FWD CHEVROLET CAVALIER — A WHOLE LOTTA PERFORMANCE FROM THE ECOTEC 2.0L ENGINE

“One thousand horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine.” No, that’s not a typo. That’s the output of this special Ecotec engine. Yes, that’s the same engine that powers the Chevrolet Cavalier, and next year’s Chevy Cobalt. No, you can’t order this exact vehicle from your dealer; however, you can order the components to build your very own 1000-plus horsepower Ecotec engine through GM Performance Parts.

This special Cavalier, on display at the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, competes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Front Wheel Drive class. In race trim, this four-cylinder engine is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to achieve 1000-plus horsepower and 650 lbs.-ft. of torque. Power is transferred to the 28x10.5-inch front tires via a six-speed, sequential, manual transmission.

The Cavalier runs on methanol fuel and features a full-tube frame chassis, Penske triple-adjustable front and rear shocks and an independent rear suspension.

It also features carbon-fiber race brakes, a safety roll cage, six-point safety harness, a head and neck support (HANS) system, a fire-suppression system and an independent witness crash recorder to record safety data in the event of an impact.

The Chevrolet Cavalier’s NHRA-approved full carbon-fiber body measures 47.5-inches tall, 68.7-inches wide, and is 202-inches long. It’s finished in Tangelo Orange and Cinnamon Brown exterior paint with white pearl flames.

The Cavalier Sport Compact program in 2003 won the Pro FWD class championship by capturing seven victories in the 10-race Summit Sport Compact series. The Cavalier currently holds the national speed record in Pro FWD at 186.48 mph.

With this record of success, Cavalier is now regarded as a driving force in Sport Compact competition. And all of this proven Ecotec engine performance and durability will be part of next year’s Cobalt performance story, so stay tuned.

CHEVROLET CAVALIER FWD DRAG RACER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ecotec 2.0L I-4
• 1000-plus horsepower
• 650 lb.-ft. torque
• Six-speed sequential manual transmission
• Methanol fuel
• Full tube frame chassis
• Penske triple adjustable front and rear shocks
• Independent rear suspension
• 2003 NHRA-approved full carbon fiber body
• Carbon-fiber race brakes
• Safety roll cage and six-point harness belts and HANS device
• Fire-suppression system and independent witness crash recorder
• 28x10.5-inch front drag race tires
• 25x4.5-inch rear drag tires
• Tangelo Orange and Cinnamon Brown with white pearl flames