Only@GMI: Orlando Concept to be Produced

[nsap]

Only@GMI: Orlando Concept to be Produced
GMI has the low-down on Chevrolet's upcoming global MPV
www.gminsidenews.com
By: Nsap
nick@gminsidenews.com

Today General Motors, for some reason, released two photos of the Chevrolet Orlando concept vehicle. The concept will officially be shown at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. It is clear from the concept that there is an intent on producing the vehicle just by the level of “production ready” shown within the exterior and even more so in the interior. GMI has learned that Orlando is certainly not just a concept for design study; GM will be producing the vehicle for global use. North America will even be getting the little crossover; not too far off either. You’re looking at Chevrolet’s new global MPV.

The concept vehicle is based off of the Delta II small car platform that will underpin the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze. It has three rows of seats for seven passengers and “impressive interior space” according to GM. No photos of the interior space have been shown, so at this point we can only go off of what GM says. While the concept is powered by a 2.0L diesel engine, we are unsure at this point what engines will be offered when the car hits production. We’re likely to see a different combination of engines for each market region that it is sold in; including gas and diesel engines.

This vehicle is intended to replace the Daewoo/Chevrolet Tacuma in Asia and the Chevrolet Zafira in South America. In addition to replacing products in those markets, it will also be sold in North America and Europe. Actually, we are told that it will be produced at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant. Depending on demand and production, it may also be built in South Korea. It is projected to go on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2010 as a 2011 model.

We anticipate the production car to look very similar to the concept as the concept closely resembles the production Cruze; however what Chevrolet will name it is unknown. Will it keep the Orlando name or get a new one? We don’t know at this point. The name selection process is done by marketing and is usually not selected until closer to production.

Click here for Orlando Concept images/information

[davidlane]

So when will the LNF engined SS be available?

[drew630]

Well duh, we have been seeing the spy shots for how long now??

[Bravada]

Today General Motors, for some reason, released two photos of the Chevrolet Orlando concept vehicle.

[K Dawg ONE]

As much as I hate the name, just call it the Uplander that it replaces and be done with it.

Or, HHR.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by drew630

Well duh, we have been seeing the spy shots for how long now??

Just clearing things up (time frame, Orlando = cars in spy shots, etc.).

[K Dawg ONE]

(or how about Chevy Caliber, lol)

[prototype66]

Originally Posted by drew630

Well duh, we have been seeing the spy shots for how long now??

This is the vehicle in the spyshots????
The opel??? I don't see it. Which ones are you referring to, I guess I don't know which ones you mean.
This renderring looks different than the one I am thinking of.

[K Dawg ONE]

w00t....post 400!

Carry on...

[Ambalanche]

Originally Posted by nsap

Only@GMI: Orlando Concept to be Produced
GMI has the low-down on Chevrolet's upcoming global MPV
www.gminsidenews.com
By: Nsap
nick@gminsidenews.com

It is clear from the concept that there is an intent on producing the vehicle just by the level of “production ready” shown within the exterior and even more so in the interior.

We anticipate the production car to look very similar to the concept as the concept closely resembles the production Cruze;
Click here for Orlando Concept images/information

How is it clear from a drawing it's "production ready"?

How does this resemble the Cruze?

[drew630]

Originally Posted by nsap

Just clearing things up (time frame, Orlando = cars in spy shots, etc.).

O, I know. I was really directing towards anyone, just thinking out load I guess.

[drew630]

Originally Posted by prototype66

This is the vehicle in the spyshots????
The opel??? I don't see it. Which ones are you referring to, I guess I don't know which ones you mean.
This renderring looks different than the one I am thinking of.

These:
Chevy MPV spotted testing, again.

[jkennedy293]

Originally Posted by prototype66

This is the vehicle in the spyshots????
The opel??? I don't see it. Which ones are you referring to, I guess I don't know which ones you mean.
This renderring looks different than the one I am thinking of.

You are probably thinking of the new Astra.

[01cavalier]

I like the interior, not too crazy about the exterior since it looks like a photo chop to me.

[nadepalma]

This will be Chevy's competitor for the Mazda5 and the Kia Rondo in the US - a segment that is gaining more and more attention in the US after having wide acceptance in Europe.

Expect it to go on sale in Fall of 2010 in the US.

But this product may also spell the end of the HHR as we know it. Between the "Orlando" and the small, Gamma CUV Chevy GMI reported Chevrolet was slated to get earlier (which will compete against the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson) - the HHR will get squeezed out and replaced by these to products together.

So instead of one HHR - Chevy will split the segment with two crossover products.

Let's just hope that GM doesn't badge engineer these for other brands in North America (No underfunded/wasted Saturn version is needed, thank you!)