2010 Beat (Beat LTZ Shown)
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Base: LS
Mid-level: LT
Up-Level: LTZ
The Beat was one of the 3 Triplets introduced by GM to "gauge consumer reaction" to this emerging North American market segment. Well, the reaction was very positive to say the least, and certainly one that has surprised many at GM. A website created with GM asking America to vote on which one they liked best. The Beat won, with the Groove taking the second place spot. Because of this and other factors, GM has announced that the Beat will be going into production. At Chevrolet, being the mainstream brand for GM, it's important to have a little of everything and anticipate future market trends. As a novelty, the Beat could takeoff, and eventually gain in importance because of fuel prices. We felt that this car is a very important car in the Chevrolet plan and that's why it's been included in our RIA lineup. The focus, as you'll see later with the Volt as well, is on what we could do to improve on the Beat and make it more production ready.
The Beat competes head on with the Fiat 500; this is Chevrolet's equivalent vehicle. Beat will be a large seller in overseas markets, and it's expected that the first generation Beat here in the U.S will be a low volume vehicle. Target dates for the Beat vary, from late 2009 to mid 2010. GM wants to get the Beat out quickly however, so we'll likely see a production Beat as a 2010 model, coming sometime 2009 and most likely launched at an overseas auto show.
Vehicle Type: 3 Door FWD Subcompact Hatchback
Competitors: Fiat 500
Base Platform: Gamma
Drive Wheels: FWD
Engines:
LT: 1.6L 100HP Inline 4 - Starting at $13,500
LTZ: 1.6L 100HP Inline 4 - Starting at $14,999
Sport: 1.6L 125HP Turbocharged Inline 4 - Starting at $16,850
Optional Engine: 1.3L 75HP Diesel 4
Transmissions: 5 Speed Manual (Standard: LT/LTZ/Sport), 5 speed Automatic (Optional: LT/LTZ/Sport) No Cost Option on LTZ and Sport