Detroit

Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept is the meaner Cruze

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General Motors has just unveiled the Tru 140S Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the second of it's youth-oriented concepts. Spiritual sibling to the Code 130S Concept, the Tru 140S is designed to bring exotic styling to the compact segment. Based on the bones of the Chevrolet Cruze, the vehicle comes equipped with the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, though with a bit more power. The vehicle puts 150 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Like the Cruze, GM says a production version of the Tru 140S Concept could be capable of up to 40 mpg highway.

Like it's rear-wheeldrive twin, the Tru 140S Concept would carry an MSRP of around $25,000 were it to go into production. And how likely is that to happen? GM has made it clear it intends to offer a more stylish, evocative compact vehicle in the near future. Given the fact that the Tru 140S rides on the Cruze platform, there's a good chance we may see something like it roll out of GM in a few years. Consider our fingers crossed. Hit the jump for the full press release.

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Here's a Concept: Chevrolet Puts Next-Gen Buyers in Charge
Two concept coupes designed to inspire ideas and create discussion

DETROIT – Chevrolet today introduced two concept coupes at the 2012 North American International Auto Show aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers to take the wheel and suggest ideas for a car they can co-create.

"Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations" said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. "These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We're seeking out our newest customers' opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways."

According to U.S. Census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30. They represent 40 percent of today's potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power.

Over the past year, Chevrolet has conversed with young consumers across the United States. Based on their feedback, the Chevrolet concepts explore the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they are looking for in a car.

Code 130R, the first Chevrolet concept, is a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Painted in an all-new red metallic paint with matte anodized gold wheels, Code 130R features heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. With an aggressive front fascia, Chevrolet fender flares, straight body side and Chevy crossflag emblem, Code 130R makes a link to Chevrolet's performance heritage.

Code 130R's designers conceived the turbocharged engine to be tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology. By shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration, this concept takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy.

Tru 140S, the second Chevrolet concept is a front-wheel-drive, "affordable exotic" four-seat sporty coupe. The three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car. Shown in an all-new matte white with Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range.

Tru 140S designers want to demonstrate technologies typically found in more expensive cars, including direct injection and a starter-based stop-start technology, balancing internal combustion and electrification to deliver high value and improved fuel economy.

The concepts share attributes younger buyers say they value:

Sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers
Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display
40 MPG with a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 horsepower
Possible production price range in the low $20,000s

"Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience," said Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio in Los Angeles where the two concepts were developed.

Inside the concepts, connectivity and personalization enable the individualization that the generation says is essential.

"This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enabling the vehicle to be their own docking station," said Saucedo. "The interiors currently exist in 2D only. This allows us the flexibility to continue the discussion and encourage more dialogue as we continue to develop these concepts."

From Detroit, the pair of Chevrolet concepts will travel to major auto shows, key lifestyle events, one-on-one experiences and other venues such as college campuses. Chevrolet also will engage customers using the social media tools that young consumers use to talk with one another.

"For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity," said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet Global Marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. "At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want."

CHEVROLET TRU 140S CONCEPT COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model: Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept Coupe

Body style / driveline: four-passenger, three-door hatchback, front-wheel drive

EPA vehicle class: compact car


Engine

1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 w/ start-stop technology

Displacement (cu. in. / cc): 83 / 1364

Bore and stroke (in. / mm): 2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6

Block material: cast iron

Cylinder head material: cast aluminum

Valvetrain: overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

Ignition system: individual coil on plug

Fuel delivery: sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control

Compression ratio: 9.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kW): 150 / 110

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 148 / 200

Recommended fuel: regular unleaded

Max engine speed (rpm): 6500

Emissions controls: close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor

Estimated fuel economy (hwy): 40

Transmissions

6-speed automatic

6-speed manual

Wheels/Tires

Wheels: 21-inch Chevrolet performance chrome

Tires: P245/35R21

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 108 / 2743

Overall length (in / mm): 177.4 / 4507

Overall width (in / mm): 73.9 / 1878

Overall height (in / mm): 63.5 / 1360

Track (in / mm):

front: 64.3 / 1632
rear: 64.3 / 1632

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 2

Headroom (in / mm):

front: 37.8 / 959
rear: 31.6 / 802

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Chevrolet Information

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