GENEVA - Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible and Spark EV

• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible makes world debut in Geneva
• Spark EV to be offered in select European markets as of 2014
• New Captiva delivers upscale presence, more convenience
• Trax sales to start this spring
• MyLink connected radio supports Siri; BringGo navi and TuneIn apps
• Chevrolet to launch 20 new cars and trucks globally in 2013

The 83rd edition of Geneva Motor Show will be remembered as a special occasion by car enthusiasts around the world, thanks to the global premiere of the much anticipated Corvette Stingray convertible. Along with the coupe model of this brand-new sports car, Chevrolet is also unveiling the Spark Electric Vehicle and an updated edition of the Captiva compact SUV for the first time in Europe.

Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history and the all-new Corvette lives up to this legacy, delivering better performance by every measure. The Corvette Stingray convertible will combine the same balance of technology, design and performance introduced on the coupe. It has been designed to excel in any situation, be it your daily commute, a drive across the continent or charging through twisting backroads.

The only structural changes undertaken to the convertible are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.

The Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 610 Nm of torque. It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-100 km per hour in around four seconds*. Last but not least, the Corvette Stingray is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, beating the current model in terms of fuel economy.

Corvette Stingray highlights include:

• An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine that combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel
• A new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time; and a six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission
• Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment
• Lightweight materials, including a carbon fibre hood and removable roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
• An interior that features real carbon fibre, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials and dual eight-inch configurable driver/connectivity screens
• A sculptured exterior that features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting

The distinctive profile of the new Corvette Stingray is defined by a long dash-to-axle ratio – a low, lean proportion emphasised even more on the convertible – and the greenhouse evoking the canopy of a fighter jet with dual-element taillamps.

A track-capable Performance Package (Z51) is available and comprises an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

Spark EV - Chevrolet’s electric star at the Geneva Motor Show

Following the global reveal of the Spark Electric Vehicle in Los Angeles last year, Chevrolet’s all-new battery-powered mini car is presented to a European audience for the first time at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The car will be sold in select European markets as of 2014.

The Chevrolet Spark EV is anticipated to set a benchmark in performance for an urban city electric car. Powered by the most advanced electric motor and battery system GM has ever built, Spark EV will produce a sports-car-like 542 Nm of instantaneous torque and 130 hp (100 kW).

With 0-100 km/h acceleration of under 8.5 seconds, and seamless power that is available at every stage of the drive, Chevrolet’s electric mini car looks set to be fun to drive. Moreover, the Spark EV will deliver a very competitive range which is expected to place the mini car among the best in its class.

The battery pack of more than 20 kWh has been engineered to enable both regular alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast charging. DC fast charging will allow the car to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. The battery system is capable of handling multiple DC fast charges daily.

A rear-view camera will provide assistance when the vehicle is in reverse. Spark EV will feature two reconfigurable seven-inch LCD screens, one of which is part of the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio. Chevrolet MyLink technology enables users to connect compatible smartphones to the radio and its full colour touch screen.

The system will support select apps which will allow customers to navigate using their smartphone, and listen to radio stations around the world through the internet.

Chevrolet Trax to reinforce European SUV line-up as of spring

The redesigned Captiva compact SUV introduces subtle changes to the rear and front of the vehicle, including a new LED tail lamp, angular chrome exhaust tips and a remodeled bumper. Up front, it sports a lower bumper, a new grille mesh as well as restyled foglamps.

Keyless entry and start will be standard on the LTZ trim of the new Captiva. Inside, the vehicle will boast fresh seat colours and new fabrics (upper specifications: leather seats), and restyled trims in the instrument panel. A dual zone climate system, an ambient lighting package and heated rear seats offer even more comfort on select specifications.

Chevrolet’s European SUV line-up will soon include Trax, an all-new small SUV which is scheduled to hit dealer showrooms this spring. Boasting an athletic, inspired design and sporty, responsive ride characteristics, Trax will offer a choice of three fuel-efficient engines.

It will comprise a 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.6L petrol unit as well as a 1.7L diesel engine which produces 130 hp (96 kW). All manual transmission variants come with Stop/Start technology. Trax is offered in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations.*

The LT trim of the Trax small SUV will feature Chevrolet MyLink technology as standard.

Chevrolet among first brands to offer iPhone users Siri Eyes Free integration

Starting this March, Chevrolet cars with Chevrolet MyLink technology are available with Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking.

MyLink users who own a compatible iPhone** (as of 4S) running iOS6 are able to use Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. In the Siri Eyes Free mode, which can conveniently be activated through a steering wheel button, they are able to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in the iTunes library and switch music sources automatically from AM/FM radio to iPod mode
• Listen to, compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved contacts
• Access calendar and add appointments
• Minimise distraction. While in Eyes Free Mode, Siri will not provide answers to complex questions that require displaying a web page.

A dedicated navigation app called BringGo is also available in Chevrolets that feature MyLink. It projects the route from the smartphone onto the system's touch-screen. BringGo offers lane guidance which helps drivers by displaying the correct lane(s) to stay in while 'live traffic' provides real-time traffic information, such as detailed incident reports and the ability to reroute to avoid traffic jams. The traffic service requires an active network connection through the smartphone.

BringGo has the ability to store maps on the customer’s smartphone, giving them access to locations and turn-by-turn directions even when the phone signal is poor.

On top of that, owners of a Chevrolet car with MyLink technology are able to listen to radio stations via TuneIn. TuneIn is a streaming audio powerhouse that provides seamless connectivity to live local, international and internet radio and links listeners to a global network of 70,000 stations. To access TuneIn through the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio, customers simply download the TuneIn radio app to a compatible smartphone and connect the phone with MyLink.

Chevrolet owners who purchased their MyLink-equipped vehicle earlier this year or last summer can opt to upgrade their systems at their dealership.

One Chevrolet sold every 6.4 seconds

Today, Chevrolet ranks among the world’s fastest growing automotive brands, with one Chevrolet sold every 6.4 seconds. Chevrolet is the 4^th largest car brand globally in terms of sales and sold over 4.95 million vehicles in 2012, which marked a global sales record.

While the United States represents the largest individual market for Chevrolet, with total vehicle sales of 1.85 million in 2012, more than 60 percent of the brand's sales came from other regions.

In Europe, Chevrolet achieved its 4^th consecutive year of market share growth, and the best ever share of the total vehicle market at 1.28 percent. Market share grew in seven of its top ten markets. In 2013, Chevrolet will introduce more than 20 cars and trucks around the world, including five new or updated vehicles in Europe.

As Chevrolet continues to expand its global business, it is aligning its engineering, design and retail operations behind a single vision and communications platform – Find New Roads. Find New Road embraces the spirit of ingenuity that has been in Chevrolet’s DNA since the beginning and will enable the whole company to rally around a consistent theme for the brand.

* Technical data preliminary

** Siri is available in Beta only on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3rd and 4th generations), iPad mini and iPod touch (5th generation), and requires internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply.

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• All-new Stingray drop-top delivers a no-compromise driving experience
• New LT1 V-8 engine delivers an estimated 450 hp and 610 Nm of torque
• Fully electronic top can be operated with key fob

Geneva. Chevrolet revealed the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible today at the Geneva Motor Show. With an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm), the 2014 Stingray is the most powerful standard Corvette in history.

“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”

The Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible will arrive in global markets in late 2013. Changes for Corvettes destined for export vary only in equipment required to accommodate the respective markets’ regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers, and outside mirrors. 

“It's fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva, because Corvette is the face of Chevrolet the world over,” said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. “It is an icon that has long been recognised and admired even in countries where it’s never officially been offered.”

All of the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray coupe carry over to the convertible. The only structural changes are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. Central to the Corvette Stingray’s driving experience is an all-new, more rigid aluminium frame structure, which is 57 percent stiffer and 45 kg lighter than the current steel frame.

All models are powered by the LT1 6.2L V-8 which churns out an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW). As no structural reinforcements are required for the convertible, both models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.

The LT1 combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to support an advanced combustion system designed to balance power and efficiency. The new Corvette Stingray is expected to exceed the current model in terms of fuel economy.

The Corvette Stingray convertible features an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the key fob. The top can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds up to 50 km/h.

With the top up, the convertible is designed for a refined driving experience. A thick, three-ply fabric top, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet cabin and premium appearance.

With the top down, the Corvette Stingray’s signature profile is further accentuated. Behind the seat backs, dual black accent panels enhance the character lines of the tonneau cover. Corvette Stingray’s signature “waterfall” design originates in the valley between the nacelles, bringing the exterior color into the interior.

Additional highlights of the all-new Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible include:

• A sculptured exterior with advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
• An interior that offers genuine carbon fibre and aluminium trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support
• Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
• Lightweight materials, including a carbon fibre hood on all models and a carbon fibre removable roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminium frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
• Track-capable Z51 Performance Package, including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability

“We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the ‘Stingray’ name,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Because it was designed from the beginning as an open top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience - no matter what configuration you choose.”