The new Chevrolet Silverado Redline.
Chevrolet is punching pedal to the metal, adding a record nine new special edition models as it takes its new Redline series from concept to customer.
First unveiled at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the new Chevy Redline series is making its debut at this week’s Chicago Auto Show. Redline is meant to give an array of car, truck and crossover models – including the Malibu, Silverado and Equinox a more sporty and customized appearance.
“Redline is another example of Chevrolet bringing SEMA concepts to showrooms,” said brand boss Brian Sweeney. “The SEMA show has proven to be a great way to identify customization trends in the industry, and quickly apply those trends to our most popular Chevrolet models.”
(Click Here for our complete 2017 Chicago Auto Show coverage.)
The Chevrolet Traverse Redline.
The nine Chevy models that will get the Redline treatment are:
- Cruze LT (sedan and hatchback)
- Malibu LT
- Camaro LT/SS (coupe and convertible)
- Trax LT
- Equinox LT
- Traverse Premier
- Colorado LT
- Silverado Double Cab LT Z71, Crew Cab LTZ Z71
All Redline models, GM said in a news release, will be “equipped with black wheels featuring distinct red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles and black Chevrolet bowtie logos.”
(Nissan dresses up Titan for winter. Click Here for the Chicago Auto Show debut.)
The one big difference between the concepts brought to SEMA in 2015 and those about to hit showrooms is that the production Redline models will focus on appearance and trim features. They won’t get the performance parts found on the SEMA Show prototypes.
Nonetheless, Chevy is confidence that will still strike a responsive chord with its buyers.
The 2018 Chevy Malibu Redline.
“Based on the strong interest Redline attracted at the show, we believe they will be very popular with customers looking for standout cars, trucks, and crossovers,” said Sweeney.
Chevrolet is far from the only automaker looking for ways to create niche models that can boost both sales and average transaction prices – what customers actually spend after figuring in incentives and options.
BMW, at the upper end, has launched the M Sport line, a halfway measure between its mainstream and high-performance M models. Audi and Mercedes-Benz have taken similar steps.
So have a number of mainstream brands. Nissan, for example, is introducing six new Midnight Edition models based on such high-volume nameplates as Rogue, Altima and Murano.
“Consumers, more than ever, are asking for more personalization,” noted Nissan brand manager Eric Ledieu, during a Chicago Auto Show preview.
(Click Here for a look at two special-edition Infiniti models debuting in Chicago.)