GM's Sporty EV Concept Resembles the Future Bolt We Anticipated | Carscoops

      A new study for an electric crossover from GM Design’s Shanghai studio suggests a more polished future for Chevrolet in China and beyond.

      8 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      GM's studio in China has designed a sporty EV concept aimed at the local market.

      The sketches illustrate a grille-less SUV featuring arrow-like design elements and wraparound glass.

      This design could influence future Chevrolet models tailored for Chinese consumers.

      As the largest automotive market globally, China is crucial for General Motors, where all its brands are seeking to establish a stronger foothold. In line with this, GM's China Advanced Design studio has introduced a novel concept study—a sporty EV that targets Chinese buyers specifically.

      The exploration sketches and renderings were created by GM designer Charles Huang at the Shanghai studio. They depict what resembles a compact crossover, possibly hinting at a future iteration of the Bolt, complete with oversized wheels and a distinct bi-tone paint job.

      At the front, the concept replaces a traditional grille with a sleek, enclosed panel accompanied by split LED headlights and a Chevrolet logo that could illuminate. The body design is clean and marked by sharp lines, with minimal decorative details.

      One of the most notable aspects is the wraparound glasshouse, highlighted by a robust C-pillar that seems to encircle the vehicle’s rear. The contrast between deep blue and black hues enhances this visual appeal.

      According to the designer, the side profile draws inspiration from a “released arrow,” a concept most prominent in the initial sketches. The later, more photorealistic renderings tone down the dramatic elements, presenting a design closer to what could potentially enter production.

      It’s conceivable to imagine this crossover displayed in a Chevrolet showroom, equipped with standard mirrors and door handles, assuming such features remain relevant in modern EV design.

      The GM Design Instagram profile does not feature any interior sketches, and specifications are lacking; however, a rear-mounted electric motor along with a medium-sized battery pack would likely suffice.

      The electric vehicle appears to have a similar length to the Chevrolet Tracker RS available in China and the Bolt available in the US. This positions it below the Trailblazer, Trax, Equinox EV, and Blazer currently offered in the States.

      While the Chevrolet concept is merely a design study without plans for production, GM is actively developing several affordable EVs for future release. It is reasonable to assume that some of these models will feature an SUV body style, possibly resembling the “sporty EV” depicted in the sketches.

      Despite GM categorizing the project as a design study lacking immediate production intent, it comes at a time when the company is pursuing the development of multiple affordable EVs for various markets. It is likely that some models will adopt design elements from this study, particularly the SUV silhouette.