In the mid-20th century, when humans were already feeling quite confident in the air and making the first attempts to conquer space (which included our compatriots, in particular Sergei Korolev The wave of popularity in the aerospace industry became a source of inspiration for automotive designers, who began creating true conceptual automotive masterpieces that captivated their contemporaries. One of these was the experimental model Chevrolet Astro III, created by General Motors engineers in 1969.
Design and the salon
The Chevrolet Astro III received the most radical design compared to previous generations. The car featured a style inspired by jet aircraft. At first glance, it appears to be a three-wheeler, but in reality, it has four wheels, with the front ones positioned closely together. The vehicle had a red and black fiberglass body made from fiberglass, which gave it a unique charm.
You could only access the black aviation-style cabin through the upper part of the cockpit: it had to be lifted and slightly moved forward. Inside, the bucket seats, typically found in sports cars, catch your attention. There was no traditional steering wheel – instead, the designers provided something akin to modern “joysticks.”
Instead of rearview mirrors, a camera was installed that displayed images on a screen located between the seats. The headlights were designed to extend from the nose fairing, which was positioned behind the double front wheel.
Technical components
The Chevrolet Astro III was able to move thanks to its gas turbine engine Model 250-C18, which produced 317 horsepower. The engine itself, made by General Motors, weighed only 139 pounds, which is why it was chosen for the Chevrolet Astro III project. The nozzles of the two exhaust pipes, which had a significant diameter, ensured a free flow of hot gases for the stable operation of the gas turbine. The car also featured an aerodynamic braking system in the form of flaps, similar to those found on jet aircraft of that time.
Why didn’t this project become widespread?
Automotive experts expressed the opinion that the Chevrolet Astro III concept would not achieve stable handling because it was necessary to properly position the center of gravity. Since the distance between the tread and the front tires has been reduced, rolling resistance could have been maintained by lowering the center of gravity.
So first, it was necessary to solve the mentioned technological problems, and then start developing the serial version of the Chevrolet Astro III prototype. Finalizing. concept The developers didn’t continue, so all we can do is admire this futuristic beauty that still delights the eyes today.