GM Reveals 2013 Chevrolet Spark/Chevrolet Spark EV for US Market

[FenwickHockey65]

Spark Joins Chevrolet’s U.S. Small Car Lineup in 2012
Link to Press Release

October 12, 2011

DETROIT – Chevrolet hopes to excite first-time buyers and city residents when the Spark mini car joins the brand’s small car family next year in the United States and Canada. The Spark is a five-door, four-passenger hatch that is on sale in Chevrolet markets around the world.

“For young, urban dwellers, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark can be their key to the city,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a statement, but it is a practical car, too. Affordable, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient, Spark will be easy to own and easy to drive.”

More details about the Spark, the smallest Chevrolet in the U.S. and Canadian lineups, will be unveiled next month at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The first version of the Spark is being sold in Europe, Korea, India, Mexico, South America and Australia.

The Chevrolet Spark is 14 inches shorter than the recently launched Chevrolet Sonic. It’s three feet longer than the Smart Fortwo and four inches longer than the Fiat 500. In the United States and Canada, the Spark will be powered by a 1.2L four-cylinder engine that delivers 83 horsepower (61 kW). The standard transmission is a five-speed manual. An automatic transmission will be available.

The Spark will offer more interior room than other mini cars, and it will be the only car in the segment to provide standard benefits such as a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.

Available packages include uplevel features such as color touch screen radio; Chevrolet MyLink infotainment connectivity with Pandora and Stitcher internet radio; Bluetooth; exterior enhancements such as chrome accents; heated leatherette seats and alloy wheels.

The Spark was originally seen as the Chevrolet Beat concept at the 2007 New York Auto Show. Show goers and online fans chose the Beat over two other concepts, and it was developed into an updated version of the Spark that will come to the United States and Canada.

Chevrolet to Produce Spark EV All-Electric Vehicle
Mini-car joins growing portfolio of electrified vehicles
Link to Press Release

October 12, 2011

DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced it will produce an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car – the Spark EV. It will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013, including California.

“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. “It complements Chevrolet’s growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology.”

Feedback from participants in Chevrolet’s electric vehicle demonstration fleets in Shanghai (Sail EV), Korea (Cruze EV) and India (Beat EV) are being incorporated into the Spark EV.

“Our global demo fleets continue to provide insight into the needs of electric vehicle customers living in urban environments,” said Federico. “The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet’s plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world.”

A123 Systems will supply the advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs that will power the Spark EV. Details on specific markets, range, quantities and pricing will be announced later.

[CamaroSkooter]

Whenever I see these "mini" cars, all I can do is lol

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

Whenever I see these "mini" cars, all I can do is lol

They are amusing...

...however this car will be incredibly well equipped.

The days of having to compromise features to get a smaller, fuel efficient car are over.

[motorhead]

I take two. One for each foot.

[TOMS1SS]

Specs on the electric motor?

[Camaro_Corvette]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

They are amusing...

...however this car will be incredibly well equipped.

The days of having to compromise features to get a smaller, fuel efficient car are over.

Isn't that the truth.

[Jekyll-N-Hyde]

When I see these I want to get in the floor pick one up and go vroom vroom SCREEEEEEEEEECH SMASH


These are nothing but micromachine's lol

[TOMS1SS]

I'm kinda surprised this isn't getting a bigger reaction.

[fielderLS3]

Well, I guess since the Volt has been such a marketplace success...

[snizzle]

It's too bad. The Volt is a terrific car on multiple levels. They should have started with a Caddy IMO though due to the cost.

[8cd03gro]

Son of a #$@!, I was going to buy some shares in A123 just a few days ago.

Anyway, I'm not a big fan of the looks, but I think it will do well with it's target market. I am interested in how they will be marketing this vehicle.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

Son of a #$@!, I was going to buy some shares in A123 just a few days ago.

Anyway, I'm not a big fan of the looks, but I think it will do well with it's target market. I am interested in how they will be marketing this vehicle.

I've had a bunch of girls tell me that "it looks cute."

There's your target market.

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I've had a bunch of girls tell me that "it looks cute."

There's your target market.

Yep, hippy college girls and soccer moms. Luckily, I live in hippy college girl city USA, so I'll probably see a ton of these when they hit the streets.

[TaylorRyanSS]

Wow talk about unproportioned. Those headlights are way to huge for the car and the wheel wells are too small or something. It looks awkward.