4 replies to this topic

[Chris V.]

New RWD Alpha platform car that shares chassis with the new Caddy ATS.







"The Code 130R is a rear-wheel-drive, four-seat coupe wearing what Chevrolet describes as “heritage performance–inspired styling” with flared fenders, straight sides, and crossflag emblems. It resembles a shrunken Camaro with some sweet 20-inch matte anodized gold wheels. The Code 130R casts a shadow roughly the same size as and has proportions similar to the BMW 1-series, and it’s slightly larger than the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S twins. (We’ve heard this concept shares its platform with the Cadillac ATS; the two have identical wheelbase measurements of 109.3 inches.) Power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with eAssist mild-hybrid technology; the engine itself makes 150 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, a slight bump from the 1.4-liter turbo in other GM products. A six-speed auto would be standard and a six-speed manual offered as an option."

I really like this, and with the RWD turbo 4, it's a throwback to the cool lightweight RWD coupes of the '70s and early '80s, much like the Subaru BRZ and Toyota/Scion FR-S. I'd like to see it with 16" or 17" wheels instead of the showcar giant wheels, but I approve of the upright roofline with more window area to see out of. If they can build it very close to the concept (i.e. still light, still styled the same) I might even buy one.

Edited by Chris V., 09 January 2012 - 01:05 PM.
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[Elite_Deforce]

Pass on styling for me.

However platform looks promising. I can't wait to see everyone else build something to compete with the BRZ. Come on Honda, bring back the Integra.

[dr. joint]

Well I don't know if Honda has the balls to come up with a new Integra, unless you want a sports car that looks like a spaceship and can merge with the lower extremities of a giant ASIMO.

However, is the Chevrolet code 130R related in some way to the new Dodge Dart?

It is nice to see American cars that can properly compete with other imports (and Europeans) in the same niche.

Is the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 really that good?

Or the question should be..do we really need it?

[Chris V.]

We don't have any small, lightweight RWD 4 cyl coupes on the market right now. Everything went to hot hatch, and there are more than enough FWD 2 box cars out there. The GT86/FR-S/BRZ look to be a great chassis (basically a new Porsche 944), but it's only one and it's Japanese. The 130R, if it made it to production, would be an American competitor to it, much like the departed Solstic GXP Coupe could have been. Many of us don't want yet another FWD hatchback as a fun car, and want the chassis balance of a RWD car.

[Chris V.]

dr. joint, on 12 January 2012 - 02:10 PM, said:

However, is the Chevrolet code 130R related in some way to the new Dodge Dart?

In no way, shape, or form is it related to the Dart. The Dart is a FWD sedan based on the Alfa Guilietta chassis. Looks to be a good little car in it's own right, but it won't have the chassis dynamics of a 50/50 balanced RWD car.