Wednesday, July 31, 2013
2006 Chevrolet WTCC Ultra Concept Preview
Chevrolet claims that the WTCC Ultra is ready to drive, and not in a quarter-throttle, 30-mph sort of way. It’s a fully functional concept that could be driven right from the show floor, though Paris, down the Autoroute, and onto the track at Le Mans. If a similar—but obviously less radical—vehicle sees production, it could show Europe that Americans can do hatchbacks as well as anyone. Ford’s Focus ST has done it and Dodge’s Hornet is set to do the same. Why not Chevrolet?World premiere of the Chevrolet WTCC Ultra Concept
eneral Motors Europe made some great product launches at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, but perhaps none more anticipated than the spectacular Chevrolet WTCC Ultra Concept.
Directly derived from the World Touring Car Championship, this ready-to-drive racing car can get your adrenaline flowing and your mouth foaming just by looking at it. The PR folks say it "takes the Chevrolet design language to the extreme while embodying the brand´s spirit and race history".
It certainly is dramatic, sleek and muscular. Theres a nice contrast between the sharp lines and the more flowing surfaces. The car is also exceptionally aerodynamic thanks to a raked windshield, a completed body kit, a huge rear spoiler and equally massive front air intakes.
Modern lightweight materials have been used to keep the curb weight as low and the handling as good as possible, helped by a perfectly proportioned shape -- 4325mm long, 1905mm wide and 1570mm high. Body panels are finished in "Stealth Blue" and made of a glass fiber and carbon fiber laminate. Meanwhile, the various ground effects are made of pure carbon fiber fabric. Finally, polished aluminum is used for door handles and other fittings.
Oh and in case youre wondering, the WTCC Ultra Concept is powered by a 190 hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine. As for the interior, the only word for it is "out-of-this-world".
The WTCC Ultra was styled by 25-year-old Ewan Kingsbury, who works as a designer for GM Australia. The Ultras engine was built in South Korea, and the prototype was assembled in Japan. GM said development work on the concept was carried out in the U.K., Germany and Switzerland.
GM says the WTCC Ultra has a "bold, muscular exterior."
