Eight Chevrolet Models Come With the Redline Package: Comments

[William Maley]

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About two years ago at the SEMA show, Chevrolet showed off a collection of vehicles with a concept trim package known as Red Line. The vehicles featured a number of trim pieces finished in black and red to give off a sinister look. The reaction to these concepts was positive, causing Chevrolet to investigate whether or not to bring this into production.

This morning, Chevrolet revealed the Redline special edition. This brings a set of black wheels with red hash marks, blacked-out grilles, black Bowtie badges, and black nameplates with red outlines. Chevrolet mentions that each model in the Redline lineup will have their own exclusive touches. For example, the Silverado and Colorado will get red tow hooks.

Chevrolet will offer eight Redline special edition models. Aside from the Silverado and Colorado, Redline will be available on,

• Cruze LT (sedan and hatchback)
• Malibu LT
• Camaro LT/SS (coupe and convertible)
• Trax LT
• Equinox LT
• Traverse Premier

Chevrolet says you can order the Silverado Redline right now. Other models will be available later this year.

Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2

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REDLINE TAKES CHEVROLET DESIGN TO THE NEXT LEVEL

• Broadest cross-portfolio special edition offers customized vehicles right from the factory

CHICAGO – Today, Chevrolet announced the introduction of the Redline special edition series at the Chicago Auto Show. Available on nine Chevrolet cars, trucks and crossovers, Redline is the broadest cross-portfolio special edition ever offered by the brand.

Redline made its debut in concept form at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Inspired by a strong positive reception from customers and the success of special editions across the portfolio, Chevrolet expanded Redline across nine vehicles in the car, truck and crossover segments:

• Cruze LT (sedan and hatchback)
• Malibu LT
• Camaro LT/SS (coupe and convertible)
• Trax LT
• Equinox LT
• Traverse Premier
• Colorado LT
• Silverado Double Cab LT Z71, Crew Cab LTZ Z71

“Redline is another example of Chevrolet bringing SEMA concepts to showrooms,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “The SEMA show has proven to be a great way to identify customization trends in the industry, and quickly apply those trends to our most popular Chevrolet models. Based on the strong interest Redline attracted at the show, we believe they will be very popular with customers looking for standout cars, trucks, and crossovers.” 

All Redline vehicles are equipped with black wheels featuring distinct red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles and black Chevrolet bowtie logos.

From there, vehicles feature design elements tailored to the preferences of those specific customers. For example, the Silverado and Colorado Redlines feature red tow hooks, while Camaro Redline features unique black hash marks above the wheels, a design cue taken from Chevy’s long heritage in motorsports.

“Our special edition lineup has been popular with customers and dealers, alike” said Sweeney. “Since the introduction of special editions on vehicles the like Silverado and Camaro, vehicle average transaction prices have increased, time to turn has decreased, and conquest rates have risen, which has contributed to making Chevrolet the fastest-growing brand in the industry two years in a row.”

Silverado Redlines are the first available for purchase; orders can be placed at Chevrolet dealerships now. Availability will be cadenced, and all Redline vehicles will be available for purchase by the end of 2017 calendar year.

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[ccap41]

Hmmmm not sure how I feel about it. I think they look pretty dang awesome but I'm just picturing these older, used, down the road after being in the hands of 'average joe' with those wheels... and being trashed...

[G. David Felt]

Meh  GM has done this before, nice but nothing new. Saturn had a complete redline series like this and the last one was the Saturn Sky Redline edition.

http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2007-saturn-sky-red-line

[ccap41]

24 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Meh  GM has done this before, nice but nothing new. Saturn had a complete redline series like this and the last one was the Saturn Sky Redline edition.

http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2007-saturn-sky-red-line

Yeah but THOSE Redlines were actually performance models not just a "sticker" package.

[G. David Felt]

42 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yeah but THOSE Redlines were actually performance models not just a "sticker" package.

No so sure how much Performance I would put into those past versions. To me it was more a packaging grab for profits just like this one.

[Drew Dowdell]

3 hours ago, dfelt said:

No so sure how much Performance I would put into those past versions. To me it was more a packaging grab for profits just like this one.

Red-Line at Saturn meant a 2.0T instead of the 2.4 NA in the Sky. It meant a higher performance V6 in the Vue (at a time when most of it's competition only had 2.3 - 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engines).  The Ion got the same 2.0T that the Cobalt SS got.... and the Cobalt was running with BMWs at the time on the Nurburgring.

That Saturn Red-Line was a serious performance package... not just stickers. 

[G. David Felt]

13 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Red-Line at Saturn meant a 2.0T instead of the 2.4 NA in the Sky. It meant a higher performance V6 in the Vue (at a time when most of it's competition only had 2.3 - 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engines).  The Ion got the same 2.0T that the Cobalt SS got.... and the Cobalt was running with BMWs at the time on the Nurburgring.

That Saturn Red-Line was a serious performance package... not just stickers. 

Very Cool, I just remember them but had never researched or heard much about them. That is cool info. Thanks Drew.

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Red-Line at Saturn meant a 2.0T instead of the 2.4 NA in the Sky. It meant a higher performance V6 in the Vue (at a time when most of it's competition only had 2.3 - 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engines).  The Ion got the same 2.0T that the Cobalt SS got.... and the Cobalt was running with BMWs at the time on the Nurburgring.

That Saturn Red-Line was a serious performance package... not just stickers. 

Thanks, I thought they all had the more powerful engine. They were similar to the GXP line for Pontiac, right?

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Thanks, I thought they all had the more powerful engine. They were similar to the GXP line for Pontiac, right?

Yes, though only the three models I mentioned got a redline package.  There wasn't one for the Astra nor Aura for example... though the Aura with the 3.6 was probably just as fast as any G6 GXP

[ocnblu]

Well I think the Cruze and Trax desperately need jazz and this does the trick.  The Cruze LT hatch and Trax LT Redlines look good, imo.

[hyperv6]

Well this is nothing but what Chevy also has been doing just this time it is a collective special trim on the entire line. For years Chevy did special editions in trim just for the Camaro and the trucks now they did once single trim package for them all. 

These packages normal last 6 months in production then they either change the color or move on. It is just a cheap way to stimulate sales, attention and excitement if you like the special color.

Since there is no real engineering here and no regulations that add to the cost this is a cheap program to bring in more profits. New engines and suspensions are great but too often they do a package and on many cars they sell about the same number as special paint will and then with the added cost make little to no money. 

I agree they should do more but in the end they are doing what makes the most money. 

Case in point. Chevy did the SS package on the Cobalt and HHR and at the end of the day great cars much like the Redline but go back and look at the sales and figure out how much it cost to develop them. The Cobalt SS sold in low numbers the sedan in the last year of 2 sold in the hundreds. The HHR sold less than 9K units in 3 years. 

The problem for Chevy is to do special cars like this the price goes up as they really only have the North American market unlike Ford with the RS sell it globally and spread cost out over more markets. 

GM is better off doing this with the Buick, Opel, Holden, and Vauxhall line with the OPC models. They can spread the cost and they can get a higher price more easily. Lets face it people will only pay so much for a Cobalt or Malibu no matter what engine is in it. Would you pay $42K for an AWD 2.0 Turbo Cruze hatch? A few will but like we will see with the Ford NA sales will be low but globally sustainable. 

As for the name they could have gotten away with it for the most part because so few people knew about the Red LIne at Saturn. But they should have left the tag line "the First Red Line"  off as not only is it not the first but they even stole the lame marketing line from the G6 Pontiac.

So far the comments I have heard on these cars from the average person is nice looking but the lines on the wheels look a bit odd. The OCD people really hate them. 

None of this is my endorsement to not to do these cars. I think they should do them but there was some things that they could have done to make this go over a little better. I just hope they do not get stupid on the price. 

Lets face it the Denali package is pretty lame for what you pay for on most vehicles. But if you look to see how many are out there and how profitable it is God Bless them and more power to them for doing it. I really wish the Denali would be a top line AWD system with an engine with a little more power but it is just come cheap plastic chrome and stitching for the most parts. 

I priced the Denali Canyon and I can save a lot more money and get a much more fun truck with the ZR2. Nuff said. 

In the end hey if they make money go for it. These days it is difficult to make a special edition with more power and a special suspension if only 5K or less units are sold and make much more money with special wheels and paint. 

Edited February 10, 2017 by hyperv6

[ccap41]

15 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Yes, though only the three models I mentioned got a redline package.  There wasn't one for the Astra nor Aura for example... though the Aura with the 3.6 was probably just as fast as any G6 GXP

Yeah a buddy of mine had the Ion Redline that was supercharged identically to the Cobalt SS(pre-turbocharged). It was a pretty sweet car at the time. He, sadly, didn't take very good care of it though...

2 hours ago, hyperv6 said:

Case in point. Chevy did the SS package on the Cobalt and HHR and at the end of the day great cars much like the Redline but go back and look at the sales and figure out how much it cost to develop them. The Cobalt SS sold in low numbers the sedan in the last year of 2 sold in the hundreds. The HHR sold less than 9K units in 3 years.

Crazy then that I know of two people who've had or has them, you and one of my best friends. I knew they were rare but I didn't realize they only sold 9k in 3 years of production.

Edited February 10, 2017 by ccap41

[ccap41]

2 hours ago, hyperv6 said:

So far the comments I have heard on these cars from the average person is nice looking but the lines on the wheels look a bit odd. The OCD people really hate them.

I actually really love them! I just don't think they will look as good down the road with how poorly most people take care of their cars...

2 hours ago, hyperv6 said:

I really wish the Denali would be a top line AWD system with an engine with a little more power

I was really impressed when I read that the top of the line Expedition will have a power bump to 400/480(I believe).

2 hours ago, hyperv6 said:

I priced the Denali Canyon and I can save a lot more money and get a much more fun truck with the ZR2. Nuff said. 

There is almost always that battle between 'money for luxury' vs 'money for fun'. Camaro SS vs BMW 440i or to get the same or similar performance you have to spend insane money for luxury AND performance on the M4.

[hyperv6]

48 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I actually really love them! I just don't think they will look as good down the road with how poorly most people take care of their cars...

I was really impressed when I read that the top of the line Expedition will have a power bump to 400/480(I believe).

There is almost always that battle between 'money for luxury' vs 'money for fun'. Camaro SS vs BMW 440i or to get the same or similar performance you have to spend insane money for luxury AND performance on the M4.

Here is my take. The Denali originally had a larger engine and a full time AWD. You got a lot for the substantial price increase. Today in most models it is the cheap chrome and stitching but there is a significant bump in price. The luxury aspect is not much.

Take my Terrain. I have the V6 and 19" wheels and chrome that is shiny not satin. The red stitching would not make me feel any better and the plastic wood on the wheel is not worth the additional cost. These vehicles are more about status than anything else and that is fine as they make money. More power to them but for me the SLT2 is just as nice and generally several thousands cheaper.

The Canyon doe $50K should get the Camaro V6 but I know the cost to get it approved for the Canyon may negate the profits they now see. There is what I wish and the fiscal and profitable realities.

I do with they had carried the hash marks to all models not just the Camaro.

But 6 months from now look for this package to be a different color or just gone all together. GM is not the only one doing these packages and they will continue doing them as they are easy to do and they prove to be popular. People generally are happy today with just the looks part of things.

 

Even on the ZR2 I was shocked at how much work it got and how they kept the price down. I still would have loved to see the Camaro V6 offered but I understand the cost involved to put it in vs. how much money they would have made. It is about maximizing profits anymore not just making some money.

Edited February 10, 2017 by hyperv6

[smk4565]

I am not a fan of black out wheels and trim, looks dumb to me.  But there are people that will pay for wheel and sticker packages, see Lexus F Sport as proof of that.

[ccap41]

2 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

I am not a fan of black out wheels and trim, looks dumb to me.  But there are people that will pay for wheel and sticker packages, see Lexus F Sport as proof of that.

You're one of those guys who still likes CHROME EVERYTHING?

Heck, half of the Dodge and Ram lineup are wheel and sticker packages!

[Robert Hall]

9 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

You're one of those guys who still likes CHROME EVERYTHING?

Heck, half of the Dodge and Ram lineup are wheel and sticker packages!

I like chrome also, though with wheels I like aluminum alloy finish rather than chrome.   blackout or body color trim screams late 80s-early 90s to me, not in a good way.. depends on the model, of course, some wear it better than others.   I do like black wheels in some contexts.  

Edited February 10, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[G. David Felt]

3 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I like chrome also, though with wheels I like aluminum alloy finish rather than chrome.   blackout or body color trim screams late 80s-early 90s to me, not in a good way.. depends on the model, of course, some wear it better than others.   I do like black wheels in some contexts.  

Powder Coated Rims and trim can look nice as an Alternative.

Also BLACK CHROME. Just imagen if this new 2018 Ford Exy had all the chrome bits BLACK CHROME. Then just that lovely shade of red, black windows and all the bits are black chrome.

AWESOME!  

 

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Powder Coated Rims and trim can look nice as an Alternative.

Also BLACK CHROME. Just imagen if this new 2018 Ford Exy had all the chrome bits BLACK CHROME. Then just that lovely shade of red, black windows and all the bits are black chrome.

AWESOME!  

 

I could see that...but got to keep the Ford logo chrome and blue...I've seen too many Fords with the logo covered in matte black that looks so freakin' stupid, IMO...

[G. David Felt]

4 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I could see that...but got to keep the Ford logo chrome and blue...I've seen too many Fords with the logo covered in matte black that looks so freakin' stupid, IMO...

Yup, the Blue oval would compliment the Black Chrome grill. It would offer the Logo to POP when people look at the SUV.

[ccap41]

23 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I could see that...but got to keep the Ford logo chrome and blue...I've seen too many Fords with the logo covered in matte black that looks so freakin' stupid, IMO...

Ford needs to do something about their logo.. They need to start offering a body color background because the blue sticks out like a sore thumb. Same thing with Chevy. I love that they're offering it in black but I think if they did the inside body color it would look way better.

[Robert Hall]

6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Ford needs to do something about their logo.. They need to start offering a body color background because the blue sticks out like a sore thumb. Same thing with Chevy. I love that they're offering it in black but I think if they did the inside body color it would look way better.

Meh...the blue oval has been the blue oval for so long, wouldn't make sense in body color...brand logos have very specific colors and fonts, using arbitrary colors would violate every rule of design and branding.    Chevy bowties need to be chrome w/ gold or blue...

Edited February 10, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ccap41]

17 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Meh...the blue oval has been the blue oval for so long, wouldn't make sense in body color...brand logos have very specific colors and fonts, using arbitrary colors would violate every rule of design and branding.    Chevy bowties need to be chrome w/ gold or blue...

So you disagree with Chevy offering the black bowtie and their "flow through" bowties then?

I'm also only saying to offer it, not match the body color of every vehicle they're on. Or offer it through their own aftermarket catalog.

Edited February 10, 2017 by ccap41

[Robert Hall]

Just now, ccap41 said:

So you disagree with Chevy offering black bowtie and their "flow through" bowties then?

I'm also only saying to offer it, not match the body color of every vehicle they're on. Or offer it through their own aftermarket catalog.

I think the black bowties are weak, but that's just my opinion.. 

[G. David Felt]

18 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I think the black bowties are weak, but that's just my opinion.. 

Here is where I am looking to replace my traditional bowtie on my red Trailblazer AWD SS as I think the Black bowtie would look way better.

[hyperv6]

I am not a big fan of a ton of chrome. Some done tastefully is fine but more is not better.

I never understood the gold Chevy Bow Tie. I had wished they would better color coordinate the colors. Also the red out lined black bow tie was great and needs to be brought back.

I put a polished aluminum bow tie on the HHR SS. It matches the polished aluminum wheels. Gold Bow Tie matched nothing.

One of the biggest issues on the chrome today is that most of it is plastic. Stone Chips damage it today and usually it is a mess. I change out the hood cap on the wife's Terrain every winder with the old Chipped chrome cap. I put the clean good cap on for summer.

The worst thing is the new Ford Trucks with the nose that is nothing but plastic Chrome. They have gone far beyond tasteful. They used to have a good mix but no more and the large LED lights just make it worse.

Chrome should accent not dominate styling.

Edited February 10, 2017 by hyperv6

[ccap41]

44 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Here is where I am looking to replace my traditional bowtie on my red Trailblazer AWD SS as I think the Black bowtie would look way better.

I agree. Black matches any color car whereas gold or blue(Ford) rarely match anything else on the vehicle and, imo, look out of place.

[ccap41]

32 minutes ago, hyperv6 said:

The worst thing is the new Ford Trucks with the nose that is nothing but plastic Chrome. They have gone far beyond tasteful. They used to have a good mix but no more and the large LED lights just make it worse.

All three of them in the "right"(wrong) trim have the entire front ends dipped in chrome. Bumpers, grill, door handles, side mirrors, window trim(by far my least favorite one)...

[G. David Felt]

To me, Chrome is an accent, not a dip the whole bloody auto in it especially if it is just chrome covered plastic.

Here is what I like about Black Chrome as an accent on a auto.

This company does a black chrome mesh grill. Really makes this look awesome.

Perfect Example is this:

OEM shipping Truck:

Aftermarket Black Replacement parts:

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Aftermarket Black Replacement parts:

The 2015 FX4s had the grill factory and I LOVE it! Now the FX4 grille is narrower and uglier, imo.

But I love the body on ^ truck. The wheels aren't my thing(sticking out past the body) but that's for another thread.

Edited February 10, 2017 by ccap41

[smk4565]

9 hours ago, ccap41 said:

You're one of those guys who still likes CHROME EVERYTHING?

Heck, half of the Dodge and Ram lineup are wheel and sticker packages!

I don't like chrome everything, I just don't like black out trim and black wheels.  I don't like gold wheels on the Subaru WRX either, or red wheels.  It all looks tacky and desperate.

[G. David Felt]

20 hours ago, smk4565 said:

I don't like chrome everything, I just don't like black out trim and black wheels.  I don't like gold wheels on the Subaru WRX either, or red wheels.  It all looks tacky and desperate.

Black Chrome is sexy! That give just the right amount of bling without being overbearing which way to many US auto's are doing right now. Example is the Ford current nose and the past Chevy trucks with the Gladiator chrome helmet nose. Way too much for me.

But take your preferred color and add Black Chrome accents like door handles, grill and wheels and it sets it off nicely with out being too way over the top.