Chevrolet
Chaparral 2X VGT Concept
Chevrolet
revealed the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Tursimo (VGT) concept - a revolutionary
interpretation of the ultimate race car, developed exclusively for fans of the
PlayStation 3 racing game, Gran Turismo 6.
Developed
as part of the Vision Gran Turismo project, which celebrates the future of
automotive design and innovation, the Chaparral 2X VGT concept is inspired by
the innovative race cars Chaparral Racing and Chevrolet partnered on more than
45 years ago.
Gamers
can race the Chaparral 2X VGT this holiday season by downloading an online
update for Gran Turismo 6, the latest iteration of the best-selling PlayStation
franchise that has sold more than 72 million copies worldwide since its 1998
debut.
"This
concept is an audacious and ambitious vision - and one that demonstrates to a
new audience how Chevy's engineering and design teams challenge norms and
explore the technologies of tomorrow," said Clay Dean, executive director
of advanced design. "It also an ode to a unique partnership that pioneered
ground-breaking technologies that are used today on the track and the
street."
Known
for unconventional, boundary-pushing race cars that shook up the motorsports
world, Texas-based Chaparral Racing partnered with Chevrolet Research and
Development more than 45 years ago, pioneering now-standard methods and
materials used in contemporary racing and production vehicles, including the
composite monocoque chassis, lightweight-alloy powertrain systems, automatic
transmissions for racing and progressive, active aerodynamics. The partnership
also spawned ground-breaking vehicle data acquisition technology. Chevrolet
continues to use racing programs to test and develop new technologies and
materials.
The
Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT channels that spirit of innovation into a vision of
what the future of racing could hold, with a radical form and an advanced,
laser-based propulsion system.
"It
was created in a no-rules atmosphere to challenge designers and test engineers
to deliver the most exhilarating sensations. This is a fantasy car by
design," said Frank Saucedo, who oversaw the team that worked on the
concept. "Like the original Chaparral race cars decades ago, the Chaparral
2X VGT weaves advanced aerospace technologies into the design to help achieve
its performance goals."
The
Chaparral 2X VGT's concept propulsion system is inspired by technology derived
from advanced work targeted at space travel and future aircraft design. It
features a mid-mounted laser beamed-energy propulsion system, which pulses
beams of light that focus in a shroud, creating shock waves that generate
tremendous thrust in the lightweight race car.
With
a 671-kW laser, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and an air-powered
generator to provide 900 horsepower worth of thrust, the Chaparral 2X VGT will
be capable of a 240-mph top speed in the video game with 0-60 acceleration
capability of 1.5 seconds.
The
propulsion system's position in the composite chassis complements an
unconventional yet highly active prone driver configuration - face down with
the driver's arms and legs splayed toward the wheels. In fact, the race car's
propulsion and suspension systems are built around the driver, enabling
progressive strategies of active and driver-adjustable aerodynamics.
"Think
of it as adapting a wing suit to a racing car, where the driver's movements
control certain aspects of the aero package," said Saucedo. "In many
ways, the Chaparral 2X VGT is like racing wing suit, with a protective fuselage
for 'flying' very low to the ground."
The
driver-enabled aerodynamics eliminate the need for large, conventional wings
and other aero devices used to generate grip-enhancing downforce - an attribute
that helps reduce the overall mass of the Chaparral 2X VGT's minimalist
structure. Only essential elements are on board, with instrumentation, for
example, projected on the driver's helmet visor.
Additionally,
lightweight chassis components reduce the sprung weight of the race car,
enabling the car to provide tremendous cornering grip with a relatively small
footprint. It rolls on 17-inch front wheels wrapped with racing tires.
"The
Chaparral 2X VGT is a vision of how advanced technology may shape the look and
driving experience of racing," said Saucedo. "Chaparral's race cars
and methods were seen as outlandish four decades ago, and with the innovative
spirit still burning at Chevrolet, the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo concept
might just be a harbinger of motorsports in the next four decades."
Other
manufacturers have developed concept race cars for the Vision Gran Turismo
project, but Chevrolet is one of the few to transfer it from the digital world
to a physical concept vehicle.