Chevrolet Cavalier Drag
The Chevrolet Cavalier received a full redesign in 1995 with larger dimensions and sleeker styling, incorporating some design elements from the 4th Generation Chevrolet Camaro. Popular features such as the bumper-integrated grille, the coupes' dipped beltline, and the charcoal-coloured bumpers of the Base model, still remained. It was available in coupe, sedan and convertible body styles, with a LS Sedan replacing the wagon option. Wheel sizes included both 15 and 16 inches. By 1997, the Cavalier became the best-selling car in the General Motors lineup.
All Cavalier engines were inline-four. A V6 engine was dropped, and instead replaced with a four-cylinder of similar power output. The 122-HP pushrod four-cylinder (2.2 L OHV) remained with the Base and RS models, typically paired with a 3-speed automatic but with an available 5-speed manual in two-door models. A 4-speed automatic became available across all trim levels in 1996. The Z24 and LS convertible models featured the 2.3 L LD2 Quad-4 in 1995, but received the 2.4-liter DOHC LD9 in 1996. This engine generated 150 hp (112 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque and was used all the way up until 2002. The car gained a minor facelift in the year 2000, with larger headlights and upgraded grille, in addition to losing the 'CHEVROLET' text badge at the trunk and gaining a new 'CAVALIER' badge, along with new 'five-spoke' wheel covers. The 2.4-liter engine came mated to the Getrag F23 5-speed manual for the Z24 models and optional 4-speed automatics for the Z24 and LS models. The Z24 model had a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch tires, alloy wheels, and upgraded interior electronics, in addition to a ground effects kit and taller rear spoiler, and was only available as a two-door coupe until 2001 and as a four-door coupe in 2000. Additionally, the 3-speed automatic trim was dropped from the base model in 2001 and the 4-speed automatic was kept mostly across the entire range with 5-speed available in the two-door models. The RS model was replaced by the LS Sports line in 2001 featuring the new Ecotec L61 motors (140 hp and 150 lb·ft of torque) which improved fuel economy from the older LD9 motors. As of 2003, the Ecotec Motors replaced the GM 122 Pushrod Engine (2.2 L OHV) in the Base models across the entire Cavalier lineup and remained the sole engine choice until the car was discontinued in 2005 in favour of the Chevrolet Cobalt.
A GM Eaton M45 Supercharger kit had also been offered for the Z24 rum as an upgrade, developed and tested by General Motors. It increased the car's performance to 190 hp (142 kW) and 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) of torque due to its 4.7 PSI of pressure and added approximately 40 hp (30 kW) and 40 lb·ft (54 N·m) of torque. There were two facelifts - a minor one in 2000 and a major in 2003. Safety wise, the Cavalier scored several low marks in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as being rated by IIHS among the "Highest Rates of Driver Deaths" with between 150 (4 door) to 171 (2 door) per million registered vehicle years; average in its class (small) was 103 (4 door) - 134 (2 door). The 1995-2005 Cavalier got a
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