Nothing Mickey Mouse about the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando
Nearly three years after Chevrolet introduced the Chevy Orlando show car at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the production vehicle of the same name is ready to make its debut in Winnipeg.
The seven-seat Chevrolet Orlando multipurpose vehicle (MPV) fills a hole in the Chevrolet line-up that the Chevrolet Uplander minivan left empty when it went out of production in 2009.
The Chevy Orlando features the passenger capacity of Uplander despite being more than 500 mm shorter in overall length (4652 mm, compared to Uplander's 5191) and riding on a shorter wheelbase (2760 mm vs. 3077, respectively). The Chevrolet Orlando is marginally wider, at 1836 mm (Uplander was 1830).
Built on the same platform as the Cruze sedan, the Chevy Orlando will be built alongside that car in South Korea.
Though the Chevrolet Orlando show car was equipped with a 2.0- litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, the production model will have a 2.4-litre gasoline inline-four under the hood. This engine, which is also used in the Chevrolet Equinox, will produce an estimated 178-horsepower.
The engine will be mated to a choice of either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The Chevrolet Orlando rides on Macpherson struts up front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear, referred to as a compound crank axle.
The idea is to provide better straight-line stability but without the lateral deflection during cornering. Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated up front) provide the stopping power with an anti-lock system along to provide control in emergency situations.
Chevrolet says the 2012 Orlando bucks the trend of "bland" designs in the MPV segment, thanks to features like a low roofline, crossover- inspired silhouette, muscular, protruding wheel-arches, and 16-or 18-inch wheels. The coefficient of drag is in the 0.325 range, depending on body configuration.
Although the Chevrolet Orlando does feature a sweeping roofline, GM says designers were still able to raise the second and third row seats in order to allow better visibility for rear occupants. Of note, is that at 1633 mm in height, the Chevy Orlando is almost 200mm shorter in overall height than Uplander.
The unique shape of the vehicle also lends itself to a more versatile interior that can hold larger objects.
Like the new Sonic subcompact, the Orlando is influenced by its performance-minded brethren -- GM says the interior is "Corvette-inspired", with features such as a dual cockpit and ambient blue centre console backlighting.
Standard equipment on all Orlando models, meanwhile, will include power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, and six airbags.
"We're confident (Chevrolet) Orlando brings the great value and fuel efficiency for which Chevrolet is known to the MPV segment, but also something fresh -- function with attitude.
With its fuel efficiency, versatility and strong safety story, the Chevy Orlando will bring more new customers to the Chevrolet brand here and across (Manitoba)," says Marc Comeau, GM Canada's vice president of Chevrolet Canada.
The Chevrolet Orlando will be available to Manitobans later in 2011, with details including pricing, announced closer to the launch date.
Source: Canoe.ca
Chevrolet Orlando - Best Value in Britain - Towing Car
The All-New Chevrolet Orlando has been awarded the Best Value Towcar award at the 2011 Towcar Awards in Britian. A Panel of testers praised the Chevrolet Orlando for its towing capacity, pulling power, and its all-around practicality. The Chevy Orlando was also evaluated on owner appeal when not towing, including factors such as kerbside appeal, quality, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
"You get a lot of car for your money with the Chevrolet Orlando," said Practical Caravan editor Nigel Donnelly. "It's very stable, has plenty of space for a family’s luggage and is sturdily built. It’s an impressively roomy and capable towcar."
Accepting the award, Chevrolet's National Sales Manager, Daniel Gregorious, said: "The Orlando already encapsulates everything the family motorist would want from a car, so to receive recognition for its towing ability, and from such prestigious publications and organisations, is a real bonus. It's yet another area in which the (Chevy) Orlando excels, not to mention its tremendous value for money."
The Chevrolet Orlando launched in February 2011 in the UK and is expected to arrive in Manitoba during Fall 2011. It provides a maximum towing weight of 1500kg, with an 85% match between kerbweight and towing weight of 1471kg, which equates to being able to tow most medium-to-large touring campers.
Source: Carpages
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