Multicolor version of brand’s first U.S. mini car will pace urban 5K races nationally
NEW YORK – The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a city car offered in bold hues such as Jalapeno, Salsa Red, Lemonade, Denim Blue and Techno Pink, will pace nearly 10,000 runners in The Color Run™ this Saturday and Sunday at the Aviator Sports Center in Brooklyn, the first of numerous Spark-paced races across the country.
Chevrolet and The Color Run today announced a sponsorship deal that makes the Spark – Chevrolet’s first mini car for the U.S. and Canadian markets – the official vehicle and pace car for The Color Run through 2013.
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The Color Run is a popular, nationwide series of urban 5K races in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors for each kilometer. Participation in and buzz for The Color Run have exploded since its debut last year, with nearly a half-million “likes” on Facebook.
“The Spark and The Color Run are perfect running mates because both appeal to style-conscious, high-energy urbanites who don’t live life in neutral,” said Cristi Landy, marketing director, Chevrolet Spark. “We hope Color Runners will like what they see when they meet the Spark.”
Pacing The Color Run events in New York is a specially designed Chevrolet Spark with a multicolor paint scheme over a white base that replicates the look of a color-saturated runner at the finish line. The theme continues inside with splashes of bright color throughout an already-color-coordinated interior.
“Our team wanted The Color Run Spark to look like an authentic race participant, and we believe this pace car will energize and inspire the crowd to take a closer look,” said Kathy Sirvio, the General Motors senior design manager who worked on the production version of the Spark.
Race organizers also partner with a charity in each city; this weekend, The Color Run will team up with the Police Unity Tour and Tuesday’s Children. Tuesday’s Children has made a long-term commitment to meet the needs of individuals impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
“We created the tag line ‘The happiest 5K on the planet’ when we saw how happy The Color Run made people; now the Chevrolet Spark’s involvement is going to help us bring more happiness to runners and charity partners in more cities,” said Travis Snyder, executive director for The Color Run. “We also love the fact that our events lead people to have a more healthy and active lifestyle.”
Remaining Spark stops on The Color Run schedule include Washington, D.C. (Sept. 9); Portland, Ore. (Sept. 29); Miami (Oct. 21); Houston (Nov. 11); Orlando (Dec. 2); and St. Petersburg, Fla. (Dec. 15), in addition to regional appearances.
The 2013 schedule will be announced later.
Spark went on sale in mid-July, combining five-door versatility with the sporty look of a three-door. Its athletic appearance is further enhanced by a rear spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Uplevel versions feature Chevrolet’s MyLink color touch-screen radio. Standard on LT models, MyLink lets Spark owners bring their customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their compatible smartphones and Bluetooth connectivity to make hands-free calls and access embedded apps for Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio.
When the vehicle is in park, video and personal photos can be projected onto MyLink’s seven-inch touch-screen. Later in the year, BringGo, an app that provides full-function GPS navigation and live traffic updates, will be available.
In addition to MyLink, Spark is the only car in its segment to provide a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty – including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation – and six months of OnStar Directions & Connections service.
The Spark is offered in three trim packages: LS at $12,995, 1LT at $14,495 and 2LT at $15,795. It also offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ.
Spark is equipped with an Ecotec 1.2L four-cylinder engine and standard five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic is available). The Spark has the lowest average annual fuel cost of any Chevy small car except the Volt extended-range electric vehicle. It also uses regular unleaded fuel, while the Fiat 500 uses more expensive premium fuel.
Spark is also equipped with standard safety features typical of larger, more expensive cars, including 10 air bags, anti-lock brakes, panic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, Hill Start Assist and a “safety cage” structure of high-strength steel.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality.
