[staff]

Chevy builds Cruze-engined Super Spark for WTCC duty

Chevrolet has built a special edition of its new Spark runabout for use as a pace car during World Touring Car Championship races this year. The Spark is powered by the new 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that will power the Cruze when it goes on sale in the United States this fall. The turbo-four produces 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque while standard production Sparks are powered by 1.0 or 1.2-liter engines generating 67 and 80 hp, respectively, so this figures to indeed be a significantly hotter drive. The Spark turbo will make its first WTCC appearance during the event at Zolder, Belgium on June 19-20.

Before it gets down to business, the Spark and a WTCC Cruze will be displayed with the Corvette C6.R at the kickoff of this week's activities for the 24 hours of Le Mans. The GT2 Corvettes ran second and third in the opening qualifying session on Wednesday.

READ MORE HERE.