Chevy goes subtle with Blue Line concepts for SEMA

With SEMA right around the corner, Chevrolet previewed the Malibu and Cruze RS hatchback Blue Line concepts that will join the automaker's lineup at the trade show in Las Vegas. The vehicles continue the automaker's trend of bringing grown-up cars to the show and are some of the plainest concepts we've ever seen for SEMA. The trade show, which is know for wacky products with insane amounts of power and extreme body kits, will get a more mature feel with these offerings. We also think Chevy still has a few tricks up its sleeve for the show.

The Malibu Blue Line concept is finished in Genesis White that looks different in various types of lighting, Chevy says. The exterior also features 18-inch wheels finished in slate blue metallic, a rear spoiler, side skirts, and black exterior trim pieces. Performance wise, the Malibu is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower, a lowered suspension, and a high-performance brake kit.

The second vehicle, the Cruze RS hatchback Blue Line Concept, gets the same exterior color, wheels, and lowering kit as the Malibu. Unlike the sedan that gets blacked-out exterior pieces, the Cruze RS gets chrome touches. Power comes from the Cruze RS' standard 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that generates 153 horsepower. The hatchback is also fitted with the performance brake package, a sporty exhaust system, and an upgraded air intake system.

While the two vehicles are boring compared to the regular lineup of SEMA cars that we're used to seeing, Chevrolet is gauging public reaction to these cars' accessories. Last year, Chevrolet brought Red Line series to SEMA, which had similar understated tones.

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