How GM came to make a conceptual Datsun 510: the Code 130R

Although front wheel drive may have ruled the roost for decades, there's simply no disputing the fact that rear wheel drive is slowly regaining its foothold in the market. Long after such vehicles as the Reliant and Civic condemned the Chevette and Fairlane to the scrap heap, the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Cadillac CTS are reigniting the North American penchant for proper rear-wheel drive cars. And if we're lucky, perhaps something like Chevy's new Code 130R concept will soon see the rear wheel drive segment grow by one more. 

Reaching back about 30 years for a traditional coupe silhouette, the 130R features a 1.4 litre turbocharged engine producing 150 horsepower and 130 pound feet of torque. Possibly backed by either a six speed automatic or six speed manual gearbox, the production version of the prototype could push 40 miles per gallon or more, making it a very viable candidate for GM's production lines. Furthermore, GM also claims the car would cost somewhere around $25,000 US, putting it directly into the same market currently occupied by the much lauded Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. In fact, between its nearly production-ready looks, very realistic drivetrain, and well-thought out placement, one might think that it's just a hair's breadth away from seeing showrooms around the world. The only problem is, GM already has a pretty well known rear-wheel drive coupe in that price bracket, and it's called the Camaro. 

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NewsChevrolet Ponders Affordable Rear-Wheel Drive Coupe
When the Chevrolet Code 130R concept appeared at the Detroit International Auto Show in 2012, enthusiasts the world over where engaged by its baby muscle car styling and its rear-wheel drive chassis. A compact, rear-wheel drive sports car was something that General Motors hadn't built in ages - outside of …