Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR
by John Neff on Oct 2nd 2008 at 2:58PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Chevy Orlando Concept live shots
Ever wish the Chevy HHR would evolve into something more cool than kitsch? What that would be is the Chevy Orlando Concept, a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle that will be entering production in Europe sometime in the near future. We sincerely hope General Motors considers selling the production version in the U.S. as a replacement for the HHR, as its slab sides and chunky stance impart a much more grown up and aggressive attitude than Chevy's current compact people mover. And just like the HHR is based on the compact Cobalt's platform, the production Orlando will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cruze, which itself will be sold in both Europe and the U.S. There's really not a doubt in our minds that the Orlando is being developed to replace the HHR in the U.S. while it simultaneously enters a new segment in Europe for Chevy. As for when the production version will appear, we don't know. All we know is that this MPV has got a lot of promise. Check out our new gallery of high-res live shots below to see if you agree.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando LIVE
PRESS RELEASE
Chevrolet Orlando show car signals entry into new segment for the brand
Paris Motor Show Preview: First Images of the seven-seat multi-purpose family vehicle
Detroit - The Orlando show car, making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October, is a clear indication that Chevrolet is considering an expansion to its portfolio with a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle 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 2760 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 and 320 Nm of torque, provides a powerful and fuel efficient powertrain.
Following the recent announcement of the all-new Cruze sedan, the Orlando show car promises another page in Chevrolet's product portfolio and another step in Chevrolet's plan to offer customers around the globe impressive value, quality and fuel efficiency.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Wally 3:04PM (10/02/2008)
It looks thoroughly less retarded than the HHR. My apologies to retarded people, but not HHR owners.
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Joe C. 10:54PM (10/02/2008)
The HHR is a very unique and cool car. Its virtues are numerous. It's faults are few. GM builds good cars and those in the know are enjoying their intelligent purchase.
Some of the opinions voiced here about the HHR are just typical of the ignorant comments you expect to read in these blogs.
Dave 11:09AM (10/03/2008)
This writer/reporter is totally lost with his comments about the HHR. The HHR is a compact retro vehicle based on a 1939 high heritage roof truck. Totally different looks, personality.
Nick 3:10PM (10/02/2008)
Not generally a big fan of Chevy styling, but that looks quite nice...no comment on the HHR...
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Gstill 9:04PM (10/02/2008)
I think GM needs to share this across all of their brands. You can have the Chevy Orlando, the Pontiac Miami, the Saturn Jupiter, the GMC Jacksonville and of course, the Buick Boca Raton
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Allan 3:14PM (10/02/2008)
I don't even really care for most of Chevy's products... but this is so ridiculously nicer than the HHR, they would be absolutely mental to not bring it to the US as a replacement.
Just uh... lose the weird roof/hatch looking thing first. Clean that up a bit and you're set.
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CarBroker.org 3:19PM (10/02/2008)
were we can get more information about this car?
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MoonRover 3:18PM (10/02/2008)
I******LOVE******IT
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ChrisTopher 3:22PM (10/02/2008)
what car is the white one in the background? i thought it was the Cruze, but the more i looked at it, i could tell it isnt
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Torrent 3:26PM (10/02/2008)
This car is great. I like the stance, and the wheels fill the wells really nicely.
Hey John, what car can you compare the size to?
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Dude 3:26PM (10/02/2008)
It's not really as different from the HHR as you might think. Look closely and you'll see some similar lines, just in a much more modern package (ala Camaro). Give it a better hint of round tail lights and I think it would make a great HHR replacement.
Whatever is in the water over at Chevy Design, it's working.
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Frank 12:06PM (10/03/2008)
Thanks GM. Now I have to clean the vomit on my keyboard.
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ugg.tryptophan 6:59PM (10/02/2008)
why is your mouth that close to your keyboard?
SteveRB 11:37PM (10/02/2008)
Thanks GM. You made some guy named Frank vomit.
Iridium 3:54PM (10/02/2008)
It is a lot better than the Cruze, far far better. Chevy's bulk styling looks a lot better on truck like vehicles than cars.
This car would go over really well. That is if there are enough people left in the US that can afford a new car.
Of course the HHR has sold reasonably well and tons of people have bought the new Focus. SO I don't think you can count on the American buying public to buy decent cars because they are actually good.
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carlbolt 4:04PM (10/02/2008)
As a MPV, GM should straight up the falling roofline. The roof slope is neither for good looking nor for utilities. The Aztek type slope is stupid. GM hasn't learned its lesson yet.
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REALITYCHECK 7:56PM (10/02/2008)
You sound like you are an expert, of what I would like to know! Almost every post has been positive so they must have learned something, you on the other hand should learn to write.
koloth44 4:04PM (10/02/2008)
Since it's based on the Cruze platform, as is the Volt, I would love to see this with the Volt's electric drivetrain.
I already have an almost irrational love for this car, make it electric and reasonably priced and I would have a hard time NOT putting down a deposit.
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Diffrunt 4:35PM (10/02/2008)
Don,t put down the HHR until you,ve driven (enjoyed it) a while. My 1LT 2.4 auto (44k mi) has given me the most practical fun this ol mech has ever had. If the NVH had been more refined, it could not be beat. The Orlando is bigger, heavier & has a higher center of gravity. The HHR is a poor man,s SportWagen, the Orlando won,t be.
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Brent 5:50PM (10/02/2008)
HHR is ugly.