New Trazo C1.8 by Dodge Debuts at São Paulo Motor Show
Trazo C1.8 by Dodge is the first sedan for the Dodge brand in key Latin American markets
Offers exceptional value, fuel economy and dependability for customers new to the Dodge brand
Trazo C1.8 is powered by a fuel-efficient, E-100 ethanol-capable 16-valve 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine
Exterior and interior designs exemplify elegant simplicity and efficiency
Trazo C1.8 gives Chrysler LLC immediate access to new vehicle segments in high-growth markets
São Paulo, Brazil, Oct 28, 2008 - Chrysler LLC launches into a new segment in Latin America with the introduction of the new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge today at the São Paulo Motor Show. Trazo C1.8 will be offered as a four-door sedan with exceptional value and fuel efficiency in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Trazo C1.8 will be built by Nissan Motor Co., providing Chrysler LLC a high-quality entry into these fast-growing markets.
“The new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge allows us to enter into a segment in which we currently do not compete,” said Mike Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “The Trazo C1.8 offers customers a high-quality vehicle with great value and provides our dealers with further opportunities to expand their business.”
The exterior of the Trazo C1.8 provides an athletic, yet modern design that is consistent with the rapidly growing Dodge brand. Trazo C1.8’s maximized 102.4-inch (260-centimeter) wheelbase and short front- and rear-overhangs create perfect proportions for city streets, while expressively long rooflines highlight the comfortable and spacious interior.
Trazo C1.8’s grille features intricate louvers that create a contemporary look while integrating the new Trazo emblem. Large halogen headlamps wrap around to front fenders and provide a striking appearance while improving illumination. These elements, combined with a sporty, integrated body-color front fascia, reinforce Trazo C1.8’s youthful looks.
Trazo C1.8’s side profile illustrates aerodynamic efficiency while highlighting generous passenger space within. A raked-back windshield improves Trazo C1.8’s drag coefficient to a low 0.31 Cd while offering a higher roof height for passengers seated in the front and rear. Clean and crisp body-side forms provide a look of sophistication and give balance to the large side glass that gives Trazo C1.8 passengers great visibility.
A well-tailored rear end completes the exterior design while hinting at Trazo C1.8’s cargo versatility. An efficiently shaped deck lid is sandwiched by large jeweled taillamps and provides a strong, integrated look with the wide C-pillar. The deck lid also sits nicely below the large rear window to avoid blocking the driver’s rear view. A large chromed license plate brow and centered Trazo line emblem atop the deck lid ensures the Trazo C1.8 is not a bland, run-of-the-mill four-door.
Space utilization and high-quality interior materials provide Trazo C1.8 with a generously sized interior, rewarding its passenger with comfort and craftsmanship.
Utilizing its longer wheelbase, an interior length of more than two meters front to back makes Trazo C1.8 by Dodge roomy and provides the space needed for an active lifestyle. An up-right seat height position in both front and rear seats allows plenty of leg room. Front-row seats are larger and more comfortable than most C-segment vehicles and deliver comfortable leg room at any position with little compromise to rear-seat passengers. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat accommodates larger items, while adjustable head rests and a folding arm rest add comfort for up to five passengers on longer road trips.
The instrument panel of the Trazo C1.8 by Dodge duplicates the exterior’s elegantly simple design with a horizontal layout and very efficient use of space. The instruments are housed in three chromed ringed pods, nested in clear view through the sporty three-spoke steering wheel. The center stack contains easy-to-reach climate controls and audio system in addition to a covered storage compartment. A center console, with additional storage features and an ergonomically designed shifter location, flows seamlessly from the instrument panel and defines driver and front-passenger seating areas. Metallic accents on the instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel and other touch points finish off Trazo C1.8’s modern look.
The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge will be available with a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder gasoline and E100 ethanol-capable engine with both automatic and manual transmissions. The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) powertrain offers fuel efficiency along with fun-to-drive excitement the Dodge brand is known for.
Quality is a priority for the Trazo C1.8 by Dodge. A three-year, 50,000-kilometer limited warranty is standard on Trazo C1.8, providing ownership confidence.
Chrysler and Nissan’s OEM Agreement
In January 2008, Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. formed an agreement for Nissan to supply Chrysler with a new car for sale in select Latin American markets. The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge will be supplied to Chrysler by Nissan on an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) basis in mid 2009.
The OEM supply agreement is the second product exchange between Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan affiliate JATCO has been supplying Chrysler with transmissions for various front-wheel-drive vehicles since 2004. The two companies have also agreed to maintain an open dialogue to explore further product-sharing opportunities.
Concept developed in Brazil reflects global trends in design and functionality 
Chevrolet Reveals the GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept
Sao Paulo, Brazil - General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept today at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.
The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. "It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil," said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.
GPiX also combines Chevrolet's global design "DNA" with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today's emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, "with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region."
Dynamic and daring design
The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.
Versatile on the inside with space for four
The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.
The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.
It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.
The name GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image. "G" for global and "Pix" meaning "picture" or "image".
GM Design Center in Brazil
GM's Design Center in Brazil is one of 11 GM studios around the world. Its facilities are being expanded to meet increased responsibilities in the GM global development process.
GM is investing US$ 36 million to expand the facilities, acquire new and more modern equipment and hire new professionals. When complete, the GM Design Center in Brazil will triple in size from 3,000 sq. m. to 9,150 sq. m. and the staff will increase from 79 to 190 professionals.
The Design Center, which was already one of the most modern in Brazil, will also add next generation equipment to its '3D' virtual reality facility to become the most advanced studio in the country and on par with any automotive design studio in the world.
