GM has unveiled the Chevy Aveo RS Concept ahead of its official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show next week. Let's just say it as it is...this concept is so much better than the current bargain basement Aveo. The Aveo RS Concept is our first hint of what to expect from the next Aveo, which should arrive in a year or so.
Small cars have finally become important in the US following the success of the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. By the end of the year, Ford's much acclaimed Fiesta will also be roaming US streets, so it's nice to see that GM is finally getting serious about the segment as well. The Aveo RS Concept ditches the boring econocar looks of the current Aveo for something that is much more aggressive with a wider stance and styling reminiscent of the Chevy Spark. Inside the concept gets an interior that is similar to that of the new Chevy Cruze and Equinox.
The Aveo RS Concept also finally has something decent under the hood since it is powered by the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque as the larger Cruze. GM hasn't officially announced if there will be an RS version of the next Aveo, but it would be nice.
PRESS RELEASE:
Chevrolet Aveo RS Show Car: A Wake-Up Call For The Small-Car Segment
* Dynamic hot hatch designed to appeal to young enthusiasts
* Personalization is built into the design
* Roominess and upscale amenities not usually found in subcompacts
* 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbo delivers exceptional fuel economy with performance when needed
DETROIT - Chevrolet today announced the world debut of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.
Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car's upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.
"We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.
First impressions
The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round taillamps 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.
"The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car," said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. "We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it."
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 metallic 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 taillamps 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, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.
The motorcycle inspiration also carries 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 the same highly efficient 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze.
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 at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Timing for retooling Orion Assembly for Aveo production is anticipated to begin in late 2010.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has nine models that offer an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers two hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. More information can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit http://media.gm.com/volt.
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Comments (17)
I like it but lets see if that's how the car is really going to look like or really close to it once it makes it to the production line.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | January 7, 2010 10:33 PM
Posted on January 7, 2010 22:33
That's an Aveo??? Niiice! Looks like one of those cars off of Transformers. Pretty rich for an entry level Chevy.
Posted by Blue Z34 | January 8, 2010 1:04 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 01:04
Just call it something other than Aveo, but it's great someone gave the interior the Cruze treatment.
Posted by thetruth | January 8, 2010 5:03 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 05:03
I'm not too keen on the Audi-esque grill (not excited about the the corporate split grille, but it looks OK on the Malibu), but it's still ok; that's just a nitpick. The instrument panel begs for a cleaner design, and that's not a nitpick.
Nevertheless, it looks like it's much better than the current offering.
Posted by Kawi | January 8, 2010 5:08 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 05:08
I hope it doesn't have that engine compartment hood under the actual car hood. Really rather redundant. Of course this is just a concept and maybe not an actual working model.
Posted by tomt | January 8, 2010 7:03 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 07:03
Its a production Aveo Steal. Just take off the body kit, smaller side fenders, 19" wheels, engine bay dressing, and tail lights. The headlights are at least optional from what I understand. This is what the Aveo RS will look like when it comes out most likely minus the 19" wheels and engine dress.
Posted by Avatar | January 8, 2010 7:11 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 07:11
Looks correct. GM released a rendering of the base Aveo.
Posted by Avatar | January 8, 2010 7:17 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 07:17
Sorry, lied. Was an insider's rendering of the production Aveo.
Posted by Avatar | January 8, 2010 7:20 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 07:20
Jeez, who took the photos of the interior? Fingerprints and dust smudges everywhere. Too funny.
Posted by VinceL | January 8, 2010 8:51 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 08:51
if it does make it of the line with a 1.4l turbo 138hp, this might be a fun little pocketrocket if well priced.
Posted by 6thgear | January 8, 2010 9:42 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 09:42
Mini Lancer from Mitsubishi?
Posted by Jettto | January 8, 2010 11:08 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 11:08
@VinceL:
Yeah and horrible Photoshop job on that first pic trying to remove the hydro tower :)
Posted by Robert | January 8, 2010 11:12 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 11:12
Me want!
....never thought i'd say that about an aveo? camaro yeah but an aveo...really like this.(that regal gs wasn't to bad either.)Note to GM please ship this.as a matter of fact please ship to my House, ASAP!
Posted by patman08 | January 8, 2010 11:33 AM
Posted on January 8, 2010 11:33
Very good looking for an entry-level car and especially for Aveo. Other than that, there are a few similar hatchbacks out there.
Posted by DuDe | January 8, 2010 2:13 PM
Posted on January 8, 2010 14:13
Chevy releases a CR-Z killer! Just kidding (not really). Agreed they should change the name.
A BIG round of applause for ditching the Daewoo and putting some Michigan folks back to work!!!!
Posted by Trooper Bri | January 8, 2010 3:11 PM
Posted on January 8, 2010 15:11
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this being a pocket rocket...
138 hp turbo or not does not make this a pocket rocket. Unless it weights in around 2000lbs, which I doubt, it probably won't be much faster than my 04 Corolla.
Posted by Brian | January 8, 2010 7:48 PM
Posted on January 8, 2010 19:48
Considering that the current Aveo5 uses a 1.6L good for 108 hp and 105 ft-lb of torque at a very high 4000 rpm, weighs 2500 lbs, and gets 27/35 mpg, the 1.4L turbo would be quite a step up. Keep in mind that in the heavier Cruze, the 1.4L is suppose to get 40 mpg on the highway and weighs supposedly just under 2900 lbs. There have been mentions, just mentions, that the 1.4L turbo might be good for as much as 45 mpg highway. If that works out to be true or close to true, then GM has a winner. The Civic Hybrid gets 40/45.
The 1.4L is a turbo done right for gas mileage. Makes the same exact horsepower as the 1.8L going into the Cruze, but makes 148 ft-lb of torque below 2000 rpm vs 125 ft-lb of torque at 3800 rpm. Use the turbo to make more torque sooner so the engine doesn't have to rev vs other guys which are hp, hp, and more hp. Basically, a gas powered diesel.
Posted by Avatar | January 9, 2010 9:16 AM
Posted on January 9, 2010 09:16