Chevy Beat Coming to Detroit Auto Show

GM dropped a huge surprise on NBC’s “Today Show” this morning. We in the press had been told that GM would have three new production cars debuting at the Detroit auto show – our live coverage kicks off Sunday morning, well before any NFL playoff games. This morning, however, Ed Welburn, GM’s design chief, showed Matt Lauer the front end of the upcoming production version of the Chevy Beat which will join the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Buick LaCrosse and 2010 Chevy Equinox on stage Sunday.

You might remember the Beat as a concept car from the New York auto show two years ago. After a lot of hoopla about the concept, GM quietly let it be known that the compact car would not be hitting the U.S. because of a lack of demand. A lot has changed since the spring of 2007, and now we know GM’s big surprise in Detroit will be the Beat.

We can only guess, but we’d expect it to be priced slightly higher than the current Chevy Aveo and debut as a 2011 model in early 2010. If it is made overseas like the current Aveo is, however, it might be available here earlier. The full video of the reveal is below. 

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Comments

[sheth]

in gm's statement to congress they mentioned a 4 passenger vehicle that would get better mileage than the Smart car. This is likely it so its not really a surprise.

[Dave T.]

It's a surprise in that no one knew it was debuting in Detroit. We reported on that bailout mention when it happened as well.

[Ellis Coonfield]

If GM would make a pickup with a front end that look's like the equinox front end, I think it would be a big hit.At present I own 3 GM vehicles all I bought new! A 1993 Corvette ZR1,2007 Corvette ZO6 & a 2002 1500 pickup. All with standard transmissions. I would like to buy a new pickup but I will never buy a vehicle with a automatic transmission. Go back to makeing STANDARDS I will buy from you again!.I will not change my mind on this.........Thanks EA Coonfield.

I have watched the video with no audio on another site and read commentary. Is it confirmed as a production version of the Beat or are you assuming it is? I ask because it could be the next Aveo with Beat styling cues.

[Dave T.]

The educated guess is that it will be a production version of the Beat (fits their scheduling) which will replace the Aveo in the lineup and will likely be built in S. Korea like the Aveo is.

We haven't gotten confirmation no.

[Dave T.]

Well Matt Lauer says "There was a concept version of it" and that would backup the fact it is a production version.
Plus the headlights are standard halogens which would make me think it is no concept ;)

[J]

Didn't they show it in one of the US autoshows?

[Dave T.]

J,
It debuted as a concept at the 2007 New York auto show. See link above.

this doesn't look like a US spec as there isn't a orange side reflector light. If gas goes to $4.00+ again then this car would make sense.

[J]

So this is the production model?

[Dave T.]

Production cars at car shows 1-2 years ahead of build dates often don't have every piece put together. The interiors are usually glued together for example. A missing reflector isn't really an indicator.

J, I'd say I'm 99% sure it's a production version.

[herr_howard]

Seems the comments that it will be an Aveo replacement may have some legs. According to the article linked above, the original Beat concept was designed by the GM Korea division where, I can only assume, Daewoo has some links. This description comes from the article:

"Chevrolet Beat: Designed by GM’s South Korean design studio, the Beat is a two-door hatchback aimed at the Scion crowd with a decidedly import look. It’s powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and rolls on 17-inch wheels."

[Dave T.]

The Beat is likely to be smaller than the Aveo and likely to have two doors like the concept, but I'd guess if there is a four door version (aveo sized) it'd keep the Beat name for marketing and sales reasons. Similar to Toyota's Yaris

[sheth]

GM has previously announced a new Aveo is coming in two years. The Beat is not the same as the Aveo. Two separate models from S. Korea. Unless something has changed this is not the Aveo replacement.

[Dave T.]

Sheth,
I think GM may have changed some planning on keeping two different platforms for this size/type vehicle yes. I'm going to ask in Detroit on Sunday.

[sheth]

We shall see soon enough. Gm's statement specifically mentioned a 4 seat vehicle that would get better mileage than the Smartcar. It didnt sound like it was supposed to be the new Aveo. Maybe they will decide its pointless to have two subcompacts. The media will love this car on Sunday but lets see if anyone will buy it. Vehicles like this wont save GM or anyone else. Too cheap, no profits.

[Dave T.]

This is the 4-seater they were talking about in the bailout yes.

My point is that the company also has said it needs to slash multiple product lines where it can. So they may not develop a new aveo if a four-door version of the Beat will save them money and fill the same hole.

[Troy S.]

Ok... The Beat to me, looks like the previous generation Honda Fit..... GM is marketing this as a new concept? The original U.S. Fit has already been updated. This is old already!