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While attention is usually focussed on Europe, Japan and North America where new and future models are concerned, down in South America, there’s also a fair amount of activity in the auto industry. The region is large enough to support separate product development and companies like GM have even established a dedicated design centre in Brazil.
One of the recent concepts out of GM’s design centre in Brazil is the Chevrolet GPiX, a crossover coupe concept. GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image - "G" for global and "Pix" meaning "picture" or "image" – and features a 2-door bodystyle with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets.
"It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil," said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East. The GPiX also combines Chevrolet's global design "DNA" with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today's emerging markets.
The concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the familiar Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tyres add a rugged look to the crossover coupe while the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.
The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.
Unlike Japanese manufacturers who show ‘concept cars’ at motorshows, GM’s concept cars may look ready for production but often do not appear in showrooms at all. So it’s hard to say if there will be a model like the GPiX anytime soon… or something looking like it which might be the next generation of the Captiva.
Talk about the GPiX in the MTM Forum