The success of the Toyota GT-86 and its derivatives is undeniable. The Toyota, Subaru and Scion brands managed to create a desirable sports car for a cash-strapped world economy, which is great to drive and look at, while also being affordable to buy, run and insure. This obviously sounds like a formula for success, and GM has now stepped in and announced that it wants a piece of the action too.
After having launched new versions of the Camaro and Corvette, the American giant has now set its sights on the smaller and possibly, more economical side of the spectrum. Actually, this shouldn’t really come as a huge surprise (their interest in the sector), as Chevrolet tested the waters back in 2012, with the Code 130R concept, which they showed at the Detroit motor show.
Now, while a smaller rear-wheel drive coupe model has yet to get the green light, GM’s North American president, Mark Reuss, told Automotive News that “a really nice, light, rear-drive car that’s inexpensive” does “ring a bell,” and that it would be “a huge win” for Chevrolet if it were to make it.
However, while GM wanted to gauge opinions with the 2012 concept, the actual production car, if it were to be made, would be styled differently, and cost in the “low- to mid- $20,000s.” In addition, while it is going to be exclusively available with rear-wheel drive, it will not use the same Alpha platform as the Cadillac ATS, as a “really scalable and efficient” alternative would be preferred.
By Andrei Nedelea
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