Spy Shots: Possible Chevy Beat mule sighted in U.S.
Whether the Chevy Beat mini-car makes it to the U.S. market is still an open question - although if fuel prices keep climbing it seems increasingly likely. Regardless of its ultimate fate in this market, at least mule vehicles are being tested on U.S. soil. Autoblog reader Rob tipped us off that he had spotted four cars, a pair of what are likely 2010 Cobalt prototypes and a pair of mutilated mini-cars. The minis are based on the body shell of the current Daewoo Matiz/Chevy Spark which is likely to be replaced by the production version of the Beat. The mini-mules have a wider track than the production Matiz and the front end modifications speak for themselves. All four cars were sighted on I-70 near Denver, Colorado, probably either on their way to or from Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is commonly used by manufacturers for high intensity brake testing as well as general high altitude performance evaluation. The fact that the car is being tested in the U.S. shouldn't be taken as confirmation that the car will be sold here. It's common practice for cars that are only sold overseas to be tested here, especially at extreme locations like Pikes Peak and Death Valley.
[Sources: Reader Rob and LeftLaneNews]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave S 10:35AM (5/21/2008)
That "thing" is an insult to mules everywhere.
Please tell me its heavily camo'd.
dls
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Snark 12:15PM (5/21/2008)
To clarify, these cars were likely headed to Mt. Evans, another 14,000 foot mountain on the Front Range that has a road nearly to the summit. Pike's Peak is roughly 70 miles southeast of Mt. Evans and I-70, and is not accessible from that highway.
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SCMTB 8:06AM (5/22/2008)
Correct on Mt Evans. Just moved from God's country (CO) and I always saw testing mules/camoed vehicles on I-70. Rode Mt Evans on the bicycle one time and literally saw 10 or more Jeep Wrangler 4-Doors (whatever they call them now) being tested with full body bras. During one week out of my office window I witnessed probably 25 mercedes benz prototypes/mules parked on top of a parking garage at a hotel. Each morning they'd head out and each afternoon they'd come back. Most of them were the M (SUV) before they were ever introduced here. I was spellbound each day. Then one day they all disappeared.
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Gerry 11:59AM (5/22/2008)
Dudes, thats no Chevy Beat, thats a Daewoo Matiz. We get them here in Mexico, badged with Pontiac logos. Seems like the micro-car is back
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BrianG 8:48PM (6/09/2008)
AKA Chevy Trax
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