Chevrolet introduced the Mi-ray concept today at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. The roadster celebrates great sports cars of the past and offers an exploration of future possibilities for the brand.
Styled after modern jet fighters, the Mi-ray features a concept “mid-electric” propulsion system in which two front-mounted, 15-kW electric motors are powered by a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking energy. A 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine mounted behind the cockpit drives the rear wheels.
Together with a dual-clutch transmission, the innovative powertrain is tuned to deliver lively accelerations and improved top speed in performance mode as well as quick and firm gear shifts. Incidentally, the Mi-ray has the capability of being switched from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.
In terms of design, Chevrolet says the roadster is small and open like the 1963 Monza SS, and light and purposeful like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. Sleek, edgy styling underlines its sports car spirit. Le Mans racer-style scissor doors and LED headlamps with new signature daytime running lamps further emphasize its striking look.
Carbon fibre has been used for a number of components such as the body panels, spoilers and wheels (20'' up front, 21'' in the back). The latter also use aluminum for a unique composite construction.
Inside, the Mi-ray contains a mix of brushed aluminum, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces for an overall effect of sculptural velocity. The twin cockpit tightly wraps around the driver and passenger, with asymmetric seats that flow from the door panels.
Information in front of the driver has been prioritized into three zones. Immediately in front is vehicle performance. It is flanked on the left by range and on the right by navigation and mileage figures.
Other items worth mentioning include the centre touch screen and retractable rearview cameras that replace the traditional mirrors. In city driving, they operate in conjunction with GPS to overlay navigation information with real-time video.
Styled after modern jet fighters, the Mi-ray features a concept “mid-electric” propulsion system in which two front-mounted, 15-kW electric motors are powered by a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking energy. A 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine mounted behind the cockpit drives the rear wheels.
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| Photo: General Motors |
Together with a dual-clutch transmission, the innovative powertrain is tuned to deliver lively accelerations and improved top speed in performance mode as well as quick and firm gear shifts. Incidentally, the Mi-ray has the capability of being switched from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.
In terms of design, Chevrolet says the roadster is small and open like the 1963 Monza SS, and light and purposeful like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. Sleek, edgy styling underlines its sports car spirit. Le Mans racer-style scissor doors and LED headlamps with new signature daytime running lamps further emphasize its striking look.
Carbon fibre has been used for a number of components such as the body panels, spoilers and wheels (20'' up front, 21'' in the back). The latter also use aluminum for a unique composite construction.
Inside, the Mi-ray contains a mix of brushed aluminum, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces for an overall effect of sculptural velocity. The twin cockpit tightly wraps around the driver and passenger, with asymmetric seats that flow from the door panels.
Information in front of the driver has been prioritized into three zones. Immediately in front is vehicle performance. It is flanked on the left by range and on the right by navigation and mileage figures.
Other items worth mentioning include the centre touch screen and retractable rearview cameras that replace the traditional mirrors. In city driving, they operate in conjunction with GPS to overlay navigation information with real-time video.
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| Photo: General Motors |