Chevrolet is continuing the build up to a new World Touring Car season by giving its new Cruze WTCC saloon its first public airing at the Bologna Motor Show.
The car, which will replace the multiple race-winning Lacetti from next season, was unveiled in its full racing livery by driver Nicola Larini at the annual Italian event.
Although it retains the Lacetti's distinctive blue hues, the larger, chunkier Cruze receives more striking detail in line with Chevrolet's eagerness to make more of an impact on the racing stage.
“As a racing fan myself, I was thrilled to be involved with this project,” said director of design at GM Europe Phillip Zak. “My main direction to the team was that we wanted a bold unique dynamic graphic that stands out on the race track as the bold dynamic Cruze will also stand out from competitors in the street. The team colors have been incorporated on as a continuation of our successful past.
“The super graphics are asymmetrical and unexpected, with a geometric execution, while we have accentuated the Chevrolet grille, which is the global face of Chevrolet. I am sure the Cruze WTCC will certainly help transmitting the dynamic spirit of Chevrolet!”
The Lacetti, which won 14 races and scored 37 podiums over four seasons, will make its final appearance at the Bologna Motor Show race next week. For team manager Eric Neve, it is the perfect send-off for a car that has established Chevrolet as a major player in WTCC racing.
“Bologna Motor Show is one of the most festive car events in Europe. We could not think of a better place to say goodbye to the Lacetti, which will be racing here (at the show race on 8 December) for the last time and give a warm welcome to new Cruze WTCC. The new race livery really encapsulates everything which Chevrolet is about: it is fresh, colourful, exciting, and out-of-the box.”
Chevrolet, who will go into the new season with the unchanged driver line-up of Larini, Rob Huff and Alain Menu, have been busy testing the new car ahead of its scheduled debut at Curitiba, Brazil in March.
