Chevrolet unveils Mi-ray concept in Seoul

Chevrolet has introduced the Mi-ray roadster concept at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in celebration of the brands 100-year heritage of designing expressive vehicles.

The Mi-ray – Korean for “future” – was developed at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Seoul and draws inspiration from the 1963 Monza SS and the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. Chevrolet also say the “aerodynamic fuselage is reminiscent of modern jet fighters.”

GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone said “As GM rolls out Chevrolet across Korea, the Mi-ray concept offers an exploration of future possibilities for the brand. It strengthens the bond between car and driver, creating a fresh look at what sports cars of the future might be.”

The Mi-ray is powered by what Chevrolet calls a “mid-electric” propulsion system. During urban driving two 15kW electric motors draw energy from 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery which charges itself through regenerative braking energy. In this mode the Mi-ray can also be switched between front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and allows for zero emissions. When more performance is needed, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine combines with the electric motors. The powertrain also features dual-clutch transmission and a start-stop system.

Speaking about the system, Arcamone said “The propulsion concept fits perfectly with the rest of the vehicle, delivering big performance in a small footprint, on the road and in the environment. By combining GM propulsion technology and visionary design, the Mi-ray points to the future of Chevrolets around the globe – expressive, youthful and entertaining.”

The Mi-ray’s exterior is made entirely of carbon fibre and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with the wedged body casting “a sweeping line of light when the car is in motion” according to Chevrolet. Also featured are scissor doors, LED headlamps, Corvette inspired front and rear bumpers and carbon-fibre spoilers. Aluminium-carbon fibre composite wheels are fitted with 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear.

On the interior, the Mi-ray contains a mixture of “brushed aluminum, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces”. The instrument panel is divided into three zones; vehicle performance is in the centre with range on the left and navigation and mileage on the right. Rear view cameras which can be retracted protrude from the side glass while a forward-facing camera feeds real-time video into the navigation system.    

Chevrolet has not revealed any plans to put the Mi-ray concept into production.