2011 Chevrolet Aveo - Spied

The similarities start up front. Although it’s common for prototypes to wear multiple individual projector headlamps without any protective lens casing while they’re waiting for real units to arrive, we’re told the unshielded eyes of the Aveo RS concept will carry over to the production model, and that the main difference will be the loss of the blue halos surrounding each beam. We asked how a lighting setup such as this might affect aerodynamics, but the Aveo's engineers say the lack of a big lens doesn’t make much of a difference. It does help the car visually, though, so it’s good that this touch is being retained. They’re not pictured here, but we’re hopeful the taillights make it to production unchanged, too.

Moving inside, we note that the otherwise unexciting dash layout is livened up a bit by a motorcycle-style gauge pod—another detail plucked from the RS concept. Grey plastic replaces the concept’s piano-black trim, and the dash likewise loses its leather trimmings. The overall layout transfers over and includes trapezoidal bins that flank the center stack. The rest of the interior appears pretty standard for late-model GM products—which is to say it should represent a big improvement over the current Aveo’s cabin.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

The new Equinox blends function and style into a very sporty, yet upscale compact crossover,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Both the exterior and interior surprise and delight with careful attention to detail.”

Inside, Chevy has given the reveal car a two-tone motif in a milk chocolate hue complemented by dark gray tones. The look, along with tastefully applied aluminum brightwork, is very upscale, giving the Equinox the kind of premium appearance that comes from good, simple, clean design. From a more functional perspective, the crossover is filled with storage bins including an oversized glove box, a lidded compartment atop the dash just above the centre stack, and the usual bin under the armrest, this one large enough for a laptop computer.

Pulling a term we first saw put into production by Volvo, the Equinox features a “floating” centre stack, and it looks pretty sweet with the aforementioned aluminum trim and ice-blue ambient lighting. Additional ice-blue lighting surround the door pull indentations and the cupholders so you won’t accidentally spill while trying to find them at night. Front and rear seats come standard in a high-quality fabric but can alternatively be covered in perforated leather. More importantly, Chevy feels bold enough to tell us they’ll “deliver best-in-class comfort,” so we’ll have to report back on this after we have driven the car.