VH_Supra26
01-11-2009, 10:07 AM
by Ralph Hanson
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/c/h/chevrolet_spark_minicar_main630_01-0111-636x360.jpg
The edgy sub-compact had previously been ruled out for American sale
Despite adamant statements to the contrary, the production version of the Chevrolet Beat concept car could be made available for sale in the United States. An image of the car has leaked ahead of its debut at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, along with information that it will be called the Chevrolet Spark.
On a recent episode of the Today Show, General Motors product guru Ed Welburn talked with Matt Lauer about the car, which he confirmed will be on display at the Detroit event.
Rumors of North American availability have persisted despite GM's statement that it couldn't be made to meet federal safety standards without a significant re-design. The car was always intended as an entry in Asian and other markets, however.
Though the Spark was the subject of discussion, only a corner of the vehicle was shown. Welburn and Lauer lifted the edge of the vehicle's cover, and Welburn even refused to specifically name the concept, though it was made clear that it was in fact the production version of the Beat.
Under the hood is likely to be a 1.2L petrol engine, available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms, and sending drive to the front wheels.
All Content Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority
http://www.motorauthority.com/chevy-beat-concept-headed-to-detroit-us-production-possible.html
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/c/h/chevrolet_spark_minicar_main630_01-0111-636x360.jpg
The edgy sub-compact had previously been ruled out for American sale
Despite adamant statements to the contrary, the production version of the Chevrolet Beat concept car could be made available for sale in the United States. An image of the car has leaked ahead of its debut at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, along with information that it will be called the Chevrolet Spark.
On a recent episode of the Today Show, General Motors product guru Ed Welburn talked with Matt Lauer about the car, which he confirmed will be on display at the Detroit event.
Rumors of North American availability have persisted despite GM's statement that it couldn't be made to meet federal safety standards without a significant re-design. The car was always intended as an entry in Asian and other markets, however.
Though the Spark was the subject of discussion, only a corner of the vehicle was shown. Welburn and Lauer lifted the edge of the vehicle's cover, and Welburn even refused to specifically name the concept, though it was made clear that it was in fact the production version of the Beat.
Under the hood is likely to be a 1.2L petrol engine, available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms, and sending drive to the front wheels.
All Content Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority
http://www.motorauthority.com/chevy-beat-concept-headed-to-detroit-us-production-possible.html