The self-driving Chevrolet-FNR concept that debuted at Auto Shanghai 2015
Back in 2015, we reported the debut of the Chevrolet-FNR concept at Auto Shanghai. The futuristic vehicle was developed by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center with the intent of appealing to “tomorrow’s younger consumers by utilizing innovative car networking technology.” With its capsule body, dragonfly dual swing doors, and crystal laser headlights and taillights, the FNR was cast aside as something that would likely not come to production any time soon.
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However, GM filed for two trademarks earlier this month for the name “Chevrolet FNR” and “FNR.” The request, filed on Oct. 8, was listed with the identification of “motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles, sport utility vehicles, vans, engines therefor and structural parts thereof.”
The new and improved FNR-X, with doors that go OUT instead of up
This shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise to diehard bowtie brand fans. The FNR-X crossover concept made headlines at Auto Shanghai just last year. As an all-purpose sports concept vehicle, the FNR-X was the spiritual successor to the original FNR concept that debuted in 2015. With a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain, the FNR-X wasn’t some unimaginable vehicle that would never come to fruition. That’s why in late 2017, rumors surfaced that there was a camouflaged FNR-X being tested in the wild.
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Unfortunately, even with the patent filings, this could just be something that Chevrolet is trying to hold onto while it determines what to do with it. As much as we’d love to see a fully autonomous electric vehicle hit the market soon, the current progress of this sector of the auto industry is seemingly on pause while automakers try to figure out safety measures.
Gallery: See the evolution of the FNR/FNR-X Concept over the years
News Source: The Drive
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