What is it?
Chevrolet Bel Air
What's special about it?
Retro themes have been big for some time now, but nothing says retro like a '57 Chevy. The Bel Air concept combines the smooth flowing lines of a large four-passenger convertible with the power and performance of a high-tech drivetrain. The upturned beltline just aft of the doors combines with the egg-crate grille and chrome-ringed windshield for a look that is unmistakably Bel Air.
Under the hood rests an all-new in-line five-cylinder rated at 315 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. "This new engine is as significant today as that V8 was in the '55," said head designer Wayne Cherry. Derived from the 4.2-liter six-cylinder currently powering GM's midsize SUVs, this 3.5-liter version features a virtual "turbo boost" button on the steering wheel that activates additional power through advanced timing and retuned fuel calibration. "This engine sets a benchmark," continued Cherry, "You can go from a super-efficient five-cylinder to a high-performance engine all in one package."
Why should you care?
With enough positive feedback on the auto show circuit, this could be yet another GM concept that becomes reality. Even if this new Bel Air never hits the showrooms, expect to see its 3.5-liter Vortec engine in some form of GM vehicle in the near future. — Ed Hellwig
Chevrolet Bel Air
What's special about it?
Retro themes have been big for some time now, but nothing says retro like a '57 Chevy. The Bel Air concept combines the smooth flowing lines of a large four-passenger convertible with the power and performance of a high-tech drivetrain. The upturned beltline just aft of the doors combines with the egg-crate grille and chrome-ringed windshield for a look that is unmistakably Bel Air.
Under the hood rests an all-new in-line five-cylinder rated at 315 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. "This new engine is as significant today as that V8 was in the '55," said head designer Wayne Cherry. Derived from the 4.2-liter six-cylinder currently powering GM's midsize SUVs, this 3.5-liter version features a virtual "turbo boost" button on the steering wheel that activates additional power through advanced timing and retuned fuel calibration. "This engine sets a benchmark," continued Cherry, "You can go from a super-efficient five-cylinder to a high-performance engine all in one package."
Why should you care?
With enough positive feedback on the auto show circuit, this could be yet another GM concept that becomes reality. Even if this new Bel Air never hits the showrooms, expect to see its 3.5-liter Vortec engine in some form of GM vehicle in the near future. — Ed Hellwig
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