Overheat
Forum Addict
The Chevrolet Aveo, otherwise known to us as the formerly-known-as-Daewoo Kalos, is now on sale in the USA, where it is one of the cheapest compact cars on the market, and GM is planning to offer it in over 120 countries worldwide. New-generation models will go on sale in spring 2006, including this four-door mini-saloon, though UK buyers will no doubt prefer the tailgated hatchback versions. This model comes with economical 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, with a diesel likely to follow; it has a distinct look from the Kalos hatchbacks, and Chevrolet says that the only elements it has in common with these are parts of the underpinnings, the windscreen and the front side windows. Standard equipment for Europe will include air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking and side airbags. "The new Aveo fits in perfectly with our product philosophy", says Erhard L. Spranger, CEO of Chevrolet Europe. "With its no-frills design and its generous amount of room, it offers particularly young families more car for their money."
Though Chevrolet is being marketed as GM's budget brand in Europe these days, it still has sporting pretensions as well. Also on the Chevvy stand is a Nubira station wagon in World Touring Car Championship livery, fitted with a supercharged 172bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine. Chevrolet is competing in the WTCC with three 270bhp specially-prepared Lacetti models, and the UK-based Ray Mallock Racing team which has developed these has now produced this Nubira WTCC R+ prototype. It sits on extra-wide 17x7-inch wheels, with a deeper front bumper, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and aerodynamic rear bumper, with tinted windows and a sported-up interior plastered with the R+ logo. Brakes have been uprated, suspension tweaked and lowered by 30mm, and gearbox modified to give faster responses.
The 1.8-litre petrol engine has had a mechanically-driven supercharger and charged-air intercooler added to raise its output by over 40percent. The Nubira WTCC R+ is said to be capable of 0-60mph in around eight seconds. It's all a production-friendly makeover, and Chevrolet motor racing chief Eric Neve says that "it is a definite possibility that this roadworthy racer will become available from our distributors fairly soon." Alongside the other roadworthy racing Chevrolet, the 512bhp, 7.0-litre Corvette Z06, perhaps... the Z06, on display for the first time in Europe, is good for a rather quicker 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 319kph, making it the fastest production car General Motors has ever built.