The Chevrolet Orlando show car made its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The compact, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle has the versatile attributes of a sport-utility, a family van and a wagon. Based on the recently introduced Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car carries Chevrolet’s signature design language into a new vehicle segment. Cues include a two-tier grille, expressive headlamps that flow into the front fenders and muscular fender forms that wrap around the wheels.
“The Orlando suggests a possible addition to Chevrolet’s global product portfolio, while adhering to its mission of offering value, quality and fuel efficiency,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “It offers adaptable seating, more than expected interior room and a powerful yet economical powertrain – features that were designed to suit a variety of needs in different markets.”
Fuel-efficient power for the Orlando show car comes from a 2.0L turbo-diesel that generates 150 horsepower (112 kW) and a strong 235 lb.-ft. of torque (320 Nm). The small-displacement four-cylinder engine combines excellent fuel efficiency with surprising performance, thanks to high torque available across the rpm band. The car-based architecture of the Orlando – the hallmark of a true crossover – further contributes to the vehicle’s efficiency with lower overall mass and better aerodynamics.
Inside, the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity. It has reconfigurable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants. The seats in rows two and three conveniently fold flat into the floor, whenever load carrying becomes a priority.
A long, 108.6-inch (2,760 mm) wheelbase, along with wide front and rear tracks, enhance the interior’s spaciousness. Those dimensions also support a smooth, compliant driving experience, with assistance from a strut-type front suspension, compound crank rear suspension and a speed-sensitive, electric power steering system.