GENERAL MOTORS DISHES OUT MIRAY, HOT GTC, SUPER SONIC AT JIMS 2011

General Motors showed off the Chevrolet Miray Concept car at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show. Some reckon it’s the next Corvette, but with a hybrid engine, one would be sceptical of this thought. Miray (pronounced My-Ray) is powered by two electric motors and a double-clutch transmission. It’s shaped like a speedster, with a low windscreen and no roof. The car is GM’s showstopper this year.

For those still on earth, the GM stand features some of the most exciting products on display. From Opel you’ll be able to see the brand new Astra GTC, all-new Meriva MPV and facelift Corsa OPC. The Astra GTC is based on the current Astra shape launched in 2010, and features 3 doors, a coupe-like silhouette, large eagle eye headlights, and a 1.6-litre turbo with 132kW. Indeed it is less powerful than the 147kW GTC it replaces. Opel’s HiPerStrut system ensures the car limits torque steer and performs as it should.

Little Corsa features a new front end, rear end and interior bits. The powertrain remains the same, with a 1.6-litre turbo engine doing work for its 141kW and 230Nm. It’s the entry-level OPC model and is fitted with sports Recaro seats, a 7-speaker sound system and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Meriva is a small MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) with flexible seating arrangements and spatial use. A first for the segment is the FlexDoor layout which allows for the two rear doors to open rearwards or suicide-style. The seats are extremely flexible and adjustable for the most optimal space usage. The 4.2 metre-long Meriva will come with a few engine options, including a 1.4-litre turbo making 103kW. At some point we expect even an OPC version to show up.

Apart from the concept Miray, Chevrolet displays two upcoming cars, namely the Sonic and the new Utility bakkie. Sonic will be sold alongside the Aveo, a strange decision considering the cars are playing in the same field. GM might differentiate them in pricing, spec and engine options though. The Sonic will be sold in hatch and sedan variants, with three engines on the counter. A 1.4-litre, 1.6-litre (both petrol) and a 1.3-litre turbo diesel are being considered.

With the Utility bakkie, Chevy is keen on keeping its sub-one ton segment leadership that has lasted well over 5 years. It is targeted at payloads of at least 666kg depending on the model. A Sport model we spotted at JIMS is one of 10 that will be offered here, including petrols and diesel. Chevy Corsa Utility will be built at GM’s just outside of Port Elizabeth.