2013 Chevrolet Spark unveiled, sales start mid-2012

We are just days away from the 2011 LA Auto Show with a bunch of new vehicles making their world and North American debuts. One of the many vehicles to be shown in LA will be the new 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car, which is making its stateside debut.

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark will be the only car to offer a 7-inch color touchscreen radio capable of displaying smart phone-based navigation, personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and media and contacts for hands-free calling.

The four-passenger, 5-door hatch for the U.S. market will come with 10 standard air bags, competitive fuel-economy , optional Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and GM’s OnStar – all at an affordable price tag (hopefully).

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Spark.

The Chevrolet Spark will be available in 1LT and 2LT models. Both are powered by a 1.2 liter dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing making 85-hp. It will come standard with a 5-speed manual with an optional 4-speed automatic.

“Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”

Sales in the United States will begin in mid-2012.

Check out the full specs the 2013 Chevy Spark after the jump.

2013 Chevrolet Spark Preliminary 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 1.2L I4 DOHC VVT
Type: transverse-mounted, four-cylinder dual overhead cam gasoline engine with variable valve timing
Displacement (cc): 1249
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 70.50 x 80.00
Block material: cast iron
Cylinder head material: aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake manifold
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): 85.2 / 63.5 @ 6400 (est)*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 81.7 / 110.8 @ 4200 (est)*
Recommended fuel: regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (rpm): 6500 (man)
6850 (auto)
Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converter

Transmissions

5-speed manual (std) 4-speed automatic (opt)
Gear ratios (:1) Front-wheel-drive five-speed with integrated differential four-speed front-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch

Chassis / Suspension

Front: MacPherson strut-type
Rear: Compound crank rear suspension
Steering type: electronic power steering
Steering ratio: TBD
Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock: TBD
Turning circle, curb-to-curb
(ft / m):
32.5 / 9.9

Brakes

Type: front: vented disc
rear: drum
Rotor diameter (in / mm): front: 9.3 / 256
rear: 7.9 / 200
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): four-channel w/ brake assist

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type: 15-inch aluminum alloy (std)
15-inch aluminum machined gray painted (opt)
Tire size and type: 185/55R15 all-season

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 93.5 / 2375
Overall length (in / mm): 144.7 / 3673
Overall width (in / mm): 62.9 / 1597
Overall height (in / mm): 61/ 1522
Track
Front (in / mm): 55.7 / 1405
Rear (in / mm): 55.5 / 1405

Interior

Seating capacity: 4
Headroom
Front (in /mm): 39.4 / 1010
Rear (in / mm): 37.3 / 947
Legroom
Front (in / mm): 42 / 1067
Rear (in / mm): 35.2 / 893
Shoulder room
Front (in / mm): 50.7 / 1295/
Rear (in / mm): 49.7 / 1255
Hip room
Front (in / mm): 48 / 1198
Rear (in / mm): 47.5 / 1207
Cargo volume
Behind rear seat (cu ft / L): 11.4 / 323
Behind front seat, rear seat (cu ft / L): 31.2 / 883

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 86.3 / 2444
Fuel tank (gal / L): 9.25 / 35
Engine oil (qt / L): TBD
Transmission fluid (qt / L): 2.11 / 2.0 (man)
4.97 / 4.7 (auto)
Cooling system (qt / L): TBD
Curb weight base (lb / kg): 2269 / 1029 (man)
2337 / 1060 (auto)

– By: Omar Rana