Chevrolet pulled the covers its hybrid-powered Mi-ray Concept during the 2011 Seoul Auto Show. Powered by a gas / electric powertrain similar to that found in the Chevrolet Volt, the Chevrolet Mi-ray Concept has room for two, a pair of scissors-style doors, lighting and environment worked on character lines outside.
This wedge-shaped roadster is a bold look ahead to the next generation of sports car brand may seem. Designed to commemorate the centenary of the Chevrolet, the Mi-ray Concept “offers an exploration of possible futures for the brand,” said GM Chairman and CEO of Korea Mike Arcamone.
Mi-ray is Korean for “future”. However, I suggest that this decline seems more a couple months late when it comes to open the 100th anniversary celebrations Chevy, especially when you consider the lack of GM’s wild, head-turning concepts throughout this year’s Detroit Auto Show .
Chevrolet says that the style and proportions of Mi-ray to evoke fond memories of the Corvair Monza SS 1963 and 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. If you are not old enough to remember, these were fighters of the rear-engine Chevrolet import in 1960. The front and rear should mimic the look of classic Corvettes.
However, for us, the size and proportions of Mi-ray are reminiscent of the recently discontinued Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. The Mi-ray carbon fiber and CFRP (reinforced plastic with carbon fiber) the body is divided by a sharply sloping character line, looking good ambient lighting underneath.
Corner mounted carbon fiber spoilers and flaps retract (which controls the flow of air and fuel cap and door-filling charge) add a touch of 21st century sports-themed. In front, the LED headlamps and bold front-end are said to offer a “reinterpretation” of the face of Chevrolet.
The powertrain Mi-ray is a propulsion system “mid-power,” primarily located behind and below the driver. Two front 15 kW electric motors provide zero-emission driving in the city, although there is no mention on the driving range in EV mode. These motors are powered by a package of 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking energy. When more performance is needed, a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine (mounted behind the cockpit) works in conjunction with electric motors to send additional power to the rear wheels.
“Many of the components in the system of the Mi-ray of propulsion is a logical extension of GM’s portfolio of current technology,” said Uwe Grebe, executive director of GM Powertrain Advanced Engineering. The Mi-ray can be configured for front wheel drive or rear wheels.
This is all good news if you’ve never been tempted to go green with your next set of wheels, but do not want to sacrifice driving pleasure. There is no word on pricing or the Mi-ray means a reasonable shot at production. However, a hybrid sports car, a Chevy price definitely sounds like a win-win situation for us.
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