2011 Chevrolet Sail

Shanghai GM introduced the new Chevrolet Sail sedan, the very first passenger auto developed in China by a Sino-foreign joint venture. The new tiny vehicle was developed by Shanghai GM plus the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), both GM-SAIC joint ventures. Additionally to being sold in China, the Chevrolet Sail will also be exported to other emerging markets.

Shanghai GM provides five variants of the Chevrolet Sail with the base model priced around RMB 60,000 (US$8,800). This marks a breakthrough in the under-RMB 70,000 (US$10,300) tiny car segment, where Chinese brands have traditionally been dominant.

“Our mission has constantly been to enable a lot more people and families to understand their dream of owning a auto,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “With the Chevrolet Sail, we are setting a new standard for the lower-end small automobile segment even though fully living up to the global standards of Chevrolet, 1 of the world’s leading vehicle brands. The fact that the Chevrolet Sail will be exported is really a testament to the capabilities of our product development organization in China.”

Class-Leading, Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

The Chevrolet Sail is offered with a selection of class-leading 1.2-liter S-TEC II and 1.4-liter S-TEC III engines. The 1.2-liter engine achieves ideal in class fuel economy under comprehensive road conditions of 5.7 L/100 km. It also generates power of 53.1 kW/L, enabling the Chevrolet Sail to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds. The 1.4-liter engine offers power per liter of far more than 54.3 kW/L, goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, and has fuel economy under 5.9 L/100 km.

The engines incorporate the Variable Geometry Intake System (VGIS), which gives smooth power delivery and torque across all engine speeds. Lightweight materials are utilized within the engine, transmission and body, further growing fuel efficiency. The optimized friction coefficient within the transmission and tire rolling coefficient reduce energy loss caused by mechanical operation. In line with Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy, both engines meet China’s Phase IV emission standard (as well as the Euro IV standard) and may be upgraded to meet China’s Phase V emission standard.

Even though it really is classified as a small automobile, the Chevrolet Sail ensures a enjoyable driving experience. Its five-speed manual transmission provides smooth gear shifting. The sporty-looking steering wheel delivers pinpoint handling and effortless control, even though the sporty yet solid chassis provides comfort and outstanding handling. The driver enjoys maximum visibility courtesy of the Chevrolet Sail’s huge windshield, seats created for local users and no-blind-spot rearview mirror....

Stylish Exterior, Spacious Interior

Like other vehicles wearing the Chevrolet bowtie, the Chevrolet Sail is sporty, enjoyable to drive and offers very good value for cash. The Sail features Chevrolet’s trademark horizontal split grille with the gold Chevrolet emblem showcased in the middle. 3 muscular sidelines supply the automobile a three-dimensional look. A unique short-in-front, long-in-back suspension brings a sporty edge to the exterior. The streamlined shape of the vehicle adds a dynamic styling element even though reducing drag, for lower fuel consumption. The Chevrolet Sail is initially available in six exterior colors: Crescent Silver, Jasmine White, Sky Blue, Coral Red, Amber Orange and Starfish Blue.

The interior is likewise unique and all Chevrolet. It consists of the brand’s twin-cockpit design as well as a flexible, modern central control panel equipped with a radio, CD player and MP3 interface. Designers have added a sporty touch by way of a double-digital screen and chrome plating. The Chevrolet Sail’s adoption of a central fuel tank, a short front and rear suspension, and arch-shaped doors maximizes interior space for up to five people. You will find 24 interior storage compartments for added convenience.

Advanced Safety

The Chevrolet Sail is expected to obtain four stars in China New Automobile Assessment Program (C-NCAP) testing. The Chevrolet Sail’s safety cage construction with crumple zones offers class-leading passenger protection. A steel frame surrounds the fuel tanks, for added safety. Dual air bags in front, a retractable steering column, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, child safety locks along with a stronger child seat system are standard. The Chevrolet Sail also provides outstanding pedestrian protection.

Developed in China for Emerging Markets

The Chevrolet Sail was jointly developed by Shanghai GM and PATAC off a new architecture in accordance with GM’s Global Vehicle Development Procedure (GVDP) and worldwide standards for engineering and top quality. The development team for the Chevrolet Sail factored in local climate and driving conditions also as local fuel high quality and Chinese driving habits in the new model’s design. The vehicle’s assembly followed the DTS global C-BOB (finest of best) standard.

The Chevrolet Sail was put by way of far more than 2 million kilometers of testing in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

To ensure that parts and components meet Chevrolet’s international standards in terms of quality, service, technologies and price, 95 percent of components were supplied by members of GM’s global supply chain, with more than 40 percent coming from industry-leading component groups or their joint ventures.

GM’s global top quality management processes and regulations had been also applied in R&D, procurement, high quality recognition and manufacturing. Shanghai GM’s paint shop adopted Generation 6 Zero-Emission Painting for the Chevrolet Sail. The vehicle meets all European Union environmental protection standards in terms of heavy metal proportion plus the recycling rate of the full vehicle.

World-class Chevrolet Gold Tie Service will be offered to Chevrolet Sail buyers by Shanghai GM. Approximately 380 dealers in extra than 200 cities across China will offer customers nine free services too as 24-hour emergency assistance.

According to Shanghai GM President Ding Lei, “Several years ago, Shanghai GM made the strategic decision to broaden our customer base by developing the Chevrolet Sail. We improved cost efficiency while setting new high quality, fuel efficiency and value standards for economical family cars. With the arrival of the Chevrolet Sail, we now have an entry in every major passenger auto segment.”