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Lutz: Chevy Orlando coming, could get Voltec powertrain

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Chevrolet Orlando concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before General Motors' financial woes got so out-of-hand that the giant automaker was forced to declare bankruptcy, plans were in place to bring the Chevrolet Orlando, a new seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle, to the U.S. market in 2011. First seen at the Paris Motor Show last year, the Orlando concept was a modern take on the nearly defunct but extremely useful wagon shape that seemed destined to replace the retrotastic HHR in GM's lineup. Now that GM's back on track, it would seem the previously stalled Orlando project is moving forward as well.

Since the Chevy Orlando is expected to be built atop the same Delta platform as the upcoming Chevy Volt, might it be possible we see an extended-range electric people mover from The General wrapped in a family-friendly tall wagon bodystyle? According to Bob Lutz, the answer is a definite maybe. Responding to just such a question from Lyle Dennis over at GM-Volt.com, Lutz admitted, "We are actually studying the adaptation of Volt technology to the upcoming Orlando."

Naturally, spreading the extremely high development cost of the Volt's high-tech powertrain and lithium ion battery packs is certainly an attractive proposition for GM. Placing that Voltec drivetrain in the Orlando makes a lot of sense as it would seemingly allow GM to offer a fuel-saving vehicle with strong mass-market appeal.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Lutz: Chevy Orlando coming, could get Voltec powertrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

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.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR

John Neff — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM

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

Continue reading Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR

Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

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]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV

Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando

The Chevy Orlando, due to be revealed at next month's Paris Motor Show, has turned tail and the rendering doesn't look half-bad. It's mildly reminiscent of the Audi A2 from way back when, in an exaggerated, chunked-up way, and we get a little Volvo feeling from the sculpted area of the rear lights. Overall, we give it a thumbs up.

The Orlando is a compact seven-seater, and the dip in the rear roofline means that those last to occupants might need to be especially compact. However, the intended audience is probably not the local WNBA team, so the kids should fit just fine. With a hot front and rear, and an interior that nearly qualifies as dreamy, this is the kind of thing we're looking forward to checking out in the flesh. Stay tuned for Paris...

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM]

Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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