2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Review

While Ford has been introducing a countless string of Mustangs that appeal to nearly every enthusiast on the planet, Chevrolet has had to make due with only three versions of the Corvette (five if you count both coupes and convertibles). Well, for 2010, Chevrolet is adding a new model to the mix, the Corvette Grand Sport. Bridging the gap between the base Corvette and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport – unlike the aluminum chassis Z06 and ZR1 – is available in both coupe and convertible form, giving 'Vette lovers another way to enjoy motoring al fresco.

After spending a few hours at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds wringing out the GS on track back in August, we finally managed to snag some significant street time in a Crystal Red Grand Sport convertible. Lo and behold, when we looked inside we found a manual transmission, meaning this particular Grand Sport is packing the new-for-2010 launch control system. So now it's time to find out if this newest 'Vette variant is as livable on the road as it is fun on the track.
There's no mistaking the Grand Sport for anything but a Corvette. The long hood, arching fenders and bulging wheel wells show a lineage that goes back to the late C1 models of the early Sixties. Adding to the classic lines of the stock C6, the Grand Sport receives the front fascia, hood and fenders from the Z06. Everything is supported by the surprisingly strong hydro-formed steel structure, including the rear fenders, which are unique to the Grand Sport as the Z06 isn't available in a convertible and the track rat's rear arches won't fit.



Like all recent Corvettes, the 19-inch rear wheels are an inch larger than the fronts, while the slim, five-spoke design is unique to the GS. Rather than rolling on the standard painted wheels, our tester came equipped with the chromed versions, which are a bit too bling for our tastes. Thankfully, there's a third option: a sinister set of dark gray competitions wheels inspired by the C6.R. Yes, please.

On the topic of tires and wheels, while we expect most Corvette owners to hand-wash their rides, sometimes you just don't have the time or inclination. Unfortunately, the 12-inch wide, P325/30ZR19 Eagle F1 Supercar run-flats mounted on the rear simply don't fit through the guide tracks of most automatic car washes. In a vain attempt to run the GS through our local auto-wash to prep it for a photo shoot and check for leaks, the 275 mm front rubber barely fit, so we backed out and gave it a proper bath at home.
While the Corvette isn't a particularly quiet car under the best of circumstances, the convertible doesn't seem to be appreciably louder than the coupe. Noise levels seem to be in check whether puttering around town or hitting the highway at speed, but when it comes to noise, one suggestion: check off the dual-mode exhaust on the option list. If you're going to drop the coin on something with a large displacement V8, you need to be able to enjoy it, and when the Grand Sport's rev counter sweeps past 4,000 RPM, a bypass valve opens up and... BAM! You're back in 1967.



The Grand Sport's interior is pretty much standard issue Corvette, from the base model to ZR1, it's essentially the same. Our convertible tester had the optional premium equipment group which tacks nearly $10,000 onto the price tag and brings with it a two-tone leather covering for the dash and door panels, memory seats, power telescoping steering column and the heads-up display, among a raft of other options. For a vehicle that can gobble up pavement at such a prodigious rate, the HUD is a major plus, allowing the driver to keep his eyes on the road while diving deep into corners. It's also customizable, offering a number of different information pages, including our favorite: a simulated analog tachometer with a digital speedo and lateral acceleration bar graph.

In the past, we've complained about the weak lateral and thigh support offered by the C6 seats, but the position is good, and the overall ergonomics inside are sound. With the top down, visibility to the rear is outstanding, and unlike recent high-beltline designs, you don't feel like you're sitting in a coffin peering out of a tank slit. With the top up, rear visibility remains decent, but it's best to double- then triple-check blind-spots before making lane changes. And while some drop-tops suck up all the trunk space when they're down, the Grand Sport is packing 11 cubic feet – just one cubic foot less than the much larger, more stately Lexus LS600h.

GM’s top electric car executive and Chevrolet Volt leader Bob Kruse quits

GM’s top electric car executive has picked an odd or perhaps unfortunate time to leave the company for a private venture. The Detroit News is reporting Bob Kruse, executive director of global vehicle engineering for hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries since early 2008, who devised the automaker’s long-term electric vehicle strategy, and recently led the Chevrolet Volt team has resigned. The timing seems unfortunate as it comes at a crucial time for General Motors Co., which is banking on the Volt to change the compnies fortunes and public perceptions.

Kruse, 50, left GM to start his own consulting company, E V Consulting LLC, which will provide automotive and vehicle electrification expertise for companies looking to seize a piece of more than $1.3 billion in federal grants available to Detroit’s Big Three automakers and the state the News reports. GM admits they’re none to happy about Kruse’s departure, but said the Volt remains on target for production in November 2010.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS join Formula D

Conrad Grunewald's Hankook Chevrolet Camaro SS Drift Car

Considering the Chevrolet Camaro's propensity for melting tire rubber, it was only a matter of time before someone turned one into a drift car. Now it's happened. BR Racing and Conrad Grunewald Racing have teamed up to campaign a Camaro SS in the 2010 Formula DRIFT season.

"I am very excited to be able to drive such an iconic American muscle car in the Formula DRIFT Championship," said Conrad Grunewald, driver and owner of Conrad Grunewald Racing. "Our main goal is to have the Camaro ready for the 2009 SEMA show but our preseason testing should start immediately after the show. I have a great amount of confidence that BR Racing and Luke Lonberger can build this Camaro into a highly competitive car and I look forward to getting back out on the track."
BR Racing will be building the Formula D Camaro using all carbon-fiber body work and a GM Performance LS-A supercharged 6.2L V-8 crate engine making over 600 hp. Eibach Multi-Pro-R2 adjustable dampers and coilovers will keep the suspension in check while the Hankook Ventus R-S3 tires will be sacrificed to the racing gods on an altar of Forgeline three-piece aluminum wheels.

If you'd like to follow along, the Formula D Camaro's build-up will be chronicled on Conrad Grunewald's website and the finished product will make its debut at SEMA in November ahead of the start of the 2010 Formula DRIFT

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Can GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox revive General Motors?

These days, General Motors gets most of the attention for products it hasn't yet put on sale, like the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car. But in terms of GM's survival, the launch of the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox small crossovers are far more important.

ON DRIVE ON'S FORUM:What's the best midsize SUV of all time? Fast Hawg thinks it's the International Harvester Scout II. Gutsy choice, but is he wrong? Let him know by clicking here.

Let's face it, most families need a roomy crossover SUV to haul kids, groceries and stuff. Goes to show, you can't make a truly successful run to Sam's Club in a Chevrolet Cobalt. So consumers are searching for the worthy successor to the Ford Explorer of a decade ago - an SUV that combines space with compact-car economy.

Last week, GM was formally introducing the GMC Terrain with presentations both to consumers and the press (the mechanically similar, stylistically different Equinox was rolled out over the summer). It's easy to see why GM thinks it may have a winner here - all the room yet with 32 miles-per-gallon highway, 22 mpg in the city, fuel economy from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine with six-speed automatic transmission. That's 1 mpg better than the Ford Escape Hybrid, but to get the high-mileage in the Terrain you have to push the Eco-mode button on the dashboard that will obviously cut performance. And price?

Terrain is priced from $24,995, including destination charge, but what's more interesting is that GM added a rear-vision camera as standard equipment, along with air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a USB-drive-equipped stereo. The top model, the SLT2, comes with 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, rear park assist, a sunroof and the power liftgate for $29,995.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Pictures

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox has done very well for General Motors’ core brand Chevrolet, selling well and helping it maintain its customer base while so many consumers are switching from minivans and cars to crossovers. It’s a trend, for sure, although if you don’t stay on top of trends in the car business, you won’t be keeping the doors open very long.

Just what made and still makes the Equinox attractive when compared to others in its class is a question GM made sure was studied and answered before redesigning the new model.Pulling design cues from the new Traverse, a good thing, the new Equinox adds a slightly more rugged appearance with taller, rounder headlight clusters, beefier fender swells and taller more truck-like taillight assemblies. The lower front valance incorporates nice large fog lights in the LTZ example shown, while aluminum-like mock skid plates add a visual toughness front and rear. Chevy has also improved aerodynamic performance by moving the base of the windshield forward 75 mm (about three inches), which adds to the sporty look.

“The new Equinox blends function and style into a very sporty, yet upscale compact crossover,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Both the exterior and interior surprise and delight with careful attention to detail.”

Inside, Chevy has given the reveal car a two-tone motif in a milk chocolate hue complemented by dark gray tones. The look, along with tastefully applied aluminum brightwork, is very upscale, giving the Equinox the kind of premium appearance that comes from good, simple, clean design. From a more functional perspective, the crossover is filled with storage bins including an oversized glove box, a lidded compartment atop the dash just above the centre stack, and the usual bin under the armrest, this one large enough for a laptop computer.

Pulling a term we first saw put into production by Volvo, the Equinox features a “floating” centre stack, and it looks pretty sweet with the aforementioned aluminum trim and ice-blue ambient lighting. Additional ice-blue lighting surround the door pull indentations and the cupholders so you won’t accidentally spill while trying to find them at night. Front and rear seats come standard in a high-quality fabric but can alternatively be covered in perforated leather. More importantly, Chevy feels bold enough to tell us they’ll “deliver best-in-class comfort,” so we’ll have to report back on this after we have driven the car.

The rear seats continue with their MultiFlex designation, which means that they can be moved back and forth a total of 203 mm (8.0 inches) for the best rear legroom in the segment. Also critical in this class, the Equinox’s 60/40 split rear seatback folds flat into the floor to reveal 1,803 litres (63.7 cubic feet) of usable cargo space; 889 litres (31.4 cubic feet) is available when the rear seat is upright.
From what Chevy says, the Equinox should be quiet, with multiple noise-absorbing elements built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior. This should make for a more enjoyable audio/video experience, the former, if optioned out, being a 250-watt, eight-speaker system that should rock the house. It gets USB connectivity and an internal memory hard drive for storing audio, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is integrated into the system.

It’s all available via a large seven-inch touch-screen monitor that also incorporates a navigation system and backup camera, the latter visible in the rearview mirror too. A DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system can be had as well, with twin screens so that one child can watch a movie while the others play video games, or vice versa.

Once again the base Equinox will get the LS designation, while an LT will offer more luxury and convenience features and the top-line LTZ will feel almost premium-grade. A great feature that is especially appreciated in colder or warmer than average climes is a new “smart” remote starter that now works the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and optional heated seats so that your Equinox is the right temperature when stepping inside. Also, an optional powered and programmable rear liftgate can be had, increasing convenience in inclement weather.

“With the 2010 Equinox, we focused on appealing to the senses – from the overall design to the feel of the interior,” commented Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.

Like GM does with all of its crossovers, the new Equinox comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and StabiliTrak electronic traction and stability control for optimizing safety in slippery conditions, while six standard airbags protect from the front, thorax area and head via dual frontal airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and curtain-type side airbags from front to back. OnStar is also standard, for safety or getting turn-by-turn directions, as is XM satellite radio.

The current Equinox has been lauded by some and criticized by others for not fitting into the compact mold it is priced to compete in. The fact is that it’s a fairly large crossover, even when compared to midsize rivals. When it debuted we were all shocked that it measured longer than the eight-occupant Honda Pilot and many others in the class, although after living with it for numerous weeks at a time it certainly never felt cumbersome or unwieldy like some large SUVs get.For parking and dawdling along in slow city traffic the new model should feel much like the old in that it’s wheelbase is identical at 2,857 mm (112.5 inches) long, while 24 mm (just under an inch) shorter from end to end for an overall length of 4,771 mm (187.8 inches). The new Equinox is wider though, by 28 mm (just over an inch), which may help a bit in handling and high-speed stability, plus add a little more hip, shoulder and elbow room. Overall height has been reduced by 19 mm (three quarters of an inch) too, for a sportier profile and a lower centre of gravity to benefit handling and ingress/egress. Due to its similarity in size the new model doesn’t weigh significantly more than the outgoing one either, now tipping the scales at 1,710 kilos (3,770 lbs) in base trim compared to 1,697 kg (3,741 lbs) for the old one. So, all-round the 2010 Equinox won’t be a radical departure from the current model. That is, until you put your foot into the throttle.

A new 2.4-litre Ecotec four will make up to 182-horsepower while returning an EPA (certification pending) estimated 11.2 L/100 km (21 mpg) in the city and 7.8 (30) on the highway. It’s the first four-cylinder offered in the Equinox, and effectively replaces the 185-horsepower 3.4-litre OHV V6. The old base engine certainly offered more torque at 210 lb-ft compared to the new four-cylinder’s 174 lb-ft, but truly this is a fuel efficiency choice. Those wanting more power will be able to move up to a totally new V6. Gone is the rather expensive 3.6-litre V6 that started life off in the Cadillac CTS, replaced by a direct-injection 3.0-litre V6 that makes a seriously motivating 255-horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque while maintaining an EPA rating of 13.1 L/100 km (18 mpg) in the city and 9.4 (25) on the highway. Yes, the larger displacement engine was a touch more powerful and offered 36 lb-ft of additional torque, but the efficiency gains made by the new V6 make it the better choice for today’s market.

As you may have heard, the only negative to direct injection engines is noise, vibration and harshness levels that are often higher than their convention counterparts. GM has worked to counter such inherent problems by adding rubber isolators to minimize fuel rail noise, while variable valve timing improves greater power and fuel efficiency throughout a wider rev range. Adding to the efficiency, both the four- and the six-cylinder engines will be enhanced by GM’s state-of-the-art six-speed transmission, maximizing performance and fuel economy for a range of more than 800 km (500 miles) with either engine.

“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,” added Peper. “It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value.”

The old Equinox is still a pretty good driver, but I’m sure most owners wouldn’t mind a few upgrades to the body and suspension. First off, the body gets stiffened with single-piece side stampings plus high-strength steel used in critical areas. Solidity benefits rigidity, for improved handling, quietness inside and safety, so strengthening the body structure is always one of the best ways to improve a vehicle overall. According to GM, the stiffer structure has helped them tune the four-wheel independent suspension for better control and more engaging feedback.

The steering system on the four-cylinder model is rack-mounted but electrically power assisted, helping with fuel efficiency. No really, according to Chevy it makes a difference of about 18 km (11 miles) per tank of fuel, or approximately 920 km (572 miles) per year if you were to fill up once per week. A conventional hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering system comes with the V6. It’ll make a difference to fuel economy if you opt for the optional all-wheel drive system no matter the engine, of course, although wheel size shouldn’t be an issue; the Equinox comes with standard 17-inch aluminum rims while optional 18- and 19-inch alloys can be had.

“With the outstanding interior execution and comfort, the stunning exterior design, numerous chassis improvements, and the connectivity to the outside world, the new Equinox is the favorite ride among our engineers,” offered Tim Herrick, chief engineer. “I have to pull the keys out of their hands in order to take it for a spin myself.”

The 2010 Chevy Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009 and should be priced similarly to the outgoing model that starts at $27,340.

Specifications (2010 Chevrolet Equinox):

Price Range (est. MSRP): $27,000 – $42,000
Body Type: 5-door compact SUV
Layout: front engine, FWD (opt. AWD)
Base Engine: 182 hp, 174 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, DOHC, 16-valve, I-4
Opt. Engine: 255-hp, 214 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve, DOHC DI V6
Transmission: 6-spd auto
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Curb Weight (FWD): 1,710 kilos (3,770 lbs)
Weight Distribution (f/r): 52 / 48
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Volume (behind rear seat/front seat): 889 / 1,803 L (31.4 / 63.7 cu ft)
Payload: 540 kg (1,190 lbs)
Towing Capacity (2.4L/3.0L): 680 / 1,588 kg (1,500 / 3,500 lbs)
External Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,771 / 1,842 / 1,684 / 2857 mm (187.8 / 72.5 / 66.3 / 112.5 in)
Tires: 225/65R17 (opt. 235/55R18; P235/55R19)
Ground Clearance: 198 mm (7.8 in)
Fuel Economy (EPA est. FWD 2.4L city/hwy): 11.2 / 7.8 L/100 km (21 / 30 mpg)
Range (on one tank of gas): 800 km (500 mi)

Redesigned Chevy Equinox helps redefine GM

Busting out of bankruptcy, General Motors submitted the redesigned Chevrolet Equinox as evidence of its new direction. It’s a very positive economic indicator.

With pricing pegged at Middle America, the compact crossover has remarkably broad appeal. It offers the functionality of a sport utility vehicle without the costly fuel consumption.

If you buy the front-drive version with the 182-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine, you can expect to cover 22 city miles and 32 on the highway for an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,097, which is quite good. Honda’s CR-V is rated at 20/27 mpg, and the Toyota RAV-4 earns marks of 22/28.

While the virtually all-electric Chevrolet Volt’s 230 miles per gallon garnered most of the ink out of GM’s recent technology launch, the Equinox is more likely to deliver a solid customer base.

Equinox arrived in 2004 as a 2005 model, back when oil and gas prices were soaring toward record levels. Full-size SUVs were in disfavor as automakers sought to retarget the shifting affinities of nervous buyers. And those were the good old days, as we later learned.

The second-generation Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase as its predecessor, but is about an inch shorter and an inch wider. It also has a wider front track to improve ride and handling.

Equinox is built at the CAMI Automotive GM/Suzuki joint venture plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. GMC’s Terrain, the Saturn Vue and Pontiac Torrent share the Theta platform until GM officially sheds its Saturn and Pontiac divisions at the end of 2010.

The second-generation Equinox went on sale in June with a base price of $23,185, including a $745 destination charge, for the front-drive LS model. Pricing at the entry level actually fell $1,800 below that of the previous generation.

Higher trim levels are the LT and LTZ, which can be upgraded to all-wheel-drive with a 3-liter, 264-horsepower. The new engine cranks 264 equines and delivers an estimated 18 city miles per gallon or 25 on the highway.

The LT review car with front-wheel drive was base priced at $25,445, with $3,630 worth of options.

The crossover’s tailored and tucked exterior is well complemented by an interior that features tilt and a telescoping steering wheel, power driver seat and a number of well-placed storage bins as standard equipment. A closable storage compartment under the large center armrest accommodates a laptop computer.

The cargo compartment is easily accessed through the high-rising liftgate, making shopping trips a painless experience. The middle row of seats split in a 60-40 ratio and can fold flat to expand the cargo capacity.

The back seats are comfortable and provide good head and leg room, as well as a good view of the road.

Other standard features include OnStar communications for directions, road service, emergency notification and other guidance. Never stingy with standard features, Chevy also provides a year of XM Satellite Radio.

Chevrolet Corvette Pictures

Chevrolet Corvette
Base MSRP: $46,100
Base Invoice: $41,260
Engine: Gas v8
Fuel: 6.2l/- tbd
MPG City/Highway: 15/26
Transmission: 6-speed a/t
Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive
Doors: 4

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2010 Chevy Camaro SS is aggressive all the way around—bodylines and stance. It’s also BIG, 3,902 pounds. It has a long hood with a cosmetic front air scoop, short rear deck and bulging rear fenders. You do see a resemblance to the first generation Camaro but with an up-to-date look. Sleek roofline, hiked beltline, 20-inch wheels, fierce grille and rear spoiler gives the vehicle a mean, “get outta my way” no-nonsense look.

Inside you do feel a little claustrophobic at first with the shoulder-high door tops, sloped roofline and thick windshield pillars but you get over that feeling quickly. The cabin has faux silver trim accents and hard plastic pretty much everywhere. But…what I did like were the four auxiliary multifunction gauges that are positioned at the front of the center console that indicates oil temperature, oil pressure, battery state and tranny fluid temperature. I also like the long blue ambience lighting that swept across the door trim—nice touch. The leather seating was also extremely comfortable and very supportive.

SV 9 Competizione based on Chevrolet Corvette C6

After the SV 9 C’s computer rendered pictures from the last week, now we can enjoy the first real photos of that amazing vehicle.
The SV 9 Competizione limited-edition sportscar is a unique and original hybrid between American muscle and Italian design. The American/Italian collaboration is not something new but the results are always fascinating.

The SV 9C is based on the world-class Corvette C6 drivetrain, incorporated with Italian-styled body made from super-strong carbon-fiber, which reduces the weight of the sportscar below 1.4 tons.

The SV 9C engine is 6.2-litre V8 tuned up to 444 HP, which takes the performance numbers to four seconds for a 0-100 km/h sprint, and 12 seconds for a quarter mile. To handle with this kind of extreme performance, the car is equipped with custom-forged oversize alloy wheels wrapped in sporting PIRELLI PZero Rosso tires.
The 9C’s exhaust system is created specially by ANSA Automotive in two versions, one based on ANSA’s design for the Ferrari Daytona and the other on its design for the Ferrari 599.

The interior of every SV 9C feautures: carbon-fiber-reinforced racing seats upholstered in exquisite hand-stitched Italian leather supplied by Mario Levi SpA (the same source used by Ferrari), a burl-wood or carbon-fiber finished steering wheel, and a matching, custom-rendered, instrument panel and console.

There is a few more things that we have to mention for this car:

Price: Under $100K ($99,995)
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg highway
Limited-Edition sportscar: Only 1000 will be made

2010 KW Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro became a legend since 60s and 70s.

The new camaro 5th generation is a typical American sports car – aggressive front with a long hood to hold the enormous engines.

This Camaro comes with 3.6 litre V6 engine with 300hp and 370N/m of torque and two 6.2 litre V8 engines. The first V8 is LS3 with manual gearbox – it delivers 422hp and 533N/m of torque and the second V8 is L99 with automatic gearbox with “only” 400hp and 535 N/m of torque.

Besides the big engines and the tremendous weight of the car it doesn’t feel sluggish. The engineers managed to make it more “European” and it actually turns, which is something unusual for the American cars. There is a bit of understeer, which can be easily corrected by the mass of power on the rear wheels.

Your can order the car with KW Variant 3 Coilover Suspension – 1689 Euro, which is believed to be the best on the market. It guarantees good comfort over the public roads and excellent performance at the race track.

The Camaro can be lowered with up to 40mm in front and up to 35mm in back. So the car gets more aggressive look and better road behavior.Chevrolet Camaro became a legend since 60s and 70s.

The new camaro 5th generation is a typical American sports car – aggressive front with a long hood to hold the enormous engines.

This Camaro comes with 3.6 litre V6 engine with 300hp and 370N/m of torque and two 6.2 litre V8 engines. The first V8 is LS3 with manual gearbox – it delivers 422hp and 533N/m of torque and the second V8 is L99 with automatic gearbox with “only” 400hp and 535 N/m of torque.

Besides the big engines and the tremendous weight of the car it doesn’t feel sluggish. The engineers managed to make it more “European” and it actually turns, which is something unusual for the American cars. There is a bit of understeer, which can be easily corrected by the mass of power on the rear wheels.

Your can order the car with KW Variant 3 Coilover Suspension – 1689 Euro, which is believed to be the best on the market. It guarantees good comfort over the public roads and excellent performance at the race track.

The Camaro can be lowered with up to 40mm in front and up to 35mm in back. So the car gets more aggressive look and better road behavior.

2010 Hennessey Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Z700 Limited Edition

The world’s fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638 bhp ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. For most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7:26 is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of “Too much horsepower is never enough” Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has something special in store for them in 2010. HPE is happy to introduce the company’s 705 bhp Z700 upgrade package for the 2010 ZR1.

Porsche 911 owners wanting the ubber Porsche can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes.

Hennessey’s Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the engine supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems and is dyno tuned to 705 bhp. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs. Hennessey’s Z-Aero ™ carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300 lbs of down force helping to put the added power to the road and track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

HPE will be throwing its hat in the Ring – literally – and plans to begin testing the Z700 at the famed Nurburgring in Germany later in 2009. The company plans to build just 24 copies of this limited edition Corvette ZR1 for the 2010 model year. Each buyer gets 1-day of performance driving instruction in his or her new Z700 at Hennessey’s own private test track, Lonestar Motorsports Park. Lonestar, which is located next to the company’s facility, is located just west of Houston, Texas and has a full ? mile dragstrip as well as a 1.1-mile road course, which will soon be under construction.

2010 Hennessey Z700 Corvette ZR1 Specifications

Power:

705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm
Performance:

0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
1/4 mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
Intercooler System Upgrade
Air Induction System Upgrade
Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires
Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
Lowered Factory Suspension
Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades:

Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
Custom Exterior Colors
Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
German Delivery – Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

2010 Chevrolet Equinox With Direct Injection

Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell SUV

At next month’s 2009 North American International Auto Show GM will be showcasing their new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with Direct Injection. They say this will yield about 30 mpg on the highway. This will be the second generation Chevy Equinox. Many people have already seen the new Equinox on the streets of Cali in the form of a fuel cell vehicle. Many of the entertainment stars are spotted sporting the new Fuel Cell Equinox at popular events and shows.

The new 2010 Chevy Equinox should have a full featured options list including Bluetooth, USB audio, DVD entertainment and other new-age techie gadgets. Of course GM can now afford to do this because they have a few billion dollars to play with now due to getting a bailout right?