GM's legendary models on show

As part of the second anniversary celebrations of the Chevrolet brand's entry into India, General Motors is taking its popular sports cars "" Chevrolet Corvette and Chevrolet SSR "" the latter, a roadster pick-up that changes into a convertible in less than 30 seconds, on a four-month tour touching seven cities.

According to Rajeev Chaba, president and managing director of GM India, besides Bangalore, the cars will be on display at General Motors showrooms in Delhi and NCR, Ludhiana, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Hyderabad before sailing home from Mumbai Port in the first week of July.

To take the cars across the country, a special 40-foot trailer has been designed, he added.

Powered by a 400-hp, 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 engine, Corvette C6 has standard 4-speed automatic transmission, optional 6-speed manual transmission, active handling system, optional magnetic selective ride control system, cloth convertible top in black or light oak with heated glass window, vinyl convertible top in white with heated glass window and largest convertible trunk in its class.

The new Chevrolet SSR, part roadster and part pick-up, is considered a pure joyride. Standard features include a 390-horsepower, LS2 6.0 litre aluminium-block V8 engine. An available six-speed manual transmission. A power retractable hardtop, cast-aluminium 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and a five-link rear suspension.

Introduced in India in 2003, under the banner "For a Special Journey Called Life", the Chevrolet brand has been named "The Best Automotive Brand of The Year 2004" by BS Motoring.

"The year 2004 saw a love affair blooming between the American legend Chevy and India for it sold more Chevy cars than other brands in India," Chaba.

Seeing the response for brand Chevy, the company is planning more Chevrolet products specifically designed for the Indian market, he added.