Chevrolet's latest concept, the Mi-ray, was unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show this week. It features jet fighter design cues and a hybrid drivetrain. The Mi-ray was designed at General Motors' studio in Seoul and the name means 'future' in Korean.
Some elements of the Mi-ray's design pick up on Chevrolet show cars from the past. The Corvair Super Spyder and Monza SS from 1962 and '63 respectively have been cited as influences.
More modern design elements include a new interpretation of the corporate, horizontally divided grille. The openings are narrower and flanked by LED headlamps and daytime running lights. In profile the body is divided by an angled character line with ambient lighting underneath.
Further inspiration apparently comes from jet fighters. The outline is inspired by aircraft, as are details including the flaps for the charge port and fuel filler. Continuing the theme, the instrument display on the steering column rises 'like a jet fighter canopy' when the start button is pressed.
The rest of the interior is designed to wrap around the driver for a feeling of connection with the car. Back projection is used to convey information with displays grouped to minimise visual clutter.
Under the skin the Mi-ray uses a 'mid-electric' hybrid drive system. Located behind the driver is a 1.5-litre, turbocharged engine. This drives the rear wheels through a dual-clutch transmission. For low emissions and urban driving the front wheels are driven by a pair of 15kW (20hp) electric motors. Electric energy is stored in a 1.6kWh lithium-ion battery. When maximum performance is needed both petrol and electric power is used.
Chevrolet hasn't quoted any performance figures but it claims 60mpg is possible in 'city' driving.