Chevrolet Prisma “Y” Concept

Text & Photos edited by Clinton Deacon
Source: General Motors
11-02-2006


Chevrolet Prisma “Y” Concept
2 November 2006


Based on the newly launched Sedan Prisma, it is a very versatile multipurpose vehicle

Inspired in the new model recently launched by Chevrolet, Sedan Prisma, General Motors do Brasil’s Design Area created Prisma “Y”, a stylish vehicle which was carefully conceived with a view to developing an adventurous version.

Prisma “Y” is a model aimed at young consumers who are very interested in adventures”, emphasized Carlos Barba, GM Design Director for LAAM Division, encompassing Latin America, Africa and Middle East regions.

The design was totally developed by using the modern GM Design Department’s virtual reality room – the only existing one in the automotive sector all around Country -, and the letter “Y” is the initial of the English word “young” or “youth”.

“For developing Prisma “Y”, we focused on finding out the current directions of the Brazilian market. Our challenge was to find out the Brazilian tendencies and lifestyle”, commented Carlos Barba.

According to Barba, Prisma “Y” is a sportive and versatile vehicle, with capacity to carry not only five people, but also several camping and surfing equipment, including surfboards and bikes. “Everything that reminds us of weekend recreation and leisure is what our concept vehicle aims at”, added Barba.

A multipurpose vehicle to be used in the city, highways and countryside

“We sought to create a perfect balance for the vehicle to be used in the city, highways and countryside”. Having an appropriate size and features to be used in the city, Prisma “Y” is always ready to provide weekend leisure on the beach or countryside”, stated Barba.

The main challenge of the Design Department was to add the practicality and robustness look of the Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the Prisma model. The main change in the appearance is the type of the body, turning from a sedan to a multipurpose model.

As one of the most important features of Prisma “Y” is its luggage compartment, the GM’s Design Department took special care for its functionality and volumetric capacity. Despite of its volumetric capacity, the horizontal and vertical opening dimensions are very competitive.

For this reason, the Prisma “Y” ’s luggage compartment had its volumetric capacity increased, in comparison to the Sedan Prisma’s, and its access improved for loading large-sized objects, including bikes, camping equipments and other issues related to leisure activities.

Distinguished Look

The second challenge faced during the conception of Prisma “Y” was to lift the suspension system as well as install all-terrain tires (asphalt/dirt pavements). The 16-inch wheels were exclusively designed for the vehicle.

Like Prisma, what prevails on its front robust end is the trapezoidal graphic element. The remarkable vertical central fold where is applied the new Chevrolet logo is applied with a golden bowtie takes also part of the new brand identity.

The front bumpers, painted in gray-color, with silver-color details, are equipped with integrated auxiliary headlight. Its design is inspired in off-road vehicles, whose angle of attack is a very important aspect to be considered.

As for the Prisma “Y” ’s body sides, is the fender trim as well the lower part of the doors painted in gray-color draw attention. The larger rear-mirrors were also exclusively designed to match the vehicle’s appearance.

Horizontal lines with clean and remarkable surfaces prevail on the rear end. The front and the rear ends are both sectioned by a vertical fold, the new brand’s DNA, where the new Chevrolet logo is applied to. The rear bumpers follow the same design line of the front ones. The rear lid window is integrated to the side ones, providing a better rear view.

The main attractive feature of Prisma “Y” is the panoramic sunroof. All passengers can use it in addition to the central upper console integrated to the dashboard, which extends backwards, increasing the number of object-holders available in its interior.

The body was painted in glossy blue color with gray and silver details.

Off-Road Characteristics

Prisma “Y” ’s interior was developed in such a way to establish synergy with the same design style used for the exterior part of vehicle. As a result, Prisma ‘Y’ got modern and simple shapes, both for the instrument panel and door finish panels. The GM do Brasil’s new concept car will be equipped with customization items, made of exclusive materials appropriate for off-road use.

When conceived, Prisma “Y” was also equipped with rear seats that can be completely folded up to the floor level, following the flex-space system adopted for mono-volume Zafira.