A design really well achieved by its genetic load, well adapted to the present of the car.
Presented in 2002 at the North American International Auto Show, the Chevrolet Bel Air concept is a typical American convertible conceived just like its namesake from 55 to 57.
Chevrolet presents a concept for the most nostalgic. After 45 years of iconic Chevy 57 Bel Air, a classic par excellence, this prototype commemorates an American icon with more than soft and graceful lines reminiscent of its successful past. To his jovial but conservative style, he adds new high-performance engine.
The body is refined wherever you look, with a high profile and a high driving position, at least compared to contemporary cars. It is worth noting that the work of designers is impeccable, not for re-drawing a classic, but for getting the proportions of a car 50 years ago into a modern one without altering the exterior design. These well-adapted proportions recreate the comfort, visibility and ease of access to the interior of those immense 1950s classics.
The interior is simple but elegant, with moderate instruments, steering gear lever and whole armchair covered with soft fabrics of the latest generation, in colour to the tone of the body paint. The front seats slide back and forth for easy access to the rear seats.
To achieve structural rigidity in a convertible, GM uses an innovative chassis body construction method, using the same hydroforming technology as Corvette and SUV's. This way they achieve high torsional rigidity and maneuvering safety without excessive weight.
As for propulsion, the Bel Air is rear-wheel drive and has a 4-speed Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic gearbox. The engine has 5 cylinders in line supercharged with a turbo, 3.500 cm3, 4 valves per cylinder (DOHC), electronic fuel injection and, as a highlight, presents a button on the steering wheel to change the setting of spark plug ignition and fuel consumption to achieve maximum performance.
© Adrián Blanco 2004 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —