What motor did the Chevy Beretta have?
The Chevrolet Beretta, produced from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, rode on a simple but reliable powertrain lineup: initially a 2.8-liter V6, then a larger 3.1-liter V6. This article explains which motors powered the Beretta, how they changed over time, and what that meant for performance and drivability.
Engines that powered the Beretta
The Beretta’s early years were defined by a 2.8-liter V6, with a larger 3.1-liter V6 replacing it in the mid-1990s to boost power and refinement.
2.8-liter V6 (1987–1993)
The baseline engine for most Beretta models, the 2.8-liter V6 is a 60-degree General Motors V6 used across several GM front-wheel-drive platforms. It established the car’s smooth, all-around character and could be found in the early GT and base trims.
- Displacement: 2.8 L
- Configuration: V6
- Estimated power: roughly 140–165 horsepower, depending on year and calibration
- Production window on the Beretta: 1987 to the early 1990s
- Typical pairing: available with manual or automatic transmissions
In summary, the 2.8 L V6 powered the Beretta through its first generation and established its everyday performance profile for buyers of the era.
3.1-liter V6 (1994–1996)
- Displacement: 3.1 L
- Configuration: V6
- Estimated power: around 160–165 horsepower, depending on year and configuration
- Production window on the Beretta: 1994 to 1996
- Common usage: used on higher trims and later models within the Beretta lineup
The 3.1 L V6 provided a clear improvement over the earlier engine, delivering stronger acceleration and a more refined feel in daily driving.
Summary
Across its life, the Chevy Beretta relied on two GM V6 engines: the 2.8-liter V6 in the late 1980s and early 1990s, followed by the 3.1-liter V6 from the mid-1990s. There were no factory four-cylinder options for the Beretta, making the V6 lineup central to its performance and character. The shift to the 3.1-liter V6 brought improved power and refinement, aligning the Beretta with GM’s broader mid-1990s front-wheel-drive sport coupes.
