Chevrolet Code 130R And Tru 140S Concepts Debut At Detroit

Chevrolet has revealed a pair of coupe concepts in Detroit this week: one rear-wheel-drive - and a production possibility - the other a front-wheel-drive study in style.

Both concepts are powered by a 111kW 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

The Code 130R concept (above) features a rear-wheel-drive layout, and also gains GM's eAssist hybrid drive system, bringing start-stop, brake energy recuperation, and electric acceleration assistance.

Mated with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, Chevrolet says the concept is good for combined fuel consumption figures of around 5.8 l/100km.

If the 130R makes it to production - and Chevrolet says it might, depending on buyer feedback - the carmaker will target those shopping for Toyota's new 86 coupe (Scion FR-S in the US market) with a price point in the low US$20,000 range.

"We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want,"  John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet global marketing, said.

In concept form, the deal is sweetened by the addition of Chevrolet's MyLink voice control and navigation system, heads-up display, WiFi, and smartphone connectivity.

Chevrolet 140S Concept

In the case of the Tru 140S, Chevrolet has gone with a front-wheel-drive configuration, with a sleek futuristic shape.

As with the 130R, the three-door, four-seat 140S features GM's eAssist hybrid drive system, along with the full range of MyLink and WiFi features.

“Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience,” Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio said.

This concept too is up for a possible production future, and Chevrolet says it's keen to hear from buyers on the 140S concept's potential.