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CHEVROLET, “the heartbeat of America,” is running with a Japanesepacemaker: the 1987 Spectrum Turbo.

The subcompact car is a splendiferously improved version of theoriginal Spectrum introduced Stateside in 1984.

Actually, the Spectrum is an I-Mark made by Isuzu in Japan. GeneralMotors buys the car, sticks on the Chevrolet nameplate, and collects thecredit for a job well done.

Some people call that plagiarism. Auto people call it smart, and theyhave a point: If you can make folks believe you’re producing ahigh-quality small car without incurring the expense of actuallyproducing it, why not?

Anyway, the Spectrum Turbo is one heck of a nice car. Zero to 60 inunder 10 seconds! Takes corners with the aplomb of a racer! Cuts throughtraffic like a laser! Really. I wouldn’t lie to you. I mean, who do youthink I am? Joe Isuzu? Go on, get outta here.

Concern: This little car moves so fast, it can get you into trouble.That’s not a dig at the manufacturer, nor a call for federalintervention. It’s just that this 1,923-pounder seems to defy the rulesof mass, speed, time and distance when it takes off. Before you know it,you could be riding someone’s rear bumper. Twirl this one around a bitin a wide, abandoned spot before you put it on the road. It looks tame.It’s not.

Praise: The Spectrum Turbo is a terrific four-passenger car, so muchbetter, in terms of fun, than the regular 1987 Spectrum I bought earlierthis year.

Both the Spectrum Turbo and its lesser cousin are fitted with1.5-liter, four-cylinder engines. But the forced-air, fuel-injectedturbo’s engine has more guts: 110 hp at 5,400 rpm versus 70 in thenon-turbo model. The Turbo also has a tighter suspension and betterbrakes. Stiffer springs and improved shock absorbers enhance handling.Larger, ventilated front brakes replace the smaller, solid and morewear-prone front brakes found in the non-turbo. The test car rides tightand stops right — if you pay attention to the speedometer.

Head-turning-quotient: Same exterior body style as the regularSpectrum, with the exception of “Turbo” markings. Cute. But SpectrumTurbo’s interior gets a nod over that of the non-turbo, mostly becausethe instrument panel makes more sense and is more complete (it includesa tachometer).

Sound system: Four-speaker, AM/FM stereo radio and cassette byGM/Delco. Good.

Mileage: About 30 to the gallon (11-gallon tank, approximately330-mile range), running driver only and with air conditioner operatingfulltime. The car is equipped with a nimble, five-speed manual gearboxthat contributes to fuel economy.

Personal note: My non-turbo 1987 Spectrum has been on the road forsix months and nearly 4,000 miles. It’s been in the dealer’s repair shoptwice for about three days’ downtime, because of a power-steering-fluidleak. The matter was corrected the second try. Routine maintenance –oil change, oil-filter change, fluid level checks and lubrication –done at 3,2 00 miles in 10 minutes for under $30 at one of thosefast-lube shops. Car is working perfectly.

Would I buy it again? No. Purchase price was about $9,000-plus, whichmakes it noncompetitive with several superior subcompacts now on themarket, especially the Volkswagen Fox and Lincoln/Mercury Tracer.

Test-model price: $11,351, including $912 in options and $290destination charge. Base price (four-door notchback) is $10,149.Estimated dealer’s invoice price is $9,032.61.