(August 16, 2011) Over the course of its 100-year history, Chevrolet has created and refined an array of beautiful car designs. Some of these have moved on to become true road legends, such as the Belair, the Suburban, the Corvette, or the Camaro.

Though Chevrolet cars are very diverse in their appearance, reflecting the different uses they have, there is a common design and brand DNA and a set of exterior and interior features that distinguishes them from a multitude of competitors.

The Chevrolet Miray and the Colorado Rally Concept, which will celebrate their European premiere in at the Frankfurt Auto Show in mid-September, embody these design principles and take current trends in their respective segment a step into the future.

Whereas the powerful Colorado Rally Concept previews the next generation of this midsize pickup truck, the futuristic-looking Chevrolet Miray merges a jet-inspired exterior with an advanced hybrid powertrain technology.



Sitting atop an AWD chassis, the double-cab Colorado Rally Concept, first revealed at the Buenos Aires International Auto Show, conveys strength through every square centimeter of its bodywork. It aims to deliver maximum authenticity and was designed with a rally raid category in mind.

With its wide stance, 18-inch aluminum wheels with mud terrain tires, a height-adjustable suspension system and Fox Racing Shox shocks, the second show version of the Colorado midsize pickup truck communicates durability and performance. The first Colorado show truck was unveiled at the Bangkok Motor Show in April this year.

First unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show in March, the Chevrolet Miray concept offers a fresh interpretation of some typical Chevrolet design cues while paying tribute to Chevrolet's sports car heritage. The Miray is propelled by two front-mounted, battery-powered 15-kW electric motors for quick acceleration and zero emissions in urban driving.

"'Miray' is Korean for 'future.' The concept strengthens the bond between car and driver and takes a fresh look at what a sports cars of the future might be," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "Many of the components used in its drivetrain are an extension of our systems. The Miray demonstrates the potential for rescaling and extending today's propulsion technologies."

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. Its dual-port grille is flanked by LED headlamps with new signature daytime running lamps.

The front and rear fenders evoke Chevrolet Corvettes of the past and express the concept's sports car spirit. Carbon fibre spoilers at the corners help control down force and airflow. From above, the cabin has a unique diamond shape.

The Miray's "mid-electric" propulsion system, located primarily behind and beneath the driver, has been engineered to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. Its two front-mounted 15-kW electric motors are 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-liter four-cylinder turbo-charged engine mounted behind the cockpit combines with the electric motors for performance driving. It provides spirited torque, while seamlessly integrating electrification technology that sets a new standard in the compact roadster segment.

A dual-clutch transmission obviates the need for a torque converter, thereby enabling a reduction of the engine's size. Shifts are quick and firm, with the shift pattern having been tuned for improved top speed in performance mode. A start-stop system operates in conjunction with the Miray's dual-clutch transmission.