The Chevy Beretta is
the most commonly chosen model to be made into a Spectator Stock race car.
Other models such as Cavaliers, Corsicas, and Celebrities are also raced
as well.
The Beretta
had a relatively short lifespan of production, from 1987 to 1996. The Beretta
was a 2-door coupe, which shared a platform with the Corsica 4-door sedan.
There are a variety beliefs as to why Chevrolet discontinued the car, including
the cost of maintaining the L-Body platform, the L-Body Sales conflicting
with F-Body sales (Cameros/Firebirds), and the movement out of the "sports
coupe" market by maintaining the Camero and introducing a more sedan-looking
car...hence the new Chevrolet Malibu (the Beretta /Corsica replacement).
Beretta Base model
The Base
model was available from 1987 to 1996. This model was generally given the
standard run down with optional packages which included a larger engine,
automatic transmission, spoiler, and/or other small things. The standard
engine was the 4-cycl 2.0L MFI, which had 90hp@5600rpm. From 1990 to 1996,
a 4-cycl 2.2L MFI was used. The 1990 version had 95hp@5200rpm; the 1991-1992
had 110hp@5200rpm; the 1993-1996 had 120hp@5200rpm.
Beretta GT
The Beretta
GT is essentially an upgraded base model. Standard setup included factory
alloy 15" rims, level II suspension (optional Z51 suspension), V6 engine
(140hp@4200rpm), and some other minor details. It was in production line
from 1987 to 1993.
Beretta GTU
The Beretta
GTU is a step up from the GT with features such as the 2.8L V6, alloy 16"
rims, level III suspension, ground-Fx, fog lamps, and other things. The
GTU was capable of .92 lateral G's on the skid tests with its 125hp@4200rpm
2.8L engine.
Indy Beretta
Indy Beretta Replica
The Indy
Beretta replica was a special edition line during 1990. 7500 of these replicas
were produced, 6000 in teal, and 1500 in yellow. The replicas were fitted
with similar packages as that of the GTZ, only they had unique seats, paint,
stickers, and other minor changes. The 3.1L MFI V6 engine in these replicas
had 135hp@4200rpm. Three unique Indy Beretta Convertibles were paced the
Indy 500.
The Beretta Convertible didn't quite make
it to the dealership. Most of this was due to the lack of quality and expectations
GM had planned. Posters, brochures, and pictures are all that is left of
this car. The car was supposed to be introduced in 1990 along with the Beretta
Indy Pace Cars. It was designed similar to the Indy, but with the internal
components of the GTZ and the 3.1L MFI V6 engine (135hp@4200rpm).
Beretta GTZ
The GTZ
was set into production from 1990-1993. It is similar to the earlier model
GTU. The interior changed, as well as small exterior details. The Quad 4
(180hp@6200rpm) engine was mated to the 5-speed Muncie Getrag transmission.
The 3.1L V6 (140hp@4200rpm) and automatic transmission combo was optional.
The GTZ was given similar options as those of the GTU, but with better suspension
(FE7) in addition to many interior, exterior, and mechanical upgrades. The
Quad 4 Engine has been re-designed many times since it's 1990 debut in the
Beretta. The major problems (such as the head gasket blowing often) were
less of a problem as each year and redesign progressed...most of the problems
were solved by 1993.
Beretta Z26
When Chevrolet integrated its new 3.1L
"3100" SFI engine(160hp@4000rpm), the GTZ was changed to the Beretta Z26.
The 3100 was a totally different 3.1L engine. It featured a roller lifter
camshaft with roller lifters, which permitted steeper lobe flanks and higher
contact stress. The engine was also recalibrated below 1200rpm for improved
driveability and emissions. There were many more changes, as these are only
highlights. In 1994, the first year of the Z26, the Quad 4 Engine(170hp@6200rpm)
and Mincue Getrag 5-speed transmission combo was standard. The 1994 Quad 4
lost 10hp and 10 lbs-ft of torque do to a reduction in the size of the exhaust
manifold ports.
Beretta Quad 4
Beretta 3.4
However, a new "inlet thermostat system"
was used, which helped temerature control and engine durability by preventing
rapid and/or drastic temperature changes seen in the earlier editions. FE2
suspension (includes 15" rims) was standard, with FE3 (includes 16" alloy
rims) sport suspenssion as an option. The 3100 V-6 Engine was also optional.
Most Z26s were ordered with FE3 suspension. In 1995, and 1996, the Z26 came
standard with 3100 V6 and 4T60-E 4- speed automatic transmission. General
Z26 standards included spoiler, ground Fx, nice seats, fog lamps, sticker
package, a dash with a tack, and some other minor things. The Beretta has
been equiped witha 2.2L V4, 2.3L Q4,2.8L V-6, 3.1L V-6, 3.4L V-6, and the
3100 V-6 (3.1L).
