Chevy shows new minicar concepts

Posted Wed Apr 4 2007 9:04 AM by Kenneth Hall

Reality shows like American Idol have proved that people love to have their choices heard so Chevrolet will be tapping public opinion to help decide on plans for a new minicar for the U.S. market. Three concept cars have been developed – the Beat, Groove, and Trax, and each has its own unique characteristics.

Potential buyers can get to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and casting their vote for the Beat, Groove or Trax.

Here’s a quick rundown of what GM had to say about the cars:

Chevrolet Beat: The Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It's loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.

Chevrolet Groove: A funk themed vehicle too tough-looking to be "cute," the Groove concept is a retro-inspired vehicle with large fender flares and an upright windshield. It looks much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. The front-drive Groove is powered by a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine.

Chevrolet Trax: An urban crossover concept that's equally at home on the trails or in traffic, it gets a low-cost all-wheel-drive system and looks like a rugged SUV, thanks to a one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine.

Click ahead for bigger pictures of each car.

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