2011 Chevrolet Miray Concept

Chevrolet introduced the Mi-ray concept at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. The roadster celebrates Chevrolet's 100-year heritage of designing expressive vehicles in the brand's newest market.

According to GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone, ''Mi-ray' is Korean for 'future.' As GM rolls out Chevrolet across Korea, the Mi-ray concept offers an exploration of future possibilities for the brand. It strengthens the bond between car and driver, creating a fresh look at what sports cars of the future might be.'

The Mi-ray was developed at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Seoul. Combining cutting-edge hybrid propulsion technology and advanced styling, it balances iconic Chevrolet design cues with a future design vision as Chevrolet celebrates its centennial in 2011.

The Mi-ray pays tribute to Chevrolet's sports car heritage. It is small and open like the 1963 Monza SS, and light and purposeful like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. Its aerodynamic fuselage is reminiscent of modern jet fighters.

Made of carbon fiber and CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic), the wedged body side is divided by an angled character line, with ambient lighting underneath. This accent creates a sweeping line of light when the car is in motion, bringing a warm glow to the sculptured body. Le Mans racer-style scissor doors open up and out of the way for dramatic access to the interior.

The powerful front end offers a reinterpretation of the Chevrolet face. The Mi-ray's dual port grille is flanked by LED headlamps with new signature daytime running lamps. The front and rear fenders evoke Chevrolet Corvettes of the past and express the concept's sports car spirit. At the corners, carbon-fiber spoilers help control down force and airflow.

Distinctive retractable flaps provide additional airflow control while providing access to the charge port on one side and the fuel filler on the other. The charge port also features an external battery charge indicator. Each rear fender contains individual cargo space for the storage of small items. Únder the ducktail surface, the taillamps provide a new interpretation of Chevrolet's twin element identity.

The Mi-ray features aluminum-carbon fiber composite 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels in the rear. The strong turbine theme evokes movement, even when the Mi-ray is stationary.

The heavily tapered top view enhances the Mi-ray's purposeful image. From above, the cabin has a unique diamond shape.

The interior of the Mi-ray echoes Chevrolet's racing heritage. As with the exterior, it takes inspiration from jet fighters. The Mi-ray contains a melange of brushed aluminum, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces, for an overall effect of sculptural velocity.



Asymmetric seats flow from the door, forming a symmetric interior that gives the driver a feeling of being fully connected with the car. Ambient lighting, which starts from the upper instrument panel and flows into the seat back area, adds a sense of luxury. Seat cushions and headrests are connected by the lightweight carbon fiber shell and mounted on a single aluminum rail. The headrest area follows the exterior form, integrating with an air scarf for open-air driving.

Designers took a unique approach to displaying information, using back projection on the instrument panel. Information in front of the driver has been prioritized into three zones. Immediately in front is vehicle performance. It is flanked on the left by range and on the right by navigation and mileage figures. This eliminates unnecessary visual clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the thrill of driving.

The center touch screen flows down to an aluminum support, which evokes a fighter jet's nose with the landing gear down. The exterior surface waterfalls down into the interior to meet the reinforced console, connecting the front and rear of the car.

The centrally located start button is also inspired by a jet aircraft. When the button is pressed, the column-mounted retractable meter cluster rises like a jet fighter canopy and 'Interactive Projection' appears on the white surface.

Retractable rearview cameras, which replace traditional rearview mirrors, extend from the side glass electrically. In city driving, the forward-facing camera operates in conjunction with GPS to overlay navigation information with real-time video.

The Mi-ray features a concept 'mid-electric' propulsion system, located primarily behind and beneath the driver, that maximizes performance and fuel efficiency.

'Many of the components in the Mi-ray's propulsion system are a logical extension of GM's current technology portfolio,' said Úwe Grebe, executive director for GM Powertrain Advanced Engineering. 'The concept shows the potential for reconfiguring, rescaling and extending today's propulsion technologies.'



For performance driving, the Mi-ray's 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine combines with the electric motors, providing spirited torque control to both the left and right wheels as needed. The high-tech engine, mounted behind the cockpit, drives the rear wheels while seamlessly integrating electrification technology that defines a new standard in the compact roadster segment.

A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) enables a reduction in the powertrain's size by eliminating the torque converter. Shifts are quick and firm. The shift pattern has been tuned for improved top speed in performance mode. A start-stop system works in conjunction with the DCT.

'The propulsion concept fits perfectly with the rest of the vehicle, delivering big performance in a small footprint, on the road and in the environment,' said Arcamone. 'By combining GM propulsion technology and visionary design, the Mi-ray points to the future of Chevrolets around the globe - expressive, youthful and entertaining.'

Source - Chevrolet

Chevrolet Miray Named Best Concept Car by Media at 2011 Seoul Motor Show

The Seoul Motor Show Organizing Committee invited journalists attending the show to survey of their favorite cars in three categories: Best Concept Car, Best Green Car and Best Passenger Car. The Miray, which made its world premiere in Seoul, received the most votes among concept cars on display.

'This honor is even more special as it was given to Chevrolet's first concept car displayed in Korea at the brand's very first stand at a domestic auto show,' said GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone. 'It recognizes Chevrolet's future vision and new ideas. Chevrolet will continue to bring new vehicles with innovative design and technology to Korea.'

The Miray was developed at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Seoul. Combining cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology and advanced styling, it balances iconic Chevrolet design cues with a design vision for tomorrow.

The Miray design pays tribute to Chevrolet's sports car heritage. Its open top, scissor doors and aerodynamic fuselage reminiscent of modern jet fighters present futuristic, unique styling.

The Miray features a concept 'mid-electric' propulsion system that maximizes performance and fuel efficiency. The Miray is propelled by electric motors for zero emissions in urban driving. For performance driving, the Miray's 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine combines with the electric motors. A start-stop system further improves fuel efficiency.

Source - Chevrolet