1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
Limited Production Performance Model
16 Valve Twin Cam Aluminum Block Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection allowed for 50 State EPA Compliance (A GM First)
Superb Balance and Acceleration
The Chevrolet Cosworth Vega, shown here in Black over Black became a hallmark project of John DeLorean to build a small coupe that could compete with popular European imports such as the BMW 2002Tii, the Alfa Romeo GTV, and the Saab 99EMS. Updating the engine design from the lackluster 4-cylinder 2.3-liter single cam engine supplied in the economy oriented standard model Vega, Chevy reached out to English engine designer Cosworth to develop a modified version of its successful 2-liter sports racing engine. Using dual overhead camshafts driven by rubber belts and actuating 4 valves per cylinder, the Cosworth engine, after much modification to satisfy emissions standards, made over 110 rear wheel horsepower. It was lighter and 30% more powerful than the standard single cam Vega engine and was available only with a 5-speed overdrive manual transmission in 1976. The decision was made to use electronic fuel injection on the Cosworth which successfully passed the new EPA exhaust emissions tests as well as the standards set by the California Air Resources Board for 1975.
With body styling by Bill Mitchell and visual upgrades throughout the car using gold colored trim over a black exterior, GM emphasized the Cosworth name on the car based upon successful Formula 1 and Indy Car programs that offered brand recognition. Suspension and steering were upgraded from the standard Vega Coupe giving the car a well balance package of performance and handling. Despite having only 110 hp output, the Cosworth Vega romped through 0-60mph in only 7.7 seconds, which was amongst the top performers of 1976. Other features included a special gold colored machine turned dashboard with a dramatic visual effect. Production of the Cosworth had GM build the cars and engines in a separate factory from other Vegas and the engines were hand built to assure proper tolerances. Over a two-year span, only 3508 Cosworth Vega automobiles were produced, well under the 5000 that were projected by GM. In contrast,190,000 standard Vega cars were sold over the same period. Sales languished in part due to Chevrolet’s inability to deliver on the promise of a 140hp car due to emission restrictions, but also the Cosworth’s $5995 sticker price was double the price of the standard Vega and only $900 less than the base model Corvette.
Although there were some underlying issues with rust and materials quality, the Cosworth Vega remained well liked by the motoring press and fared extremely well in comparative tests with European competitors such as BMW, Lancia, Alfa, and SAAB. While journalists yearned for additional horsepower to complete the package, the Cosworth Vega had the right mix of handling and road manners to be considered one of the “10 best collectable cars” by Car and Driver Magazine.
Specifications:
Engine: 2.0 Liter (122 cubic inch) Inline 4-cylinder, Dual Overhead Cam, 4 valve per cylinder, 5 speed manual transmission with Overdrive, Bendix electronic fuel injection
Horsepower: 140 net HP (pre-production), 110 hp as delivered
Performance: 0-60mph 7.7 Seconds (pre-production model) 10.6 sec in ’76; ¼ mile: 16.0 seconds
Top Speed: 113 mph
Curb Weight: 2760 lbs