#DAS09 What do you know, GM is not quite dead just yet. Turns out, it'll have more than just the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Cadillac SRX and 2010 Chevrolet Equinox at this year's Detroit Auto Show.
In a surprise announcement on everybody's favorite fluffy news program, Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn told the Today's Show's Matt Lauer that GM would bring a production version of the Chevrolet Beat to the Detroit Auto Show. He even did the now trademarked "GM executive sheet lift" which revealed the nose of the subcompact hatchback. Welburn divulged no details, but we're guessing it will be fuel efficient, inexpensive and, of course, a "surprise".
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hondacura4 says:
08:54 AM, 01/ 8/09
"Welburn divulged no details, but we're guessing it will be fuel efficient, inexpensive and, of course, a "surprise"."
I hope its fun to drive also and one of the subcompacts people choose to own (like the Fit), not forced to own. Go GM!
ctpax says:
10:50 AM, 01/ 8/09
Chevy Beat(er).
bbechtel16 says:
11:03 AM, 01/ 8/09
Haha. Good one.
firstwagon says:
11:47 AM, 01/ 8/09
I agree with hondaacura4, I hope it's fun to drive and something I would want to drive.
This car is much more important to GM then vehicles like the CTS or Tahoe even if they don't make money money on them. It represents growth in a market they don't have and a chance to make 1st time buyers think of GM in a postive way.
If you buy a Beat and really like it, there's a good chance you'll consider a GM product when you buy your next more expensive car.
If you buy a Fit instead, there's not much chance you'll be shopping GM.
dougtheeng says:
12:04 PM, 01/ 8/09
I'm definitely curious/concerned about this vehicle. From what I've seen, its better looking then the Aveo, but thats not saying much. I'm not really a fan of this front grille arrangement Chevy is pushing.
roar02ram says:
02:47 PM, 01/ 8/09
+1 Doug. I seem to recall this car having a dinky 1.0 liter Daewoo engine & not being engineered for the US at all. Great looking car, but I'm worried about the substance...
firstwagon says:
03:12 PM, 01/ 8/09
I believe it has a 1.2 turbo.
I'm not sure what "being engineered for the US" means.
What I'm hoping for is a weight close to 2000 lbs or less, mileage and price like a Yaris, a light and frisky feel to the handling and an engine that loves to rev.
The Aveo feels like a car whose designers primary goal was "adaquate transportation".
Todays car buyers want more and other car makers offer more. I'm looking forward to seeing if GM is listening.