Chevrolet Tru 140S

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.

Along with the Code 130R Concept, it makes a pair of four-seater performance coupes designed after talking to more than 9000 of the Gen Z audience.

The next-gen customers wanted a range of features, highlighted by a coupe body style that takes four people so their friends can come along for the ride. Performance and fuel economy were other major factors, along with the ever-present need for connectivity. Price was the final determinant, with the cash-conscious demographic wanting to be able to afford it and citing a low-$20,000 starting price.

"Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience," GM North America Advanced Design studio director Frank Saucedo says.

"This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enables the vehicle to be their own docking station."

The Code 130R is a four-seat rear-wheel drive coupe that pays more than a little homage to classic Chevrolets from pervious eras.

Chevy now plans to take the concepts to the next step by developing interiors based on responses the public provides as the vehicles are showcased at various events - starting with this week's Detroit Motor Show - and on feedback from social media sites.

The engine is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit taken from the Cruze and fitted with idle stop/start, regenerative braking to improve fuel economy. The front-wheel drive Tru 140S is presented as an "affordable exotic" four-seat coupe.

Chevy says the three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car and looks "confident, exotic, expensive and fast". The concept car is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range.