FWD CHEVROLET CAVALIER - A WHOLE LOTTA PERFORMANCE FROM THE ECOTEC 2.2L ENGINE

"Nearly 1,000 horsepower from a 2.2-liter engine." No, that's not a typo. That's the output of this special Ecotec engine. Yes, that's the same engine that powers the Chevrolet Cavalier, GM's best-selling model. No, you can't order one from your dealer.

This special Cavalier, on display at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, competes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) modified class. In race trim, this four-cylinder engine is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to achieve over 950 horsepower and 650 lbs.-ft. of torque. Power is transferred to the 28 x 11.5-inch front tires via a six-speed, sequential manual transmission.

The FWD Cavalier runs on methanol fuel and features a full-tube frame chassis, Penske triple-adjustable front and rear shocks and an independent rear suspension with a sophisticated rising-rate linkage to control the car's attitude under acceleration.

It also features carbon-fiber race brakes, a safety roll cage, six-point safety harness, a HANS device, a fire-suppression system and an independent witness crash recorder to record safety data in the event of an impact.

The FWD Chevrolet Cavalier's NHRA-approved full carbon-fiber body measures 47.5-inches tall, 68.7-inches wide, and is 202-inches long. It's finished in Tangelo Orange and Cinnamon Brown exterior paint with white pearl flames.

This beast is piloted by Nelson Hoyos, whose 2002 racing season accomplishments include four runner-up finishes at NHRA events in Englishtown, Houston, Dallas and Woodburn. He also ran a career-best elapsed time of 8.415 seconds in Dallas, where he ran in the quickest side-by-side FWD race, and ran a career-best speed of 175.16 mph in Houston.

SEMA participants are invited to attend a technical seminar on how to build a 1,000-horsepower Ecotec engine with parts developed by GM Racing. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. in room n223-224.

CHEVROLET CAVALIER FWD DRAG RACER HIGHLIGHTS:

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