Autoblog

Chevy filling its NAIAS stand with 5 models not sold in US

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Crossover, Chevrolet

When the Detroit Auto Show opens to the public next week, we're sure the Chevrolet booth will get plenty of attention thanks to the all-new Corvette and Silverado, but visitors will also be able to see a handful of cars not even available in the US. A day after introducing us to a new global marketing campaign titled "Find New Roads," General Motors has announced that it will be bringing five popular global products to the Chevy stand in Detroit to "show off the depth of Chevrolet's global product lineup."

Although it isn't clear what sort of play General Motors has in mind by bringing international products to Detroit, we do know that the five products will be the Chevrolet Spin, Onix, Sail, Orlando and Trax. In terms of which car we could see coming here, if any, it would probably be the Spin - a small people mover (pictured above) currently sold in China and South America. The Orlando and Trax have already been shot down for US consumption, the Sail is a small sedan riding on the same platform as the Spark and Sonic and the recently introduced Onix is planned to be a Brazil-only vehicle.

We'll have to wait until next week to see what kind of plans Chevy has for these products in regards to the US market, but until then, you can see each of the five cars above and read more in the press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading Chevy filling its NAIAS stand with 5 models not sold in US

Chevy filling its NAIAS stand with 5 models not sold in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Trax still won't cross over to U.S. [w/video]

George Kennedy — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, Diesel

Though the runabout-crossover known as the Chevrolet Trax debuted in the interwebs in May, Paris was our first opportunity to see for ourselves the CUV that the U.S. will not get. Riding on the same platform that underpins the Buick Encore and derived from the Sonic subcompact, the Trax is just the latest entrant to join the cute-ute craze currently going on in Europe.

The Trax is available with one of three engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four cylinder delivering 140 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a 1.6-liter gas engine and a 1.7-liter turbodiesel inline four. Though little information is given on the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter mill, the turbodiesel is rated at a "that's-more-like-it" 130 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

Both the 1.4-liter turbo and the 1.7-liter diesel are available with a six-speed manual transmission that comes with stop-start. All-wheel drive is optional, though it isn't immediately clear if it's available in all engine and transmission configurations.

Uprated trims will get Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, operable through a seven-inch color touchscreen. A navigation app will be available for this setup in early 2013, much like the system that will be available on the Spark. With rear seats folded flat, the Trax provides 48 cubic feet of cargo space.

No word yet on pricing or availability from Chevrolet. All we know is, it won't be sold in the States, and that strikes us as something of a missed opportunity. After all, there would appear to be a lot of space under the larger Equinox CUV at Chevy dealers, and the vehicle's dimensions and humble powerplants seem a lot more in-tune with the Bowtie brand than the Encore does with Buick's upwardly mobile intentions.

Scroll down to watch a video of the Trax in motion and to view the official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Trax still won't cross over to U.S. [w/video]

2013 Chevrolet Trax still won't cross over to U.S. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More photos and details emerge on the Chevrolet Trax

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:16:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

We're less than two months away from the Chevrolet Trax meeting the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, and Chevrolet has let loose a few more details on the small, chunky SUV that will head to 140 different countries - the United States not being one of them.

Not surprisingly, engines choices will be the same as those for its sister CUV, the Vauxhall Mokka: a 1.4-liter turbo with 113 horsepower, 1.6-liter with 138 hp, and 1.7-liter diesel with 128 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. If transmission and drivetrain choices are also standardized, the 1.6-liter will only be offered in two-wheel drive with a five-speed manual, the 1.4-liter only in four-wheel drive and with a six-speed manual, and the 1.7-liter diesel gets all the options, available with a six-speed manual or auto and in two- or four-wheel drive. Chevy does say that the Trax 1.4-liter will get the six-speed auto option later in 2013.

The interior of the Trax in the photos is distinct from both the Buick Encore and overseas siblings. We'll get a much closer look at it and the rest of the info on the Paris show floor.

Continue reading More photos and details emerge on the Chevrolet Trax

More photos and details emerge on the Chevrolet Trax originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden to maintain its identity within GM

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Design/Style

Unbeknownst to us, observers of Holden, General Motors' Australian subsidiary that has helped The General make some of its finest product, have wondered if the austral brand's identity would get swallowed up in the push to create a cohesive, global Chevrolet. Three products headed to the antipodes have aroused the question: although the Colorado pickup (pictured in Holden concept form) and SUV wear Holden badges, both have the Chevrolet twin-bar grille, and the Holden Volt has the twin-bar grille and a mashup of the Holden and Chevy logos.

The brand's CEO, Mike Devereaux, gave quizzical explanations for the styling choices, saying of the Colorado that "having one huge front grille on a truck this big, I am not sure it works," and that a new Volt grille wouldn't be cost effective. However, the Colorado certainly wouldn't be the first truck to feature a huge, unbroken grille, and the addition of the Chevrolet Bowtie surround to the Holden badge on the Volt cannot be a matter of cost.

Nevertheless, Devereaux did assure anyone concerned that Holden will remain proudly Holden. He wouldn't specify how, but alluded to "smart ways" of figuring out, from a design standpoint, how "to have an efficient way of giving us what we need from a Holden." That could mean new front and rear clips for Holden vehicles, or something else entirely. Even now, it's not all Chevy: the Holden Trax and Malibu will have bespoke Holden faces.

Holden to maintain its identity within GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to make Trax for Holden

Chris Paukert — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Holden, Australia

In mid-May, General Motors announced it would bring the Chevrolet Trax to the Paris Motor Show this fall. The tiny crossover shares nearly everything with North America's Buick Encore and the previously revealed Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, but there's an important fourth variant we haven't heard about until today - one for Holden.

The General has now confirmed that the Trax will also be produced for its Australian outpost, with Holden's Director of Powertrain Engineering, Simon Cassin saying, "Holden is well recognised within the GM world for our expertise in engine and transmission calibration and we are very pleased to be involved in the development of this important vehicle."

The Holden Trax, which arrives in OZ next year, looks all but unchanged from the chunky cute ute version wearing a Bowtie. Judging by the newly released rendering shown above, everything from the headlamps to the side mirrors and fog lamp trim is unchanged. The only clear difference? Substituting the now-trademark split portal Chevrolet grille for a chrome-browed single frame unit wearing a prominent Holden badge.

GM's own data suggests that the small SUV segment continues to explode in Australia, just as it has here in North America, with sales up 57.3 percent year to date over 2011, and it's clearly aiming to take a piece of that growing pie with the new Trax.

GM to make Trax for Holden originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Trax crossover headed to Paris, not bound for U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

If you're wondering why the name Trax sounds familiar, it's because we've heard it before. That's right, General Motors' chunky little crossover concept has blossomed into the production CUV you see here, and might we say, it's quite a handsome little thing.

Details about the new Trax are scarce, but since it looks to be based on the same high-riding platform derived from the Sonic that underpins the Buick Encore and Opel Mokka, so we'd expect the powertrains to simply carry over unchanged.

But know this: General Motors has no plans to offer the Trax in the United States, citing "the strong position of the Equinox" as the reason why it won't be offered Stateside. That's a shame, too. In our opinion, this baby Bowtie certainly makes more sense than the frumpy Buick Encore that doesn't really seem to fit with its brand. We suspect that Chevy dealers won't get this vehicle in part because GM wants to protect the Buick's positioning and price when it heads to U.S. dealers later this year.

The Trax will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in late September. For now, click the image above for a high-resolution version and scroll down to read GM's official release.

Continue reading Chevrolet Trax crossover headed to Paris, not bound for U.S.

Chevrolet Trax crossover headed to Paris, not bound for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. to get Chevy Groove or Trax in 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

General Motors won't be bringing the Beat to the U.S., but some version of the Groove or Trax will replace the Aveo by 2011. Speaking with Automotive News, Chevy veep Ed Peper said that the bow-tie brand would get something "very similar to one of those vehicles," but in order to meet U.S. crash test standards and accommodate consumer's taste, the new compact five-door would grow in size.

Of the three concepts that debut in New York last year, the Beat will be the first to reach consumers -- in Europe and other markets in 2009 -- and will be built atop GM's global minicar platform in Shanghai. However, the yet-to-be-named Aveo replacement will be underpinned by GM's Gamma small-car platform and will likely be assembled in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

While GM's decision to bring a more stylish small car to U.S. consumers is certainly good news, we can't help but still feel slighted that the Beat won't be offered in the States and that we'll have to put up with the Aveo for another three years as the only sub-compact offering from the General.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Groove Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Trax Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

U.S. to get Chevy Groove or Trax in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz chimes in on the Chevy Beat

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Opinion/Editorial

In the wake of the Chevy Beat news that started pounding the wires before the 4th of July weekend, the Wall Street Journal reached out to Bob Lutz for some commentary on the topic. Lutz, in an email to the Journal, said, "We always thought we'd do it at some point, but now it obviously enjoys a much higher priority." Based on what the Journal says, this loosely translates to "the 2012 timeframe." Unfortunately for GM, this is a car that its U.S. operation needs approximately yesterday. It would behoove the brain trust in the RenCen to stop debating this and simply end all the speculation by formally announcing a U.S. Beat and attaching a timetable, already (as in, now). We think that the car's appearance as an Autobot in next summer's Transformers follow-up will help create enough public interest for that GM will be forced to make some sort declaration if they haven't by then already (TF2 opens on June 26, 2009).

As we've suggested, GM would probably do itself a big favor by greenlighting production versions of all three Triplet concepts, sending the Trax (also featured in TF2) and Groove to showrooms, too. The argument that Americans aren't into small cars/econocars/hatchbacks is quickly losing water, as automaker sales numbers would attest. There's a reason the Civic now outsells the F-150 and that the Hyundai Accent saw a 70% jump last month. Toyota isn't adding the 5-door Yaris to the U.S. lineup on a whim, either. Market forces, in the form of elevated fuel prices, are altering the landscape, and people are a lot more willing to look at (and buy) something smaller and more economical. It's just reality. The longer General Motors deliberates, the longer it's going to get beaten by competitors who have product ready to go right now. Don't wait for for the popcorn-chompers to play focus group and beg for these cars next summer. Grow a set and make the announcement now. Who would've thought that Michael Bay has a better vision of the future than the General itself? In his, GM's cool, stylish minicars will be on the streets next summer. We know that's not possible in real life, but GM needs embrace the fact that a market now exists in the United States for the Beat (and its siblings) and make the obvious call.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Lutz chimes in on the Chevy Beat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Trax concept joins Beat on TF2 set

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities

We knew the Chevy Beat was making an appearance in the overly-named Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The new news is that one of its "triplet" siblings, the Chevy Trax concept, is joining it, as you can see above. The two are chasing/following Bumblebee on Philadelphia's JFK Boulevard. Proof of GM's new commitment to building more smaller, fuel-efficient cars, you ask? Eh, well, as you may remember, Trax and the third triplet, Groove, were not slated for production like the Beat, so this is (unfortunately) probably just a movie special. At least one Autoblogger is happy, though (raises hand), because Trax is the one he voted for last year. Transformers Live Action Movie Blog wonders if the Beat and Trax might be portraying the Autobot "Twins" in the sequel. Sacrilege? Well, if the movie Bumblebee can be a Camaro instead of a VW beetle, there's no reason Sideswipe and Sunstreaker can't be Chevy-branded "world cars" instead of twin Countaches. If that turns out to be the case, though, it does kinda make one wish Lambo paid to be part of Michael Bay's party instead of Batman.

[Source: Jalopnik via TFLAMB]

Chevy Trax concept joins Beat on TF2 set originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts

John Neff — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

It's not easy to put your finger on the pulse of the buying public, so Chevy decided to hedge its bets and build three mini car concepts, the Beat, Groove and Trax, and is leaving it up to us (as in all of us) to decide which one we like best. The public can vote for which concept is most appealing by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com. While there's no guarantee the highest vote getter will be built, it will help guide the development of a future global mini car from GM.

So here are your candidates. The Beat (green) is by far the most sporty of the trio, with its slicked back styling and comparatively large 1.2L turbo engine. Technically described as a "tuner" car, the Beat is meant to be customized much like a Scion to an owner's own individual tastes. The Beat is a front-wheel drive, three-door hatch with an automatic tranny to divvy up the tiny motor's available power.

The Groove concept (black) is much like a mini HHR, a five-door wagon with a tall roof and flat sides. It's extremely short hood, big wheel arches and nonexistent overhangs mean that every square inch of the platform is utilized. Consider this the most practical concept of the three. Also a front-driver, the Groove is powered by a 1L diesel engine.

Finally there's the Trax (orange), which we've met before. The Trax concept is the mini ute of the bunch, doing its best to feign even the slightest ability to venture off the beaten path. We wouldn't suggest it however, as those tires lack any meaningful tread and the ride height, while high compared to the other two concepts, could hardly clear a curb (if that). It's the only one of the three that features round headlights, though its four-door, upright, box-like packaging mimics that of the Groove concept. It's powered by a 1L gas engine.

Which one would we choose? The Autoblog team is split, though this Autoblogger would pick the Groove if pressed. We'll come back at you with more details on each concept, including live shots, in just a few short hours when the 2007 New York Auto Show opens to the press. Check out the preliminary press release from GM after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Groove Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Trax Concept

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts

New York Auto Show: Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: Chevy Trax Concept

Alex Nunez — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Budget, Chevrolet

Click image for high-res version

Speculation that the hush-hush global concept GM has headed to the New York Auto Show has varied wildly, with the Corvette SS a popular favorite among theorists. Turns out they're all wrong. The secret concept is actually three global concepts. Small ones, at that -- they're all minicars -- perfect for NYC's urban canyons. GM has released a photo of one of them, the Chevy Trax, and you can color us impressed. We love the chunky little wagon's look, with its big round lights and extra-thick Chevrolet crossbar grille. It's also got a combination matte/gloss orange finish that we'll reserve judgment on until we see how it looks in person.

Designed at GM's Incheon, South Korea design center, the Trax will be joined onstage by two other minicar concepts, and the public will be able to vote for their favorite one online at http://www.vote4chevrolet.com. That little marketing exercise will help the General gauge US market interest in the mini/city car segment as well as get reaction to the individual models they're debuting in the Big Apple. The Trax stows a 1.0L gasoline engine under it's stubby hood, and we're looking forward to getting up close and personal with the car next week.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Chevy Trax Concept

Continue reading New York Preview: Chevy Trax Concept

New York Preview: Chevy Trax Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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