2002 Chevrolet Bel Air Concept

July 2024 · 2 minute read

The 2002 Chevrolet Bel Air pays hommage to the orginal legend. The two-door concept celebrates an American icon in a manner reminiscent of the 1950s originals with style, performance and an exciting new Vortec 3500 turbocharged five-cylinder concept engine. The rear-drive Bel Air concept was inspired by several interior design cues from its 1950s predecessor.

The rear-wheel-drive concept also was inspired by several interior design cues from its 1950s predecessor. The simple, elegant passenger compartment features a twin-element instrument panel, steering column-mounted gearshift and bench seats.

The original small-block Chevrolet V8 option featured in the 1955 used the latest advances in engine technology to set a new benchmark for performance and dependability. The 2002 Bel Air is powered by a Vortec 3500 turbocharged inline five-cylinder concept engine based on the highly regarded inline engine family that debuted in GM’s midsize sport-utility vehicles. The all-aluminum engine delivers up to 315 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

To provide the appropriate structure for a large convertible, the Bel Air concept uses a 21st century interpretation of body-on-frame construction, employing the same hydroforming technology used in the frame rails of the Corvette and GM’s new midsize sport-utility vehicles. The hydroformed frame rails help provide impressive torsional rigidity and stiffness.

In Detail

submitted byRichard Owen
engineVortec Inline-5
positionFront Engine
displacement3500 cc / 213.6 in³
power234.9 kw / 315.0 bhp
specific output90.0 bhp per litre
bhp/weightbhp per tonne
torque427.08 nm / 315.0 ft lbs
body / frameSheet Metal over Hydroformed Steel Frame
driven wheelsRWD
front tires235/50VR18
rear tires235/50VR18
front brakesDiscs
f brake sizex 280 mm / x 11.0 in
rear brakesDiscs
r brake sizex 298 mm / x 11.7 in
front wheelsF 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18.0 x 8.0 in
rear wheelsR 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18.0 x 8.0 in
f suspensionShort & Long Arms
r suspensionHotchkiss Drive
wheelbase2820 mm / 111.0 in
front track1536 mm / 60.5 in
rear track1536 mm / 60.5 in
length4852 mm / 191.0 in
width1819 mm / 71.6 in
height1392 mm / 54.8 in
transmissionHydra-Matic 4L60-E 4-Speed Auto
gear ratios:1

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