What it Is
Chevrolet Trax Concept Preview – New York Auto Show: There’s one way to get the automotive press, a body consisting of a disproportionate number of aging white guys, to pay attention - have dancers hit the stage for a few songs, arriving less clad for each successive number, and follow up with petite blonde triplets. Sure, there were some cars on display, but at that point, who cared? Well, we did, and anyone interested in the future of small domestic-branded cars should, too. Designed in South Korea, the Chevrolet Trax Concept is one of three microcars that GM insists are “a sign of things to come from Chevrolet.” Packed with an innovative all-wheel-drive system, the adventurous Trax made its debut at the 2007 New York Auto Show.
Why it Matters
The Trax is the most versatile of the Chevy triplets. Under normal driving conditions, the front 16-inch tires work with a 1.0-liter gas engine in putting power to the road, but when things get a little slick, an electronic limited-slip differential is tripped. That rear diff is tied to a battery pack which powers a motor that, in turn, motivates the rear wheels. In a way, the Trax is a hybrid all-wheel driver…sort of. Other Trax features include a fold-flat rear seat, a roof rack, and an exterior-mounted spare tire. Exterior designer of the Trax, Sangyeon Cho, suggests that this little four-door “brings a rational combination of SUV design, function, performance, and value to the consumer.”
Photos courtesy of Thom Blackett and General Motors
