Chevrolet Tru 140S and Code 130R Concepts Return to Paris Motor Show
Chevrolet’s Tru 140S and Code 130R youth-focused concept cars appeared again in Europe at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, following their earlier debuts in Detroit and Geneva.
Chevrolet brought its Tru 140S and Code 130R concept cars to the 2012 Paris Motor Show, continuing a global tour that began with their world debut in Detroit earlier that year. Both models target younger buyers, with designs shaped by feedback from drivers under 30 and a focus on affordability, efficiency and style.
Design and engineering focused on youth appeal
The Code 130R and Tru 140S were developed at GM’s North Hollywood Design Center by Nicholas David and Joe Baker, drawing on input from young American drivers. Chevrolet positioned these concepts to explore what younger buyers expect from a modern coupe. The Code 130R takes inspiration from classics like the BMW 2002 and Datsun 510, with a compact, upright stance and rear-wheel drive layout. Its 109-inch wheelbase is shorter than a BMW 3 Series, and the car sits on GM’s Alpha platform, shared with the Cadillac ATS.
The Tru 140S, by contrast, is a front-wheel drive coupe based on the Chevrolet Cruze platform. Its styling is more overtly sporty, with a low roofline and aggressive proportions. Both cars are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150hp. The Code 130R pairs this with GM’s eAssist mild hybrid system, while the Tru 140S uses a conventional stop/start setup to improve efficiency.
Performance and efficiency claims
Chevrolet claimed both concepts could achieve 40mpg, a figure aimed at attracting budget-conscious younger buyers without sacrificing performance. The Code 130R’s rear-wheel drive and eAssist mild hybrid system set it apart from most compact coupes, while the Tru 140S offers a more familiar front-wheel drive setup. Both cars use the same 1.4-litre turbo engine, rated at 150hp and 148lb ft of torque.
| Model | Platform | Drivetrain | Engine | Power | Fuel Economy (claimed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code 130R | Alpha (Cadillac ATS) | Rear-wheel drive | 1.4-litre turbo + eAssist | 150hp | 40mpg |
| Tru 140S | Chevrolet Cruze | Front-wheel drive | 1.4-litre turbo + stop/start | 150hp | 40mpg |
Concepts on the show circuit
After their world premiere in Detroit, the Tru 140S and Code 130R appeared at several major shows, including Geneva, Washington, Chicago, New York and Beijing before arriving in Paris. Chevrolet used these appearances to gauge public response and highlight its interest in appealing to a younger generation of drivers. The Paris showing placed the concepts alongside other new and refreshed models such as the Volkswagen Golf GTIand Citroën DS3 Convertible, both of which were also aimed at style-conscious buyers.
