The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

Do racing fans buy cars that look like those that compete on the circuit? Perhaps yes, perhaps no, but Chevrolet is apparently counting on this particular consumer with its new Beretta GTU.

”We’re aiming this new Beretta model at racing aficionados – especially IMSA racing fans,” said Chevrolet General Manager Robert D. Burger. ”Those fans will be able to see a Beretta GTU race on Sunday and buy a similar Beretta. . . . on Monday.”

This indeed is an interesting notion and the GTU is an interesting concept. Many manufacturers have sporty versions of regular models in the lineup. These cars generally have upgraded suspensions, spoilers, sporty trim, ground effects, cast aluminum wheels with performance tires and a promise of what life is like in the fast lane.

The Beretta GTU could fall right into the middle of this category. However, there is one thing that is just a little different. And that is both the street and race versions of this car are the result of a joint design and manufacturing effort between Chevrolet and C&C Inc., which is operating the C& C Beretta GTU Race Team and doing conversion work for the street version.

So, Chevy is really interested in going after the race crowd, well at least the IMSA crowd. But even if a person didn’t know this or could care less, the GTU might appeal to him/her. In fact, the test car drew much attention from a wide range of people and not one mentioned racing.

This limited production car is really just starting to make its appearance. The test car was one of the first around and not another car was encountered on the road during its testing period. So, if you hurry, you may be the first on the block to own one.

The Beretta coupe (only available as a coupe, the four-door version is the Corsica)was introduced last year as an entirely new model in the Chevy lineup. It is an upscale-type of sporty coupe with styling touches that include a low nose, raked windshield, flush glass, flush door handles, streamlined side mirrors, composite headlamps and an unusual upswept tail. It is really a handsome car and sort of looks like a cross between a Cavalier and Corvette, if you can imagine that one.

The GTU conversion package takes the look even a little further and more toward the Corvette side. The package, listing for $2,500, features a front wraparound chin spoiler, rear valance panel extension, lower rocker panel extensions, rear decklid spoiler, GTU graphics, body color grille and body side moldings, breakaway mirrors, 16-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear Gatorback P205/55VR-16 tires.

To give some meaning to the racy lines, the GTU, which is based on the Beretta GT model, is also equipped with a 2.8-liter/173-cubic-inch V-6, a five-speed manual transmission and the Z51 Performance Handling Package, which includes ”Level III” sport suspension with larger stabilizer bars and specially valved struts and shocks.

Taken all together, the Beretta GTU offers an unusual look and good performance without any undue hardships in comfort and convenience.

Built on a 103.4 inch wheelbase, the front-wheel drive Beretta GTU (or any other Beretta) has an overall length of 187.2 inches, width, 68 inches; height, 52.6 inches, and curb weight, about 3,000 pounds. The car is rated as a five-passenger compact. There’s plenty of front seat room and, if the front seat isn’t extended fully rear, back seat room is decent. The trunk measures 13.6 cubic feet; not bad, not great.

Driving the GTU isn’t all that difficult, assuming one can operate a five- speed manual transmission, though steering is very tight and somewhat sensitive. But then that’s why it is a GTU. A little turn of the wheel, along with the characteristic response of front-wheel drive, goes a long way. The driver definitely has to pay attention.

As with some other front-wheel drive cars, the GTU hasa good deal of torque steer on hard acceleration, or in a downshifting passing situation. If the wheel isn’t held firmly, the GTU will pull to the left because of the torque (twisting force) of the V-6 engine. Again, this is not unusual in front-wheel drive cars, but is not something that can be ignored.

Once over the tight steering and torque steer, the GTU will take on curves, corners, cloverleafs and both limited access highways and back roads with ease. The four-wheel independent suspension is tuned for flat cornering and easy maneuvering. Somewhat surprising, though, the ride is still comfortable; somewhat firm but not at all harsh.

As mentioned, the GTU is equipped with a 2.8-liter V-6. This engine features multi-port fuel-injection and makes a good appearance under the hood because of the liberal use of brushed aluminum and bright work. An interesting feature is the single drive belt, which is modeled after the belt used on Corvette’s V-8 engine. The serpentine belt is rated for 100,000 miles. An automatic tensioner maintains tension throughout the life of the vehicle and there is no need for tension checks or adjustments.

The engine is rated at 125 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 160 foot pounds torque at 3,600 rpm and provides a goodly amount of power for all Lehigh Valley driving conditions. Also helping out performance is the lower (higher numerically) 3.41 axle included in the GT package. Another item of interest is the Y-type manifold crossover with two outlets. Although it probably doesn’t help performance, it does produce a pleasant throaty roar that may make it seem faster.

The engine/transmission combination also produced very decent fuel mileage. The test car averaged 16 miles per gallon for city driving and 27 mpg over the highway. Because of a compression ratio of 8.9:1, unleaded regular can be used.

The bottom line on the test car, including a destination charge of $400, is $14,490.Base price for the Beretta is $10,135 and this includes a long list of standard equipment. In addition to the GTU package, the other big option is the Option Package Number 3 (air conditioning, floor mats, speed control, tilt steering, intermittent windshield, power door locks, auxiliary lighting, AM/FM stereo with cassette, power trunk opener and power windows). This listed at $2,260 but had a discount of $1,100. The two other options are rear window defogger, $145, and ungraded radio, $150.

The GTU is protected by General Motors 6-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 6-year/100,000-mile outer-body rust-through warranty.