2011 Chevy Orlando Concept - A Small Minivan with Crossover Style

The Chevrolet Orlando is Chevy's new minivan/SUV/Crossover vehicle, it is unknown if and when it will arrive stateside.  It will be based on GM's new front-wheel drive Global Compact Vehicle Architecture that is also known as "Delta 2." This is the same platform that underpins the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The 2011 Chevrolet Orlando made its debut at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in early October, the same show where the Chevrolet Cruze debuted. The Orlando is described as a compact, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle that has the versatile attributes of a sport-utility, a family van, and a wagon. This 2011 Chevy is based on the recently introduced Cruze compact sedan, and the Orlando will carry Chevrolet's signature design language into a new vehicle segment. This includes a two-tier grille, expressive headlamps that flow into the front fenders and muscular fender forms that wrap around the wheels. The Orlando includes conveniences US consumers expect, such as adaptable seating, a huge amount of interior room and a powerful yet economical powertrain.  The Orlando was designed to meet the specific need of a variety of markets - hinting at the general idea of a 'global car'. The Orlando offers room for seven, but differs from traditional minivans or crossovers, as it is a much more compact design.

Orlando Design

 Whether you want to call it a mini-minivan, a tall compact wagon, or a small crossover SUV, Chevrolet is geared up to roll out a serious people mover that will appeal directly to families facing rising gas prices and busy lifestyles. The Orlando is based upon a European minivan called the Zafira.  Compared to its overseas sibling, the U.S. Chevy version will have bolder styling, but the basic layout will closely mirror the Zafira. Furthermore, the Orlando will likely be marketed in the more popular crossover segment, rather than a 'small' minivan. Flared fenders and muscular stance provide SUV flavor to styling. With versatility of SUV, family van and wagon in one all-new product, Chevy is hoping the Orlando will be the answer to what American consumers are looking for.

Powering the Chevy Orlando

The Chevrolet Orlando show car is powered by a fuel efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel that generates 150 horsepower (112 kW) and a strong 235 lb.-ft. of torque (320 Nm). The small-displacement four-cylinder engine combines excellent fuel efficiency with surprising performance, thanks to high torque available across the rpm band. However, it is expected that the U.S. version will at least have the option of a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, the same one that will power the Cruze. Chevy says that engine will deliver better fuel economy than its current Cobalt, which gets 37 mpg on the highway.

2011 Orlando Drive

The car-based architecture of the Orlando - the hallmark of a true crossover -contributes to the vehicle's efficiency with lower overall mass and better aerodynamics. The Orlando will be an easy to drive vehicle, with minivan driving characteristics, along with the added zip of a crossover.  A turbo charged four cylinder will offer excellent fuel economy with plenty of power and acceleration. The Orlandos long wheelbase dimensions will support a smooth, compliant driving experience, with assistance from a strut-type front suspension, compound crank rear suspension and a speed-sensitive, electric power steering system.

Inside the Orlando

The five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families who need plenty of seating capacity. The seating is reconfigurable, and theater-style, with each row being higher than the other. Three rows will comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants, without a cramped third row that many SUV have. The seats in rows two and three conveniently fold flat into the floor, adding t cargo utility. A long, 108.6-inch wheelbase, along with wide front and rear tracks, enhance the interior's spaciousness. Expect plenty of standard features, modern technology, and convenience options, such as DVD entertainment, navigations systems, and power doors.

Conclusions

While automakers have attempted to market mini minivans in the states, they have met little success.  Minivans, in general, are seeing a decline as the crossover market is growing as a more stylish alternative the great minivan.  In Europe, however, small minivans are well loved by consumers. Among the most popular of these popular mini-minivans is General Motors' seven-seat Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, which is also sold in Brazil under the Chevrolet banner. The Zafira was introduced back in 2001 and heavily updated in '05. As part of GM's recently signed contract with the United Auto Workers, a variant of an upcoming redesigned Zafira may be built in the U.S.  The Orlando, a 5-door, 7-seat multi-purpose vehicle, looks a lot like an SUV, and Chevy says it combines the versatility of an SUV, a family van and a wagon in one vehicle. The Orlando's Paris debut signaled GM's clear intention to expand its global product offerings.