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Chevrolet Aveo RS show car: Dynamic hot hatch hints at next-generation Aveo

2010-03-02

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Chevrolet today celebrated the European premiere of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The show car had its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show earlier this year. It features a dynamic hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and provides a preview of the next-generation Aveo.

Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS features upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.

"The Aveo RS concept shows clearly that we are ready to make a big step forward in the small car segment," said Chevrolet Europe president and managing director, Wayne Brannon. "Coming to Europe in 2011, the new Aveo will be completely in tune with the striking new Cruze and Spark, our all-new compact and mini entries."

"The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car," said Michael Simcoe, executive director, Chevrolet Design. "We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it."

First impressions

The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round tail lamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminum. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.

Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminum structural surround, are inspired by the designers' affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-colored turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the "C"-pillar area.

No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tires. The Aveo RS show car's wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake calipers.

The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear tail lamps feature tinted aluminum housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.

Spacious and stylish interior

With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, indicator screen and knobs complement the blue stitching.

The motorcycle inspiration is echoed inside, with a round, analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cutouts; and round, aluminum-trimmed side vents.

The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.

Efficient performer

The Aveo RS show car is powered by a highly efficient 140-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine.

A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminum insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the center of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel color.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built for the North American market at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., U.S.A., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan.

SPECIFICATIONS: AVEO RS SHOW CAR

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' leading global brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet delivers attractive, distinctive design, practical, economical cars and outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. The new Chevrolet line-up includes the all-new Spark city car, the small Aveo, compact Cruze sedan, Captiva SUV and mid-size Epica. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, France and Spain. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is preparing to celebrate its centenary with the launch of the ground-breaking Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. More information on Chevrolet can be found at http://www.chevroleteurope.com or http://media.chevroleteurope.com.