Chevy Revives Monza Name On New Sedan, Gives Blazer Third Row In China

For this year’s Guangzhou Auto Show, Chevrolet has scheduled a wide range of debuts, from the Blazer-like FNR-CarryAll Concept SUV, to the Monza RS sedan, new Malibu XL and multiple Redline variants such as the Malibu XL Redline and the Corvette C7.R Redline.

China is currently Chevrolet’s second-largest market, and according to SAIC-GM exec Scott Lawson, the automaker is looking to “draw from GM’s global resources and long-standing industry experience to introduce the best products for our Chinese customers.”

Welcome back Monza

After a brief 5-year run between 1975 and 1980, the Monza nameplate has been resurrected for a new midsize sedan which will also come in RS spec.

Its front end design boats Chevrolet’s typical double honeycomb grille, a prominent RS logo and flying wing-style high-gloss black chrome trim. We also spot a pair of three-dimensional LED daytime running lights and an aggressively-styled hood. According to Chevrolet, the Monza RS will also feature two-element taillights.

Before you get too excited, remember that the new Monza will probably be a China-only product, and based on the image below courtesy of Ferd, it doesn’t actually look all that sporty, at least not as a base-spec model.

FNR-CarryAll Concept SUV

This concept’s design is said to have actually been inspired by the Camaro, and judging by the way it looks, we reckon it’s meant to preview the Chinese market’s new Blazer from Chevrolet, which has yet to be announced, let alone presented.

The CarryAll, measuring 5,000 mm (16.4 ft) in length, 2,258 mm (7.4 ft) in width and 1,693 mm (5.5 ft) in height is Chevrolet’s third concept vehicle to receive the FNR designation after the brand’s first SUV in 1935, the Suburban Carryall. Also, with a wheelbase of 2,867 mm (9.4 ft), the crossover boasts an independent six-seat layout (in three rows, which in the production car, should be 7 seats) to go with its impressive carrying capacity.

The concept features a Pearl Black exterior with an aggressive-looking front end plus a boomerang D-pillar design. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof with an integrated parametric pattern, 22-inch alloys, hood-mounted air extractor, red Brembo brakes, carbon ceramic rotors and a carbon fiber roof.

Inside, there is a 12-inch full LCD dashboard with a 10-inch touchscreen center console, black leather sports seats with red suede accents, heating and air-conditioning controls for rear seat passengers, red backlit accent lighting, Camaro-inspired circular vents with satin chrome and red accents, and illuminated sill plates.

Malibu XL Redline

The Malibu XL Redline will be Chevrolet’s fourth Redline model launched in China, following in the footsteps of the Equinox Redline, Cruze Redline and Orlando Redline. According to Chevy, nearly all of their future models for China will have Redline variants.

Both the new Malibu XL as well as its Redline variant are powered by a 2.0T turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a nine-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Peak power output is rated at 177 kW (240 PS / 237 HP) and peak torque at 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), with fuel consumption as low as 6.7 l/100 km (35.11 mpg US).

Features include a double grille design, new LED taillights, black sports interior with red stitching, MyLink infotainment system, 8-inch touchscreen, OnStar, Baidu CarLife, Apple CarPlay and smartphone connectivity.

Corvette C7.R Redline

This track-bred supercar made its official global debut last week in Shanghai at the 2018 China International Import Expo (CIIE). It boasts a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 492 horsepower, six piston single-fixed calipers, ultra high-temperature ceramic composite pads, custom Michelin racing tires, a high-strength hydroformed aluminum frame and a lightweight aero package made from carbon fiber.

The automaker says that a Redline-liveried C7.R will compete in the Six Hours of Shanghai FIA World Endurance Championship race this weekend in Shanghai.