The 2016 SEMA show is right around the corner and Chevrolet will have two cool concept cars on display; the Cruze RS hatchback and Malibu Blue Line series.
What’s New
The two Blue Line concepts combine equal amounts of style, performance, and function in one attractive package. Both concept vehicles will be painted in Genesis White, feature blue-tinted windows, and 18-inch concept wheels painted in slate blue metallic.
“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers,” said Roger McCormack, Director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner.”
Chevrolet’s design studio developed the production and concept accessories specifically for the vheicles.
“Chevrolet accessories bring a level of value and peace of mind that can only come from parts that are designed, engineered, tested, and backed by the same team that developed the vehicles,” McCormack said.
Malibu Blue Line
The Chevrolet Malibu Blue Line concept combines design accents with performance parts, for a more athletic stance and sporty look. Depending on lighting conditions, the Genesis White offers a transitional look, appearing either bright white or light gray.
In addition to the 18-inch slate blue metallic wheels, the Malibu Blue Line concept also features a ground effects kit with rear diffuser, black grille insert, black Chevrolet bow tie emblems, rear spoiler, suspension lowering kit, floor lines with premium metal badging, illuminated doorsills, and sport pedal kit.
The suspension kit lowers the Malibu by 0.4 inches (10 mm), resulting in a sportier stance and more responsive handling. The lowering kit is specially designed for models with the optional 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which creates 250 horsepower. It’s mated to a new, nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Malibu Blue Line concept also features a Chevrolet Performance brake kit and additional unique touches like tinted head and taillight lenses and polished exhaust tips.
Cruze RS Hatchback Blue Line
The Chevrolet Cruze RS Hatchback Blue Line is also painted in Genesis White and features 18-inch, slate blue metallic concept wheels.
Additional features include a chrome grille insert, suspension lowering kit, performance brakes and air intake kit, and a special exhaust system. The chrome grille insert and suspension lowering kit are currently available, although it should be noted, the upgraded brake package will be available at the end of the year; the performance air intake and exhaust will be available in mid-2017.
The performance brake kit is available for both the Cruze sedan and hatchback fitted with 16-inch or larger rims. The kit replaces the standard 10.9-inch rotors with 11.8-inch Duralife vented and slotted rotors with new calipers. Duralife rotors utilize a ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC) process at the factory to provide corrosion resistance and longevity.
Further Enhancements
The suspension kit lowers the Cruze by 0.4 inches and adds a larger diameter front stabilizer bar, resulting in more responsive handling. The black cabin of the Cruze RS hatchback Blue Line concept features custom satin graphite accents on the instrument panel, shift knob, and door inserts.
Additional Chevrolet interior accessories include a sport pedal kit, illuminated doorsills, and interior trim kit.
Performance
The Cruze RS’s standard 1.4 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (153 horsepower) is accessorized with a performance air intake kit and exhaust system. The intake kit includes a high-flow air filter and secondary inlet duct to increase air flow, while the performance exhaust system cuts back pressure for optimal engine breathing and power output. The intake kit also includes a dealer-installed calibration exhaust system which is emissions certified in all 50 states.
Viewing Opportunity
The Cruze RS Hatchback and Malibu Blue Line concepts will be joined by 20 additional Chevrolet models at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The show runs from November 1st through the 4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The accessories and performance parts installed by dealers will not void the factory warranties.
Rahul Raman is the Founder of CARS 360 Mke, an automotive news outlet. He is a regular contributor to Automoblog and the author of our First Look series.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet
