The Beretta had a relativly short lifespan of production; from 1987 to 1996. The Beretta was a 2-door coupe, which shared a platform with the Corsica 4-door sedan. There are a variety beliefs as to why Chevrolet discontinued the car, including the cost of maintaining the L-Body platform, the L-Body Sales conflicting with F-Body sales (Cameros/Firebirds), and the movement out of the "sports coupe" market by maintaining the Camero and introducing a more sedan-looking car...hence the new Chevrolet Malibu (the beretta/corsica replacement). I seriously doubt road saftey was a reason for it's discontinuation, as the beretta is one of the safest cars out on the roads IMHO.

The Base model wasavailable from 1987 to 1996. This model was generally given the standard run down with optional packages which included a larger engine, automatic transmission, spoiler, and- or a other small things. The standard engine was the 4-cycl 2.0L MFI, which had 90hp@5600rpm. From 1990 to 1996, a 4-cycl 2.2L MFI was used. The 1990 version had 95hp@5200rpm; the 1991-1992 had 110hp@5200rpm; the 1993-1996 had 120hp@5200rpm.

The Beretta GT isessentially an upgraded base model. Standard setup included factory alloy 15" rims, level II suspension (optional Z51 suspension), V6 engine (140hp@4200rpm), and some other details. It was in production line from 1987 to 1993.

The Beretta GTU is a step up from the GT with features such as the 2.8L V6, alloy 16" rims, level III suspension, ground-Fx, fog lamps, and other things. The GTU was capable of .92 lateral G's on the skid tests with its 125hp@4200rpm 2.8L engine.

The Indy Beretta replica was a special edition line during 1990. 7500 of these replicas were produced, 6000 in teal, and 1500 in yellow. The replicas were fitted with similar packages as that of the GTZ, only the had unique seats, paint, stickers, and other minor changes. The 3.1L MFI V6 engine in these replicas had 135hp@4200rpm. Three unique Indy Beretta Convertibles were paced the Indy 500. Seethe "Indy Beretta" Section of this site for more details!

The Beretta Convertible didn't quite make it to the dealership. Most of this was due to the lack of quality and expectations GM had planned. Posters, brochures, and pictures are all that is left of this car. The car was supposed to be introduced in 1990 along with the Beretta Indy Pace Cars. It was designed similar to the Indy, but with the internal components of the GTZ and the 3.1L MFI V6 engine (135hp@4200rpm).

The GTZ was set into production from 1990-1993. It is similar to the earlier model GTU. The interior changed, as well as small exterior details. The Quad 4 (180hp@6200rpm) engine was mated to the 5-speed Muncie Getrag transmission. The 3.1L V6 (140hp@4200rpm) and automatic transmission combo was optional. The GTZ was given similar options as those of the GTU, but with better suspension (FE7) in addition to many interior, exterior, and mechanical upgrades. The Quad 4 Engine has been re-designed many times since it's 1990 debue in the Beretta. The major problems (such as the head gasket blowing often) were less of a problem as each year and redesign progressed...most of the problems were solved by 1993.

When cheverolet integrated it's new 3.1L "3100" SFI engine(160hp@4000rpm), the GTZ was changed to the Beretta Z26. The 3100 was a totally different 3.1L engine. It featured a roller lifter camshaft with roller lifters, which permitted steeper lobe flanks and higher contact stress. The engine was also recalibrated below 1200rpm for improved driveability and emissions. There were many more changes, as these are only highlights. In 1994, the first year of the Z26, the Quad 4 Engine(170hp@6200rpm) and Mincue Getrag 5-speed transmission combo was standard. The 1994 Quad 4 lost 10hp and 10lbs-ft of torque do to a reduction in the size of the exhaust manifold ports. However, a new "inlet thermostat systetm"was used, which helped temerature control and engine durability by preventing rapidand/or drastic temperature changes seen in the earlier edditions. FE2 suspension (includes 15" rims) was standard, with FE3 (includes 16" alloy rims) sport suspenssion as an option. The 3100 V-6 Engine was also optional. Most Z26s were ordered with FE3 suspension. In 1995, and 1996, the Z26 came standard with 3100 V6 and 4T60-E 4- speed automatic transmission. General Z26 standards included spoiler, ground Fx, nice seats, fog lamps, sticker package, a dash with a tach, and some other minor things. Below are pictures of the various models offered during the beretta lifes- pan. The engines have progressed rapidly throughout it's 10 years of production. The beretta has been equiped witha 2.2L V4, 2.3L Q4,2.8L V-6, 3.1L V-6, 3.4L V-6, and the 3100 V-6 (3.1L). Below are pictures of a few of these engines.