Chevy Shows Off its Spark RS Concept

2016 Chevrolet Spark RS Concept (Credit: © Chevrolet)

Chevrolet is set hit the SEMA auto show with a slew of new models, but only one really matters. While the Trax, Malibu, Camaro, Colorado, and Silverado will arrive in Las Vegas with Red Line Series concepts that do nothing other than show off Chevy’s accessory catalog, the redesigned 2016 Spark will arrive with an RS concept that the brand is actually looking to possibly produce.

The Spark is not a model anyone would consider sporty, but the Spark RS concept is a completely different animal. This model arrives with plenty of carbon-fiber bits, like the front splitter, the rocker extensions, and the rear-lower extension. Chevy coated this modified body in a sleek Dark Liquid Switchblade Silver paint and installed custom graphics for good measure. The obligatory red “RS” badges grace the rear hatch and the front grille.

At the corners, Chevy installed a set of 17-inch wheels that are clearly inspired by the rims of the Corvette’s Z07 package. The final touch (at least the last bit that Chevy is revealing now) is the lowered suspension that gives the spark a more planted look.

2016 Chevrolet Spark RS Concept (Credit: © Chevrolet)

One area that Chevrolet is understandably quiet is the powertrain. The 2016 Spark comes standard with a 1.4-liter engine that produces just 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. While this is great for fuel economy, it is not an engine that matches the RS concept’s looks. Chances are, Chevy could use a detuned version of the turbocharged 1.4-liter that powers the Sonic RS to add a little more pep to the Spark RS’ step.

Chevy has announced that it will use this concept to gauge customer interest in an RS version of the Spark. I suspect it will get rave reviews, given it has a power boost, and will make it to production. With that said, please don’t go nuts and assume the carbon-fiber bits will be real on the production model.

We should learn all of the details at the SEMA auto show on November 3rd, so stay tuned for more info.