Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Sequel"

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{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox Automobile
|name=Corvair Monza GT
|image=[[Image:Auto Show 068.jpg|250px|Chevy Sequel]]
|image=[[Image:Corvair Monza GT.1.jpg|250px]]
|name=Chevrolet Sequel
|caption= Corvair Monza GT at 2007 Amelia Island Concurs
|manufacturer=[[General Motors]]
|manufacturer=[[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]]
|production=
|production=1962
|class=[[Full-size]] [[hybrid car|hybrid]] [[crossover SUV]]
|predecessor=
|predecessor=
|successor=  
|body_style=5-door [[SUV]]
|class=[[Sports car]] (experimental)
|platform=
|body_style=2-door [[coupe]]
|engine=
|related= |similar=Monza SS Spyder
|transmission=
|wheelbase=
|length=
|width=
|height=
|weight=
|related=
|similar=[[Toyota Highlander Hybrid]]
}}
}}


The [[Chevrolet]] '''Corvair Monza GT''' was a mid-engined experimental prototype  based on the early model [[Chevrolet Corvair]] series. Essentially a concept vehicle, the Monza GT was destined never to enter production.
The '''Chevrolet Sequel''' is a [[hybrid car|hybrid]] [[crossover SUV]] [[concept vehicle]] developed by [[General Motors]] and introduced at the 2005 [[North American International Auto Show]].


==Design and development==
The Sequel is powered by a [[fuel cell]] [[powertrain]], which includes an electronic control unit and a fourth-generation version of GM's [[fuel-cell stack]]. A fuel-cell is an [[electrochemical]] device that combines [[hydrogen]] fuel with oxygen from air to produce electricity. The only waste by-product of that conversion is water vapor.
Under direction by [[Bill Mitchell]], the Corvair Monza GT coupe was designed by [[Larry Shinoda]] and Tony Lapine in 1962, borrowing from the Bertone designed Testudo concept car. Like the earlier design, the GT doors swung upward and were actually a front hinged canopy that extended into the B section; the rear engine cover also hinged at the rear. The engine used was a standard Corvair  145 cu. in. {{Convert|102|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, flat six with a "two carb-layout." Unlike the production Corvair, the GT engine was mounted ahead of the transaxle, turned around 180 degrees and mounted as a "true" mid-engine layout. The chassis was on a 92" wheelbase, {{convert|16|in|mm|0}} shorter than production cars. The overall dimensions were similarly reduced with a length of {{Auto in|165|1}}, and a height of only {{convert|42|in|mm|0}}, creating a diminutive but beautifully proportioned sportscar.


Besides its streamlined and "swoopy" appearance, the Monza GT was full of other innovative features including magnesium-alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and fixed seats with adjustable pedals, features that would not find their way into production cars for years.
The Sequel became the basis for the design of the [[Chevrolet Traverse]] which is the replacement for the [[Chevrolet Uplander|Uplander]] [[minivan]], which is being phased out.


==Operational history==
==Characteristics==
Introduced to the public in June 1962 at Elkhart Lake at an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) race for A and B production classes (where incidentally Chevrolet Corvettes won both events), the Corvair Monza GT was an instant hit with enthusiasts. Reporters then (and now) remarked that the car was "gorgeous." <ref> [http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_0703_2007_amelia_island_concours/ 2007 Amelia Island Concours d' Elegance at Motor Trend.com] Note: Frank Markus for ''Motor Trend'' called the GT "gorgeous" in 2007 when it appeared at the Amelia Island Concurs.</ref>
The Sequel's fuel-cell stack has a rated power output of 73 [[kW]] (98 [[horsepower|hp]]), supplemented by a [[lithium-ion battery]] pack rated at 65 kW. One 65 kW electric motor drives the front wheels and individual 25 kW wheel-motors (outboard of the rear brakes) drive each rear wheel, providing total tractive power of 115 kW.


The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT coupe toured together with its "sister ship" Monza SS (Spyder) in early 1963, making a further public appearance at the New York Auto Show. Although both cars were based on the Corvair drive train, each represented a futuristic development of the adaptable Corvair design. In the SS convertible, the engine (with a four-carburettor setup) was left in its stock location behind the transaxle, allowing a shorter (88 inch) wheelbase.  
Although this may not sound like much power, electric motors have different characteristics from internal-combustion engines. Specifically, they achieve maximum torque at start-up. Consequently, according to GM's figures, the Sequel will accelerate from 0-to-96 [[km/h]] in less than 10 seconds — more quickly than a [[Hummer H3]] and well within the CUV/[[SUV]] norm.  


Although the SS came very close to series production, both cars ended up as concepts only, tied to the fortunes of the embattled Corvair which was undergoing a beating at the hands of Ralph Nader. The Monza GT ended up at the GM's Heritage Center in Detroit.
Hydrogen storage and, consequently, driving range are major challenges in the development of fuel-cell vehicles. The Sequel stores 8 [[kilogram|kg]] of gaseous hydrogen in three cylindrical, carbon-composite fuel tanks, pressurized to 700 [[Bar (unit)|bar]] (10,000 [[p.s.i.]]) and mounted longitudinally beneath the cabin floor.  That is sufficient to provide an unprecedented range of more than 480 km between fill-ups, in spite of the vehicle's considerable 2,170-kilogram mass.


One interesting offshoot was that Disneyland featured a World of Tomorrow car ride attraction that used the Corvair Monza GT as the basis for the ride.  
The Sequel is just short of five-metres long (4994 mm), on an exceptionally long (3040 mm) wheelbase — the better to accommodate the extremely long fuel tanks. As a result, it is a very roomy vehicle, particularly in the rear seat.


Today, the Corvair Monza GT concept car is one of the more than 700 vehicles found in the GM Heritage Collection of historically significant vehicles that date back to the early 1900s.
==Possible production==
GM has made no commitment to building the Sequel. However, GM vice-chairman [[Robert Lutz|Bob Lutz]] has said he would push the company's strategy board to approve full production of a fuel-cell vehicle as early as the 2011 [[model year]]. However, due to the extremely high cost of fuel cells, GM opted to instead build several hydrogen-powered [[Chevrolet Equinox|Chevy Equinoxes]], as testbeds. It then decided to change it's direction of alternative-fueled vehicles, and showed the concept [[Chevrolet Volt|Volt]], followed by the production version a year later.  As of October 2006, GM has built only two Sequels.


==References==
== External links ==
{{Reflist}}
* [http://www.chevrolet.com.my/id/18/chevrolet-sequel-300-mile-zero-emissions-fuel-cell-drive/ CHEVROLET SEQUEL 300-MILE ZERO EMISSIONS FUEL CELL DRIVE]
* Ludvigsen, Karl. ''Corvair by Chevrolet: Experimental & Production Cars 1957-1969 (Ludvigsen Library)''. Hudson, Wisconsin: Iconografix , 2002. ISBN 978-1583880586.


[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1962]]
{{Chevrolet}}
[[Category:Vehicles with boxer engines]]
 
[[Category:Chevrolet concept vehicles]]
[[Category:Crossover SUVs]]
[[Category:Hybrid vehicles]]
[[Category:Hydrogen cars]]
[[Category:Chevrolet concept vehicles|Sequel]]

Latest revision as of 18:48, 3 February 2009

Chevrolet Sequel
Chevy Sequel
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
ClassFull-size hybrid crossover SUV
Body style(s)5-door SUV
ManualsService Manual

The Chevrolet Sequel is a hybrid crossover SUV concept vehicle developed by General Motors and introduced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.

The Sequel is powered by a fuel cell powertrain, which includes an electronic control unit and a fourth-generation version of GM's fuel-cell stack. A fuel-cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen fuel with oxygen from air to produce electricity. The only waste by-product of that conversion is water vapor.

The Sequel became the basis for the design of the Chevrolet Traverse which is the replacement for the Uplander minivan, which is being phased out.

Characteristics

The Sequel's fuel-cell stack has a rated power output of 73 kW (98 hp), supplemented by a lithium-ion battery pack rated at 65 kW. One 65 kW electric motor drives the front wheels and individual 25 kW wheel-motors (outboard of the rear brakes) drive each rear wheel, providing total tractive power of 115 kW.

Although this may not sound like much power, electric motors have different characteristics from internal-combustion engines. Specifically, they achieve maximum torque at start-up. Consequently, according to GM's figures, the Sequel will accelerate from 0-to-96 km/h in less than 10 seconds — more quickly than a Hummer H3 and well within the CUV/SUV norm.

Hydrogen storage and, consequently, driving range are major challenges in the development of fuel-cell vehicles. The Sequel stores 8 kg of gaseous hydrogen in three cylindrical, carbon-composite fuel tanks, pressurized to 700 bar (10,000 p.s.i.) and mounted longitudinally beneath the cabin floor. That is sufficient to provide an unprecedented range of more than 480 km between fill-ups, in spite of the vehicle's considerable 2,170-kilogram mass.

The Sequel is just short of five-metres long (4994 mm), on an exceptionally long (3040 mm) wheelbase — the better to accommodate the extremely long fuel tanks. As a result, it is a very roomy vehicle, particularly in the rear seat.

Possible production

GM has made no commitment to building the Sequel. However, GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz has said he would push the company's strategy board to approve full production of a fuel-cell vehicle as early as the 2011 model year. However, due to the extremely high cost of fuel cells, GM opted to instead build several hydrogen-powered Chevy Equinoxes, as testbeds. It then decided to change it's direction of alternative-fueled vehicles, and showed the concept Volt, followed by the production version a year later. As of October 2006, GM has built only two Sequels.

External links

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