Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo
Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy GPiX Concept
General Motors officially debuted the GPiX Concept, which we previewed for you last week, at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil yesterday. It was designed entirely by GM Design in Brazil but retains those corporate styling cues that make it instantly recognizable as a modern Chevy around the world. This two-door crossover has a bit of ground clearance for what GM calls "the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets." We think that means no roads and poor conditions. There's no mention of what powers the GPiX concept, though we assume it's either A) not a runner, B) has a fictional super efficient prototype powertrain underhood or C) uses a four-cylinder gas motor capable of running on E100 ethanol. GM also says that the GPiX could be a potential new segment for the automaker in South America, but in these tough times we doubt it's really interested in developing a solo vehicle for a single market. You can check out more high-res pics of the GPiX concept in the gallery below and read GM's official press release after the jump.
Gallery: Chevy GPiX Concept
[Source: GM]
PRESS RELEASE
Chevrolet Reveals the GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept
Sao Paulo, Brazil - General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept today at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.
The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. "It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil," said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.
GPiX also combines Chevrolet's global design "DNA" with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today's emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, "with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region."
Dynamic and daring design
The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.
Versatile on the inside with space for four
The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.
The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.
It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.
The name GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image. "G" for global and "Pix" meaning "picture" or "image".
GM Design Center in Brazil
GM's Design Center in Brazil is one of 11 GM studios around the world. Its facilities are being expanded to meet increased responsibilities in the GM global development process.
GM is investing US$ 36 million to expand the facilities, acquire new and more modern equipment and hire new professionals. When complete, the GM Design Center in Brazil will triple in size from 3,000 sq. m. to 9,150 sq. m. and the staff will increase from 79 to 190 professionals.
The Design Center, which was already one of the most modern in Brazil, will also add next generation equipment to its '3D' virtual reality facility to become the most advanced studio in the country and on par with any automotive design studio in the world.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Smegley 1:42PM (10/28/2008)
Cute, and not available here. Chevy thinks north americans love Cobalts and will never offer us anything else.
That's why GM needs the bailout. To subsidize more Cobalts.
Reply
Domestic 6.0 1:43PM (10/28/2008)
Looks great ... sports cuv car !
Reply
Torrent 1:47PM (10/28/2008)
Looks great, but that c pillar is killing me.
Reply
Justin 9:31PM (10/28/2008)
Agreed...that was the first thing I saw.
Icon149 1:55PM (10/28/2008)
@smegley
the cobalt is the new cowbell
Reply
Jerk Face 2:03PM (10/28/2008)
Everything is better with more cowbell.
Jokes aside though, I really like this little car-ish thing. I agree that GM needs to bring more of these versatile vehicles stateside so we can ditch the American SUV's already. I realize that market will never go away completely, but there are many out there like myself who like the versatility without the size and poor fuel economy.
America will be ready for something like the GPiX soon.
why not the LS2LS7? 4:27PM (10/28/2008)
It doesn't have a back seat. How is it versatile?
k.w.a 1:56PM (10/28/2008)
hmmm... looks like a Euro Ford to me. I guess cars that look like that are normal outside of the States.... lucky bastards
Reply
BigTeebo 8:14PM (10/28/2008)
It's a Euro Focus with the AMC Eagle/BMW X5 treatment. Big wheels!
Steve 2:00PM (10/28/2008)
Looks good to me!
GM, you need more cash and we like vehicles like this here too.
Chevy needs small Cute Utes and this is certainly one that could sell in nice numbers here.
Recession or not.
Reply
Coco 2:07PM (10/28/2008)
omg, what the hell, another cramped pseudo suv/coupe?... this thing makes the X6 look as utilitarian and purposeful as a ford transit van! who the hell needs this, and how do you get in the back seat!
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 2:25PM (10/28/2008)
The world doesn't need another Suzuki X-90.
As to those asking how you get in the back seat, look at the interior pics. IT DOESN'T HAVE ONE.
This is a complete non-starter. You can hold your ridiculous "GM never brings the good stuff here comments" for another concept.
Reply
Quattrofan 2:27PM (10/28/2008)
Great looking concept. Too bad they will f*%k it up by the time its ready for the masses.
Reply
joe23521 2:38PM (10/28/2008)
Honey, I blew up the Focus...
Reply
LBuzzer 2:43PM (10/28/2008)
Wow.
An Astra on stilts.
Next...
Reply
jrodliebs 2:46PM (10/28/2008)
So they went for low profile tires on a concept designed to deal with the rough roads of an emerging market? Reason number 230489530482 GM just doesn't get it.
Reply
carlbolt 4:08PM (10/28/2008)
ugliest CUV seen in years, totally out of proportion. The side view looks like the car is in hard braking. looking from behind, you can see a small hatchback car riding high on somthing. The interior is even uglier. Tasteless.
No wonder GM is going under.
Reply
swissy 6:11AM (10/29/2008)
U.G.L.Y. - no wonder they are going bankrupt! Who would buy such ugly cars like GM makes and such a bad quality?? yuck!!
Reply
Noah 5:38PM (10/28/2008)
There's something that will help meet that 35mpg by 2020 deadline...high ground clearance. But you need high clearance for that offroading, can't compromise on that.
Reply
P.V. 6:31PM (10/28/2008)
This looks more Corsa than crossover.
Maybe it could be the spiritual successor to the 2-door Blazer (finally, a 2-door tall utility vehicle with a hatch!).
Reply