3:45PM (10/01/2008)
@Eric Liberatore
They've been selling the Opel Zafira for a long time, guess you couldn't see it behind that cloud of hate.
jte 4:54PM (10/01/2008)
@Eric, .... entering the "USA" mpv segment soon..
shortshifter 3:20PM (10/01/2008)
errr... didn't GM already cancel the production vehicle that this concept was associated with? And didn't Autoblog already publish this news?
Shame, because the concept and production car would have been attractive.
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eb110americana 3:35PM (10/01/2008)
GM canceled the sale of them in the US. They will still be sold in Europe, Asia, and other places around the world along with the Chevy Cruze.
dan spalinger 3:20PM (10/01/2008)
Ahhhh...so thats what happened to all the unsold Pontiac Azteks....
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CharlieinNJ 3:23PM (10/01/2008)
I like it, despite the Aztek-esque rear-end.
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Torrent 5:37PM (10/01/2008)
doesn't the Prius also have the little-too-much-extra glass in the back?
Kimura 3:27PM (10/01/2008)
That's a clever way to hide the iPod.
It should come stateside...would make a great replacement for the HHR.
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Shiftright 3:29PM (10/01/2008)
I have no idea where some of you are seeing Aztec in the rear. I find it a lot more Element-esque. People still need utility, albeit in a sensible and efficient package without the pretense of off roading. I think this would do well here as an alternative to the immensely practical, and yes, I know, polarizing Honda Element.
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Soccer Mom 3:46PM (10/01/2008)
It's simple, both Aztek and this have a rear window, rear doors, two rear wheels, tail lights and exhausts pipes. So many similarities, can't you see? If you want to see something you will see it.
Polly Prissy Pants 3:31PM (10/01/2008)
So I guess the mystery about where all of GM's old designers went is now solved - Europe. This thing screams 1997 Pontiac. Or maybe Isuzu? Either way it's all bad.
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Alex E. 4:13AM (10/02/2008)
No, not Europe. Korea. You can clearly see the signature on the sketches as "Seung-Beom Seo." **By the way, everyone - there seems to be some confusion among the commenters. When you read about "Chevrolet" outside the U.S. market, substitute "Daewoo." USDM Chevrolets are not generally sold outside the Americas. Meanwhile, after GM acquired South Korean carmaker Daewoo, they decided to globally rebrand the whole Daewoo line as "Chevrolet" - not a problem, because the REAL Chevrolet had no market presence in the areas where Daewoos are sold. Being Daewoos, global market "Chevrolets" such as the Cruze and Orlando are designed and built by GM Daewoo in South Korea. (Of course, duplicate production centers in other markets can be arranged as needed.) THAT'S why there is debate about whether or when they would be sold in the U.S. - THEY OVERLAP WITH OTHER CHEVROLETS ALREADY SOLD IN THE STATES BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT, IN FACT, CHEVROLETS!! The Cruze, the Orlando: these cars are not Chevys OR Opels - THEY'RE DAEWOOS, GUYS!!
Scott K. 3:35PM (10/01/2008)
I like it. For what it is, I think it looks good. Practical, modern, kinda funky (for an MPV) and not weird. It could put Chevy on my list for a new car. For the first time in a long time...
...If they ever sell it here.
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P.V. 3:37PM (10/01/2008)
While the new pictures definitely look better than the original ones, I still don't really like the design of this vehicle.
I'd much rather take something like an Opel (Saturn?) Zafira.
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Soccer Mom 3:42PM (10/01/2008)
Consistently, GM releases one great design after another. Such a huge turn around - from shapeless and forgettable cars to probably the best design in its class all-around. There is another article about Cruz - its interior look very nice and upscale.
I am happy to see at least one automaker firmly aiming for a complete turn-around.
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