Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO]
by Drew Phillips on Jan 11th 2009 at 12:45PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando Concept
Among the array of various concept and production vehicles at the GM display was the Chevy Orlando Concept that made its world debut in Paris just a few months prior. Based on the same platform as the Cruze, the Orlando offers seven seats in a relatively compact design. At its debut we found the Orlando to be a much more appealing than the HHR and hoped that GM would consider bringing it to the U.S. as a production vehicle. Our wish has been granted, and the Orlando will arrive in dealers as a 2011 model along with the Spark mini-car. Follow the jump for the press release from GM, video from the live unveil, and check out new high-res photos in the gallery below.
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE:
The Chevrolet Orlando show car will make its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The compact, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle has the versatile attributes of a sport-utility, a family van and a wagon.
Based on the recently introduced Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car carries Chevrolet's signature design language into a new vehicle segment. Cues include a two-tier grille, expressive headlamps that flow into the front fenders and muscular fender forms that wrap around the wheels.
"The Orlando suggests a possible addition to Chevrolet's global product portfolio, while adhering to its mission of offering value, quality and fuel efficiency," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "It offers adaptable seating, more than expected interior room and a powerful yet economical powertrain – features that were designed to suit a variety of needs in different markets."
Fuel-efficient power for the Orlando show car comes from a 2.0L turbo-diesel that generates 150 horsepower (112 kW) and a strong 235 lb.-ft. of torque (320 Nm). The small-displacement four-cylinder engine combines excellent fuel efficiency with surprising performance, thanks to high torque available across the rpm band. The car-based architecture of the Orlando – the hallmark of a true crossover – further contributes to the vehicle's efficiency with lower overall mass and better aerodynamics.
Inside, the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity. It has reconfigurable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants. The seats in rows two and three conveniently fold flat into the floor, whenever load carrying becomes a priority.
A long, 108.6-inch (2,760 mm) wheelbase, along with wide front and rear tracks, enhance the interior's spaciousness. Those dimensions also support a smooth, compliant driving experience, with assistance from a strut-type front suspension, compound crank rear suspension and a speed-sensitive, electric power steering system.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
firstplace 12:50PM (1/11/2009)
in the wake of massive SUV's extinction came the era of the car/vans. much like there minivan predecessors car-vans had no real strengths other then bloated interiors and useless space made possible by high roof lines and abundant window glass.
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PJ 1:32PM (1/11/2009)
This looks like a "concept" in the vein of Honda/Acura's concept cars, meaning that aside from the showcased diesel Four and some LED brightwork, WYSIWYG. The cohesive interior, complete with production switchgear from other models, suggests this thing is pretty much ready to roll. Kudos to GM for being the first Detroiter to jump into the compact Euro-MPV market!
happy_penguin 2:04PM (1/11/2009)
I'm so sick and tired of that word, "bloated". Really, it's become quite hackneyed at this point.
Andrew L 12:57PM (1/11/2009)
Woah... I thought we werent getting this....
wont this overlap with the Traverse?
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PJ 1:32PM (1/11/2009)
Nope. It's the size of a Mazda5.
Other Man 1:02PM (1/11/2009)
So this slots between the Equinox and Traverse?
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SkiD666 1:07PM (1/11/2009)
Nope it's not that big, this is a HHR replacement built on the Delta II platform.
nick c 1:12PM (1/11/2009)
at least the back has something going on, much unlike the traverse.
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happy_penguin 2:05PM (1/11/2009)
I think the ass is ugly. Overall, I don't hate it but I wouldn't buy it.
Kumail 1:23PM (1/11/2009)
there is a lot of soul in those headlights... and a6 in the taillights... but it still looks good...
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why not the LS2LS7? 1:28PM (1/11/2009)
I greatly prefer the HHR over this. Milk truck 4tw.
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JustKeith 1:32PM (1/11/2009)
It looks like the Isuzu Axiom and the Pontiac Asstec had a child and they're raising it as a Chevrolet. I applaud the effort though--it's about time we started getting more fuel efficient domestic offerings that don't suck. :-)
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carlbolt 1:40PM (1/11/2009)
Another Aztek.
GM, why make this ugly thing when you have the Equinox and Traverse?
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falcon5768 12:23AM (1/12/2009)
Its NOT THAT BIG. How many times does it have to be said. Think of it as like a Wagon version of the Cruze. Its about the size of the Vibe
l3it3r 1:45PM (1/11/2009)
I like it.
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buckshot79 1:45PM (1/11/2009)
I think it's pretty neat for tiny MPV.
A lot better than urgly minivans or MPV from competitors.
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RockStoneSteel 2:35PM (1/11/2009)
Sorry, but that chopped off square back end is just too incredibly unattractive. It doesn't match the front of the vehicle at all and makes it appear that Chevy had two separate non-communicating teams of developers working on this vehicle.
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AlexIP 3:06PM (1/11/2009)
This really looks like an Audi A2 on steroids.
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mikemaj82 4:39PM (1/11/2009)
No wonder GM is in the position that they are in now...
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DieterM 7:51PM (1/11/2009)
You are exactly correct! This is why Hyundai/Kia, Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Nissan are all succeeding in the U.S.A.