(from GM Press Release) The
Chevrolet Bel Air concept is a modern American convertible built on the
tradition of the legendary 1955-57 Chevys of the same name. The two-door
Bel Air concept celebrates an American icon in a manner reminiscent of
the originals with style, performance and an exciting new engine.
"This is not just another convertible," said Wayne Cherry, GM’s vice
president for design. "The Bel Air is about embracing the essence of
those mid-50s Chevys -- the ‘tri-5s’ -- in a contemporary way. This car
is the right size for America, just like the originals were in the
1950s."
The 1955 Bel Air enhanced Chevrolet’s image virtually overnight with its
natty styling and unique powertrain.
The new Bel Air concept vehicle retraces the graceful flowing lines of
those classic originals. The modern exterior with its signature beltline
kick-up gives the vehicle a sleek appearance. And with its somewhat
taller profile and higher driving position, the vehicle’s proportions
recreate the comfort, visibility and ease of entry and exit of the cars
of the 1950s.
The Chevrolet bowtie is displayed prominently on the Bel Air’s egg-crate
grille and five-spoke aluminum wheels with 18-inch tires enhance the
car’s sporty look.
The rear-wheel-drive concept also was inspired by several interior
design cues from its 1950s predecessor. The simple, elegant passenger
compartment features a twin-element instrument panel, steering
column-mounted gearshift and bench seats. The seats are covered in soft
high-technology fabrics, in colors that match the exterior. The front
seats are cleverly designed to slide forward for easier backseat entry.
But the concept’s kinship with the tri-5s goes beyond the interior and
styling cues, Cherry said. The legacy also extends under the hood.
The original small-block Chevrolet V8 option featured in the 1955 used
the latest advances in engine technology to set a new benchmark for
performance and dependability, Cherry said. The engine for the Bel Air
concept uses today’s advanced technology to provide affordable,
efficient performance, he said.
"This new engine is just as significant as that V8 was in the ’55," said
Cherry.
The Bel Air is powered by a Vortec 3500 turbocharged inline
five-cylinder concept engine based on the highly regarded inline engine
family that debuted in GM’s midsize sport-utility vehicles. The
all-aluminum engine delivers up to 315 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of
torque, and is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled
four-speed automatic transmission.
A button on the steering wheel activates the powertrain control module
to trigger a more aggressive spark and fueling calibration for maximum
horsepower.
"This engine sets a new benchmark," Cherry said. "You can go from a
super-efficient five-cylinder to a high-performance engine all in the
same package."
To provide the appropriate structure for a large convertible, the Bel
Air concept uses a 21st century interpretation of body-on-frame
construction, employing the same hydroforming technology used in the
frame rails of the Corvette and GM’s new midsize sport-utility vehicles.
The hydroformed frame rails help provide impressive torsional rigidity
and stiffness in a light package, for terrific ride and handling.
Cherry said the design team had fun capturing the expressiveness and
flair of the 1955-57 Bel Airs by drawing on some of the cars’ intriguing
details, such as the traffic light viewfinder and the gas filler cap
located in the taillight.
Chevrolet has long appealed to a diverse cross section of consumers who
want dependable, spirited vehicles. The 1955-57 Chevrolets provided
refreshing, exciting designs; powerful, reliable engines; and smart,
spacious interiors at a great price. The cars became symbols of the
can-do American spirit of the 1950s, and they are in high demand by car
collectors of all ages.
"This concept plays to people who are rediscovering the fun and
excitement of the open-air vehicle, as well as those discovering them
for the first time," Cherry said.
The Bel Air concept taps the interest in nostalgia that people of all
ages share while creating a fun, uniquely American automobile for a
whole new generation of drivers, Cherry said. The concept blends the
excitement of the 1955-57 Bel Airs, cutting-edge powertrain technology
and the charm of open-air motoring.
