Chevrolet Miray inspired by Chevy`s heritage

Chevrolet Miray pronounced  "Mi-ray" , featured at the Johannesburg international Motor show has three sources of power

Photo by Robert Mabusela

 When looking at the Chevrolet Miray concept one would think that the design is fresh, concept cars usually give us the impression that “this is something totally new”. Chevrolet`s Miray concept car is inspired by Chevrolet designs dating to the 1960`s so I had no choice but to use Google as a time machine.  I googled two cars from Chevrolet, the 1963 Monza SS and the 1962 Convair Super Spyder which are cousins that have inspired the Miray`s design. Firstly on the looks the Miray takes its body shape from the Monza SS with a similar two door feature except that the Monza has a longer wheel base. While looking at the pictures of the Convair Super Spyder I couldn`t help but notice the similarity of the two windscreens.

In the 60`s the Convair Super Spyder “presented a very accommodating platform for designers to stretch their imagination” the Miray might follow in the Spyder`s web but this will be determined by other concept designs. Chevrolets Miray  is powered by two front-mounted electric motors, each producing 15kw for the front axle while the rear wheels are  powered by a 1.5 litter four cylinder turbocharged  mid rear engine. Current for the electric motors is provided by a 1.6khw lithium-ion battery pack which is charged through regenerated braking.  The Miray is capable of running on electric power alone while the petrol engine kicks in when extra power is needed. A Dual clutch gear box insures quick and precise shifting working in conjunction with a start stop system.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) defines the side view with wedged shaped panels, and front and rear fenders which draw on the styling of the past iconic Chevrolet Corvettes. Introduction to the cabin is made possible by scissor doors which give a cutting entrance to the cabins centre console which features a centre console-mounted start button, ambient lighting, and a dual-cockpit design for both the driver and passenger area. Other features include two cameras one in front which works hand in hand with a GPS that overlays navigation information with real time camera inputs, and a rear camera to  provide rear vision executing traditional rear view mirrors.



 

Scissor doors front view

  





Miray centre consol

   

Chevrolet have produced an impressive concept with interesting features, concepts like this take the motoring industry to a new level while including some key redesigned features from past designs, this is definitely redesigning iconic designs in a modern and innovative way.

By Robert Mabusela