Chevrolet pulled the sheet off the face-lifted 2013 Chevrolet Spark this morning, and also disclosed a bit about what we can expect upon its American and Canadian launch.
It’s now been confirmed that GM will implement a bitty 1.2-liter Ecotec four pot that will deliver 83 horsepower for the gas-powered U.S.-spec model. It will come standard with a five-speed manual, while an automatic transmission will be made available. Obviously, fuel economy is the main focus with this here powerplant. To top it all off, Chevy has also announced that the Spark will be available in an electric variant at a later time.
While the engine power is nothing to get excited about, Chevy noted in the press release that options for the 2013 Spark will include Chevy MyLink, Bluetooth, heated leatherette seats, chrome accents, and alloy wheels. Not bad for a car designated to compete with the Fiat 500 and Scion iQ.
Comments
I imagine fuel econ numbers won’t be that stellar. They never are when you downsize this much. City numbers will probably be the main focus for this. I am interested to see how these will sell in the US.
Your probably right on the FE numbers. It takes X amount of hp to drive at 70 mph down the freeway, and it takes Y amount of fuel to achieve that power. There’s not a huge difference in that power requirement between a Malibu and a Spark.
Highway fuel economy will be determined by aero efficiency, gearing, and engine efficiency in that order. City numbers might be impressive if the weight is kept in check or is offered with a CVT or something.
City numbers could be VERY good for the electric model, however.
I think the EV version is probably the most exciting option though. I’ll be interested to see what kind of range they can get out of it.
But MyLink is a pretty impressive option given the class. This is what we call the “upcontentization” of smaller cars, isn’t it?
Who cares about power numbers in a car made for start-and-stop city traffic? Tyler got it spot on by saying that city numbers are the main focus here.
Looks like I had jumped the gun with my previous comments, very nice looking overall.
Any idea how these are doing in Europe; South America; and other markets. Are there any sales figures, how is quality. Not that that would say anything about NA market, just curious how its been recieved over all.
darn its not over 100 hp
Vic; seriously at least 105 hp, common GM…
I hope so if they wanna keep up with the 500
Vic; Exactly… I am sure GM has figured out who they are directing this car at and honestly it may not be the 500. It may be people that would have otherwise driven a Geo Metro if it still existed. But at the end of the day the 500 is still out there and is very much competition to this car. Give us a little more HP than 80 somthin.
I highly doubt the 500 is the competition for this model. Even though they may put up dukes in the same arena, one will be the main event, the other will be somewhere on the bill. No disrespect, but the Spark will probably be the latter. If GM wants to offer something as interesting as the 500, they will have to dig into their history to find a similar niche model to resurrect. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a single one that would stir the soul the way the 500 could. Sad, but true.
Richard, if your Italian I could see the new 500 stiring the soul, but most Americans have no connection at all to Fiat or the 500. I do think the 500 offers a great city car over anything presently out there. Hopefully the Spark will pull in a range of buyers not just the niche buyer, just wish it had some more hp.