CHEVROLET (sort of) REVIVES A LEGENDARY NAMEPLATE!

Back in the 60’s, Chevy’s 396 V8 rumbled under the hoods of everything from Corvettes to Novas and more.  50 years later, Chevrolet is hoping to spread some of that mid-60’s big-block pixie dust on one of its current offerings, the subcompact Spark.  

“Those who remember the SS 396 are going to love the new Spark SS 96 package,” gushed Chevy spokeswoman Electra Cripe during the car’s debut. 

The SS 96 replaces the standard car’s 1.2 liter (92 c.i.) 84-horsepower four with a naturally aspirated 1.6 liter (96 c.i.) Turbo Jet four producing 102 bhp.  “Owners can expect 0-60 times under 10 seconds,” Cripe said while chewing what was apparently an entire package of Trident Splash gum. “That’s really fast, I think,” she added.   

In addition to the larger engine, the SS 96 package also includes distinct SS 96 badges and striping, red line tires mounted on classic rally style wheels, and a CVT that has been modified to mimic a close-ratio Muncie four-speed.  

We wanted to find out more information including the price of the SS 96 package, but Cripe abruptly disappeared after getting gum stuck in her hair.