Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from everybody here! Wishing you a safe weekend!

2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS

"A stiff clutch pedal and a manual shifter that doesn't move through the gears with much fluidity make the Camaro SS a chore to drive around town. The tall cowl, small windows, huge A-pillars, and tall, broad hood are also bummers, because you can easily feel claustrophobic in this car. If you're a Camaro person, you might not much care, but I find the Ford Mustang to be easier to drive and to have a more livable cabin than the Camaro. I suppose I would have liked our test Camaro better had it been equipped with the Hurst short-throw shifter, which seems like it would be $380 well-spent.

 A 45th anniversary package is a stretch, in my opinion. 25, 40, 50, those are anniversaries worth noting, but 45? Not so much."  [Continue reading...]

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS bows before Detroit Auto Show debut

"Chevrolet has pulled the wraps off of a hotter version of its Sonic. The 2013 Sonic RS is headed for an international debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month, and onlookers can expect to see the hatch curtsey with the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in uplevel Sonics, tuned to yield 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Speaking from experience, we can say that those figures are good enough to slather a grin over even the most hardened cynic's face. The RS also brings along a few exterior treatments, including a new front and rear fascia, rear spoiler, side sills and five-spoke alloy wheels."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Aveo 1.3-litre diesel review

"The Chevrolet Aveo is a five-door supermini that's meant to steal sales from the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. We've driven the top-of-the-range diesel Aveo, which comes with a 94bhp 1.3-litre engine and costs £13,615.

What's it like to drive? Turn the key and you could be forgiven for thinking that the engine was firing on three cylinders instead of four; it's noisy at idle and only gets noisier when you set off. Despite the racket, though, the cabin remains relatively free of vibrations."  [Continue reading...]

Why the Chevrolet Cruze Beat the Ford Focus

"Philip Couts doesn't normally buy compact cars. The 53-year-old mechanical engineer downsized from his usual midsizer last August to Chevrolet's latest commuter car, the Cruze, to help save gas on his 22-mile commute between two Chicago suburbs. Except for a few small things — the seat bottoms could use more cushioning and he's not quite getting 30 mpg — Couts describes himself as "happy" with the car, a decked-out LTZ trim with leather seats and a turbo engine."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Malibu Interior Delivers a Touch of Luxury

"The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu features an all-new interior that’s roomier, quieter, comfortable and connected, with luxury touches that push beyond expectations for the segment.

The new Malibu offers nearly four cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more shoulder and hip room than previous models and more usable trunk space than Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. It is the quietest Chevrolet ever and offers among the best seating comfort in the segment."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet To Donate Military Tribute Edition Camaro

"Not only is Chevrolet donating a one-of-a-kind Camaro to raise money for an organization that helps wounded veterans, it’s even using GM’s CEO Dan Akerson to help market the car during tomorrow’s 112th Army-Navy football game.

The unique Camaro, painted by artist Mickey Harris and honoring the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, will be sold by Barrett-Jackson at its Scottsdale, Arizona auction next January. All proceeds from the sale will go to support the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans."  [Continue reading...]

Tribute to iconic Chevrolet designs

"Chevrolet presented the Centennial Award for the Best Chevrolet on Show at the Emirates Classic Car Festival (ECCF) recently.

The Centennial Award went to the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, owned by the Attar Family from Dubai.

The Centennial Award for the Best Chevrolet on Show formed part of Chevrolet’s sponsorship of the festival and was a tribute to a century of iconic Chevrolet designs. Chevrolet was founded by racing pioneer Louis Chevrolet 100 years ago and commemorated its centennial on Nov. 3."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Volt Owners Most Satisfied, According to Consumer Reports

"According to a Consumer Reports owner-satisfaction survey, which drew responses from more than 314,000 subscribers on 2009 through 2012 model-year vehicles, Chevrolet Volt owners are the most satisfied.

Of course, as Consumer Reports points out, Chevrolet Volts said how satisfied they were before all the news broke about to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announcement that it would conduct a safety investigation into plug-in hybrid sedans following an incident with a Chevrolet Volt catching fire after being crash tested and GM offering to buy back Chevrolet Volts from owners."  [Continue reading...]

November car, truck sales soar 14%

"U.S. consumers snapped up nearly 1 million cars and trucks in November -- the strongest selling pace since August 2009 when a federal incentive program artificially inflated sales.

November's 14% increase from a year earlier was driven by improved consumer confidence, major marketing campaigns and a better selection of cars and trucks -- especially at Asian automakers.

The industry sold cars and trucks at an annual pace of 13.6 million, marking the third consecutive month that the rate exceeded 13 million."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Builds 100 Millionth Small-Block V-8, Says Future V-8 Engines Will be Direct-Injected

"General Motors today celebrated the assembly of the 100 millionth small-block V-8. The milestone engine was an LS9, the 638-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 found under the hood of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Chevrolet officials admit this was a symbolic milestone, as it’s hard to establish exactly which V-8 was the 100 millionth. The celebrated LS9 built today, however, won’t ever be started, and is destined for display at the GM Heritage Center museum. The engine also will likely be shown at events like the Woodward Dream Cruise. Chevrolet has even inquired about displaying the LS9 at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit — it is, after all, an important piece of automotive history — but the museum has yet to respond."  [Continue reading...]

’Ave a look at Chevrolet Aveo

"Engines – The all-petrol Aveo fleet consists of a choice between 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines – late 2011 saw the introduction of a diesel option. For what is effectively an urban runabout, the petrol motors work well. Neither of them is particularly quick but they are willing and reasonable refined engines.

Exterior – Like many cars in its class the Aveo’s classic hatchback shape is a familiar one. The doors open wide for easy access and at the tailgate is a good size and easy to operate. Overall, the styling is conservative, which should ensure broad appeal."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Truck History: From the 490 Half-Ton to the Silverado and Beyond

"While Chevrolet was founded in 1911 as a collaboration between racer Louis Chevrolet and entrepreneur William Durant, it wasn’t until January 1918 that it started producing trucks. Chevy’s been producing trucks ever since. Here are several Chevy trucks that represent the brand and its history.

1918 Chevrolet 490 Half-Ton Light Delivery 'Cowl Chassis'
The 490 Half-Ton was Chevy’s first truck. Based on the 490 car platform, but with stronger rear springs, the 490 was sold for $595 as a chassis only. It was up to the buyer to install a cab and bed or a panel van body, depending on what it would be used for. A one-ton Model T (for truck) was also available for $1,125. Again, it came bodiless, but unlike the 490 was built on a truck frame. Both vehicles were powered by four-cylinder engines. The 1918 Chevrolet Model T engine could produce 37 horsepower. Its speed was governor-limited to 25 mph. It wasn’t until 1929 that Chevy started using six-cylinder engines. By 1930, light-duty trucks came with factory-built cabs and bodies."  [Continue reading...]

Cooking a Perfect Turkey

"Preparing and serving a centerpiece turkey can create anxiety for even the most seasoned cook. Each year, turkey hotlines receive thousands of calls from desperate cooks looking for answers on everything from cooking to carving. We’ve put together the following cooking tips and recipes to help guide your once-a-year turkey preparations and assure success.

Choosing the Turkey

Working with the highest quality ingredients makes it easier for any cook to produce a great meal. When ordering your whole turkey, allow at least 1 pound per person, plus 1/2 pound per person for leftovers. (Remember to take into account the size of your fridge and oven!) For turkey breast, plan on 3/4 pound per person. If it is a boneless breast, allow 1/2 pound per person."  [Continue reading...]

Car giant Chevrolet launch 'Wheels for kids' inititative to help vulnerable children worldwide

"To celebrate its 100 years, car giant Chevrolet and international children's charity SOS Children have joined forces to form the 'Wheels for Kids' initiative, aiming to increase the mobility of vulnerable children worldwide.

Throughout 2011, Chevrolet are giving 100 cars to SOS Children in Europe, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Lesotho and Israel."  [Continue reading...]

Jay Leno, Other Chevrolet Volt Owners Taking Advantage of Electric Range

 

"Some owners of the Chevrolet Volt are taking advantage of the car’s electric range by logging the majority of their miles driven on electricity. One of the best-recognized owners who’s passed the 10,000 electric mile mark is comedian and host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno. Leno, quoted in The New York Times “Wheels” blog, said he took delivery of his Volt last December with a full 9.3 gallon tank, and the tank is still more than half-full.

To commemorate owners’ achievements, Chevrolet is planning on giving them a “10,000 Electric Mile” badge. 'Volt owners are an extremely passionate and enthusiastic group. They carry pictures of their car, refer to themselves by their VIN number and freely talk about their ownership experience with anyone who will ask,' Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing, said. 'The 10,000 Electric Mile badge not only recognizes their achievement, but gives another point to brag about with anyone interested in learning more about the Volt.'"  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Camaro Aces Crash Test

"Boy, that Bumblebee can sure take a hit.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is the first car to get a perfect score on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) 5-Star Safety Rating test since a more rigorous testing procedure was instituted last year. The two-door coupe received five stars in all categories, including frontal, side and rollover collisions."  [Continue reading...]

First Look: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

"The Chevrolet Spark is already a familiar sight in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, as the subcompact hatch has been on sale outside our borders for a while now. After what seems like years of teasing, the tiny Chevy is finally about to wash up on our shores, and details for the U.S.-spec model have finally been revealed. Set to hit Chevy showrooms the middle of next year, the 2013 Chevy Spark is being billed as a foil for the likes of the Fiat 500 and Scion iQ, among

others."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet 100 years: Reborn in the USA

"Americans drove them to the levee and worked on their night moves in their back seats.  For a century, Chevrolets won America's heart with their convenience, style and speed - even if sometimes they were clunky, or had problems with rust or their rear susensions.

Chevy, which lays claim to being the top-selling car brand ever with more than 200 million sales, celebrates its 100th birthday this month.  For most of its life, Chevy stayed just ahead of the competition by bringing innovations such as all-steel bodies, automatic shifting, electric headlamps and power steering to regular folks at a low cost."  [Continue reading...]

Camaro Convertible is a head-turner

 

"Thank goodness you don't need one of the 100 special-edition Neiman Marcus Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles to enjoy a special open-top Camaro ride.

For $44,000 less than the $75,000 Neiman Marcus cars, a regular 2012 Camaro Convertible offers ample attitude, fun and unique style.

All Camaro Convertibles, which started to arrive in showrooms earlier this calendar year, look like the hard-top, reincarnated Camaro Coupe that was introduced in 2009.

But the Camaro Convertible wears a fully-lined fabric top and adds some 210 pounds over the Coupe because of structural reinforcements needed when a fixed roof is missing from a car."  [Continue reading...]

Driving on Snow and Ice: 10 Safety Tips

"The best tip for winter driving: Sometimes it's best to stay home, or at least remain where you are until snow plows and sanding crews have done their work. If you crash on a snowy or icy road, you'll certainly be late — or worse. But since you can't always call in to work claiming a "snow day," it's better to learn how to correctly deal with driving in the snow.

I've battled snow- and ice-covered highways in two-dozen states behind the wheel of both passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers. I've performed hundreds of tire tests on snow-covered roads, attended snow-driving schools and done precision (translation: "barely in control") driving in the snow for videos and still photos. From this experience, here are some snow driving tips the average driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash."  [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Cruze's success shocks the auto industry

"No one expected Chevrolet Cruze to score so big so fast on sales -- no one outside General Motors, at least.

In its first 12 months of sales, the Cruze compact ranked 10th among all U.S. vehicle purchases. The car's Lordstown, Ohio, plant has been running three shifts plus overtime Saturdays since late spring and has still had difficulty meeting racing consumer demand.

All this is a "told-you-so" for GM. Industry analysts were skeptical when GM North American President Mark Reuss espoused a plan to launch the Cruze on three shifts.

After all, running the plant that much suggests sales of more than 20,000 a month, a level which the Cruze's stripped-down Cobalt predecessor never reached, even in much more-robust economies. But the Cruze is on pace to meet that goal this year."  [Continue reading...]

General Motors October Sales Up Nine Per Cent

"OSHAWA, ONTARIO, Nov 1, 2011 (Marketwire via COMTEX) -- Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers delivered 19,542 vehicles in October, led by growing demand for the Canadian-built compact crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, which saw increased sales of 12 per cent compared to last year. Overall, General Motors increased its sales by nine per cent and was the industry sales leader in October."

'"With the Chevrolet Volt, Sonic and Orlando recently arriving in dealerships, Canadian customers are excited about the transformed Chevrolet vehicle line-up," said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing at GM of Canada. "The Chevrolet Cruze, Canadian Car of the Year, continues to win new customers having sold approximately one million units worldwide since launching in 2009."'

"The Chevrolet Cruze again posted strong sales in October, completing its first full year of Canadian sales with over 32,000 units sold. The Canadian-built Buick Regal, with an expanded line-up including the fuel-efficient eAssist and the high-output GS, increased sales 128%." [Continue reading...]

Happy Halloween!

 

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween! Be safe and try not to eat too much candy!

Build Your Own Chevy LS Crate Engine

 

"OK, you’re going to help build an LS7 or LS9, but the opportunity to take in hand titanium connecting rods, forged pistons and the other pieces that make these Chevrolet’s most powerful engines has got to be a gearhead’s dream.

The LS7 carries an MSRP of $22,756.10, while the LS9′s MSRP is $32,050, however the actual dealer price might vary, the automaker says. Customers get the experience of visiting GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., where they’ll team up with an engine builder to help assemble their powerplant from start to finish.

Once a customer orders one of the crate engines, a concierge contacts him or her to verify the order and help coordinate arrangements. Getting to and from the Detroit area is up to the customer, but the concierge helps arrange the engine build, local lodging, meals and ground transportation in the area." [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Plans for SEMA 2011

50 MPG Chevy Cruze Diesel to be Sold and Build in America

 

"Chevrolet’s commitment to a fuel-efficient future – and support for U.S. manufacturing – were both in the news recently when GM announced it would build the 2013 Chevy Cruze diesel, expected to achieve about 50 mpg highway, at its plant in Lordstown, Ohio. The automaker also will invest $5.5 million in the facility to prepare for the new vehicle; it’s a necessary expense, since the team at Lordstown is currently running at near full capacity to keep up with demand of the gas-engined Cruze.

The popular compact was the best-selling vehicle in its segment in September, as well as through September, and has sold more than 212,000 units in its first 12 months in the U.S. marketplace. The diesel variant is slated to build on that success by representing yet another boost to Chevy’s ongoing efforts to improve the fuel economy of the Cruze lineup." [Continue reading...]

Chevy Spark and Spark EV Ready to Ignite City-car Segment

 

"For a small car, the new Chevy Spark is set to attract a large range of drivers: First-time buyers, city dwellers and electric-vehicle supporters—and consumers who are all of the above—should all be flocking to Chevrolet dealerships when the brand’s new city car makes its debut beginning next year.

The four-seat, five-door hatchback is just a few inches longer than the Fiat 500, but it will be packed with features and content, including, in key markets, an available all-electric powertrain. And notably, that propulsion system will boast an advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack from the proven EV-battery experts at A123 Systems.

“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. “It complements Chevrolet’s growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology.

“The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet’s plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world.”

But the gas-only Spark will be plenty efficient, too, thanks to a peppy 1.2-liter I4 engine that makes 83 hp in its North American configuration, mated to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available automatic. Also in the mix will be standard peace-of-mind features like an extensive powertrain warranty and GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system, as well as available upscale amenities such as a color touch-screen audio setup, Chevrolet’s MyLink connectivity system with Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio, Bluetooth functionality, chrome exterior accented, alloy wheels and heated “leatherette” seats." [Continue reading...]

First All-New Chevrolet Malibu Produced in Korea

 

"GM Korea today celebrated the production of the first all-new Chevrolet Malibu at its Bupyeong #2 plant in Incheon. Sales of Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan will start next month in Korea, the product’s initial market.

GM Korea’s Bupyeong plant is the first in the world to build the eighth-generation Malibu, which will form a cornerstone of Chevrolet’s growth as the brand’s new top-of-the-range offering in global markets.

Today’s celebration was attended by GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone, Labor Union Chairman Ki Min and company employees.

“The new Malibu is our most important product introduction of the year,” Arcamone said. ”It will play a significant role in enabling us to attain our goals in the domestic market while ensuring that GM Korea becomes an important part of Chevrolet’s success in its second century.”

The Bupyeong #2 plant is GM Korea’s center for the production of midsize passenger cars. With the start of production of the new Malibu, it will join the company’s Gunsan, Changwon and Bupyeong #1 plants in operating at full capacity.

The exterior design of the Malibu carries DNA from the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, bringing a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment. The new Malibu offers the quietest ride in its segment. Components such as noise-reducing outside rearview mirrors, acoustic laminated front glass and noise-absorption pads are strategically placed to prevent tire, wind and road noise from entering the cabin and improve the overall quality inside." [Continue reading...]

Camaro ZL1 Convertible Ready to Power up the Top-down Fun

 

"Fresh from posting a Nurburgring lap time of just 7:41.27—nearly 40 seconds faster than the modern-day Camaro SS and quicker than supercars like the Porsche 911 GT3 and Nissan GT-R—the high-performance Camaro ZL1 will soon set another benchmark: Already the most powerful production Camaro ever, the ZL1 is now slated to launch as the most powerful Chevrolet convertible ever. In fact, with the same supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 as the coupe, rated at 580 hp and 556 lb.-ft. of torque, the ZL1 convertible will deliver more power than exotic drop-tops from a lot of manufacturers, including entries like the 2012 Aston Martin DB9 Volante and Mercedes SL63 AMG, as well as the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ford Shelby GT500.

Simply put, according to Al Oppenheiser, the Camaro’s chief engineer: “The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable convertibles available at any price. This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top—or hit the gas.”

That’s partly because Oppenheiser and his team specifically designed the current Camaro’s body structure to provide superior convertible performance right from the start, then added significant bracing and reinforcements to up the ante even further. But not only do these improvements reduce the unwanted body motions that plague many other open-air cars, they also reduce noise and vibration in the ZL1 convertible to create a more satisfying driving experience." [Continue reading...]

Chevy Sonic to Launch ‘Let’s Do This’ Digital Campaign

 

"Donating blood in a vampire costume and working out in a grocery store are two of the offbeat ways Chevrolet is trying to get its 18- to 30-year-old target audience to play along in the launch of the all-new 2012 Chevy Sonic.

 “Let’s Do This,” a multi-phased advertising campaign begins digitally in mid-October emphasizing attention-grabbing Sonic adventures and a “Let’s Do This” social game that will live online as well as on a mobile app.

To play the game and possibly win a Sonic, users will document themselves completing various challenges, from participating in a sporting event for a good cause to working out in a grocery store.  Players share their accomplishments on the “Let’s Do This” site or app, compete to earn badges, and accumulate points. Users are also encouraged to share videos and photos on their personal social media pages.

The second phase of the campaign will include a more traditional television, print and digital advertising approach highlighting the Sonic’s features and incorporating content from the vehicle’s adventures." [Continue reading...]

Chevy Volt Update: Drivers Top 1 Million All-Electric Miles

 

"As demand for the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt continues to grow, so does the number of owners who are letting Chevy know just how far they can go on a gallon of gas—or no gas at all. In fact, just part way through this summer, Volt owners had already covered more than 1.2 million miles on electricity alone.

They include Kory Levoy, a manufacturing manager from Yorba Linda, Calif., who had been spending $50-$60 every week putting gasoline in his Audi TT roadster. But since buying his new Volt, he has covered 7,500 miles and had to fill up the tank just three times. Today, Levoy—like many other Volt drivers—is averaging 40 miles of driving range on a single charge, allowing him to cover his 25-mile round-trip commute entirely on electricity.

“I was tired of spending roughly $200 plus a month on gas,” said Levoy. “The ability to not even consider finding a gas station or worry about fuel pricing is a phenomenal experience.”

Big-time fuel savings are part of the package for Volt owner Carey Bailer, too. An electrical engineer in Cottage Grove, Ore., Bailey has a 75-mile daily commute that used to cost him about $500 a month in gasoline. Now, driving his new Volt, Bailey has sliced that to just $100 per month—and he expects his fuel costs to come down even further." [Continue reading...]

New Chevrolet Colorado Pickup Confirmed for U.S.

 

"A version of the all-new Colorado midsize pickup will be built and sold in the United States, Chevrolet confirmed today. The first version of the truck is launching this month in Thailand, to be followed by other regions around the globe.

“The new Chevrolet Colorado is generating a lot of excitement as we begin its launch in Thailand,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet. “We think the design, capability and fuel efficiency of the new Colorado will make it attractive to U.S. customers.”

Product details, timing, pricing and the production location will be announced later. The current-generation Colorado will be produced in Shreveport, La., through the 2012 model year.

The all-new global Colorado builds on Chevrolet’s strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage, and the show truck versions generated significant attention at global auto shows in Thailand, Argentina, Australia and Germany. Thailand is the world’s largest market for midsize pickup trucks.

In Thailand, the model lineup will include 2WD and 4WD regular, extended-cab and crew cab variants. Gasoline and diesel engines will be available, including new 2.5L and 2.8L turbo diesel engines that produce broad torque bands engineered for excellent cargo and towing capability." [Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Identifies 16 Carbon-Reduction Projects

 

"Chevrolet is helping support 16 projects across America – from biomass to wind turbines – as part of its commitment to spend up to $40 million on carbon reduction. The agreements account for half of Chevrolet’s goal of preventing up to 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the air during the next five years.

The projects, all in their initial stages, are expected to eventually comprise 4.6 million metric tons.

Chevrolet set its carbon-reduction goal based on the estimated emissions in 2011 from driving the 1.9 million vehicles it is expected to sell in the United States between Nov. 18, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011.

“Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is one of mankind’s greatest responsibilities,” said Dr. Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist, futurist, and presenter of the Carbon Stories web video series. “Creative carbon stories – like turning harmful emissions into energy – are everywhere.”

Chevrolet has contracts to help support programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years through energy savings, renewable energy and conservation. Examples include:

Metrolina Greenhouse in Huntersville, N.C.: Replacing natural gas with renewable biomass – mostly waste wood – to heat greenhouses that grow gardening plants." [Continue reading...]

GM Confirms CNG Bi-Fuel Pickup For 2012

 

"General Motors will soon expand its offerings of alternative fuel vehicles with the launch of a compressed natural gas bi-fuel commercial pickup truck early next year. GM is the only manufacturer currently providing a single-source commercial option with the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana CNG cargo vans.

Many commercial vehicle buyers are looking for vehicles that run on alternative fuels from the factory. The new pickup will be able to enable business owners to focus on their business instead of the complexities associated with vehicle up-fitting." [Continue reading...]

It’s On: 2012 Chevrolet Volt Begins National Launch

 

The innovative Chevrolet Volt went on sale last year and quickly earned praise from customers and industry observers alike. The only challenge? It was just available in seven markets. But Chevy is up to that challenge this year: Already available for ordering in all 50 states, the Volt kicked off its national launch campaign for the rest of the country in July, when North Carolina utility companies took delivery of 27 Volts—with the Carolinas’ 128 Chevrolet dealers slated to begin receiving Volts for retail customers in August.

The initial delivery of Volts was courtesy of a collaboration between GM, the Electric Power Research Institute and the utility companies, and was made possible by a $30.5 million grant administered by the U.S. Department of Energy‘s Recovery Act Transportation Electrification Initiative.

“In-home and workplace charging experience is critical to market acceptance of electric vehicles,” said Britta Gross, GM director of Global Energy Systems and Infrastructure Commercialization. “Together with EPRI and leading utility companies such as Duke Energy and Progress Energy, we will transform transportation and make electric vehicles relevant and available to the mass market.” [Continue reading...]

Chevy Sonic Gets Eco-Friendly Paint Job

 

"To many buyers, the shine and sparkle of their new car is a key purchase driver. With the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, the only subcompact car made in America, drivers can admire the gloss knowing the latest paint processes were applied in a new eco-friendly paint shop to ensure high quality with less environmental impact.

General Motors is the first automaker in the United States to use a unique water-based “three-wet” paint process.  Fast becoming a global trend, the process eliminates the need for a primer bake oven, normally used between the primer and color-coating layers. The Orion Assembly Center allows three layers of paint to be applied one after another while still wet before a single trip though the oven.   

This process reduces the paint shop footprint by 10 percent, providing additional floor space and reducing the energy needed to heat and cool these areas. This process also upholds the car’s glossy sheen, reflectiveness and durability expected to last years beyond the purchaser’s final car payment.

“Cutting our greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our energy consumption were key to implementing our water-based ‘three-wet’ paint process,” said Mauricio Pincheira, paint manager at Orion. “We want to provide a durable paint that impresses our first-time Sonic customers and maintain the tough environmental standards we have across the company.”

Orion’s new paint shop was engineered to minimize energy use while reducing solvent emissions.  By using the three-wet process, a thin film pretreatment, and exceptionally lean design methods, Orion’s paint shop uses 50 percent less process energy per vehicle than the shop it replaced. It is also heated by natural and landfill gas, which results in less emissions than coal-fired boilers." [Continue reading...]

First 2012 Camaro ZL1 Offered for Sale Goes for $250,000

"The first 2012 Camaro ZL1 offered to the public sold for $250,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas on Saturday evening.

The car was offered by Fairway Chevrolet-Buick-GMC in Las Vegas, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds benefitting the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, placed the winning bid and is expected to take delivery of his new Camaro in the first quarter of 2012. His will be the only 2012 Camaro ZL1 coupe produced with a Carbon Flash Metallic exterior. It will be the 69^th ZL1 produced at the Oshawa Assembly Plant, in tribute of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1, of which only 69 were produced. 

“Our family has been involved with the YMCA for more than 25 years,” said Greg Heinrich, president of Fairway Chevrolet. “In that time, I have seen firsthand how the ‘Y’ helps young people, families, and seniors in our community. Today, the community’s dependence on the YMCA of Southern Nevada is greater than ever, with the Y sponsoring one out of four members."[Continue reading...]

Chevrolet Takes The Lead In Michigan State Police Tests

 

"The 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) and the brand’s 2012 police lineup beat the competition at the recent Michigan State Police testing in Chelsea and Grattan, Mich. The tests proved that Chevy’s lineup was more than ready for active duty in the State’s law enforcement organizations.

The Caprice PPV in particular was best-in-class in the 60-0 mph braking test for the second straight year, with a 125.8 ft. stopping distance. That was four feet less than the Ford Police Interceptor Taurus AWD turbo. Caprice also posted a best-in-class top speed for the second consecutive year increasing 6 mph to 154 mph compared to 148 mph for the Ford Police Interceptor Taurus AWD turbo." [Continue reading...]

GM Helps Solve The Solvent Problem

 

"From extended-range electric vehicles like the new Chevrolet Volt to landfill-free manufacturing facilities around the globe, General Motors continues to grow its ability to shrink its environmental footprint. And coincidentally, one of the company’s latest breakthroughs involves both its products and its plants: GM is now introducing a flame-treatment technology that allows paints to stick to plastic vehicle parts without the need for solvent-based primers, which can have a negative impact on air quality.

That’s vital, because while solvent-based primers are traditionally used to help paint stick to plastic parts, disposing of the waste solvents is an expensive, energy-intensive process. So, when GM learned of the new technology through its relationship with the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment—a working group of U.S. automakers, their suppliers and the Environmental Protection Agency—the company was quick to put it to use.

The new method of applying paint leverages a high-efficiency robotic system that modifies the surface molecules of the plastic parts so that they better bond with the paint—eliminating the need for adhesion-promoting primers. And not only does it benefit the environment, but it’s also faster and more efficient than spraying primer. In fact, the savings will pay for the capital expenses necessary to deploy the new system in less than four months according to GM." [Continue reading...]

New Ecotec 2.5L Engine More Efficient, Refined and Powerful

 

Chevrolet today revealed details of the all-new Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder engine. More efficient, refined and powerful than its predecessor, the new power plant will be the standard engine in the 2013 Malibu.

The 2.5L is expected to deliver an estimated 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (250 Nm) – about 12 percent more horsepower and 16 percent more torque than the current Ecotec 2.4L, while offering estimated highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg (final fuel economy numbers are pending).

The new 2.5L will be available next summer, marking the debut of the all-new Ecotec engine family. Increased efficiency was the top development priority, achieved in part through lower engine friction. It was reduced by an average of 16 percent across the entire speed range, using new technologies such as a variable-displacement oil pump and an actively controlled thermostat. GM proprietary computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis techniques were used to develop an all-new combustion system with a higher compression ratio, which also helped boost efficiency. [Continue reading...]

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Is One Smooth Ride

 

"Thanks to painstaking measures employed by GM engineers, the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan is expected to have the best ride and handling in its segment when it’s launched next year.

The Malibu will ride on an award-winning global architecture that’s been tweaked for European-style precision with comfort tailored to North America’s diverse range of driving conditions.

“Our development team has been everywhere with the new Malibu, tuning the ride on rural back roads, suburban boulevards, urban freeways and just about every other type of road imaginable,” said Mark Moussa, global chief engineer. “The result is the most finely tuned Chevrolet mid-size sedan ever, with controlled dynamics in all driving conditions.”

Aside from finely tuning the Malibu’s platform, engineers also incorporated a number of elements to enhance the sedan’s driving dynamics even further including:[Continue reading...]"

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Named An IIHS Top Safety Pick

 

"General Motors is showing signs of truly bucking its history of giving small cars short shrift in many areas. With all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic that arrives later this fall, along with the excellent new Chevrolet Cruze that's one of our best-rated small cars, GM is shaping up to have a fully competitive—and very safe—lineup of fresh new small cars.

Further evidence it's not just talk: The Sonic isn't even on sale yet, however the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has already crash-tested it—and the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic earned an excellent set of scores, including top 'good' ratings in frontal and side impact tests, rollover safety, and rear protection." [Continue reading...]

Camaro ZL1 Delivers 580 Horsepower and Exclusive Technologies

 

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.

The ZL1’s outstanding power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including exclusive Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.

“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

“The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies,” Oppenheiser said, “to offer the best of all worlds – including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip, and the comfort of a daily driver.” [Continue reading...]

Chevy Equinox Employs Sound Strategy For More MPG

 

When developing the Chevrolet Equinox, engineers at General Motors utilized stereo headphone technology to help give the popular crossover segment-leading fuel economy.

The 2011 Chevy Equinox gets 32 miles per gallon on the highway, four mpg better than segment competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape – all rated at 28 mpg. It achieves this rating by enabling the crossover’s engine to run at a lower RPM. However, this posed a new challenge for noise and vibration engineers.

“There’s a boom, or very low frequency rumble that comes from the engine when it runs in that RPM range,” said Noise and Vibration Development Engineer Jim Vallance. “We knew if we could deaden those booms, we could run the engine at the lower RPM, which would provide a significant boost to fuel economy. So we started kicking around ideas and came up with noise cancellation like you see in some high-end stereo headphones.”

Vallance and his colleagues at GM’s Milford Proving Ground came up with a solution — an Active Noise Cancellation module. This module detects when the engine is running in the 1,000 – 1,500 RPM range and immediately creates a sound-killing countermeasure through the vehicle speakers, essentially eliminating the unwanted sound. [Continue reading...]