TTAC Photochop: New Chevrolet MPV

Frank Williams
by Frank Williams

It seems GM has a new seven-seater van under development, based on the global Delta platform. It'll have to be pretty generic to meet the expectations of the global market while representing the values and design philosophy of at least three different brands. Expect the new car to be badged a Chevrolet, Opel/Vauxhall and Euro-Chevy (GM-Daewoo) but don't expect to see it in the U.S. This "born to be badge engineered" design doesn't leave that much room for a seductive personality or a strong character. But as long as humans are still organized in families and have pets and stuff to carry around, there's still a significant market for the MPVs (i.e. minivans). My rendering represents the Chevrolet version, tailored after carparazzi photographs taken so far. Sliding doors in the rear and a classic monospace body are no surprises. I wish I could render a gorgeous car, but we are seeking the truth here and this time it ain't that pretty at all.

[For more Avarvarii photochopistry, click here]

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  • Paul Niedermeyer Paul Niedermeyer on May 23, 2008

    The next generation Zafira IS coming to the US. There have been lots of reports on that, and it's too obvious. Who's saying it's not?

  • SherbornSean SherbornSean on May 23, 2008

    An honest photochop of an honest vehicle. But I don't think it would succeed in the US market. For $20 large, why buy a small, new minivan when you can get a 2-3 year old Sienna/Odyssey for the same dough? Given how long cars last and how inexpensive used cars are, a new car has to have something sexy to move off the lots. From the looks of things, the baby Venture won't cut it. I just read that the sales in the Japanese car market are down 33% from 10 years ago. The same could happen here.

  • Conslaw Conslaw on May 23, 2008

    The first generation Chryslers may have been only a little over 3000 lbs, but they had no real space behind the rear seat. The second and third rows had limited leg room, and the second and third rows of seats didn't even have headrests (shades of a 2008 Ford Focus). I agree, though, that weight has gotten out of control on the latest vans. The 2008 Chryslers gained a couple hundred pounds over the previous generation, completely negating the benefits of the 6-speed transmission, and eating into the benefits of the new 4.0 liter engine. The Zafira looks good on paper. Unfortunately, GM decided to give us the HHR instead. Speaking of the Zafira, you should see the European commercial of the Zafira getting thrown out of an airplane. Search for it on Youtube. It's a hoot.

  • JJ JJ on May 23, 2008

    Hmm...This looks like a current Zafira, only slightly older and with 90s Chevy rims...

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