CHEVROLET has unveiled two new rally concepts that will be displayed at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
The Colorado Rally Concept previews the next generation of the midsize pickup truck, while the futuristic-looking Chevrolet Miray merges a jet-inspired exterior with advanced hybrid powertrain technology.
The Chevrolet Miray is propelled by two front-mounted, battery-powered 15kW electric motors for quick acceleration and zero emissions in urban driving.
Being small and open like the 1963 Monza SS, and light and purposeful like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder, the Miray has an aerodynamic fuselage reminiscent of modern jet fighters.
The wedged body side is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and carbon fibre. Le Mans racer-style scissor doors underscore the Miray’s racy looks.
An interesting detail is the centrally located start button. When it is pressed, the column-mounted retractable meter cluster rises like the canopy of a single-seat aircraft and “interactive projection” appears on the white surface.
Retractable rearview cameras, which replace traditional rearview mirrors, extend from the side glass electrically. In city driving, the forward-facing camera operates in conjunction with GPS to overlay navigation information with real-time video.
The Miray’s mid-electric propulsion system, located primarily behind and beneath the driver, features the two aforementioned front-mounted 15kW electric motors, powered by a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking energy. The system can be switched from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive.
A 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged engine mounted behind the cockpit combines with the electric motors for performance driving.
At the other end of the scale, sitting atop an AWD chassis, the double-cab Colorado Rally Concept features 18in aluminium wheels with mud terrain tyres, a height-adjustable suspension system and Fox Racing Shox shocks.
Large headlamps with LED lighting elements, a carefully sculpted hood and muscular fibreglass bumpers define the Colorado’s front appearance. Two additional lights let into the front edge of the roof and into the side mirrors, acrylic rally-car windows with air inlets and front and rear tow hooks underscore the car’s off-road credentials.
The Colorado Rally Concept is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and sports two 5.5hp winches that have been incorporated into its front and rear bumpers.
If you were in any doubt of it’s rally purpose, the Colorado has five-point seatbelts, a roll cage, a dedicated fire-extinguishing system, an air boost system that quickly cleans the cabin after the car has entered a dust cloud during an off-road chase and a hydration pack positioned behind each seat. A food solution is delivered to the occupants through a small tube.