Thursday, September 3, 2009

Chevrolet Spark Fires Up Gm's Indian Market

General Motors India distributor of all GM products in India including high-quality GMC water pump has recently launched its highly anticipated Chevrolet Spark at a function headed by GM India President and Managing Director Rajeev Chaba. He said, "The Chevrolet Spark is the wor1d's newest-generation compact city car. It sets a new standard for its segment through its modem design, clever space utilization, affordability and solid engineering."

He continues, "Last year we began construction of a new manufacturing facility and introduced three new Chevrolet products - the Aveo, the SRV and the Aveo U-VA. We are keeping up the momentum this year with the introduction of the Chevrolet Spark, which gives GM an entry into India's predominant market segment."

Spark's Dynamic Styling
The Chevrolet Spark is one of the worlds most famous mini-cars. Starting from its introduction in 1998 almost 2 million units have been sold in over 100 markets. The theme for the new-generation Spark is Evolution not revolution.

The modern and dynamic styling of Spark makes it looks more matured while its smiling face makes it more inviting. Its large round head lamps with its integrated indicators are complemented by stunningly large circular tail lamps.

At the front is a blend of a tough-looking bumper and large air intake that reflects a new sense of sporty flair. The overall look of the Spark is dominated by a marked wedge form with short body overhangs. The powerful faade of the Spark is enhanced by the profile of its hood. Sharply rising shoulder lines and converging feature lines found on its hood extends through the front fenders add tension and dynamism. Its two striking V-shaped feature lines provide the Spark with a three-dimensional look. The steel surfaces that continue through the front side windows provide an unusual and harmonious link to the side profile.

The exterior design also features smart elements such as a rear spoiler, satin silver roof rails, and body side moldings which are offered as standard on the top trim level. The Chevrolet Spark is also fitted with alloy wheels but will be offered as an option.

Sparks fun exterior is complemented by a stunning interior with a completely redesigned cockpit. The operating elements of the design are divided into two parts. The first one is concerned with the drivers direct line of vision. There is semi-circular display area with ergonomic controls and warning lights inside the Spark. Positioned at the center of the dashboard are the speedometer and instruments that features a blend of analogue and digital displays. The interior is richly appointed across all trim levels with high-quality fabrics on seats and door trims.

Unmatched Comfort and Convenience
The Chevrolet Spark is spacious attributed to its intelligent packaging and 2,345 mm wheelbase. The five-seater offers a generous amount of standard convenience features and smart storage spaces. Also parts of the standard features are the cup holders, card holders, seat-back shopping hooks, and highly useful internally adjustable outside mirrors that are very helpful especially in the dusty Indian driving conditions. High-performance air conditioning is also calibrated specifically for Indias climate and provides an accurate cabin cooling that is a first in the Sparks segment.

And depending on the trim level, standard equipment may also comes with hydraulic power-assisted steering, electrically operated front and rear windows, and a digital clock. In the LT trim, the rear-seat backrest can be divided in 60:40 ratio, allowing for longer objects to be transported easily. The LT trim also comes with a sunglass holder in addition to a rear washer-wiper system and defogger.

With its compact body dimensions of (length x width x height: 3,495 mm x 1,495 mm x 1,518 mm) and its small turning radius (4,600 mm). The Spark is highly maneuverable and also fits into any parking space.

Highly Fuel-Efficient
GM Daewoo engineers developed the highly fuel-efficient and powerful new S-Tec engine exclusively for the Spark. The four-cylinder 1.0 liter petrol engine delivers peak power of 63 PS at 5,400 rpm and peak torque of 90.3 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Power and torque are maximized at lower speeds, which make the Spark perfect for commuting in congested city traffic as well as on open highways.

The Spark has the highest peak power per engine displacement in its segment. The engine has been optimized via number of technical improvements such as the adoption of low-friction valve gears, sequential multi-point fuel injection or MPFI, a dual distributor-less ignition system (DOLI), a motorized throttle intake system (MTIS) and advanced optical sensor. A reduced curb weight and more aerodynamic styling further improve the Sparks low drag co-efficient of 0.342 giving it the best fuel efficiency of any vehicle in the market.

Improved Safety
The safety features of Chevrolet Spark were also enhanced with the application of modern technologies and high-grade materials. Moreover 51 percent of the total weight of the Sparks body cell consists of high-strength steel, providing great rigidity and stability while lowering the weight by 10 kg. Its precisely defined load paths with an energy-absorbing hexagonal profile protect passengers in the event of head-on or rear-end collision.

The optimized links between B-pillar and sills provide side impact protection. And to further enhance protection, the B-pillar is made of three steel plates of different thickness. These plates are welded together so that in case of side impact the B-pillar will move like a pendulum rather than fold and protrude into the passenger compartment. This action is known as Tailor-Welded Blanking or the Pendulum method which is normally employed for larger vehicles in higher segments.

The other safety features found on the Spark includes driver air bag that will be available shortly after the post launching of the Spark, 2.5 mph impact proof front and rear bumpers, and tubeless tires which are first in the Sparks segment. The front-end design of the Spark is among the first in its class to comply with the new European regulations for pedestrian safety.
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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Chevrolet Beat Review

Chevrolet Beat was debuted in 2007 at New York International Auto Show. The concept model was designed in GM's South Korean design studio and the running prototype was built in India. The engine displacement of Chevrolet Beat is small and compact that makes the car-echo friendly. Initially, General Motors introduced only petrol versions but recently it has launched Chevrolet Beat LPG version, which is a dual fuel variant and costs between 4 lacs and 5 lacs.

Chevrolet Beat is the best performer in its category. According to ARAI, the car can give 18.6 km per liter on highways and in city it can give the mileage of 15 kmpl. Beat is equipped with small compact state-of-the-art STEC II engine with the displacement of 1199 cc with four cylinder and powered with 16-valve Double Over Head Camshaft (DOHC). These displacement specifications make sure to churn out maximum power and torque of 79 bhp at 6200 rpm and 108 nm at 4400 rpm respectively.

Chevy Beat is not a sporty type of car, hence the performance is not welcoming on highways but it is well-balanced on city drives and can give higher rpms. In just 14.8 seconds the car can reach 0-100 kmph. However, remember it is a family car not a racer so keep the revs down, in order to get best performance. Most of its counterparts provide electronic power steering but unfortunately the Beat has hydraulic power steering. The small car is the best performer if you do not exceed the speeds over 60 kmph.

It is equipped with distinctive features like automatic temperature controller and integrated rear-spoiler, which help to deliver higher fuel efficiency and balanced drive even at high-speed. The conventional front and rear suspension of Chevy Beat are McPherson strut-type and compound crank type that assures to give smooth balanced handling and a comfortable ride.
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