Two Chevrolet models, the Chevrolet-FNR and all-new Malibu, made their global debut this evening at Shanghai GM Gala Night. They were joined by the Bolt EV concept and the 2015 Captiva, which made their China debut.
The new models were introduced as Shanghai GM celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its Chevrolet brand in China. They will appear alongside 12 other models on the Chevrolet display at Auto Shanghai 2015, this year’s leading auto show in China, which starts tomorrow.
Chevrolet-FNR
The Chevrolet-FNR is an autonomous electric concept vehicle that offers a glimpse at mobility of the future. It was developed in Shanghai by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint venture.
Engineering, design and electrification teams drew on their past experience developing electric concept vehicles. Their aim was to create a unique, intelligent vehicle for tomorrow’s younger consumers by utilizing innovative car networking technology.
The Chevrolet-FNR boasts a futuristic capsule design. It has crystal laser headlights and taillights, dragonfly dual swing doors, magnetic hubless wheel electric motors and a wireless auto-charge system.
The Chevrolet-FNR is loaded with a range of intelligent technologies usually seen only in science fiction movies. They include sensors and roof-mounted radar that can map out the environment to enable driverless operation, Chevy Intelligent Assistant and iris recognition start. The Chevrolet-FNR can also serve as a “personal assistant” to map out the best route to the driver’s preferred destination.
In self-driving mode, the vehicle’s front seats can swivel 180 degrees to face the rear seats, creating a more intimate setting. The driver can switch to manual mode through the gesture control feature.
All-New Chevrolet Malibu
The all-new Malibu, which is based on the eighth-generation Malibu, was developed especially for China to meet the demands of younger consumers. It demonstrates Chevrolet’s latest “Designed to Raise your Heartbeat” direction that reflects muscular body lines and enhanced body proportions.
It is longer than its predecessor. Muscular lines on the hood combined with sculptural outlines on the rear accentuate its powerful stance.
The all-new Malibu’s integrated narrow upper grille with eagle eye-shaped headlights, Chevrolet’s iconic sculptural dual-port grille with chrome trim, and semi-framed fog lamps work together to present a sharp three-dimensional look that is balanced by the sedan’s well-rounded rear fascia. Its dual-element taillights were inspired by those on the first-generation Malibu.
True to the brand’s “fun to drive” philosophy, the all-new Malibu is equipped with a choice of a 2.4L Ecotec SIDI engine or a 2.0L DVVT engine, as well as a new-generation six-speed automatic transmission.
Its European-style sports chassis, which is built on GM’s most advanced upper-medium sedan platform, adds to the driving pleasure that today’s younger car buyers prefer.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept
The Bolt EV concept had its global premiere at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is a game-changing electric vehicle that signals Chevrolet’s commitment to bring electrification to today’s consumer with unexpected functionality, technology and crossover proportions.
It features Chevrolet’s classic dual-cockpit styling, while uniquely integrating user-friendly technology to offer a worry-free, delightful driving experience. Lightweight materials – including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and woven mesh – add to the design while keeping down the curb weight to give the Bolt EV a range of more than 320 km (200 miles).
Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.
The model’s technological intuitiveness can be accessed via a smartphone with the concept Bolt EV Connect app. This is designed to allow a smartphone to perform as the key fob, allow ride-sharing management, and incorporate the concept automatic park-and-retrieval technology to enable the Bolt EV concept to park itself.
2015 Chevrolet Captiva
The 2015 Captiva has the rugged and imposing image of an American SUV, along with a younger and sportier appearance than its predecessor. Its front fascia has been refreshed and chrome accents have been added to Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grille to bolster the SUV’s stylish and sporty appeal.
The 2015 Captiva also comes with newly designed front fog lamps with chrome trim that add to the dynamic and vibrant look, and a matte silver guard plate that runs across the front fascia beneath the bumper to support resistance to abrasion and give the front fascia a sturdier appearance. It has added the stylish new Mocha Brown exterior color.
Among the other styling touches are wing-shape portholes with chrome trim set off by black paint; matrix-type dual exhausts; body-tone, dual-color door handles; and a metallic roof rack.
The 2015 Captiva comes standard with a 2.4L Ecotec SIDI engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Eco mode. This combination provides superior shift quality, handling and fuel economy, and makes the 2015 Captiva an even better road-going SUV.
To increase its contemporary appeal, the 2015 Captiva is equipped with Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment system and a segment-leading 7-inch multi-touch screen that support double-screen interaction, intelligent voice messaging and the use of auto-based apps.
Putting “Show” Back into the Autoshow at Auto Shanghai 2015
Chevrolet’s 3,550-square-meter display at Auto Shanghai 2015 will highlight a range of exciting new products and concept cars as well as Chevrolet’s full vehicle lineup.
Chevrolet is also unveiling an all new global autoshow display design that puts the “show” back into the Autoshow with the all-new “Find New Roads” design using state of the art technology.
Spectacular LED screen video show and lights will be choreographed into a highly immersive and entertaining environment to showcase Chevrolet’s brand and product story.
Chevrolet has also created an Interactive engagement zone where visitors will be able to learn about Chevrolet’s design, performance and technology. As well, visitors will have a chance to upload their photos taken in the display for social media sharing.
