Chevy Code 130R concept was a sporty RWD coupe for the kids

The Chevy Code 130R debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The Code 130R represents Chevrolet heritage, with a long nose and an upright greenhouse hearkening back to muscle cars, yet with a thoroughly modern design.

The Code 130R was designed to use use Chevy's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine enhanced with GM's mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel economy.

Although a compact coupe, Chevy managed to make the Code 130R rear-wheel drive, suggesting that it uses a similar, but shortened platform, as the Camaro.

The 130R's stubby proportions reminded many of BMW's 1 Series Coupe, a perennial enthusiast's favorite.

The Code 130R was introduced alongside another sporty coupe, a front-wheel-drive model known as the Tru 140S. The latter was more aerodynamic and less overtly sporty.

The 130R was earmarked to make 150 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed manual and automatic were envisioned as the model's transmission choices.

Both the Chevy Code 130R and its Tru 140S concept sibling were explicitly geared towards young buyers.

General Motors ballparked a starting price of around $20,000 at the time of the 130R's reveal. Unfortunately, the model never made it into showrooms, so we never found out if the market would've supported an inexpensive, sporty, rear-drive coupe from Chevrolet.

Keep clicking or scrolling for more photos of the 2012 Chevrolet Code 130R concept.