Chevrolet Code 130R concept: GM’s answer to the Subaru BRZ

Unveiled overnight at the 2012 Detroit motor show, the Code 130R is a rear-wheel drive coupe designed to attract the next generation of car buyers by combining new technology and modern design with styling inspired by Chevrolet’s performance-car heritage.

The Code 130R concept incorporates the same drivetrain as that found in the Chevrolet Tru 140S concept, also unveiled at the show. The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is an uprated version of the one found in the Holden Cruze turbo-petrol. It pumps out 110kW of power and 200Nm of torque, while also including stop-start technology and regenerative braking to improve urban fuel consumption. Chevrolet says the engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The four-seat coupe has a boxy, upright stance, with elements of the Chevrolet Camaro in its design. The front features the brand’s family grille flanked by piercing headlights, the side sports understated yet muscular wheel arches and the rear incorporates sharp LED taillights, a prominent boot lid and a large black diffuser with dual exhausts.

The concept is finished in red metallic paint and sits on 20-inch matte anodised gold wheels.

At 4396mm long, 1816mm wide, 1390mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2775mm, the Chevrolet Code 130R concept is 157mm longer than the Toyota 86 and rides on a wheelbase that is also 205mm longer.

The Code 130R’s designers say the concept aims to incorporate the functionality of a sedan in a sporty coupe body, while also including interior connectivity features like smartphone integration, WiFi, Chevrolet’s MyLink system and a head-up display.

Chevrolet says the interior is incomplete at the moment – giving designers flexibility to continue developing it in the future – but insists personalisation options will be integral to the cabins of future production models.

The rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Code 130R sports car brings back memories of the Australian-designed Holden Torana TT36 concept, which stole the show in Sydney in 2004.

Chevrolet says the Code 130R’s target market wants the vehicle for less than $25,000, and insists it has been designed with a low on-road price in mind. Unfortunately, the Detroit-based manufacturer says the Code 130R is just a concept at this stage.

Joe Baker, the 130R's designer told CarAdvice that "some companies do dream car concepts but I don't think it's appropriate for a brand like Chevrolet. I always try and design something as real as possible and solve the real issues upfront. I don’t want to design something that gets dismissed as being just a concept”.