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Chevrolet Shows Off S3X Concept in Paris

Is the S3X a Harbinger of Things to Come from European Chevrolets

Its amazing how a seemingly short amount of time can change the landscape of the automotive industry. Not two years ago, the Daewoo Kalos was introduced to non-North American world markets, signaling the beginning of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT), a new lease on life for the South Korean firm which was buried deep in red ink. Little did the onlookers realize that Chevrolet, GMs traditional budget brand, would soon be taking over the Korean brand in Europe.

Now all has changed, and in order to strengthen Chevrolets less than solid image in Europe the American firm has presented several new vehicles at this years Paris motor show, highlighted by a new midsize SUV called the S3X concept. Unlike any previous Chevy SUV, the compact S3X is directly aimed at the European market, featuring advanced technology and design to cater to European

General Motors GMDAT division, built out of the remnants of Daewoo, designed and built the S3X concept for Chevrolet from the ground up. (Photo: General Motors)

needs.

Designed, engineered and built entirely by GMDAT in South Korea, its the first concept vehicle that the firm has built since last years SCOPE crossover concept. But unlike the SCOPE, the S3X is considered to be a "near-production" concept vehicle, a harbinger of the vehicle that is expected to appear in Europe for the 2006 model year.

GMDAT has used the S3X to foray into the world of diesel and hybrid technologies. The common-rail turbodiesel motor is known globally for its economy, cleanliness and performance, but in the S3X it gets assisted by an electric hybrid system.

When the S3X is produced, it will be Chevrolets first diesel vehicle in Europe, as well as one of the first diesel-hybrids if the General gives the green light to an alternative fuel version. (Photo: General Motors)

Using a similar mild-hybrid layout of electric motors and generators made mainstream by Hondas Insight, Civic Hybrid and most recently, Accord Hybrid, an electric motor assists the internal combustion engine (ICE) to cut back on fuel consumption and emissions. The S3X is one of the first vehicles to harness electric assist to clean diesel power making this sport utility vehicle one of the worlds most environmentally friendly SUVs. Its future-think technology must be why Chevy has kept info about the powertrain system closely under wraps, and has not disclosed any specifications.

Youd be hard-pressed to find any signs that the S3X is nearly pollution free by its exterior. Chevrolet has disguised its

The S3X offers a sporty look infused with 20-inch alloy wheels, twin cannon tail pipes and projection beam lamps. (Photo: General Motors)

environmentally friendly powertrain in a stylish, modern sport utility body. The 182.7 inch long, 72.8 inch wide and 67.7 inch tall SUV makes the S3X GMs smallest SUV aside from the Saturn VUE: the polymer-paneled Saturn is just 1.3 inches shorter than the S3X concept. Aside from the big, bold golden bow tie which crowns the front grille, the S3X is distinctively European, and is more car-like than any SUV General Motors has ever produced except maybe the Pontiac Vibe, which is actually more Toyota Matrix than anything from the General.

The upward sweeping shoulder lines and wrap-around taillights pay tribute to the Pontiac/Toyota crossover, just two aspects of the S3Xs eye catching design. Trademarks such as the metal inserts on the lower front and rear valance, the large grille, plastic body cladding and roof-top racks are typical of Chevys American SUVs, but this is offset by several car-like

Perforated leather, real wood and authentic metal trim - is this really a Chevrolet? (Photo: General Motors)

details including honeycomb bumper inserts and vertical vents on the S3Xs front fenders. The Chevy concept has an unusually low ground clearance despite riding on 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile performance tires, which negate all off-roading capabilities in order to please the European driver on twisty roads. The S3X concept also features a large, louvered panoramic glass roof which can slide open much like a sunroof to create a roomy, airy feel inside, much like the system being sold now on the all-new Pontiac G6 sedan. According to Chevrolet, the S3X is a sneak-peek of styling cues for future European Chevrolet models.

On the inside, show goers will be surprised to see the new concepts high quality workmanship and inspired design. Real wood, which lines the steering wheel, door panels and dashboard trim, as well as polished metal which is used on the shifter gate, as accents on the dashboard and steering wheel, are unheard of in a Chevrolet let alone a Daewoo. Two tone perforated leather seats add a luxurious and

The S3Xs 50/50 split third row folds flat, and is lined with metal runners for easy loading. (Photo: General Motors)

classy touch to the cockpit. The layout of the S3Xs interior is quite car-like thanks to an ergonomically positioned center console and angled shifter. The center console features a DVD entertainment/navigation system linked to an 7.0 inch LCD monitor which also displays information about the stereo and climate control.

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