GM Daewoo’s Premium Sedan, Roadster and Race Car to Highlight Seoul Motor Show

April 5, 2007

Incheon, Korea – With three of the highlights of the sixth Seoul Motor Show – a show car version of its future L4X flagship, the much-anticipated high performance G2X roadster and the WTCC Ultra touring concept car – GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) is leading the charge into areas where Korean automakers traditionally have not been active.

Among the other exciting models appearing on GM Daewoo’s 2,500-square-meter stand are the Kalos and Gentra race cars, the recently launched Lacetti Sport Wagon along with its new diesel siblings, a Winstorm equipped with the Sport Package, and two artistically wrapped Matiz mini-cars.

Along with more accessorized and regular production models, the 22 vehicles on display demonstrate the broad variety of the GM Daewoo vehicle lineup, with a special emphasis on large and exclusive niche models.

L4X - Premium Large Sedan of the Future

GM Daewoo is lifting the veil on a show car version of its much-anticipated long-wheelbase premium large sedan, the L4X.

The rear-wheel-drive product, which is close to a production version, permits a first glimpse into what GM Daewoo is pursuing as its premium large sedan. GM Daewoo’s future flagship will boast a superior level of refinement, safety and comfort features.

“The L4X exemplifies what a true premium large sedan should be. It excels in the most fundamental virtues of its segment,” said Michael Grimaldi, President and CEO of GM Daewoo. “For example, it has segment-leading interior space and rear seat comfort.”

He added, “Our latest show car is not only stylish, it also offers an array of convenience features and luxury appointments to satisfy the most sophisticated Korean consumers.”

The L4X comes with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant that is matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The state-of-the-art alloy engine generates peak power and torque of 258 hp at 6,500 rpm and 34.7 kg.m at 3,200 rpm.

What makes the L4X stand out in terms of superior ride and handling are its sharpened chassis dynamics coupled with a longest-in-class 3,009-mm wheelbase, world-class structural stiffness and a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive system.

Its elegant exterior design, which will set it apart from other premium sedans, is characterized by a stretched silhouette and a wide stance accentuated by flared wheel arches. The longer rear doors are the key to the dramatic proportions, which are accentuated by a sweeping roofline and substantial wheel and tire package. As a result of the longest wheelbase among Korean large sedans, the wheels have been moved to the very corners of the car, making it look and perform in a stable and sporty manner.

Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. Its bi-xenon headlamps and tail lamps have a high-tech, precise and almost diamond-like appearance, with finely detailed elements that make them sparkle and glisten. The bright chrome bodyside molding and chrome-highlighted door handles add a touch of sculptured elegance to the side.

The themes for the interior design are comfort, harmony, luxury and attention to detail. The L4X offers a spacious and safe passenger compartment that provides a prestigious driving environment with optimized storage, packaging and ergonomics.

To give owners second-to-none premium comfort, the production version of the new GM Daewoo flagship will feature an array of safety and convenience features, including a navigation system with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) TV, bi-xenon headlamps, curtain air bags, tri-zone automatic temperature controls, power rear seats with three-step temperature control heating and rear-back massage, power rear-window curtains, roller blinds, a rearview camera and power-folding outside rearview mirrors.

G2X - An Exhilarating Roadster for Korea

The premiere of the unique G2X roadster a few months ahead of its domestic sales, which start in late summer, is a true highlight of this year’s Seoul Motor Show.

Its longitudinally front-installed 2.0-liter 260-hp engine with turbocharger and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.5 seconds, and to a top speed of about 227 km/h.

“The G2X is a classic roadster with abundant power and breathtaking acceleration. Hence, it will offer true sports car performance and an exhilarating driving experience,” said Grimaldi. “To further strengthen the GM Daewoo brand, we will offer Korean consumers something no other Korean manufacturer has in its showroom.”

The G2X brings with it a lot of personality thanks to its exciting shape, which contrasts sharp edges with curved surfaces to create a dynamic look. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long front-hinged hood and short overhangs, the proportions are typical of its class.

High-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and twin counter-rotating balance shafts provide the basis for the 1,998-cm3 four-cylinder engine’s impressive performance data. Maximum output of 194 kW/260 hp at 5,300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm (35.9 kh.m) between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations.

For the G2X, engineers designed a classic sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track (front/rear: 1,543/1,561 mm) and long wheelbase of 2,415 mm. All four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced.

An automatic five-speed transmission with limited slip differential efficiently provides propulsion power to the rear wheels. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects. All wheels are fitted with large disk brakes, while ABS and ESP (which, like Traction Control, can be switched off) monitor safety.

WTCC Ultra – Vision of a New Generation of Touring Car

The World Touring Car Championship Ultra (WTCC Ultra) is more than just a stunning locally designed concept car. The vision of a new generation of touring car is in fact drivable. It received tremendous attention from media and the public at its world premiere at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

The WTCC Ultra started its life in GM Daewoo’s Advanced Design Studio in Incheon, where the initial concept and early design work were developed.

The dynamic exterior design and striking interior of the WTCC Ultra were coordinated and approved by GM Vice President, Global Design, Ed Welburn (U.S.) and David Lyon, Executive Director, GM Asia Pacific Design (Korea). GM Vice Chairman, Global Product Development, Bob Lutz was involved in the project from the very beginning and enthusiastically supported it.

“The eye catching WTCC Ultra is a fine example of GM Daewoo’s design capabilities and how GM design teams around the globe are working closely together on an exciting project like this,” said Lyon.

The compact WTCC Ultra (length/width/height with spoiler: 4,324/1,906/1,569 mm, wheelbase: 2,650 mm) is equipped with a powerful 1,991-cm3 diesel engine that generates 139 kW/190 hp.

The basic version of the four-cylinder engine is the common rail unit with four-valve technology and variable turbine blade geometry currently powering the GM Daewoo Winstorm and Tosca Diesel. The increase in performance was achieved by raising the turbo boost pressure.

The WTCC Ultra has a sophisticated independent wheel suspension on McPherson struts on both axles. The lower wheel control at the front is taken care of by an A-frame arm, while at the back, two additional wishbones and one trailing arm link the wheels precisely to the chassis.

To keep the weight as low as possible, the designers of the WTCC Ultra made plenty of use of modern lightweight materials. The body parts are finished in "Stealth Blue,” and are made of a glass fibre and carbon fibre laminate. The flat underbody of the fully functioning touring concept car, which also graphically divides up the vehicle because of its dark color, and the front and rear spoilers are made of a plain weave carbon fibre composite.

The window frames and the air intake grilles at the front are finished in semi-gloss dark gray. They make an attractive contrast with the glossy silver-painted wheels and the polished aluminium door handles, number plate and centrally positioned tailpipes.

Proud Accomplishments

In 2006, GM Daewoo produced over 1.5 million complete vehicles (780 K) and knockdown kits (770 K), which were sold under a variety of GM brands around the world.. GM Daewoo was the only Korean manufacturer to gain domestic market share as a result of a 19 percent sales increase versus an industry gain of just three percent. In addition, exports grew 33 percent, setting a shipping record among GM’s global operations.

“We are especially pleased that our recent sales increase was buoyed by two newly introduced large vehicles, the Winstorm SUV and Tosca premium sedan,” said Grimaldi. “It demonstrates that we are not only competitive in the mini and small segments, traditional strongholds of GM Daewoo, but also in segments in which we are aggressively strengthening our presence.”

GM Daewoo Stand Activities

To enable visitors to experience GM Daewoo’s vehicles and corporate philosophy, Corporate Public Relations, Racing Experience, Accessorized Auto Parts, Amusements for Children, and WEB-zine and E-book were selected for designated theme zones at the GM Daewoo stand.

Various activities such as Mr. Charm, Candy Girls and a digital photo activity will provide entertainment for the audience during public days. GM Daewoo, as a prominent sponsor of Mecenat campaigns (corporate arts and culture sponsorship), will also offer visitors musical highlights performed by some of Korea’s most popular stage actors and actresses, including Bubrae Kim, Ki-Jun Eum and So-Hyun Kim.

To celebrate the sale of one-half million Matiz mini-cars since its introduction in 1998 in Korea, a 500,000 Matiz promotion will be held for 10 days. Giveaways, including a Matiz and high-end jewellery boxes, will be awarded to a few lucky visitors.

GM Daewoo Auto & Technology was established in 2002. It has five manufacturing facilities in Korea as well as an assembly facility in Vietnam. In addition, GM Daewoo provides market and brand-specific vehicle kits for assembly at GM facilities in China, Thailand, India, Colombia and Venezuela. In 2006, GM Daewoo sold in Korea and exported more than 1.5 million units, including CKD products. GM Daewoo now produces vehicles and kits for Chevrolet, Buick, Opel, Vauxhall, Pontiac, Holden and Suzuki that are offered in more than 150 markets on six continents. Imported GM products from the Cadillac and Saab premium brands are sold in Korea through GM AutoWorld retailers. More information on GM Daewoo and its operations can be found on the company’s website at www.gmdaewoo.co.kr.

Download : 2007_Seoul_Motor_Show_Overview_Rls_En.doc