Base model Berettas were equipped with the same powertrain as the Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2.2 L OHV 4-cylinder engine and the 3-speed automatic transmission by default, or the 60-degree V6. A 5-speed manual was available only by special order if paired with the 2.2 L OHV, however very few special orders ever took place, and the 3-speed automatic was the default option. The GT included a 125 hp 2.8-liter V6, which grew to a 3.1 L in 1990, and the Z51 suspension package (1988 only) with 15-inch styled steel wheels and Goodyear Eagle GT tires. Also included was a sport cloth interior and sport steering wheel. The Beretta GTU was available for 1988 and 1989. Beretta GTs (with the FE3 suspension package) were shipped to Cars and Concepts where they were equipped with 16x7-inch aluminum alloy wheels, custom ground effects, a unique rear spoiler, mirrors and GTU decals to create the Beretta GTU. With the FE3 suspension package and Z51 RPO, Chevrolet claimed the 1988 Beretta GTU would deliver 0.92 g on the skid pad. GTUs were only available in black, red and white. The GTZ, which replaced the GTU, took over as the high-performance version of the Beretta. It was produced from 1990 until 1993. It came standard with Oldsmobile's 2.3-liter, high output
Quad 4 inline-four, which produced and of torque, giving it a 0–60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. Also standard was a
Getrag 5-speed
manual transmission and GM's FE7 performance suspension.
Motor Trend's only complaint was the Quad 4's noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and noted it was one of the most raucous engines of its time. Beginning in 1991, the 3.1 L V6 could be had as an option on the GTZ, but it was only available with a 3-speed automatic transmission that increased the 0-to-60 mph time to around 9.0 seconds. The 3.1 L V6 was standard on 1990–1992 GT models and optional for all base models and GTs in 1992. Starting in the 1994 model year, the 3.1 L
V6 could only be ordered with an
automatic transmission. The 1991 model year saw major interior updates, including a new dashboard and center console and the addition of a driver's side airbag. In 1994, the GT and GTZ were replaced by the Beretta Z26, which put it squarely between the
Cavalier Z24 and Lumina Z34 in Chevrolet's lineup. The Z26 had a 0–60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. The 3.1 L V6 was redesigned and became the 3100 V6 and gained 20 hp at 160. The new 3100 V6 was only available with a new 4-speed automatic transmission. The Quad 4 HO lost a total of 10 hp (7 kW) in 1994, its last year of production, down to . The 2.3 L Quad 4 was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. In 1995, the 3100 V6 lost 5 hp, down to , which also carried on to the 1996 model. Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the
Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996. ==Models==