Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Chevrolet, New York Auto Show
New York Auto Show: Chevy Trax Concept
Click on the photo for a high res gallery of the Trax
We already got a preview of the Trax mini-cross-over concept last week from GM and now we get some more details. Chevrolet calls this one an urban cross-over that looks kind of a blend of Scion xB, Honda Element with a touch of the new Malibu in the nose. Two big round headlights flank the now standard Chevrolet grille, and the fenders and rocker panels get a matte finish to contrast with the brighter Blaze Orange body finish.
The Trax is motivated by a 1.0L engine that sends power to the front wheels. An electric motor with a battery pack combine with an electric limited slip differential at the rear axle that can provide on demand all wheel drive at low cost. Like the Beat concept the brake calipers are clearly visible through the 16 inch wheels and and painted in Flame Yellow on the Trax. The press release is after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]
Gallery: Chevy Trax Concept
CHEVROLET TRAX: URBAN CROSSOVER
NEW YORK – Active buyers who want to get in touch with their sportier side – or who just want to navigate the urban jungle in a sportier ride – will make tracks to the Chevrolet Trax, an urban front-wheel-drive crossover concept with a twist: This micro SUV has an electric limited-slip differential that features an independent battery pack and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, providing a low-cost all-wheel-drive system.
The four-door Trax is bathed in a Blaze Orange exterior finish, with rugged Burnt Orange accents on the front and rear corners that reinforce the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size. Simple door lines make getting in and out easier; and fold-flat rear seats add functionality.
Other features that suit its dynamic and off-road character include a voluminous, single-unit bumper and fender in front and rear, a pronounced front wheel arch shape, dynamic side character lines, a rear-mounted spare tire and roof rack. Brake calipers in Flame Yellow infuse additional attitude. The package rides on 16-inch wheels and Kumho tires for precise ride and handling.
The Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine.
"The Trax is a vehicle that you can show off anywhere, be it off-road or on the road," said Sangyeon Cho, manager of the min icar exterior design team at the GM Design Center in Inchon , South Korea . "It brings a rational combination of SUV design, function, performance and value to the consumer."
NEW YORK – Active buyers who want to get in touch with their sportier side – or who just want to navigate the urban jungle in a sportier ride – will make tracks to the Chevrolet Trax, an urban front-wheel-drive crossover concept with a twist: This micro SUV has an electric limited-slip differential that features an independent battery pack and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, providing a low-cost all-wheel-drive system.
The four-door Trax is bathed in a Blaze Orange exterior finish, with rugged Burnt Orange accents on the front and rear corners that reinforce the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size. Simple door lines make getting in and out easier; and fold-flat rear seats add functionality.
Other features that suit its dynamic and off-road character include a voluminous, single-unit bumper and fender in front and rear, a pronounced front wheel arch shape, dynamic side character lines, a rear-mounted spare tire and roof rack. Brake calipers in Flame Yellow infuse additional attitude. The package rides on 16-inch wheels and Kumho tires for precise ride and handling.
The Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine.
"The Trax is a vehicle that you can show off anywhere, be it off-road or on the road," said Sangyeon Cho, manager of the min icar exterior design team at the GM Design Center in Inchon , South Korea . "It brings a rational combination of SUV design, function, performance and value to the consumer."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mirko 5:45AM (4/04/2007)
Not great.
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avik42 4:40PM (4/04/2007)
Ouch... they are not even trying any more .... You thought American cars manufacturer are hurting now, wait till these "beauties" hit the road.
If I had to pick between Beat, Trax and Groove, I would have to pick "Suicide".
This are cars most people with any taste will stay away from. Unless of course your plan was to own the fugliest car on the street in the first place.
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makemineamini 1:01PM (4/05/2007)
American car tastes need to evolve a LOT when it comes to small cars. I'm so sick of all the wedge shaped designs. I think this is finally a refreshing direction in compact vehicle design. It's got that little bulldog stance like a MINI. Cheeky and fun. Bring it on GM !!!
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Dave 9:05PM (4/05/2007)
I am a 55 year old who has owned 3 Bonnevilles. GM made a mistake not continuing it. I have a short commute to work. If the ride is as smooth as possible, reasonable sound insulation, and gets great gas mileage, I would consider it.
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eldar 11:07PM (4/09/2007)
Avik, look at some of the cars that get sold. The prius is right at the top of ugly. Geez, even the hummers are ugly. I would not be surprised one bit if these cars sell like hotcakes.
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Frank 10:41AM (4/18/2007)
All I care about is gas mileage. If predictions are true and sooner than later we are paying $5 per gallon then I will be driving this little beauty. It's kind of cool looking too.
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CM 11:26AM (5/01/2007)
Dude, I live in Europe. I see Smart Cars everyday. The Chevy mini cars are a hellofva lot better lookin' them Smart Cars. I would buy one hands down. I think a lot of youger people lookin' to get in to something new, unique, nice size wheels, would take to them like fish to water. If the Chevy mini can handle a killer stereo. SOLD.
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James Stamper 4:17PM (5/01/2007)
All other countries have accepted the need for 55 mpg vehicles, all except the USA of course. These 3 concept cars are not about being cute or ugly, they are about being efficient and affordable. But admitedly, they probably won't be appreciated until gas hits $6 a gallon. The Groove has a diesel engine and lots of mpg potential. The Trax has all wheel drive when needed, which is important for people not living the urban dream. The Beat, well its just a subcompact with a lot of glitter. By the way, all 3 concepts are of ASIAN design, not american. So if its ugly, blame Korea and not Detroit!
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Bradford O. Mosher 1:55AM (5/27/2007)
GM is committing suicide by not pushing high mileage cars..... ranging from micros, hybrids and diesels.
Ford sells a 7-passenger van in Europe that gets more than 42mpg with its diesel....
In England, Chevrolet sells a small car that gets more than 60mpg....
Here, their idea of good mileage has been anything more than 20 mpg for more than 40 years....
They should bring all three to market by fall.
GM leadership has sucked for the last 50 years.
Will they finally wakeup????
Time will tell....
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