Η General Motors χθες ανακοίνωσε ότι θα πουλά στην Αμερική το Chevrolet Spark αλλά και ότι θα βγάλει στη παραγωγή και την ηλεκτρική έκδοση του, η οποία θα βασίζεται στο πρωτότυπο Beat EV concept που είχε παρουσιάσει πριν μερικούς λίγους μήνες στην Ινδία.
Το ηλεκτρικό Spark θα παρουσιαστεί μέσα στο 2012 και θα εφοδιάζεται με έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα 45 kW (61 ίππων). O κινητήρας τροφοδοτείται από μια μπαταρία ιόντων λιθίου 20 kWh που δίνει αυτονομία 130 χλμ με την πλήρη φόρτιση να γίνεται μέσα σε 8 ώρες μέσω απλής πρίζας.
Το αυτοκίνητο δεν θα πωλείται σε όλες τις αγορές, αλλά αποκλειστικά στην Αμερική και περισσότερο στην Καλιφόρνια με την παραγωγή να περιορίζεται στις 2.000 μονάδες ετησίως.
Σε ότι αφορά την Αμερικάνικη έκδοση του Spark η οποία θα παρουσιαστεί στις αρχές του 2012 στο Detroit, σε σχέση με την Ευρωπαϊκή, θα διαθέτει νέα μπροστά μάσκα. Οι πωλήσεις του θα ξεκινήσουν στα τέλη του 2012, ως μοντέλο του 2013.
[Πηγή: Chevrolet]
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Chevrolet to Produce Spark EV All-Electric Vehicle
Mini-car joins growing portfolio of electrified vehicles
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.
Spark Joins Chevrolet’s U.S. Small Car Lineup in 2012
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.
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