Autoblog

General Motors shows off electric Chevrolet Beat in India

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, India, Electric

Earlier today, General Motors showcased a battery-powered version of the Chevrolet Beat in New Delhi, India. The electrified Beat is part of an ongoing demonstration project focused on studying the feasibility of electric vehicles in major metropolitan areas.

Let's have a look at the electric Beat's specs. The battery-powered minicar boasts a range of 130 kilometers (81 miles) and takes approximately eight hours using a 240-volt outlet to recharge from empty. The Beat makes use of a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that tips the scales at 595 pounds and is rated at 20 kWh. The electric motor cranks out 45 kW (60 horsepower), which is directed to the wheels via a single-speed drive unit.

Currently, GM has no definitive plans to launch the electric Beat anywhere, but with its battery pack a modified version of the unit found in the Chevrolet Volt, we'd like to think that this vehicle - unlike the electric Chevy Spark that never entered production - will, at some later date, become more than just a prototype. Hat tip to Shrawan!

Continue reading General Motors shows off electric Chevrolet Beat in India

General Motors shows off electric Chevrolet Beat in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Beat stars as centerpiece of European young artists competition [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Chevrolet, UK, Design/Style

Young Creative Chevrolet awards - Click above to watch video after the jump

Just as Toyota rocks a lot more hip in Australia than it does in the U.S., Chevrolet's got far more groove in Europe than it does domestically. That kind of juice gives rise to things like the fourth annual Young Creative Chevrolet competition that's grown from eight schools in eight countries to 135 schools in twenty countries.

The challenge for entrants this year was to find the coolest way to insert the Chevy Beat into five media: fashion, music, photography, video and visual arts. Winners came four countries, the UK taking photography, Austria grabbing music, Portugal owning visual arts, and France unsurprisingly nabbing fashion and video. Winners get "behind-the-scenes" experiences with their respective category judges.

We could tell you more about it here, but the gallery of high-res images below and the three videos after the jump do a much better job of it (there's a press release back there, too). Congratulations to all of the winners. We hope the Beat/Spark is even half as cool when it reaches our shores... albeit maybe with a different soundtrack.

Gallery: 2010 Young Creative Chevrolet Awards

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevy Beat stars as centerpiece of European young artists competition [w/video]

Chevy Beat stars as centerpiece of European young artists competition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, India, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Beat for India - Click above to enlarge

The question of whether or not General Motors will bring its diminutive Chevrolet Spark to the United States still doesn't have a definitive answer. Thanks to a GM of India press release, however, we now know that the little urban runabout will be coming to North America, although that geography obviously also includes Mexico and Canada.

In the past, GM spokespeople have suggested that it might be possible for the Spark (A.K.A. "Beat," or that unbearably irritating robot from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) to be imported Stateside and that the automaker had kept U.S. regulations in mind when designing the car. Regardless, with gas as cheap as it currently is and a new Aveo just around the corner, we're certainly not holding our breath for a U.S. launch any time soon, and we feel that seeing the Beat in Mexican and/or Canadian showrooms is more likely.

That said, feel free to hit the jump to read GM of India's press release on the introduction of the Beat, which made its production-ready debut earlier in the week in New Delhi.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all

GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy Spark spotted as Daewoo Matiz

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, GM, South Korea, Daewoo

Daewoo Matiz spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The folks at Noticias Automotivas have scored shots of what looks to be the next-generation Daewoo Matiz, the subcompact hatch that we know better as the Chevrolet Spark.

The budget runabout is clearly very similar to General Motors' 2007 Beat concept and is in fact bang-on the Bowtie-badged production-intent model we saw displayed at this year's Geneva Motor Show, albeit with a Daewoo-specific upper and lower grilles, less stylized fog lamps and discount looking wheels.

Inside, the motorcycle-like gauge binnacle appears to have to have made the transition to production as expected, although as we were not permitted to touch the Geneva car, we can't tell if it's a tilt/telescope assembly.

Check out the gallery of images below.

Gallery: Daewoo Matiz spy shots

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark

[Source: Noticias Automotivas]

Spy Shots: Chevy Spark spotted as Daewoo Matiz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for a hi-res image gallery

General Motors has issued a cryptic press release suggesting it plans to retool an existing plant here in the United States to build a new small car. No specifics are given on what small car this may be, as the missive only says that the plant will have the capacity to build up to 160,000 small and compact cars and that "this vehicle adds to GM's growing portfolio of U.S.-built, highly fuel efficient cars including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt." Know what that means? It's speculation time!

GM's most well-known small car is arguably the Chevy Spark, which was introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is based on the Beat concept from 2007. It's possible this is the small car GM is referring to, but it's not the only option. The automaker could also introduce a model slightly larger than the Spark that would still slot below the upcoming Chevy Cruze compact that's slated to replace the aging Chevrolet Cobalt, possibly based on either the Opel Corsa or Astra. Have any other ideas? Check out the press release after the jump, and then free to sound off in the comments.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be?

GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: New AUTOBOTS on display

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:42:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Transformers cars from GM

In addition to the Corvette Centennial Concept, Chevrolet showed three more AUTOBOTS at the Chicago Auto Show that will make their big screen debuts in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen live action flick, along with one that we're all very familiar with. While we've seen images of the Chevy Volt on the Transformers set, this is the first time that GM has displayed the vehicle for public consumption. This is no show car, as the vehicle on display showed significant wear and tear from its day job. In robot form, the Volt will be known as Jolt, which makes us hope for some shocking footage this summer.

The other two vehicles were the Chevy Beat, which will be called the Spark when it enters production soon, and the Chevy Trax. These two vehicles will be known as Skids and Mudflap respectively, and we're hearing these two 'bots could provide a bit of comic relief to what will otherwise be a sobering storyline. Lastly, we have the yellow and black Camaro, aka Bumblebee, which was represented in both car form and in 17-foot-tall robot form. See the whole lot of 'em in our high-res live gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: GM Transformers cars LIVE

Gallery: Chicago 2009: GM Transformers cars

Chicago 2009: New AUTOBOTS on display originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Chevy Beat/Spark unveiling

While details remain sparse, General Motors rolled out its three-door Beat Concept from the 2007 New York Auto Show, promising that a version of the car will be produced beginning in 2010 for foreign markets, and for the US in 2011. Oddly, unlike the three-door sub-Aveo - sized hatch that rolled on to this morning's main stage, the production Spark figures to be a five-door hatchback capable of delivering 40 miles-per-gallon in the city. Officials indicate that a production version of the Spark will roll out at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and AB readers have already seen development prototypes running around.

Interestingly, the leaked shot that we showed you yesterday clearly shows a five-door vehicle. Perhaps it will roll onto display stands later in the show, but for now, GM has chosen to parade the 2007 three-door showcar around. We'll do some poking around, but in the meantime, take a gander at the high-res gallery of shots below and click through to the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark, aka Beat

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark beats a path to the web

Alex Nunez — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Chevrolet, GM

As the hours wind down before the 2009 Detroit Auto Show finally kicks off in the morning, more vehicles are leaking through the manufacturers' embargo nets. The latest addition to the list is the 2010 Chevy Spark, teased earlier this week on Today by GM design honcho Ed Welburn. Spark is the production version of the Chevy Beat concept that made its debut alongside the Trax and Groove at New York two years ago. Beat was the winner of a public poll to see which of the three microcar concepts would make it to production. We also know that Beat/Spark's going to get some time in the limelight as a character in this summer's Transformers sequel.

The itsy-bitsy new "world car" has grown a second set of doors in production trim, but otherwise, its styling remains remarkably true to the Beat show car. Roof rails hint at real-world practicality, and the fact that GM is choosing Detroit to unveil it suggests that maybe, just maybe, we'll see it here after all. We'll know more as the show gets officially underway, but we can say one thing: it's more interesting than the car it's presumably set to replace in other markets. We'll have plenty more when we see it up close.

[Source: WCF via CarSpyShots]

Detroit Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark beats a path to the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: AB reader spots Chevrolet Beat

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Chevrolet

Click above for image gallery of the Chevy Beat prototype

AB reader Kyle Swift just sent us a few cellphone pics he took of a Chevrolet Beat prototype lounging around at New York's Rochester Institute of Technology. The camouflaged runabout was spotted in a parking lot on the university's grounds, possibly visiting from nearby Delphi.

As you may recall, the Chevy Beat was the most popular of a trio of concepts Chevy showed to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show. Based on General Motors' new global mini-car platform, the Beat was designed as the sportiest of the triplets with a 1.2L turbocharged gas engine mated to an automatic transmission.

At the 2007 L.A. Auto Show, Bob Lutz announced that the Beat will go into global production outside of North America in mid-2009. Production is set to begin in South Korea where the car was originally created at GM's design studio in Bupyeong. Since its concept unveiling, the Beat has grown an extra set of doors to ease rear-seat ingress and egress, and sadly, word is that it has also dropped its turbocharger. The production 1.2L 16-valve DOHC inline-four will be mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox, however.

The Beat is expected to make its production debut sometime in 2010 and will go on sale in Europe in early 2011. As previously reported, the Beat won't be coming to the U.S. until it meets federal crash-test standards, which means we probably won't see it until at least 2012. A big hat tip to Kyle.

Gallery: Chevy Beat prototype

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

Spy Shots: AB reader spots Chevrolet Beat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy Beat interior snapped

Chris Shunk — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Green, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevy Beat will hopefully succeed as GM's high-volume entry into the micro-car market, and the General's Korean design team has been tasked with making the little hatch look more expensive than it is. We were able to take a look at spy photos of the Beat on the outside back in August, and learned that a four-door version is in the pipeline. Now we're getting our first look at the production interior, and the pic is completely undisguised.

The first thing we noticed was a very unique gauge cluster. The GM design team put the main displays in two completely separate pods. On the left is a typical round speedometer, while a square display -- possibly used for testing purposes -- is on the right. The look is definitely different, and almost aftermarket in appearance.

The dash as a whole carries the exterior design theme of the concept, with flowing lines drawing our attention to the Beat's center stack. The console is far more traditional than the gauges, with a bare minimum of buttons and knobs and what appears to be some matte black low-grade plastics.

While our first glance at the Beat's interior leaves us cautiously optimistic for the little city car as a whole, we're still disappointed that the General isn't planning to bring their global micro car to the US. Then again, we see cup holders due north of the transmission. Maybe there's hope yet. Thanks for the tip, Corey!

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: The College Driver]

Spy Shots: Chevy Beat interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM axes small crossover plans, Asian compact coming instead

Chris Shunk — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando concept

When GM and the UAW agreed to a new contract in 2007, several new models and the plants in which they would be built were agreed on. Drastic shifts in customer tastes are changing those plans rapidly, and the General is scrambling to deliver. GM was planning to build a seven-seat crossover based off its global Delta small car platform at the Detroit Hamtramck plant next year, but the Wall Street Journal is now reporting that the vehicle will no longer be produced for the US market.

The small MPV, which is being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in concept form as the Chevy Orlando, will still be available in Europe where small seven-seaters are much more popular than here in the States. The small crossover will instead be replaced by a compact vehicle from Asia, possibly the Chevy Beat. However, GM never designed the Beat to meet U.S. crash-test standards, but hopefully the extra resources freed up by nixing the Orlando's U.S. launch could make that happen in quick order.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

GM axes small crossover plans, Asian compact coming instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy Beat finally hits the road

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Testing of the Chevy Beat is officially underway, and our friends at NextAutos have procured the first set of spy shots. The camo'd mule is still sporting the short overhangs and upright silhouette of the concept, but GM decided to equip the squat city car with another set of doors to make ingress and egress easier for rear-seat passengers.

Initial reports suggest that power will be provided by a 1.2-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-four, mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox. The Beat will make its production debut sometime in 2010 and will go on sale in Europe in early 2011. As previously reported, the Beat won't be making the trek to the U.S. until it meets the fed's crash-test standards, so we won't get a shot at the Beat until the next generation arrives - whenever that is.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Chevy Beat finally hits the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz chimes in on the Chevy Beat

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Opinion/Editorial

In the wake of the Chevy Beat news that started pounding the wires before the 4th of July weekend, the Wall Street Journal reached out to Bob Lutz for some commentary on the topic. Lutz, in an email to the Journal, said, "We always thought we'd do it at some point, but now it obviously enjoys a much higher priority." Based on what the Journal says, this loosely translates to "the 2012 timeframe." Unfortunately for GM, this is a car that its U.S. operation needs approximately yesterday. It would behoove the brain trust in the RenCen to stop debating this and simply end all the speculation by formally announcing a U.S. Beat and attaching a timetable, already (as in, now). We think that the car's appearance as an Autobot in next summer's Transformers follow-up will help create enough public interest for that GM will be forced to make some sort declaration if they haven't by then already (TF2 opens on June 26, 2009).

As we've suggested, GM would probably do itself a big favor by greenlighting production versions of all three Triplet concepts, sending the Trax (also featured in TF2) and Groove to showrooms, too. The argument that Americans aren't into small cars/econocars/hatchbacks is quickly losing water, as automaker sales numbers would attest. There's a reason the Civic now outsells the F-150 and that the Hyundai Accent saw a 70% jump last month. Toyota isn't adding the 5-door Yaris to the U.S. lineup on a whim, either. Market forces, in the form of elevated fuel prices, are altering the landscape, and people are a lot more willing to look at (and buy) something smaller and more economical. It's just reality. The longer General Motors deliberates, the longer it's going to get beaten by competitors who have product ready to go right now. Don't wait for for the popcorn-chompers to play focus group and beg for these cars next summer. Grow a set and make the announcement now. Who would've thought that Michael Bay has a better vision of the future than the General itself? In his, GM's cool, stylish minicars will be on the streets next summer. We know that's not possible in real life, but GM needs embrace the fact that a market now exists in the United States for the Beat (and its siblings) and make the obvious call.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Lutz chimes in on the Chevy Beat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now it's (quasi) official: Chevy Beat to U.S.

Alex Nunez — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click image for a high res gallery of the Beat

GM knows it needs an economical, mass-market, mass-appeal small car -- badly. Yes, it has the Aveo, but it's underwhelming in all respects, and sure, it's currently pimping the Cobalt XFE, but that car's about as exciting as an episode of Antiques Roadshow. Corsa? Not engineering the current one to be U.S.-compliant probably wasn't the greatest idea. The answer? MarketWatch says The General has summoned its inner Janet and cried, "Gimmie a Beat!" GM has yet to make a formal announcement, but it seems the Chevy Beat is indeed coming to the U.S. market. The broader public will get a really good look at it next Summer in the Transformers sequel, and as was the case with the Camaro, they'll be looking at a car they'll (apparently) be able to buy. If GM is smart, the screen-to-showroom transition won't take two years as it has with Camaro. It seemed a bit dumb that GM chose New York as the launching pad for the Beat and its fellow Triplet concepts, only to say that the car would be a "global" vehicle (read: everywhere but here). Now, it would seem that global really means global. Hey General, it probably wouldn't hurt to make Trax and get your Groove on, too. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Sources: MarketWatch, Bloomberg]

Now it's (quasi) official: Chevy Beat to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Beat in Transformers 2

Alex Nunez — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

You know how there was a question of whether or not we'd ever see the Chevy Beat for sale in North America? The answer to that question is looking more like a big fat yes. Of course, a subcompact like the Beat makes perfect sense in a landscape where gas is selling for well over $4 a gallon in many areas. Our quasi-confirmation comes not from El Generalissimo, however, but from the set of Transformers 2, which was recently given its tagline: Revenge of the Fallen. In the photo above, next to Bumblebee, is the Chevy Beat -- partially covered, but the Beat nonetheless. You know what putting it in the movie does, right? It makes people want it. Last summer, it was the Camaro. Next summer, it looks like GM's gonna make the Beat a big star. You can see the above photo and more from the set at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog. Thanks for the tip, Cory!

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: TFLAMB]

Chevy Beat in Transformers 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM execs watching smart sales, considering sub-sub-compact offering

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Beat Concept.

Aside from possibly offering a hybrid version of the Camaro, Chevrolet is looking to do everything it can to meet new fuel economy regulations. Despite Bob Lutz' assertion that diesels are not the answer to increase fuel mileage, Ed Peper, Chevy's general manager, pointed out that GM's European diesel technology could find its way here to the States. The 2.9-liter turbodiesel V6 soon to be equipped in Euro-bound Cadillac CTSs is one possibility, as is the utilization of Opel's 1.3-, 1.7- and 1.9-liter oil burners.

Chevrolet execs are also looking to see how the public responds to the smart fortwo. If the reception is good, there's a possibility that Chevy might introduce a vehicle that would slot in below the Aveo both in size and price. A version of the Beat would be an obvious choice, even though GM only plans to sell it outside of the U.S. and Canada.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

GM execs watching smart sales, considering sub-sub-compact offering originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM considering small, premium MINI-fighter?

John Neff — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, GM

click above for more images of the Chevy Beat Concept

Business Week reporter David Welch revealed a few days ago that General Motors may be developing a premium small car that targets the same type of customers who might consider a MINI. Dubbed the "micro-premium car", it would be positioned against the aforementioned MINI in the marketplace, as well as the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Under what brand it would be sold wasn't mentioned, and honestly we don't have the foggiest idea what brand besides Cadillac could match up against those heavyweights. At the same time, we have a difficult time imagining Cadillac following the same path downmarket that it did with the ill-fated Cimarron.

GM's Korean Daewoo subsidiary has a number of small platforms that could be used for such a car, but do any offer the dynamics required for a premium small car? Rear-wheel-drive is practically a must for such a car, so then we're looking at the Kappa platform that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky as a candidate. At the moment, it's the smallest RWD platform in GM's stable.

Gallery: Chevy Beat Concept

Continue reading GM considering small, premium MINI-fighter?

GM considering small, premium MINI-fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Chevy Beat concept tops public polls and will go into production

Drew Phillips — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Chevrolet

After GM's introduction of three compact cars at the 2007 New York Auto Show - the Beat, Groove, and Trax - they left it up to the public to decide which one would be produced. Well, more than 1.8 million people worldwide voted on GM's online survey, and one has beaten down the competition. At the 2007 LA Auto Show, Bob Lutz announced that a vehicle based on the Chevy Beat concept will go into global production outside the North America in mid-2009. Production will begin in South Korea where the car was originally created at GM's design studio in Bupyeong. GM is still undecided as to whether the Beat will be eventually sold in the United States.

Gallery: Chevy Beat Concept

Continue reading LA 2007: Chevy Beat concept tops public polls and will go into production

LA 2007: Chevy Beat concept tops public polls and will go into production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM shutterbugs give us new shots of Camaro, Beat concepts

Alex Nunez — Sun, 13 May 2007 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Updated gallery links: Camaro Convertible, Chevy Beat

GM knows that we all like to look at car ~~porn~~ photos, and we have to give El General some credit: he knows how to keep his stuff in front of the public. It's as simple as sending one or two buzzworthy concepts to sweet locations accompanied by people armed with cameras, tripods and the like. Those folks take spiffy new glamour shots of the rides and post them on the corporate media site. Then we notice them up there, download them, and stick 'em up in a gallery for your consumption. Or, in this case, Jalopnik does. Then we see them on Jalopnik's RSS feed, say "Oh, cool" to no one in particular, go grab the pics from GM, and post them -- just like you see here. Phew.

Welcome to weekend blogging, made that much easier thanks to the Camaro Convertible and Chevy Beat.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Camaro Convertible Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

GM shutterbugs give us new shots of Camaro, Beat concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2007 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update on Chevy Minicar vote

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Etc., Chevrolet

Time to check in on the voting for America's Next Micro Chevy. Remember the online voting Chevy opened up to determine which of their three minicar concepts would reach production? Well, in just a short time, the site has registered nearly 800,000 votes. The leader so far is the baby HHR-like Groove, with the WTCC-like Beat a ways back in second, and both far ahead of the baby-ute Trax. In case you don't remember these three concepts, Chevy decided to bring three minicars to the 2007 New York Auto Show earlier this month to hedge its bets and let the public decide which one we like best. You can still head over to www.vote4chevrolet.com to vote for your favorite. Chevy has said there is no guarantee the most popular vehicle will be built, but the voting results will help guide the development of a future global mini car from GM.

Have you voted? The Autoblog team is split, with at least one vote for each.

[Source: Winding Road]

Continue reading Update on Chevy Minicar vote

Update on Chevy Minicar vote originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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