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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O Kei, Go! Honda Beat revival rumored anew

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Honda, Rumormill

Honda OSM concept at 2008 British Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors have swirled for some time that Honda has been looking to revive its diminutive Beat. The Japanese Domestic Market kei car was produced from 1991 through 1996, and featured a tiny 650cc (that's 40 cubic inches to us 'Muricans) three-cylinder engine that produced 63 horsepower (Japan's power cap for the kei class). The engine was mounted in the middle, and sent all that fury to the rear wheels. Combine that powertrain layout with the droptop, and two passengers could have a lot of fun for short money. Now, we're once again hearing rumblings that Honda is readying a Beat for a new generation.

According to AutoExpress, Honda is working on a new Beat that will utilize technology found in some of the company's motorcycle offerings. The Beat would shift gears by way of a dual-clutch transmission, which would be a first in a Honda car. The cogswapper, borrowed from a VFR1200F, could be mated to a 1.3 or 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine.

The rumor mongers also tell us that the Honda Beat could ride on the same platform as the CR-Z. The body length would be chopped down, and with a reduction in front and rear overhangs, the car could somewhat resemble the OSM concept shown in London back in 2008.

O Kei, Go! Honda Beat revival rumored anew originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Honda to update S2000 and Beat in one fell swoop

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Honda, Rumormill

There was a time in the not too distant past when Honda had a slew of fun-to-drive tuner specials ranging from tiny JDM Beat kei-car to the razor-sharp S2000. Both of those vehicles are dead and gone now, but a report from Motor Trend posits that Honda could be working on a way to replace both vehicles in one tidy (and presumably, fun-to-drive) little package.

The rumored roadster, which reportedly wouldn't be production-ready until 2014, would utilize a subframe with a mid-engine layout for optimum weight distribution. If this exciting-sounding ride is indeed in utero, the big question would surround the avenue Honda would choose for propulsion. Options include a small, possibly boosted gasoline motor, a CR-Z-like hybrid and possibly even an electric-only solution. All three options would likely be relatively efficient due to the roadster's small stature, but MT points out that a gas-only option could limit the vehicle's international appeal.

A mixture between a Beat and an S2000 sounds great to us, but is there any proof that such a vehicle is under development? The magazine did some digging and discovered a Honda patent pending in Japan for a subframe vehicle with an "engine being fitted to a center frame." Add to that the fact that last year we heard rumblings of a next-generation Beat that looks a lot like the rendering above, and we could finally be looking at a fun new Honda by mid-decade. Click on the photo above to check out Motor Trend's hot-looking rendering.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Honda to update S2000 and Beat in one fell swoop originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:01:00 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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The Beat Goes On? Honda reportedly looking at successor to kei-roadster

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

Kei cars have a huge following in Japan and no model has benefited from the sub-sub-compact's cult status more than the Honda Beat. Originally introduced in 1991, the 64-hp Beat was a boon for enthusiasts on a budget, with a 660cc three-cylinder mounted amidships and delivering power to the rear wheels. When production ended over a decade ago, it left a gaping hole in Honda's line-up between the Zest and S2000, and if recent reports are to be believed, the situation will be rectified in 2011.

According to Best Car, Honda is hard at work on the Beat's successor, but unfortunately, the previous model's mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive won't be employed on the next generation. Using the same platform and 660cc engine found underneath the Life and Zest, the next Beat's engine will be mounted up front, sending power to the front wheels. There's also talk of an all-wheel drive variant, but consumers in Japan shouldn't hold their breath. Pricing and a release date haven't been disclosed, but we wouldn't be surprised to find a Beat concept on the floor of the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.

[Source: 7Tune]

The Beat Goes On? Honda reportedly looking at successor to kei-roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark finally, fully revealed

Alex Nunez — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Chevy Spark

The Chevy Spark was leaked on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, but it was MIA during the next day's GM press conference "car parade." In its stead, we saw the Beat concept once again as GM announced that the Spark would indeed go into production next year. The mystery of why the actual Spark didn't appear in Motown was solved by our friends at Kicking Tires, and today GM has fully revealed the car ahead of its debut next month in Geneva.

As you can see, the production Spark retains most of its Beat cues, right down to that tree-frog-green color, but adds a second set of passenger doors. In a bid to try and keep the original's 3-door look, the rear handles are hidden up in the window blackout trim. This is better executed here than it is, say, on the Jeep Compass, but it's still obviously a 5-door. Inside, you'll find a simplified take on the Chevy brand's current cockpit design, dressed up with body-colored door trim panels and seats that feature contrast stitching and a color-accented fabric pattern. The Instrument cluster is mounted directly to the steering column. GM calls it motorcycle-inspired, but more importantly, it would appear to let the General easily reconfigure the setup for right-hand drive markets.

The Spark will launch in Europe early next year with 1.0L and 1.2L DOHC gas engines, and though nothing's been said, we'd imagine that a diesel will have to make it into the mix soon thereafter. Sales in other markets will follow, including the U.S. in 2011, as previously announced in Detroit. We'll have in-person feedback on the Spark for you next month from Geneva. In the meantime, follow the jump for a design overview video and GM's complete press release.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark finally, fully revealed

Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark finally, fully revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show

Chris Paukert — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

This morning's Today Show on NBC featured General Motors' design chief Ed Welburn talking with host Matt Lauer live from General Motors' Warren Tech Center. Welburn previewing the Detroit Auto Show's coming attractions, including the new Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Camaro. Most newsworthy, however, was the designer's willingness to pull back the sheet - albeit partially - on what looks to be a production-bound version of 2007's Chevrolet Beat concept. Welburn promised that the car would be unveiled at the show in Cobo, leading us to speculate that the Beat may come to the States after all. Check out the Beat concept's high-res gallery below, and video footage from the show after the jump.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: MSNBC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show

VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 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 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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U.S. to get Chevy Groove or Trax in 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

General Motors won't be bringing the Beat to the U.S., but some version of the Groove or Trax will replace the Aveo by 2011. Speaking with Automotive News, Chevy veep Ed Peper said that the bow-tie brand would get something "very similar to one of those vehicles," but in order to meet U.S. crash test standards and accommodate consumer's taste, the new compact five-door would grow in size.

Of the three concepts that debut in New York last year, the Beat will be the first to reach consumers -- in Europe and other markets in 2009 -- and will be built atop GM's global minicar platform in Shanghai. However, the yet-to-be-named Aveo replacement will be underpinned by GM's Gamma small-car platform and will likely be assembled in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

While GM's decision to bring a more stylish small car to U.S. consumers is certainly good news, we can't help but still feel slighted that the Beat won't be offered in the States and that we'll have to put up with the Aveo for another three years as the only sub-compact offering from the General.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Groove Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Trax Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

U.S. to get Chevy Groove or Trax in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz: No Beat for the U.S., smaller CUVs on the way, Insignia stalled

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

General Motor's car czar, Bob Lutz, sat down with the little people of the blogosphere after GM's announcement that it would be reducing white collar expenditures by 20-percent, cutting truck production and eliminating retired health care for salaried workers over 65, all in an effort to boost its liquidity by $15 billion by the end of 2009.

Maximum Bob addressed questions about GM's entire brand portfolio, saying, "Pontiac will be nourished with products" and confirming that GM is in talks with financial institutions about HUMMER, and that, "If we could sell the brand, we'd be interested in doing that."

Predictably, much of the conversation centered on fuel efficiency and the General's plans to address the growing demand for miserly transport in the U.S. Lutz made it clear that "as fuel costs in the U.S. begin to resemble those in the rest of the world" it will be easier for GM to realign its products on a global scale.

[Photo: David McNew/Getty]

Continue reading Lutz: No Beat for the U.S., smaller CUVs on the way, Insignia stalled

Lutz: No Beat for the U.S., smaller CUVs on the way, Insignia stalled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:53:00 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 Trax concept joins Beat on TF2 set

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST

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

We knew the Chevy Beat was making an appearance in the overly-named Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The new news is that one of its "triplet" siblings, the Chevy Trax concept, is joining it, as you can see above. The two are chasing/following Bumblebee on Philadelphia's JFK Boulevard. Proof of GM's new commitment to building more smaller, fuel-efficient cars, you ask? Eh, well, as you may remember, Trax and the third triplet, Groove, were not slated for production like the Beat, so this is (unfortunately) probably just a movie special. At least one Autoblogger is happy, though (raises hand), because Trax is the one he voted for last year. Transformers Live Action Movie Blog wonders if the Beat and Trax might be portraying the Autobot "Twins" in the sequel. Sacrilege? Well, if the movie Bumblebee can be a Camaro instead of a VW beetle, there's no reason Sideswipe and Sunstreaker can't be Chevy-branded "world cars" instead of twin Countaches. If that turns out to be the case, though, it does kinda make one wish Lambo paid to be part of Michael Bay's party instead of Batman.

[Source: Jalopnik via TFLAMB]

Chevy Trax concept joins Beat on TF2 set originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:57:00 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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LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Green, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Promising the best possible fuel economy for whichever type of vehicle its customers choose, GM's Bob Lutz and Ed Peper trotted a full lineup of green vehicles from their arsenal. The Aveo5, Impala E85, Malibu Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, Silverado Hybrid, Volt, Equinox Fuel Cell, Beat and Groove were used to show off that Chevy will be the brand carrying the greenish flame most prominently into the future for GM. Lutz talked about having a whole range of options available to meet future trends, from hybrids, to flex-fuel burners, to fuel cells, to electrics like start/stop technology and good old-fashioned economy cars that get great fuel economy.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5

Continue reading LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have money, need growth: GM to invest $6b in Daewoo

Chris Shunk — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, GM, Earnings/Financials

GM has been rapidly expanding in countries outside the US, and South Korea-based Daewoo has been a major contributor to the company's growth in developing markets. GM is redoubling their commitment to Daewoo by investing $6 billion in the once bankrupt automaker over the next few years. President and chief executive of GM DAT Michael Grimaldi says the money will be used to expand design, engineering, and for new plants and products. Among the projects on the table are a mini car and a small car, which could mean that some form of the Beat, Trax, or Groove could be in the pipeline. With relatively low labor costs and a free trade agreement with the US, GM Daewoo could expand their role of providing low-cost economy cars to our shores, but with a Chevy badge.

[Source: Channel NewsAsia]

Have money, need growth: GM to invest $6b in Daewoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jul 2007 10:33:00 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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New York Auto Show: Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts

John Neff — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

It's not easy to put your finger on the pulse of the buying public, so Chevy decided to hedge its bets and build three mini car concepts, the Beat, Groove and Trax, and is leaving it up to us (as in all of us) to decide which one we like best. The public can vote for which concept is most appealing by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com. While there's no guarantee the highest vote getter will be built, it will help guide the development of a future global mini car from GM.

So here are your candidates. The Beat (green) is by far the most sporty of the trio, with its slicked back styling and comparatively large 1.2L turbo engine. Technically described as a "tuner" car, the Beat is meant to be customized much like a Scion to an owner's own individual tastes. The Beat is a front-wheel drive, three-door hatch with an automatic tranny to divvy up the tiny motor's available power.

The Groove concept (black) is much like a mini HHR, a five-door wagon with a tall roof and flat sides. It's extremely short hood, big wheel arches and nonexistent overhangs mean that every square inch of the platform is utilized. Consider this the most practical concept of the three. Also a front-driver, the Groove is powered by a 1L diesel engine.

Finally there's the Trax (orange), which we've met before. The Trax concept is the mini ute of the bunch, doing its best to feign even the slightest ability to venture off the beaten path. We wouldn't suggest it however, as those tires lack any meaningful tread and the ride height, while high compared to the other two concepts, could hardly clear a curb (if that). It's the only one of the three that features round headlights, though its four-door, upright, box-like packaging mimics that of the Groove concept. It's powered by a 1L gas engine.

Which one would we choose? The Autoblog team is split, though this Autoblogger would pick the Groove if pressed. We'll come back at you with more details on each concept, including live shots, in just a few short hours when the 2007 New York Auto Show opens to the press. Check out the preliminary press release from GM after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Groove Concept

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Trax Concept

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts

New York Auto Show: Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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