This week at the Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced a pair of proverbial question marks: two compact, 40-mpg, low-$20,000-range cars that GM thinks could be winners, but will yet be gauging interest in for the time being.
The silver Tru 140S with 1.4-liter turbo has stop-start technology, and is based on the front-wheel-drive Cruze/Volt platform. The eAssisted 1.4-liter turbo Code 130R is based on the new rear-wheel drive Cadillac ATS platform.
Green car advocates and Volt fans in particular often express the desire for more plug-in models. GM says it’s working on it, but cites a massive market for “millenials,” or generation Y buyers who want inexpensive and fun cars.
Code 130 (left), and Tru 140S.
“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.”
The Tru 140S is positioned as an “affordable exotic,” GM says, if that isn’t too much a contradiction of terms. The three-door hatchback was painted in a new matte white with Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems.
“Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast,” GM says.
It uses a direct-injected engine, stop-start technology, regenerative braking – distinguishing it slightly from the Code 130R which is showcased in red-metallic matte paint and gold wheels.
“Code 130R features heritage performance-inspired styling,” GM says. “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.”
Both vehicles share in common:
• 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 (highway) with a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 horsepower, 148 pound-feet torque
• Possible production price range in the low $20,000s
GM says the cars were designed to nail preferences for 80 million American drivers up to age 30 as counted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It adds these younger folk represent 40 percent of today’s potential car-buying public.
We’ve already seen the company catering to this market with the Chevy Sonic – which GM advertisements show is now an accomplished bungee jumper, parachute diver, and likes to hang out in places where pseudo urban graffiti has been carefully applied.
According to GMInside News, GM took a unique approach to designing the Tru 140S and Code 130. Instead of the usual focus groups, GM went to college campuses and showed students various vehicle silhouettes and asked them to select the ones they liked best.
GM got a “sizable amount of feedback” and determined that young would-be customers gravitated strongly to two four-passenger coupe shapes. Those two final silhouettes ended up being the shapes you see in these featured concepts.
“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 cars, GM says connectivity and personalization enable individualization – which this 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.”
Given that the cars are nearly ready for production based on the Volt/Cruze Delta platform and Cadillac ATS Alpha platform, you might ask what is GM waiting for? The answer: More feedback from this lucrative but elusive audience, and final design decisions too.
Nick David, lead designer for the Tru 140S, told GMInside News its design is very feasible for production. He disclosed that the rear bumper and fender flares are more expressive for the concept vehicle, but the design’s main theme is something GM can produce.
Likewise, the Code 130R – which GMI noted was reminiscent of a BMW 1-Series – is at least as close to production-ready.
GM’s next step is it will tour with the cars to auto shows and other venues to “gauge reaction” from “next-gen” buyers. If GM determines the feedback is strong enough, the cars might see production in a few years.
“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.”
For more info and specs: GM Media
Source: GMI
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+30
Jan 12th, 2012 (7:14 am)Message For John McFarland: Serious Marketing Problem
Marketing of the Volt has been a serious problem contributing to deficiencies in sales. When you consider the storyline of the bathroom or hamburger stand ads, it is clear that creative does not know who they are trying to sell this car to.
The price of the Volt places it in competition with BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus. If you are going to use humor to sell your product to this audience, your ads should not portray you being forced into social contact with undesireable people simply because you own the car. A better use of humor would be to show the undesireable people at the gas station (creepy guys with outrageously loud subwoofers, drunken prostitutes in need of a ride, etc.) that you won’t have to come in to contact with.
If you want to use features to sell the Volt, you should be comparing the Volt’s quietness with that of the Rolls Royce. In addition, the electric drive’s advantage of instant torque has not even been pointed out. Many potential car buyers may not be aware of it at all.
This is not rocket science. With a thought out ad campaign, consumer sales of the Volt would double in three months.
+33
Jan 12th, 2012 (8:00 am)This week I’ve been working doing contract engineering in a contract R&D lab with folks who are mostly Republican, have PhD’s, and own hybrid cars, mostly Camry and Priui. Every one I’ve talked to has asked me if my car caught on fire, or if I got a loaner. The Volt is being defined by Fox News, not by GM. It is a shame.
When I tell these guys that I’m getting 126 MPG and the only fire was in a lab setting, they are incredulous. I’ve taken several of them to lunch, and they are stunned by the beauty, the interior, and the neck-snapping ride. None of them had any idea that the Volt was for sale locally, as they had heard I had to go out of state to buy mine last year.
I think GM has and is screwing this up. 1) The slow – mind-numbing slow – roll-out. 2) The lame commercials. 3) The inability to excite the local dealers. 4) The failure to address the fire issue though advertising.
This is prime territory to sell cars that burn COAL. We dig it here, make electricity with it, and heat our homes with it, yet I’m absolutely sure that not one coal miner has even sat in a Volt, let alone driven one.
WVhyrid
+5
Jan 12th, 2012 (8:05 am)I was hoping they’d have a plug-in SUV using the Volt’s technology. Hopefully, GM will beat Ford to the punch on that. The Volt will do well in 2012 once the congressional circus is over later this month…
MrEnergyCzar
+13
Jan 12th, 2012 (8:08 am)NAILED IT JAMES and WVhybrid!!
+3
Jan 12th, 2012 (8:32 am)Get people to have a ride in the Volt.
Sales reps in the dealers ought to have “outside sales” responsibilities to just offer to well-identified audiences a ride around the block at their lunch times. This is not a hard concept for sales. Although some sales reps may be reluctant to do that, they will need assistants who will do it.
The first adopters, while many and dedicated, can not do this alone, as they must spend most of their time at work. The sales reps need a new approach that will work better, no matter how many Volts will be shipped to each dealership. Waiting lists have their own appeal to desirability.
There is no substitute for that first and only ride. Any marketing to have anything with internal combustion harshness, even in any subdued form, as a possible technological “high miles per gallon” optional choice comparable to Volt, (which it never can be), really confuses the consumer to not ever be able to focus on that Volt ride itself unless they get that ride!!!!!
+2
Jan 12th, 2012 (8:48 am)The Code 130R looks like a smaller Camaro. If the price is right, GM can sell thousands of them, since I know many Camaro admirers who cannot pay for the real deal, but might buy the smaller Code 130R. I have driven a 1967 Rally Sport with the 327 CI engine, and I know how strong it was. I wish Gm all the success it deserves it they can produce that Code 130R. If they decide to make it with Voltec technology, even better!
Raymond
+6
Jan 12th, 2012 (9:08 am)ONe of the big problems is that a lot people like myself who can afford the volt but because they are retired or some other tax situation would get ZERO tax credit for buying a volt. SO in effect they pay the WHOLE $41`000. Not sure how that works with a lease. Its telling that the average buyer makes 175000 a year.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (9:08 am)It’s already being sold – it’s called a Hyundai Veloster. It also has 3 doors!
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (9:25 am)More ideas for the local dealer reps.
How about getting with local university mechanical and electrical engineering students for them
to do some assisting with these courtesy rides in Volts?
How about getting with retired mechanical and electrical engineering professionals for them to do some assisting with these courtesy rides in Volts?
The help is there if it is wanted, I’m sure.
+3
Jan 12th, 2012 (9:33 am)Hyundai is eating GM’s lunch in this market segment. A five-year rollout is way too slow.
+2
Jan 12th, 2012 (9:41 am)The 140 S would be a really great Chevy Cruze Coupe ! And those headlights or something similar would be awesome on the Corvette C7, (which needs to come out soon cuz’ Vette sales are too slow). However, the 130 R looks too much like the Dodge Neon. No sir. I don’t like it.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (9:57 am)140S +2
130R +1
GM needs a replacement for the 2-door Cobalt. Think Mark Reuss said on another page that everyone (referring to Generation Y) doesn’t want 4-door sedans. Glad they figured that out.
ATS aimed at small-car luxury market. Need a Chevy two-door for the small-car mid-market. 130R does look like a mini-Camaro for those who want Camaro fun with 40 mpg. Personally I think the design is too modern, but may be suited to the younger market. The 140S looks like something I’d consider (45 yr old male without kids). Volt is great for what it is, but why does everything efficient have to come in a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback package?
140S would make a great Buick Wildcat too.
Honda had a great idea with the CR-Z. but like the Pontiac Fiero couldn’t exemplify efficiency or performance. Hyundai Veloster takes it a step further. Hopefully Chevy can go on from there. Great to see all the innovative products at the NAIAS.
Meanwhile, another drive in the Honda while the Camaro waits for Spring and $4 a gallon gas…
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (10:10 am)My thoughts exactly …. to bad we will have to wait until 2016! One change I would make is put suicide doors on the 140 to make getting to the back seat a little easier. I believe they had those on the Saturn SC and have on most extended cab trucks.
Jan 12th, 2012 (10:38 am)Tru 140S looks like a sonic coupe for me.Simple and easy to make.
The other one failed to impress me.
+2
Jan 12th, 2012 (10:41 am)Tru 140S = YES
Code 130 = NO
This is priced in the low 20′s for the next generation? I’m not sure if this would work since the next generation can buy a base model Camaro or Mustang for the same price. Heck, I just bought my kid a new 2012 base model Mustang for $17K.
I’m not mocking either of these cars (I actually like the Tru 140S), but I don’t see anything that makes me say “I’m gettin’ one of these!” like I did when they first showcased the Volt 4-5 years ago.
Jan 12th, 2012 (10:44 am)Love that Tru 140S body. Give it a Buick badge with VOLTEC and call it Electra. I really hope the fender flares are retained the back end of that car is super sweet.
+12
Jan 12th, 2012 (10:50 am)I totally agree guys! The 140 S is GORGEOUS from every angle! It looks like the 2011, 2012 Volt SHOULD have looked! Drop a Voltec drive train in this baby and I’ll buy one in a heartbeat!!!!!
Hmmm… this 140 S design seems to remind me of something…..
+3
Jan 12th, 2012 (11:05 am)Would the Voltec equipment fit into a little two-seater (without extensive re-engineering)? Such a car might be built with a smaller pack and more limited range, but not for the “low $20,000s.” I wouldn’t think Voltec suitable for rear-drive at all, as currently conceived. Consider that these cars are already hybrids, which is pretty impressive technologically speaking.
A car that looks exotic and expensive at lower cost is fine, provided there is no problem with fit and finish, cheap crap that breaks or other down-the-road disappointments. Detroit history is littered with inexpensive cars designed for this demographic which resulted in lifelong brand loyalty for Japanese manufacturers.
+4
Jan 12th, 2012 (11:07 am)I think the styling on both looks pretty good. You’ve got sleek and sexy or the more muscular to choose from. I think they’d compete head to head with Mustangs and Camaros on looks. I won’t own a Mustang Camaro or Challenger because of gas mileage, but I might consider one of these two. In truth, I am holding out for a Voltec vehicle, at a price point about $5000 less than currently offered. I won’t be ready for another car for another 3 to 5 years so I may be targetting a Gen 2 lightly used or Gen3 if they are out by then and if the prices have dropped.
Alternately, the LaCrosse and Regal in the e-Assist package are both really good looking and gas friendly alternatives.
Hell, if the Cadillac ELR is out in 5 years and looks totally kick ass, I might bite the bullet on the budget and spring for that.
The current Voltec technology works well enough for me. I’d hope for improvements on battery size/density for weight savings and possibly adding the 5th seat back. Other than that and cost, the Volt is everything it needs to be for mass adoption. Other variants would help as well (minivan, crossover/SUV, sports model).
-1
Jan 12th, 2012 (11:19 am)#15
A much nicer way of expressing my first reaction which was “Meh”. +1
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (11:36 am)Tru 140S yes, the other no
Jan 12th, 2012 (11:56 am)The Volt is a great car. Not a great electric car just a great car. And it’s a shame that this message is not being conveyed.
Even without these things it’s ready for mass adoption. I kept our ICE because I thought the Volt wouldn’t be as comfortable for longer trips but that has turned out not to be the case. If the Volt lost 500 pounds it would be spectacular rather than being merely the best.
I’d love to see an EPA 50 mile range rather than the current 35 mile range, and I’d like a quieter cabin, and I’d like adaptive cruise control and lane warnings, but all in all it’s a fantastic vehicle.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (11:58 am)The 140S is popular with the 35+ crowd. The 130 with the under 25 crowd.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (12:14 pm)Well .. for the rest of us 200+ million baby boomers… we are still waiting.
These are nice little Kiddy Cars.. but what about the practical SUV that you don’t have to climb out of?
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (12:34 pm)Well I’m not in that demographic anymore and with the traffic, time constraints, and cost of fuel etc. I don’t just drive for fun much anymore. I drive to get someplace to do something. 40mpg isn’t too bad, but only four seats is one of the things that’s already a potential deal breaker on the Volt. GM is going to build more stuff like that?
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (12:41 pm)Give either some kind of plug-in powertrain and I’d consider replacing my Volt with one. And I’m not the “youth demographic” Chevy is fantasizing about. The Hyundai Veloster appeals to me for similar reasons.
Jan 12th, 2012 (12:47 pm)Jackson,
Smaller engine smaller battery pack, doesn’t seem like that much engineering compared to the first generation, but how many two seaters do you see on the the road comapred to bigger vehicles?
+5
Jan 12th, 2012 (12:53 pm)I can’t afford a Volt yet. My wife says the 15 year old Geo Prizm is finally getting to the point she doesn’t feel comfortable driving it. Looking at the Sonic, if Chevy gets around to releasing a automatic trans for the turbocharged engine.
Maybe one of you fine people will sell me your old Volt in a couple years.
Jan 12th, 2012 (1:22 pm)Like Corvette Guy my first impression of the red coupe was Dodge Neon revisited above the beltline. The angle of the B pillar along with the shape of the rear side window is too close to the Neon, giving it a cheap bottom-line 2 door sedan look.
Simply reshaping the rear side window would do wonders, changing it from a Neon into a Monte Carlo.
Jan 12th, 2012 (1:35 pm)+4
Jan 12th, 2012 (1:36 pm)just saw this today:
As of the end of 2011, Nissan has sold about 21,000 Leafs globally, including 9,700 in the U.S.
Source: Technology Review
Published: 09 Jan 2012.
c’mon gm…….get them volt out………..
Jan 12th, 2012 (1:39 pm)Like Corvette Guy my first impression of the red coupe was Dodge Neon revisited above the beltline. The angle of the B pillar along with the shape of the rear side window is too close to the Neon, giving it a cheap bottom-line 2 door sedan look.
Simply reshaping the rear side window would do wonders, changing it from a Neon into a Monte Carlo.
+3
Jan 12th, 2012 (1:51 pm)Still so much education to do about the Volt. I was listening to a radio talk show this morning on my way to work and the topic was electric cars. With gas over 5$ a gallon here in Canada, we are looking for solutions.
Some listeners :
a) tought that if you plug the car during peak hours, you would overcharge the grid – didn’t know you can program the car so it will charge during off-peak hours.
b) tought that if the power is down for several days (storm or other), the car won’t run. True for the Leaf but false for the Volt.
On the other hand :
c) it was said that despite the price premium, the electric car is a good buy. Even the Leaf with its limited range (especially in winter).
d) no one mentioned the ‘firegate’ involving the Volt. Then again, we don’t have Faux news in french. So maybe this explains that.
Here, with adequate marketing and advertisement, the Volt will sell. A lot. We dream of the day we can kiss the oil companies a$$ goodbye. The talk show host said so herself
and we’re really fed up of being hostage to them.
But first, have a few cars on the dealers lots. It would help tremendously.
P.S. If we could somehow enable the owner to use the Volt as an emergency generator to power his/her home when there is a long power outage, it would be another BIG plus. I’m not talking Vehicule to Grid here, just the possibility to use the car engine as a generator to power our home when a storm hits.
Jan 12th, 2012 (2:08 pm)I’m going the other way on this one…
The 130 looks like a BMW 1 series coupe. I like it (I’m in the Mid 40′s demograghic)
I’d like the front end toned down a bit though, make it more 66 Nova-like.
I’d call the car a Nova too! (washing away the hateful toyota corolla rebadged imposter once and for all)
The 140 looks like every other show car out there. pretty but generic
Simply my opinion, please do not take offence if you disagree.
Jan 12th, 2012 (2:27 pm)Hi Randy,
Thanks for you thoughts. Assuming generally good credit a lease is the best way to go. Look at my value points on the back of my business card below, right side, 4th down.
You get the $7,500 now through Ally/ Us Bank leasing. No need to file later.
This is how on chevrolet.com the Lease payment starts at $399.00 a month, 36/36,000mls!
1) In most states pay only a small % use tax on monthly payment, not on MSRP!
2) No 5, 6 or 7 year contract!
3) Ready to bust out of lease in 3 years when Gen 2 or Volt 2.0 arrives!
4) Full Onstar, Warranty, Roadside Assistance-Full 3 years!
5) Lease shows up on credit report as total of payments only-reducing paper debdt obligation!
6) Ah Ha moMent- gas locally now $3.69 a gallon-SAVE $180.00-220.00+ a month_NO GAS!!
————————————-Plug It Not Pump It—————-]=
The Amazing Chevy Volt EREV-Facts Guy
http://www.twitter.com/AmazingChevVolt
http://www.gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?9525-The-Volt-White-Paper
Reloaded 12-8-1011
Jan 12th, 2012 (2:54 pm)I think those TV spots are being reserved for the Cadillac ELR
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:07 pm)nasaman,
I thought the same thing when I first saw the T140S
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:10 pm)Are you noticing more wind noise because there’s no ICE noise to drown it out?
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:19 pm)Ok.. fantasy car. Start with the T140S, remove the back 2 seats but leave it a hatchback to haul stuff, put in a 24KWH battery and a range extender ICE, 0-60 under 6 seconds, top speed 100mph, 60 mile AER min, price $40K.
+2
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:23 pm)Has it ever been formally announced that the Volt is now available nation-wide? That could/should have been a big PR event. I’ve seen nothing on this and it was a fluke that I know it now. And I follow car news fairly closely. GM is great at making cars and bad at marketing them.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:26 pm)Perfect car that would sell like hotcakes.
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:31 pm)It certainly doesn’t set as much of a precedent, agreed. But I think any re-engineering is likely to be too much for GM these days. Voices all around them are shouting that the Volt was too much, too soon; and now they’re going to re-size the engine? (This would require a change in the battery cells themselves since the pack would be buffering more deeply than the Volt’s when the generator is running). Volt variants are most likely to be re-packaged, existing parts for the foreseeable future (Caddy ELR wouldn’t completely fall into that category with it’s Ver 1.5 pack).
So, how much could be done with existing parts? A smaller pack with everything else the same would actually be pushing things pretty far.
I’m not really following you here. Are you saying these concepts compared to the Volt? We often forget how small the Volt actually is. All are built on the same Cruze chassis. The R130 could probably carry existing Voltec, but not for the low $20K (or even low $30K) market, not for years.
The Tru 140 is everyone’s styling favorite, but if it sticks to rear drive, a Voltec version runs into big problems. Do you turn the engine and transmission 90 degrees and run a propshaft to a rear differential? Do you put a reduction gear on the engine and run a shaft to a rear-mounted Voltec tranny (sacrificing cargo storage space)? Either way, you give up the tunnel area for battery storage. Limited to the beneath-rear-seat location, can a smaller pack provide good enough buffering for CS mode (or meaningful EV-only range)? This might await practical cells with higher energy densities.
Seems to me that an EREV version of the Tru 140 would have to be front drive. I don’t see a reason why the body couldn’t be mated to the Volt FWD EREV setup. Perhaps it can inspire the styling of a future 3-door Volt.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:33 pm)The Monte Carlo is a nameplate that I miss. I liked the big 2-door over the 4-door Impala.
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:50 pm)one word. Fiero.
Jan 12th, 2012 (3:57 pm)Now I know you weren’t playing on the battery fire fears!!!
A rear engine EREV is certainly possible; but would be enough of an engineering departure to demand different styling. Can you really imagine a rear engine under those swoopy hatchbacks?
An EREV Fiero might be an interesting concept, but it wouldn’t look like either of these.
Actually, wasn’t a similar concept (mid engine rather than rear engine) featured recently, here? It would have sold for more than the current Volt, as a performance exercise. It wouldn’t look expensive and exotic, it would be the real thing:
http://gm-volt.com/2011/12/29/mark-reuss-dreams-up-ultimate-voltec-car/
I guess it underscores the fact that an awful lot could be done with existing parts …
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (5:32 pm)Folks ask for 5 seats in Volt …Do u know that 95% of folks commute alone and only have someone with them for another 3-4 % and rarely have 5 people in car..well when grandma visits lol
-8
Jan 12th, 2012 (6:14 pm)the 140 looks like something a douche bag would drive.
130 looks great id buy one in heart beat.
+1
Jan 12th, 2012 (6:23 pm)Make the 130 a Chevy, the 140 a Buick, and the Converj replacement is a 150 for Caddy.
GM needs to court young people for all its divisions. Why wouldn’t they?
Jan 12th, 2012 (6:24 pm)phil,
Maybe the sale of 140s will subsidize the sale of 130s.
+2
Jan 12th, 2012 (7:40 pm)Both cars can probably attract their share of buyers if priced competitive. None of my three kids would be interested though as they all want an EV or EREV. My youngest (14yrs) is expecting to get Volt#671 when he’s old enough to drive and that just might happen. My daughter is driving a 2004 Saturn ION while saving for a Volt or possibly a SparkEV. She’s hoping EV charging infrastructure expands quicker on the North East coast.
NPNS!
Vol#671
Jan 12th, 2012 (7:59 pm)MuddyRoverRob,
My 13 year old son said the same thing but he likes the 140 better
Jan 13th, 2012 (10:00 am)Subaru WRX (just need hood scoop) on left, Toyota Celica on right
Jan 13th, 2012 (11:18 pm)James McQuaid,
This former Audi owner thinks you are right on target.
+1
Jan 16th, 2012 (1:13 am)I really like the 130R. Build it, because a lot folks, young and older, look for a car like this. This car looks fun to drive. I could also see a Nomad version of the car, since Chevy has flirted with the Nomad in concepts twice in the last 15 years. A Nomad would add a utility aspect to the vehicle. According to the video they said 2016, why so long? I thought the idea was to turn a concept around like that in 2 to 3 years to satisfy customers in the recent future and not when the Millenials will be looking for SUVs to take kids to soccer practice.
Jan 25th, 2012 (6:18 am)I like both styles but I’d prefer a rear wheel vehicle. Also, GM should offer different engine packages for those who prefer a little more power under the hood. Finally, don’t wait 5 years to build these vehicles because people who are looking to purchase their next vehicle will forget about these concepts.
Feb 2nd, 2012 (1:59 pm)Not in the target demographic and definitely not a GM fan, but I would buy the Tru 140S in a heartbeat. Have not seen a design as forward looking as this since the 1965 Corvair – yes, you heard that right. All the memorable GM names are two generations old.
Why does it take four years to put a standing concept like the Tru 140S on the street? GM has become the AMTRAK of the automobile industry, and we know how innovative and risk-taking the railroads have become.
I’m not holding my breath for the Tru 140S, but it is a great day dream wish…
Feb 7th, 2012 (10:13 pm)Build the tru 140
Forget the other
Feb 10th, 2012 (2:39 am)I Honestly think that the 140S NEEDS TO BE BUILT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 2 Conditions!
1 – Make it RWD, maybe even using the Camaro’s IRS would make it Even BETTER!!
2 – Give it Bigger Engine Options, like an SS Package with a 3.6L V6!! Make the 1.4L the Base engine.
No Point in making a Car look like a Lambo, if it can’t race a Freaking Civic.
So, you put THOSE 2 things together with the Car, then I Will Buy One in BLUE!!
Also…
What about making this the 2014 (or whatever year) Camaro!!??!!
As long as you can fit the Engine under the Hood, THIS would be an INCREDIBLE Camaro Z28!!
Just make the Front-End Pointed & give it some of the qualities that the 4th-Gen Camaro’s had, and BAM!!!!!!
Killer Car I’d say!! ;^D
*But the Reality is, if you don’t go ALL THE WAY on having RWD & a V6 Option, then there really isn’t much for people to get Excited about! YOU MUST BUILD IT, IF YOU WANT THEM TO COME!! ….