The Detroit Auto Show... is there really any better a time in the automotive world for the most iconic, most American car company in the world to shine?  Housed in General Motors and Chevrolet's backyard, the Detroit Auto Show is the annual exhibition and celebration of our favorite topic:  new cars, trucks, SUVs, and of course, concept cars.

Today, we're going to look at one of the most exciting new Chevy vehicles to hit the scene in many a year.

Chevrolet's Code 130R Concept
With styling reminiscent of the Datsun 510 and BMW 2002, Chevrolet's new Code 130R concept vehicle is unlike anything you've seen from America's automotive giant.  Perhaps the most likely similarity would be early concept shots of the Chevy Volt electric vehicle, the now-gold standard in EVs.

With a three-box design, the wide berth of the Code 130R's fenders is in stark contrast to its upright-angled cockpit and small overall size.  Housing a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pushes a gas-sipping but zippy 150 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque may seem like nothing stellar, but when combined with the lightweight and small size of the vehicle as well as GM's eAssist electric assist engine system (powered by regenerative braking), this equates to more torque and power than meets the eye.

At the Detroit Auto Show, the Chevy 130R Concept was sitting on wow-worthy 20-inch matte gold alloy wheels and was wrapped in a brilliant red paint scheme.  During its unveiling - one of the most popular and anticipated debuts of the event - Chevrolet spokespersons noted that since the Code 130R Concept is paired to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission the vehicle is likely to get 40 miles per gallon easily.

Additional toys that come in the already impressive sports car/compact package is up for debate at this point, but the Chevy gang included notes on Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, WiFi connectivity, and a luminescent heads-up display (or HUD).

While details are scarce after day one of the Detroit Auto Show, one thing was made clear:  Chevrolet and General Motors hope to bring the Chevrolet 130R Concept to fruition and aim to put it on the market at a starting price around the $20,000 range.

Stay tuned for more news on the Chevy 130R Concept as well as more Detroit Auto Show news.

Chris Dugan
Handy Chevrolet
St. Albans, VT  05478