Automaker Chevrolet has announced that a range based on the popular Beat concept car has gone into production.
Officials at the company moved forward with the project due to public demand, after an online poll saw it garner more votes than two other minicars, the Trax and the Groove.
Chevrolet commented that the new vehicle will embody the core values of the original Beat concept, giving motorists a compact, modern car which is great value for money.
It added the model will be available for motorists to drive out of dealerships in 2010.
"Beat resonated with customers all around the world. Chevrolet was overwhelmed by the positive reaction to each of the three mini concept cars, but Beat was a sound winner," said general manager Ed Peper.
Chevrolet is the largest brand owned by General Motors and currently has 20 active vehicles on the market worldwide.
The new Aveo from Chevrolet will be unveiled at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Boasting a dramatically-styled exterior and a horizontally-split radiator grille, the car’s futuristic appeal is further boosted by its curved glass headlamps at the front and rear.
The machine is similar in looks to Chevrolet’s WTCC Ultra concept vehicle, a model which first appeared at the Paris Motor Show in 2006.
What sets it apart is the new high class cabin, furnished with soft-touch quality plastics and fabrics.
Consumers will be able to pick from two engines at launch, a fuel-efficient 1.2-litre unit and a sturdier 1.4-litre powerplant, which will also come with automatic transmission when the car goes on sale in Spring 2008.
A number of Chevrolet vehicles featured in this summer’s blockbuster Transformers.
The Chevrolet Camero was possibly the most notable and will join the Aveo at dealerships when it is re-released in 2008.
Chevrolet’s Captiva 4×4 was launched earlier this month and the manufacturer has now made a range of accessories available that will help owners "stamp their own personality" on the vehicle.
A number of exterior styling options will be available for buyers, including a set of Irmscher 20-inch alloy wheels and stainless steel side bars.
Chrome effect door mirror housings, door handles and tail light surrounds will also be incorporated into the Captiva range, along with side steps, wind deflectors for the front windows and a chrome tailpipe trim.
For people who plan to use the Captiva for holidays or practical purposes, a number of touring and towing accessories are on offer, including a base carrier to support both bike carriers and roof boxes, tow bars, mud guards, towing mirrors and a reverse parking sensor.
The 4×4 can be kept clean with a range of floormats, cargo liners and a dog guard.
Three trim levels comprise the Captiva range – LS, LT and LTX – with engine types ranging from two-litre units with high pressure direct injection to a 2.4-litre multi-point injection system.
Chevrolet has turned its Captiva 4×4 into the world’s first ‘scratch car-d’ to mark the UK launch of the model.
The SUV took two months to prepare as it was coated in silver latex, the material found on ordinary scratch cards.
Thousands of people gathered in London’s Covent Garden, grabbed a penny and scratched away at the car, in the hope that they would uncover the panel bearing a symbol to win the vehicle.
It took 14 hours for the latex to be entirely scratched away from the Captiva.
Ahead of the event, Les Turton of Chevrolet said: "It’s exciting and unique to unveil the world’s first ‘scratch car-d’ in the UK, giving the British public the chance to take part in the biggest scratch off in history.
"The Captiva is set to be one of the best value for money SUVs on the market, but the fact that a lucky participant is only one scratch away from winning the car represents even better value."
The Captiva is the first SUV to be launched on the UK market by Chevrolet.
A number of vehicles from legendary American marques Corvette and Cadillac will be on show at this year’s Motorexpo event, including the exclusive Corvette Z06 Ron Fellowes edition.
Also attending the show will be the right-hand drive Cadillac SRX and BLS and the left-hand drive Cadillac Escalade.
The special-edition Corvette Z06 was introduced to mark Canadian racer Ron Fellowes’ contribution to the brand’s racing success since 1999. The car boasts an LS7 V8 engine, taking it from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and delivering a top speed of 199mph.
Only 33 versions of the car have been made available in Europe, in Arctic white, with a full-width racing spoiler and ten-spoke aluminium wheels.
The Cadillac SRX is available with either a 3.6-litre V6 or a 4.6-litre V8 engine, while the BLS comes with a common-rail diesel powerplant or a choice of three petrol units. The BLS comes with a chassis tuned for "agility and driver enjoyment".
Corvette and Cadillac will be located on Canary Wharf’s South Colonnade for the Motorexpo show, which will run from June 11th to June 17th.
Chevrolet has announced special offers for customers interested in cycle carriers and roof boxes – accessories that are likely to rise in popularity as the weather warms up.
The manufacturer’s cycle carrier, which provides secure transport for most sizes of bike, is available for an offer price of £79.
Roof bars, which are designed specifically to fit on Chevrolet models, will be on sale for £99, or £149 for Matiz models, and are necessary for drivers who want to enhance luggage capacity with a roof box.
The manufacturer’s roof box, which has been designed with aerodynamics in mind, is available with capacities of 260 and 380 litres, providing weatherproof storage with secure locking.
Chevrolet’s 260-litre box is available for £129 while the 360-litre version will cost £169 before September 30th.
These offers will be available at participating Chevrolet retailers until September 30th this year.
The new Corvette will provide owners with an "impeccable performance and great comfort", the general manager for Chevrolet has commented.
Ed Peper’s comments follow the updating of the new Corvette in a number of key areas.
Possessing a new 2L LS3 small-block V8 engine, the car offers 430bhp and will deliver a top speed of 190mph.
Available in two colours – jetstream blue metallic tintcoat and crystal red metallic tintcoat – the new Corvette also incorporates a new two-mode exhaust system and features improvements to its transmission and axle ratios, allowing for quicker gearshifts.
Other enhancements to the new Corvette include improvements to the feel of the steering system, while the car’s wheels come with a new split-spoke.
Mr Peper said: "The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car."
Alluding to the 55 years Chevrolet had been in business, Mr Peper added that the Corvette "just keeps getting better and better".
A special edition Ron Fellows Corvette Z06 is to go on limited sale in the UK, car maker Chevrolet has announced.
The unique version of the car, which is named after a racing driver who became a legend for his contribution to the Corvette racing team, will feature Ron Fellows’ autograph.
It will come with an Arctic white paintjob and be characterised with a "racing-style" wing stripe.
A full-width, racing rear spoiler will also feature on the car, as well as ten-spoke aluminium wheels. The vehicle will be powered by an LS7 V8 engine, which will deliver an impressive 512hp and carry the car from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Ed Peper, general manager of Chevrolet, said: "Ron Fellows is part of Corvette’s racing heritage and he has been instrumental in the remarkable success of the Corvette racing team in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
"The special signature-series Z06 model that bears his name will forever link him to one of the greatest eras in factory racing, which has produced six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers’ championships and counting."
This special edition Corvette Z06 is sure to be an inviting prospect for motorsport fans, but they will have to be quick, as only 399 are planned for production with just 33 destined for Europe.
Chevrolet has introduced the three concept cars it will be displaying at the New York Motor Show this month, tipping them to be "smash hits".
The trio, which shows off Chevy’s "new design language", is made up of the Beat, the Trax and the Groove.
Chevrolet has identified these cars as the embodiment of its new market approach, as they have been designed with a global market in mind and underline the automaker’s commitment to offer its products "to the whole of the world".
The Trax, an urban-crossover vehicle, is described as the most "butch" of the three cars, with knock-resistant moulded bumpers and "funky" 16-inch alloy wheels.
A younger audience is the target of the Beat, which is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, has "mean-looking" LED headlamps that stretch the length of the bonnet and a bright green paint job.
The Beat has been designed with a retro style in mind, with 17-inch alloy wheels, an upright windscreen, spacious cabin and styling cues that recall "swinging 60s hotrods".
Ed Welburn, vice-president of design for Chevrolet’s parent company General Motors, said: "The Beat, Groove and Trax highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s global design capabilities, as well as its ability to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of diverse markets around the world."
The order books have been opened for Chevrolet’s latest sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Captiva, which will be on show at selected dealers this month.
According to the manufacturer, the new model builds on its existing reputation for "incredible value for money".
The Capitva boasts an extensive range of equipment, including air conditioning, a six-speaker radio-CD with mp3 capability and 16-inch alloy wheels, "stylish good looks", up to seven seats and all-round flexibility for a price of £16,995.
Front, side and rear airbags, five full-size three-point seatbelts and a Thatcham-approved security system with deadlocks are also incorporated into the Captiva, which is front-wheel driven and runs off a 2.4-litre engine.
The model is currently on tour across the UK, visiting various Chevrolet dealers on special "winter-themed" open nights.
Guests will be able to get a close-up look of the Captiva and craft activities will be organised for children.
The SUV is available to order now and the first models will be delivered to customers in June.
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