Laser-Powered Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Car Revealed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufruRqSaVxk

Chevrolet today revealed the radical Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Tursimo (VGT) concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Developed as part of the Vision Gran Turismo project, which celebrates the future of automotive design and innovation, the Chaparral 2X VGT concept is inspired by the innovative race cars Chaparral Racing and Chevrolet partnered on more than 45 years ago.

Gamers can race the Chaparral 2X VGT this holiday season by downloading an online update for Gran Turismo 6, the latest iteration of the best-selling PlayStation franchise that has sold more than 72 million copies worldwide since its 1998 debut.

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“This concept is an audacious and ambitious vision – and one that demonstrates to a new audience how Chevy’s engineering and design teams challenge norms and explore the technologies of tomorrow,” said Clay Dean, executive director of advanced design. “It also an ode to a unique partnership that pioneered ground-breaking technologies that are used today on the track and the street.”

Known for unconventional, boundary-pushing race cars that shook up the motorsports world, Texas-based Chaparral Racing partnered with Chevrolet Research and Development more than 45 years ago, pioneering now-standard methods and materials used in contemporary racing and production vehicles, including the composite monocoque chassis, lightweight-alloy powertrain systems, automatic transmissions for racing and progressive, active aerodynamics. The partnership also spawned ground-breaking vehicle data acquisition technology. Chevrolet continues to use racing programs to test and develop new technologies and materials.

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The Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT channels that spirit of innovation into a vision of what the future of racing could hold, with a radical form and an advanced, laser-based propulsion system.

“It was created in a no-rules atmosphere to challenge designers and test engineers to deliver the most exhilarating sensations. This is a fantasy car by design,” said Frank Saucedo, who oversaw the team that worked on the concept. “Like the original Chaparral race cars decades ago, the Chaparral 2X VGT weaves advanced aerospace technologies into the design to help achieve its performance goals.”

The Chaparral 2X VGT’s concept propulsion system is inspired by technology derived from advanced work targeted at space travel and future aircraft design. It features a mid-mounted laser beamed-energy propulsion system, which pulses beams of light that focus in a shroud, creating shock waves that generate tremendous thrust in the lightweight race car.

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With a 671-kW laser, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and an air-powered generator to provide 900 horsepower worth of thrust, the Chaparral 2X VGT will be capable of a 240-mph top speed in the video game with 0-60 acceleration capability of 1.5 seconds.

The propulsion system’s position in the composite chassis complements an unconventional yet highly active prone driver configuration – face down with the driver’s arms and legs splayed toward the wheels. In fact, the race car’s propulsion and suspension systems are built around the driver, enabling progressive strategies of active and driver-adjustable aerodynamics.

2014-Chevrolet-Chaparral-2X-VisionGranTurismoConcept-010“Think of it as adapting a wing suit to a racing car, where the driver’s movements control certain aspects of the aero package,” said Saucedo. “In many ways, the Chaparral 2X VGT is like racing wing suit, with a protective fuselage for ‘flying’ very low to the ground.”

The driver-enabled aerodynamics eliminate the need for large, conventional wings and other aero devices used to generate grip-enhancing downforce – an attribute that helps reduce the overall mass of the Chaparral 2X VGT’s minimalist structure. Only essential elements are on board, with instrumentation, for example, projected on the driver’s helmet visor.

Additionally, lightweight chassis components reduce the sprung weight of the race car, enabling the car to provide tremendous cornering grip with a relatively small footprint. It rolls on 17-inch front wheels wrapped with racing tires.

“The Chaparral 2X VGT is a vision of how advanced technology may shape the look and driving experience of racing,” said Saucedo. “Chaparral’s race cars and methods were seen as outlandish four decades ago, and with the innovative spirit still burning at Chevrolet, the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo concept might just be a harbinger of motorsports in the next four decades.”

Other manufacturers have developed concept race cars for the Vision Gran Turismo project, but Chevrolet is one of the few to transfer it from the digital world to a physical concept vehicle.

The Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show through November 30.

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Comments (131)

  1. motokroy

    Is that a 671-kW laser, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and an air-powered generator to provide 900 horsepower worth of thrust in your pants? Or are you just happy to see me?

  2. littleregret265

    I feel like in the same way that the VIZIV GT is competitive with the PHEV (in a rivalry type of way, as well as the performance), this is trying to be the new X201x, and could actually be a competitor with the Fan car lineup (or at least the standard, that obviously has yet to be seen). But if anything, I think that this would be less inherently powerful [than the fan cars] but be able to hang with them, and though I would prefer a V8 to a laser propulsion system, for the terms of the game I respect the out-of-the-box design and eagerly await the release to see where this stacks up.

  3. XSRacing111

    Oh man. This…this right here is American ingenuity. I knew as soon as it was going to be a Chaparral it was going to be crazy. 671 kilowatt laser generator AND a 900hp air-powered generator! It’s going to be just below the performance of the Red Bull Xs. This should be the fastest and most powerful VGT available. If it isn’t I’ll be shocked. Can’t wait see Bertone’s VGT as it looks similar. I had a feeling the American VGTs were going to be spectacular, forward thinking, and dare I say superior? Maybe a little early for that…but hey this…this is beyond conventional comprehension. Can you say stoked? USA USA USA okay okay I’ll stop. My inner patriot demanded it. Great stuff.

    1. wvmgmidget

      It needs to shoot fireworks, when the driver stands beside it there needs to be a Bald Eagle perched on the driver’s shoulder, the helmet needs to be a Statue of Liberty head, and the car needs a American flag livery. USA USA USA!

    2. XSRacing111

      My only concern is, can it be “refueled” because I don’t know if they fixed the issue with electric cars not being able to recharge in the pits during endurance events.

  4. dddsprayshop

    Ha…Awesome, A bit of tron, cool.
    Would this be the new car for the 600pp events? No more 2J?
    I don’t care what anybody says or thinks about the sound, this is great.
    I only hope it does not steer like the redbull’s.

  5. GTP Ziggy

    December’s update is probably going to coming going to come in between December 24th and January 1st. B-spec and Course Maker did not make a splash yet and are the only content to be planned through an update. If one comes out out in December, the other will be quick to follow…

  6. GBalao888

    Even the way on how to drive this car is insane, you have to take some sort of motorcycle-like riding form to drive it.

  7. sayba2th

    Well this is by far the most creative and innovative design by far in my opinion. This one I am anticipating the most of all the released VGT’s released so far, well played GM/Chaparral. Keep rolling on VGT (excited about what Lamborghini will be putting up especially after this coming out)

    1. sayba2th

      You are by far correct motokroy, note to self focus on task at hand not type and watch TV at the same time whilst drinking. Multi task fail, I’m doing it right!

  8. MarchingSaint

    Holiday season + online update = December update. I’m glad they’ve got the VGT for december covered, now to speculate on the course maker; they’ve been silent enough on that.

  9. Aloha62_2

    Doesn’t it render the whole principal of developing a car, even a concept one completely pointless if you are just going to make up impossible technology to allow it? It’s OK to say ‘we think this is a future development’ but a laser engine with seemingly no power source? Why not just say the car teleports itself to the finish line or employs time travel. If you are going to make up nonsense science might as well go full bore.

    These concept cars are getting immensely stupid.

    1. Leggacy

      @johnnypenso

      How about a back to the future delorean with interior, time circuits and flux capacitor in the rear view. Maybe you could add extra bits like the Mr Fusion food mixer :D

    2. motokroy

      It has lithium-ion batteries and an air-powered generator, but the ignition key is bespoke from unicorn horns.
      I bet you only know how to use the phrase “immensely stupid” because that’s your nickname.

    3. SZRT Ice

      Kinda wondering about the actual functionality behind this tech and it’s actual possibilitiy in use. Not to mention heat signature with the body being so close and parallel to the power supply/source, and any possible radiation from this “Laser Propulsion Technology”?

    4. Leggacy

      No, from what I’ve read, this propulsion system would not work. It requires the laser to be static so the photons have something to push against. It’s a bit like putting a fan on the back of a sail boat, aiming it at the sail and expecting it to push you forward.

      Is kinda like to see a conventional powered version maybe electric or hybrid. Something more feasible.

  10. dgaf95integra

    Just let me tell you guys now in probley only 1 of 3 that have had the Chance to drive this car today at the unveiling at la auto show it was bad ass car in person and to drive in the game:)

  11. Psychopulse

    What? This was unexpected!! I mean who would’ve thought? Lasers? Alien-looking? Awesomeness? This VGT is bananas!!! I’m loving it!!!!

  12. Siren

    Now this is what the heck a VGT concept car is suppose to look like!!. Not some bent up cardboard box with an airplane attached on the back. This is what I’ve been waiting for. When I first heard about VGT my imagination ran wild from seeing concept sketches that look exactly like chaparral2x and my expectations were high. Then the cars started rolling in I was like “what the heck is this ?, is this some sick joke” and I had lost all hope. Now…..my dreams are coming through and all hope has been restored. Thank you Chevrolet. To all the VGT haters….LASERS!

  13. SZRT Ice

    “With a 671-kW laser, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and an air-powered generator to provide 900 horsepower worth of thrust, the Chaparral 2X VGT will be capable of a 240-mph top speed in the video game with 0-60 acceleration capability of 1.5 seconds.”

    O_O

  14. Cole Morgan

    Why don’t they just release it now? I mean its been a year since the game came out and we still haven’t got all the content. I think Polyphony owe it to the fans of Gran Turismo to give us all the content as soon as possible since they stalled for the first couple of months of its release. And still are still sort of stalling today.

    1. Cole Morgan

      Also, they did say monthly DLC, and they have missed a couple of months. I don’t remember being any DLC in August and October.

    2. BRRT_Angel

      Dude, not everything comes in a snap. We saw it in GT5, we’re seeing it now. and we probably always will. The game is meant to be progressive. It never stops evolving. This is what makes each GT game last a long time. You may not be patient, but a lot of us are plenty patient and we are starting to reap the rewards. I’m glad PDI doesn’t release games every other year. They get the most out of it. Just because course generator isn’t out yet doesn’t mean the wait won’t be worth it.

  15. Amac500

    Just got home from work so I finally got to watch it with the sound on. Looks to me like driving this car in real life would be a bit more of a skeleton run than a drive. No that’s not a complaint, after seeing the video I only want it more! And seeing that car at Le Mans in video only males me wish Chevy would front Chaparral to do the Gragae 56 project at Le Mans, because that is the only way I’d ever be interested in Garage 56, lol. But I can’t wait for this car and I hope it has an interior, and judging by this video it might.

  16. Punknoodle

    You’d think it would need wider tires to aid in grip, like I get it has awesome aero and doesn’t push its power throigh the wheels but still the look quite skinny..

    1. Big Ron

      Don´t feel ashamed. Gran Turismo isn´t worth a play anymore. It lost its spirit and is just filled with vain promises. There are enough good replacements available.

    2. Tenacious D

      I’ve played those good replacements. I’m sticking with GT6. Till P CARS or GT7 gets here anyhow.

      But… yeah, we haven’t seen any work on GT7 for almost a year now… ;P

  17. tbrantley1999

    They should make the other Chaparrals premium while they’re at it… But I’m now getting my hopes up :P

  18. catamount39

    My mind is blown…LAZER BEAM POWERED CAR?! That’s sick! If this is what happens when GM goes nuts…oh my. O_O

  19. Johnny1996

    This is going to be the new X series of cars: Loved yet hated, awesome yet annoying. I could go on and on. This thing is more nuts than a spontaneous teenager on loopy gas.

    1. Tenacious D

      I feel like a spontaneous teenager on loopy gas, so… maybe this is the car for me.

      I’m also thinking every other Vision GT car is going to seem old school after this. Unless someone makes a car with an Alcubierre drive or uses dark matter or something…

  20. Amac500

    Chaparral is literally the only company aloud to make a car powered by laser propulsion and it not be ridiculous, and after reading this article I can only think that a car like this would be a reality for Chaparral if they were still making cars today… Actually if Chevy ever decided I would love to see a Chaparral Garage 56 entry at Le Mans.

    1. chengman

      Considering what they did with the 2J, this seems more than plausible. They put freaking meat mincers on a refrigerator.

  21. LR-MR-Cole

    Wow a car thats propelled by a laser. Sorry but no thanks. Reaching PD. Lets celebrate cars for what they are today and will be tomorrow. Not what they will never be.

    1. Amac500

      PD isn’t reaching at all, PD doesn’t design the VGT. And if you know anything about Chaparral you would know that for them this is not a reach.

    2. Tenacious D

      I have to admit that I’m more than a scouche skeptical about this, realistically. I’m not sure they have room for the battery power required to use a laser to superheat… whatever they’re using in that pulse thrust chamber… air? Decidedly unsure that a 670 kW laser would fit in that tiny housing, or that 670 kW is enough. Or that there are any actual safeguards to prevent stray beams – can you imagine the potential for blindness from crew and fans for inadvertent laser reflections? Or that the batteries would last more than a minute… this is science fiction in the extreme.

      Still, this is their design, this is their maths, so what the heck.

  22. beezball

    Ummm, wow? I think we just discovered how to make F1 not so boring anymore. Get rid of Bernie and strap everyone prone into a laser propelled, real time driver controlled aero rocketship and watch in awe.

  23. Evo_X

    Well just hope we can also get DLC including the 2 other Chaparral cars in premium status. Looks like it. Just saying.

  24. Wahs

    I think this is brilliant, i must say at first i was like what tha….. but the concept is amazing even though i don’t know what the hell “lazer propelled” means, i likie

  25. Swagger897

    Yeah…. not liking it at all.

    Don’t care for GM.
    Don’t care for Xprototypes.
    Definitely don’t wanna care for this.
    The new Z06 C7…. maybe.

    1. Swagger897

      No, seriously… It’s hideous.

      Besides… I don’t ever expect to buy something as horrid looking as this. All the other VGT’s are things I could actually see driving/actually being able to drive these…

    1. Tenacious D

      Seriously. This HAS to be the weirdest race car design like… ever. But… what the heck, I’ll take two. With female drivers please. One Japanese.

      Okay, I’ll hush up right there… in a kevlar bikini – dang it, I said it…

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