Sell well? No
Do I like? Yes
That's a weird market segment that hasn't really played out well that I can remember.
Even though this looks like someone slapped a bowtie on the front of a BMW 1-Series and added headlights from the current-generation Mustang, this is actually Chevrolet’s 130R Concept.
Introduced at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the rear-wheel, four-seat coupe was based on GM’s Alpha platform that also underpinned the ATS at the time. A six-speed automatic was standard, though a six-speed manual was also said to be available.
The most interesting feature, though, may have been its potential powerplant: a turbocharged, 1.4-liter Ecotec inline-four backed by an “eAssist” mild hybrid system. This combo was said to be capable of 150 horsepower, 148 lb.-ft. of torque and 40 mpg highway.
Do you think the hybrid sports car would have sold well (especially with younger buyers as was intended), or do the four- and six-cylinder versions of the Camaro currently fill the role well enough?
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Sell well? No
Do I like? Yes
That's a weird market segment that hasn't really played out well that I can remember.
I'm still mildly annoyed that this didn't make it to production. I really liked thr looks and the concept.
Ironically, I'm seeing current Mustang in this.
Vigo (Forum Supporter) said:Ironically, I'm seeing current Mustang in this.
Totally.
I really wish someone would take another swing at the sporty hybrid concept. The CR-Z was a failure as a hybrid and as a sporty car because it was bad at being both. The idea isn't inherently flawed, it just needs better execution.
I'd completely forgotten about this car, but my thoughts echo buzzboy's.
The idea of a sporty hybrid is definitely an engineering challenge. Mostly the weight balance, I'd suspect.
In reply to pointofdeparture :
Absolutely. An underrated aspect of the success of Tesla is that they've made EVs FUN. The CR-Z broke my heart because the body said party while the driveline said Meh.
The main thing that I dislike about this car is the front. Chevy's generic grille/emblem says "Hi, this is the face of mediocrity" which isn't really fair because Chevy makes some good stuff.
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