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For Immediate Release: Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012
2013 Chevrolet Spark Maximizes the Mini Car Segment
Ten ways Chevy’s first mini car for North America delivers a huge driving experience
DETROIT – The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car, Chevrolet’s first mini car for the U.S. and
Canadian markets, is a sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch. It is designed to excite first-time
buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling and colors, affordability, the safety of 10 standard
air bags, fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Spark also is the only car in its segment to provide MyLink Radio – a seven-inch color touch
screen radio capable of displaying smartphone-based music, videos, photos and contacts for
hands-free calling. MyLink Radio comes with two embedded apps for Pandora internet radio
and Stitcher Smart Radio and later, BringGo, an embedded app for full-function GPS navigation,
will be available for purchase.
Though compact, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini-cars such as
the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the Ecotec 1.25L four-cylinder
engine and five-speed manual transmission, Spark offers competitive EPA-estimated fuel
economy of 38 mpg hwy.
The Spark is already on sale globally. In the U.S. and Canada, Spark is offered in LS, 1LT and
2LT models.
“Spark is ideal for active city dwellers because it is easy to drive, easy to park and easy to own,”
said Chris Perry, Global Chevrolet vice president for marketing. “For these customers, Spark is
their key to the city.”
1. Design that grabs
In a segment of “cute” cars, Spark’s solid, powerful stance is designed to challenge the status
quo, and its interior reflects refinement, craftsmanship and personal technologies normally
associated with larger, more expensive vehicles.
While the Spark looks like a three-door hatch, designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by
integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance
without sacrificing five-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door
enhances Spark’s dynamic appearance while also improving the car’s aerodynamics, for fuel
efficiency.
The Spark’s prominent two-tier grille and bowtie logo preserve Chevrolet’s signature global look.
A wheels-out, body-in stance, stretched windshield accentuated by a single arc roofline, body-
color front door handles and body sides free of cladding make the Spark appear more sleek,
aggressive and upscale. Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by
standard 15-inch aluminum wheels.
Dramatically sized, elliptically shaped halogen headlamps stretch from the front fascia to the A-
pillar. Their clear, polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated headlamp bezels are sculpted into
the forward corners, and accents within the housings offset the chrome bezels for a strong
visual statement. Projector-type fog lamps are standard on the 2LT Spark model.
2. Vibrant colors that can’t be ignored
One look at the Spark’s color palette proves designers intended for it to stand out in a crowd.
For buyers who are all about self-expression, attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa
Red, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade (late availability) and Techno Pink, as well as traditional hues
such as Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.
3. A cabin that’s stylish and spacious
Spark’s interior complements its sporty exterior with comfort, spaciousness and style. Its most
identifiable element is a motorcycle-inspired column-mounted instrument cluster that features
one of two large, full-color LCD screens and provides digital feedback to the driver in a design
that’s bold, fun and easy to view at a glance.
Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch, as does ice blue
ambient lighting and faceplates across the door pockets and dash. Heated leatherette seats and
leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT. Air conditioning and power
windows are standard across the lineup.
When it comes to storage space, numerous bins are located throughout the cabin, while the
cargo area offers 11.4 cubic feet (323 L) behind rear seat. That’s 20 percent more than Fiat 500
and 225 percent more than Scion iQ’s 3.5 cubic feet (99 liters). Spark also offers 31.2 cubic feet
(884 L) with the rear seat folded – and the rear seat features a 60-40 split that allows long items,
such as skis, to be transported along with a rear-seat passenger.
4. Infotainment designed for today – and tomorrow
For Spark, Chevrolet MyLink – standard on 1LT and 2LT models – consists of a seven-inch
color touch screen, AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with three trial months of service) stereo
with seek-and-scan, digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, six
speakers and voice recognition for connected phones with this capability.
What it does not have is a CD player. MyLink Radio operates by integrating the owner’s
compatible smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio.
This lets owners enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is
stowed.
MyLink-equipped Spark models come with two apps: Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart
Radio. Later, BringGo, an embedded app that delivers full-function navigation and live traffic
updates, will be available for MyLink and priced at about $50.
BringGo will enable easy access to emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest
hospital; thousands of points of interest; local search via Google; Where am I? locator; live
traffic functionality that provides crash reports, lane closures and alternative routes; three-
dimensional maps and more.
5. A powertrain that saves gas and money
In the United States and Canada, the Spark is powered by an Ecotec 1.25L dual-overhead cam
four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing that delivers SAE-certified 84
horsepower (64 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission, and a four-
speed automatic transmission is available.
The Spark achieves an EPA-estimated 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving with the
manual transmission, and 32 mpg with the automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Spark also
has the lowest estimated fuel cost of any Chevrolet small car, except the Volt. It also uses
regular unleaded fuel, while the Fiat 500 requires premium fuel.
The engine was developed using best practices from GM Powertrain technical centers. For
North America, its displacement was enlarged slightly over other markets’ 1.2L displacement,
giving the engine more mid-range torque that translates into a greater feeling of power on the
highway. It also combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as
dual continuous variable cam phasing and an electronically controlled thermostat to give
customers a low-maintenance engine with reduced emissions.
6. A driving experience that impresses
Spark’s body-frame-integral structure is tight and stiff for sportier driving dynamics. The electric
power steering and MacPherson strut front suspension are designed to deliver taut, tight
handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding
overall stability. Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and Hill Start Assist are
standard.
Hill Start Assist helps prevent drivers from rolling when restarting from a stopped position on a
hill. It allows drivers to take their foot off the brake long enough to use the accelerator and move
forward.
Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes for excellent stopping
performance and good pedal feel. Low rolling-resistance tires use a silica compound and
revised tread design for a solid road feel and improved fuel efficiency.
Spark also has a tight turning circle of only 32.5 feet (9.9 meters), which enhances its
maneuverability in urban areas.
7. Quietness that is unexpected
A host of noise-abating features block, absorb or eliminate sound to give Spark an exceptionally
refined feel:
Thicker glass
Front-of-dash mat
Hood seals
Nylon baffles and expanding foam in hollow sections of the body structure
An acoustic headliner
Melt-on damping patches on the interior body structure, as well as extensive sealing
throughout the vehicle.
8. Safety that brings peace of mind
Designed with occupant safety in mind, Spark has won safety awards in both Europe and
Korea, where it is already on the road. Its safe design begins with a strong, body-frame-integral
structure. High-strength steel makes up more than 62 percent of the Spark’s underbody and 42
percent of its upper body.
In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as StabiliTrak and ABS, Spark is equipped
with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the
risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side
air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also
standard.
Other safety technologies include:
Rollover sensing system
Three-point safety belts in all four seating positions
Seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats
LATCH child seat attachment system
Adjustable head restraints
Collapsible steering column
Remote keyless entry on LT
OnStar safety and security system.
9. Quality that is assuring
Spark is the only mini-car covered by a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty,
which also includes roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. Other quality and
convenience enhancements include:
Gap and flush relationships between body panels among the best in class
No-maintenance timing chain and transmission fluid, and 100,000-mile spark plugs
Electronic power steering means no fluid checks or top-offs
Technology that tells when it’s time to change the oil
OnStar vehicle diagnostics check engine, transmission, brakes and more, and provide
automatic email updates.
In addition to powertrain coverage, Spark is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile comprehensive
warranty and a six-year/100,000-mile rust-through warranty.
10. OnStar service that is unmatched in the segment
Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Spark. OnStar is the
global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced
information technology.
OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access
vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in service called
FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their
vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.
More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.
###
CONTACT:
Annalisa Bluhm
Chevrolet Communications
586-713-5907
annalisa.bluhm@chevrolet.com
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: Chevrolet Spark
Body style / driveline: five-door, four-passenger, front-engine; front-wheel drive
Construction: body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class: Mini car
Manufacturing location: South Korea
Key competitors: Fiat 500, Smartfortwo, Scion iQ
Engine
Ecotec 1.25L I4 DOHC VVT
Type: transverse-mounted, four-cylinder dual overhead cam gasoline
engine with variable valve timing
Displacement (in. / cc): 76 / 1249
Bore & stroke (in. / mm): 2.77 x 3.15 / 70.50 x 80
Block material: cast iron
Cylinder head material: aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: multi-port fuel injection
Ignition system: coil-on-plug with long-life (100,000-mile) spark plugs
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 84 / 64 @ 6400*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 83 / 113 @ 4200*
Recommended fuel: regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (rpm): 6500 (man)
6850 (auto)
Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converter
EPA estimated fuel economy (city / 32 / 38 / 34 (manual transmission)
hwy / combined): 28 / 37 / 32 (automatic transmission)
Transmissions
5-speed manual (std) 4-speed automatic (opt)
Gear ratios (:1) five-speed with integrated four-speed, electronically
differential controlled, automatic
overdrive transaxle with an
electronically controlled
torque converter clutch
Gear ratios (:1)
First: 3.54 2.88
Second: 2.05 1.57
Third: 1.32 1.00
Fourth: 0.95 0.70
Fifth: 0.76 N/A
Reverse: 3.39 2.30
Final drive: 4.21 4.145
Chassis / Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut-type
Rear: compound crank rear suspension
Steering type: electronic power steering
Steering ratio: 16:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 3
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 32.5 / 9.9
Brakes
Type: front: vented disc
rear: drum
Rotor diameter (in / mm): front: 10.1 / 256
rear: 7.9 / 200
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): four-channel w/ brake assist
Wheels / Tires
Wheel size and type: 15-inch five-split spoke silver painted aluminum (std)
15-inch aluminum machined gray painted (std on 2LT)
Tire size and type: 185/55R15 all-season
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 93.5 / 2375
Overall length (in / mm): 144.7 / 3675
Overall width (in / mm): 62.9 / 1598
Overall height (in / mm): 61/ 1549
Track
Front (in / mm): 55.7 / 1415
Rear (in / mm): 55.5 / 1410
Interior
Seating capacity: 2/2
Headroom
Front (in /mm): 39.4 / 1410
Rear (in / mm): 37.3 / 947
Legroom
Front (in / mm): 42 / 1067
Rear (in / mm): 35.2 / 894
Shoulder room
Front (in / mm): 50.7 / 1288
Rear (in / mm): 49.7 / 1262
Hip room
Front (in / mm): 48 / 1219
Rear (in / mm): 47.5 / 1206
Cargo volume
Behind rear seat (cu ft / L): 11.4 / 323
Behind front seat, rear seat (cu ft / L): 31.2 / 884
Capacities
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 86.3 / 2444
Fuel tank (gal / L): 9.2 / 34.8
Engine oil (qt / L): TBD
Cooling system (qt / L): TBD
Curb weight base (lb / kg): 2237 / 1060 (man)
2269 / 1060 (auto)
*SAE certified.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.
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