Geneva Show 2012: Chevrolet

A world premiere, two European debuts and the launch of a new infotainment system from Chevrolet at the Geneva show. We have been able to see the Cruze Station Wagon, which, with its worldwide launch, joins the 4- and 5-door versions, along with two prototypes, the Code 130R and the Tru 140S, and the unveiling of Chevrolet MyLink, the brand’s latest infotainment offering.

The Cruze Station Wagon takes over from the Cruze as the family-oriented option, where cargo capacity and comfort take priority: cargo capacity up to the window line at the rear is 500 litres, rising to almost 1,500 up to the roof with the rear seats folded. In addition, the Cruze will get new engines from the summer: alongside the current 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines, the range will be completed by a new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, a new 1.7-litre diesel and an improved 2.0-litre diesel.

Two concepts, the Code 130R and the Tru 140S, celebrate their European debut in Geneva. The turbocharged Code 130R is a four-seat, rear-wheel-drive coupé. With an aggressive front end, typically Chevrolet right through to the front wings, the Code 130R aims to capture Chevrolet’s high-performance heritage in the new generations. This concept is equipped with eAssist technology, which switches the engine off at stops, smooths out torque during acceleration and recovers energy under braking, balancing the turbo’s performance with low fuel consumption.

As for the Tru 140S, it is a four-seat sports coupé with front-wheel drive. This three-door is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and features the hybrid powertrain of the Chevrolet Volt, which, incidentally, was shown in Geneva after being named European Car of the Year.

For spring 2012, the most “Americanised” of them all is due to arrive: the Chevrolet Malibu. A typical American saloon that will arrive with a petrol engine in spring 2012, followed by a diesel version in the second half of the year. The engines will be a 2.4-litre unit producing 167 CV at 5,800 rpm with peak torque of 225 Nm at 4,600 rpm, or, later in 2012, a 2.0-litre diesel producing 160 CV at 4,000 rpm with 350 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. Both engines can be paired with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Meanwhile, GM has presented the MyLink infotainment system, which integrates the driver’s personal devices, such as smartphones, via a seven-inch high-resolution touchscreen, turning the car into its own mobile docking station.

Via | Equipo Highmotor