Chevrolet is out to put the power of customization in its buyers’ hands. The company has announced a theoretical new customization program for every vehicle it sells, from the lowly Aveo to the mammoth Silverado 3500 HD. The Bow Tie pulled the sheets off of a Cruze, Volt and Spark, each of which wore pieces from the company’s new host of custom parts.
The most interesting of the trio is the Volt. GM designers slapped on a set of lower rocker panels, a reworked rear fascia and blacked-out trim accents around the vehicle. Those stylish 19-inch wheels are actually straight from GM, as are the trick rear tail lights.
The Cruze Z-Spec Concept wears a complete body kit, unique paint and a new high-flow grille. Sport springs, a set of super-sexy 19-inch BBS wheels and a Brembo brake system also come along for the ride, as do a set of Recaro racing buckets.
The last of the bunch is something of a quandary, as GM has yet to come out and confirm whether or not the Spark is actually headed to the States. We do know that the pint-sized Chevy will show up in North America though, which may help explain why a custom version of the car is displayed here in Las Vegas. With special body treatments like that rear spoiler and eye-searing orange paint, there’s no mistaking this hatch for its tamer brethren. Hit the jump for the press releases.
[Source: General Motors]
Custom Graphics Packages to be Available Soon for Cruze and Volt
LAS VEGAS – In the epicenter of automotive personalization and performance – the annual SEMA Show – Chevrolet introduced the Z-Spec concept, which explores a new approach for vehicle customization. Chevrolet showcased three Z-Spec concept vehicles: Cruze Z-Spec, Volt Z-Spec and Spark Z-Spec.
The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme. Z-Spec parts could be purchased individually, to suit customer tastes and budgets, and also could spawn limited-edition models from Chevrolet.
In addition, Chevrolet announced a new partnership with Original Wraps to provide custom graphics packages for the Cruze and Volt before the end of the year. Examples of some of the packages are highlighted on the Z-Spec concepts, as well as production-based Cruze and Volt show vehicles.
“Chevrolets have always been vehicles customers love to personalize and Z-Spec could give them more choices than ever,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “With Chevy’s new compact and small cars coming to market now and in the near future, we focused on Cruze, Volt and Spark for this exercise. The Z-Spec concept really could be applied across the entire Chevrolet lineup, offering customization choices to owners of cars, crossovers and trucks.”
The graphics packages offer a wide range of graphic designs and colors. They’re designed for purchase and installation through Chevrolet dealerships, with the option of rolling the cost into the monthly payments, when selected and installed at the time of vehicle purchase. The designs and color options are available at chevroletgraphics.com.
Indicative of the Z-Spec philosophy, the concept vehicles incorporate a blend of Chevrolet-designed exterior and interior enhancements, and are complemented with performance upgrades developed in conjunction with some of the tuner world’s most respected manufacturers, including Brembo, Borla, K&N and more.
“We’ve designed accessories and chosen well-established, reputable partners,” said Dave Ross, design manager. “These concept elements are designed to complement the design and performance characteristics of the wide range of Chevrolet vehicles.”
CHEVROLET VOLT Z-SPEC CONCEPT
Chevrolet’s all-new, 2011 Volt electric vehicle with extended range is establishing an entirely new segment in the global automotive market. The five-door, four-passenger Volt is designed to provide the benefits of an electric vehicle without limitations.
Along with its groundbreaking electric drive system, the Volt is also a stylish sedan filled with high-tech features. The Volt Z-Spec concept is a natural extension of the style of the production version.
“The concept combines the Volt’s advanced electric propulsion technology with the flair of Z-Spec, because efficiency and high style needn’t be mutually exclusive,” said Paul Arnone, lead designer. “The Z-Spec enhancements give the vehicle a sportier look that doesn’t affect its electric driving range or overall efficiency.”
The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme. On the Volt Z-Spec concept, the unique features include unique lower rocker panels and lower front fascia, grille, taillamps, 19-inch wheels and exterior graphics. Although the Z-Spec parts are only concepts at the moment, they’re being considered for production.
The Volt Z-Spec is driven by the revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, which consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure electric range between 25 and 50 miles in moderate conditions, depending on terrain, driving techniques, temperature and battery age. (Mileage based on GM testing. EPA estimates not yet available.)
The Volt’s instantaneous torque proves electric driving can be spirited. Not only does the Volt reach a top speed of 100 mph, the electric drive unit’s excellent low-speed torque of 273 lb.-ft. (368 Nm) takes it from 0 to 60 mph in less than 9.0 seconds and the quarter mile in less than 17.0 seconds.
Once the battery charge drops below a certain level, the Volt’s extended-range 1.4L engine kicks in to provide power to the Volt’s electric motors, which under some conditions can be supplemented with power from the engine itself. This mode provides excellent performance and allows the Volt to travel hundreds of miles on a single tank of fuel and a full battery. This freedom allows the Volt to be driven anytime and anywhere.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
* “Icy White” Metallic paint
* Lower rocker panels and lower front fascia
* Black chrome satin finish on the grille, belt moldings and outside rearview mirrors
* Billet aluminum Chevy “brand bar”
* Rear fascia
* Rear tail lamps
* Graphics package
* 19-inch GM Accessory wheels
Interior:
* Custom Z-Spec graphic door inserts
* Racing-style pedals
* Custom leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with Z-Spec logo
* Recaro leather-trimmed front seats with orange accent stitch
* Custom Z-Spec floor mats
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be available in CA, TX, MI, NY, NJ, CT and Washington, DC at the end of 2010.
CHEVROLET CRUZE Z-SPEC CONCEPT
New to the streets of North America this fall, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze brings a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail. Truly a global car, it leverages Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America and is sold in more than 60 countries around the world.
Chevrolet’s designers developed the Cruze Z-Spec concept to reflect the car’s global roots, but give it a uniquely American aesthetic. The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme.
The Cruze’s JDSU SpectraFlair Orange Metallic exterior color and racing-inspired graphics give the car can’t-miss-it distinction, while the ground effects, rear spoiler and other exterior cues are de rigueur among tuner enthusiasts. The same goes for the car’s interior trim kit, shift knob and racing-style pedals.
“Cruze is a personal car that will naturally attract youthful customers who want to make it their own,” said Todd Parker, design manager. “The Z-Spec portfolio could offer them an easy way to personalize their vehicle.”
The Cruze Z-Spec concept is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
* JDSU Medium Dark SpectraFlair Orange Metallic color
* Custom Z-Spec graphics
* Gloss white and matte gray custom graphic stripes (Graphic Concepts)
* Ground effects kit
* Rear spoiler
* High-flow grille with body-color surround trim
* Accessory front fog lamp kit
* BBS 19-inch wheels
Interior:
* Interior trim kit with custom perforated, leather-trimmed instrument panel and doors
* Custom flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with Z-Spec logo
* Recaro leather-trimmed, racing-style seats
* Custom Z-Spec embroidered floor mats
Performance:
* Pedders sport springs and suspension components
* Brembo brake kit
* Borla high-flow exhaust system
* K&N cold-air intake system
CHEVROLET SPARK Z-SPEC CONCEPT
There’s a new Chevrolet coming to North America in 2012: the Spark. It will be a five-door hatch and the smallest member of Chevrolet’s family of cars, all while bringing style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient vehicles. Spark will provide great efficiency, and its trim size makes it very agile in all kinds of driving conditions while still feeling substantial on the open road.
The Chevrolet Spark Z-Spec concept, introduced at the 2010 SEMA Show, magnifies the sporty appearance, stance and driving experience of the upcoming new car with a racing-inspired ground effects kit, rear spoiler, larger wheels and more. The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme.
“The Chevrolet Spark will cause people to rethink their perceptions of what a small car can be – particularly when it comes to design and performance,” said Paul Arnone, lead designer. “The Spark Z-Spec concept incorporates a blend of Chevrolet-designed exterior and interior enhancements, and wheels by BBS, a proven leader.”
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
* LCP Tangerine Metallic Orange color
* Custom Z-Spec “Icy White” metallic mirror caps with hydrographics
* Rear spoiler
* High-flow grille with body-color surround trim
* Grill inserts and exterior trim in satin black
* BBS 17-inch wheels painted “Icy White” Metallic
* Polished exhaust outlet
Interior:
* Custom LCP Tangerine Metallic-painted trim components with die-cut Z-Spec-inspired door graphics
* Leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with Z-Spec badge
* Recaro leather trimmed front racing-inspired seats
* Custom Z-Spec embroidered front and rear floor mats
* Custom machined billet aluminum shift knob and leather-wrapped shift boot with orange accent stitch
* Alloy pedal covers
