What was the high performance Vega?
The Chevrolet Vega, introduced in 1970, was a compact car designed to compete with imports like the Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Corolla. While it was primarily marketed as an affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle, Chevrolet also experimented with a high-performance version of the Vega to appeal to enthusiasts. This article explores the high-performance Vega, its features, and its legacy in automotive history.
The High-Performance Vega: The Cosworth Vega
The high-performance version of the Chevrolet Vega was the Cosworth Vega, introduced in 1975. This special edition was a collaboration between Chevrolet and the British engineering firm Cosworth, known for their expertise in racing engines. The Cosworth Vega was designed to deliver a more exciting driving experience while maintaining the practicality of the base Vega model.
Key Features of the Cosworth Vega
The Cosworth Vega stood out from the standard Vega with several unique features that enhanced its performance and aesthetics:
- Engine: The Cosworth Vega was powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, double-overhead-cam (DOHC) inline-four engine. This engine was developed by Cosworth and featured advanced technology for its time, including aluminum construction and fuel injection.
- Performance: The engine produced 110 horsepower, which was impressive for a compact car in the mid-1970s. It offered a significant performance boost over the standard Vega engines.
- Limited Production: Chevrolet produced only about 3,508 units of the Cosworth Vega, making it a rare and collectible vehicle today.
- Unique Styling: The Cosworth Vega featured distinctive black and gold paint schemes, gold wheels, and special badging to set it apart from the standard Vega models.
- Handling Improvements: The car included upgraded suspension components and wider tires to improve handling and road grip.
These features made the Cosworth Vega a standout in the compact car market, offering a blend of performance and style that was uncommon in its class.
The Legacy of the High-Performance Vega
While the Cosworth Vega was not a commercial success due to its high price and the economic challenges of the 1970s, it remains an important part of Chevrolet's history. It demonstrated the potential for high-performance compact cars and showcased innovative engineering techniques. Today, the Cosworth Vega is a sought-after collector's item, cherished by enthusiasts who appreciate its unique place in automotive history.
The high-performance Vega, particularly the Cosworth Vega, is a reminder of Chevrolet's willingness to push boundaries and experiment with new ideas, even in the face of challenges. It remains a fascinating chapter in the story of American compact cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Chevy make a Yenko Vega?
Chevy built the first 200 COPO Vegas for Yenko in June 1971. All had the Vega's optional GT package (RPO Z29), which combined suspension, wheel, and cosmetic upgrades. Yenko also specified the optional four-speed manual transmission and Positraction axle with a 3.36:1 ratio.
What is a Cosworth Vega worth today?
A: The average price of a Chevrolet Cosworth Vega is $20,669. Q: What years was the Chevrolet Cosworth Vega sold? A: The Chevrolet Cosworth Vega was sold for model year 1975.
What car nearly destroyed GM?
The Chevrolet Vega
How the Chevy Vega Nearly Destroyed GM. The Chevrolet Vega turns 40 this year, and it's a car worth remembering—for all the wrong reasons. In the fall of 1970, General Motors' Chevrolet Division put the new Vega small car on sale.
What is the Oldsmobile version of the Vega?
The Olds Starfire is a rebadged Chevrolet Monza based on the Chevrolet Vega sharing its H platform. It was the smallest car bearing the Oldsmobile name since before World War II. An upgraded SX model was available, and the GT was introduced in mid-1975.
What was the problem with the Vega engine?
The Vega's best-remembered problem, however, was its infamous melting engine. The engine didn't actually melt, but if it got too hot the cylinders would distort, wearing the coating on the walls and forcing coolant past the head gaskets.
What was special about the Cosworth Vega?
Suspension and steering were upgraded from the standard Vega Coupe giving the car a well balance package of performance and handling. Despite having only 110 hp output, the Cosworth Vega romped through 0-60mph in only 7.7 seconds, which was amongst the top performers of 1976.
What is the Buick version of the Vega?
Buick Skyhawk. The Buick Skyhawk is a subcompact, four passenger automobile introduced September 1974 by the Buick Division of General Motors produced for the 1975 thru 1980 model years. The Buick Skyhawk is a rebadged Chevrolet Monza based on the Chevrolet Vega, sharing its H platform.
How much horsepower did the 1975 Cosworth Vega have?
The sportiest Vega had four valves per cylinder and an electronic port injection system. The result was a power surge of almost 50% over the base one-barrel: 110 hp vs. 78 hp (the two-barrel carburetor peaked at 87 hp). Torque-wise, the Cosworth 'pent roof' engine in the Vega churned out 107 lb-ft (145 Nm).
What was Pontiac's version of the Vega?
Astre
The Pontiac Division was given its own version of the Vega for the Canadian market, named Astre for the 1973 model year. U.S. Pontiac dealers finally had a subcompact to sell when the Astre made its U.S. debut for the 1975 model year. The Astre used the Vega 140 cu in (2.3-liter) inline-four engine through 1977.
Why did Chevy stop making the Vega?
Despite numerous recalls and design upgrades, Vega's problems tarnished its reputation and that of General Motors. Production ended with the 1977 model year.
