Chevrolet Cruze will get 40 mpg and offer 10 air bags

General Motors is unveiling the U.S. production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, and it made clear that it hopes a few premium touches will help it make an impact in the small-car segment.

The Cruze will have a new, small-displacement four-cylinder engine, a 1.4-liter I-4 turbo with variable valve timing that is expected to deliver 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Premium? Check out some of the features and options:

There will be 10 standard air bags -- frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear seat side air bags and new knee air bags. Cruze will have electronic stability control with rollover sensing and a lot of electronics, like Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a navigation system, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

"Cruze is already a hit across Europe and Asia; and now, it's coming to America to challenge the status quo," said Brent Dewar, a GM Vice President, Chevrolet Global brand. "Along with the Volt electric vehicle, Cruze is the latest tangible example of how Chevrolet is working on exciting products that range from gas-friendly to gas-free."

Cruze goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010, but it has already logged more than four million miles around the world where it's being sold now. The U.S. version will be built in Lordstown Ohio.

Chevrolet delivers a modern muscle car in Camaro

Its macho styling, aggressive stance and eye-catching interior and exterior details have helped make the new Camaro a hit for Chevrolet and General Motors.

Maybe it was the Rally Yellow paint. Maybe it was the aggressive styling and lines.

But auto reviewer Scott Wasser found folks stopped and took notice as he tooled around in a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

Chevy pays homage to its Camaro heritage while highlighting state-of-the-art freshness in its 2010 model, according to Wasser.

The Camaro comes in three trim levels with starting prices ranging from $22,680 for an LS to $33,450 for a 2SS. Wasser's test car was a mid-level 2LT with a starting price of $26,580 that climbed to $37,345 with options and delivery fees.

"Part of its optional ($1,450) RS detail package is a circular 'halo' light that surrounds the Camaro's high-intensity discharge headlamps," Wasser writes. "BMW may have pioneered this feature and certainly is best known for it, but it works incredibly well with Camaro. It gives the stunning sporty coupe more than merely eye-catching styling; it helps give it personality."

The Camaro's ride, handling and mileage (17 city/29 highway) are unexpectedly good, but its great retro styling and feel trump all, Wasser says.

He wasn't a fan of what he describes as seriously restricted sight lines from the pilot's seat. But Wasser says the car is a home run nonetheless.

"It's thoroughly modern engineering and sleek styling should be a hit with anyone seeking a sporty coupe, but the Camaro's greatest appeal will be with those who want to own a piece of rolling nostalgia."

Chevrolet Volt: A sneak peek

Dan Neil drives a Volt prototype at Dodger Stadium, in one of the first chances for anyone outside of GM engineering to test the extended-range plug-in hybrid.

It accelerates with a big husky twist of its electric motor. Actually, you can even chirp the front tires if you push the go-button hard enough -- very unlike a golf cart. It corners confidently and brakes crisply and, if it's no Ferrari, it certainly won't embarrass itself on the 110 Freeway, otherwise known as the Pasadena Grand Prix.

It's comfortable, practical and -- graded on the curve of five-seat family hatchbacks -- reasonably attractive. Think German-made-dishwasher pretty.

But the question remains: Will the Chevrolet Volt -- General Motors' radical electric vehicle with a range-extending gas generator on board, due in November 2010 -- really work? Will it help GM leapfrog Toyota -- currently experiencing its own woes -- as a grandmaster of green-car technology? Will it help win back legions of disaffected customers? Will it wow EV enthusiasts in Southern California, who still haven't forgiven GM for building the Hummer H2 or forgotten the murder of its charismatic little electric car of the 1990s, the EV1?

The high-tech, Earth-friendly Volt could provide a bridgehead for GM in California, where the company's sales have plummeted about 50% from September 2008.

And by the way, while the Volt is saving GM, will it save gasoline?

"Absolutely," says Andrew Farah, the Volt's chief engineer. "It's going to work and work better than people realize. . . . I'm proud as hell of this thing."

The Volt is a series hybrid EV that is propelled by a 120-kilowatt (160-horsepower) electric motor. Drawing on energy stored in its 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, the Volt has an all-electric range of about 40 miles. If the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder generator kicks in to supply electricity to the traction motor.

The advantage of this design is that if drivers don't exceed 40 miles of driving daily (and most don't), and if they plug in at night, they won't use any gas at all. If they need to go farther, they can, burning gasoline.

The Volt splits the difference between the greenness of an EV and the freedom of a gas-powered car. It will be the first such car to come to market.

GM hasn't announced pricing, but it's widely speculated the car will sell for under $40,000. Buyers will get a $7,500 tax credit on the car, for a net cost of $32,500 or less. That would still make the Volt thousands more expensive than a Toyota Prius or Honda Insight hybrid.

It would be hard to overstate the importance of the Volt to the image of GM -- not least because GM, battered by bankruptcy and a lingering reputation as the Darth Vader of fuel economy, has been trumpeting the car in advertising for well over a year. That strategy carries its own risks.

"GM likely feels the massive pre-intro hype for the Volt is probably more valuable than any post-intro disappointment it may yield," said Karl Brauer, editor of Edmunds.com, the consumer auto research website. "The company is well into its second year of cashing in on the car's promise of near-zero emissions and 200-plus mpg. Will there be a year plus of scolding by the press if the car ultimately bombs? No, a few weeks at most."

2009 Chevrolet Spark Review

Chevrolet is putting a brave face on it. After facing an uncertain future under new management, the American firm can now relax under the protection of a government-backed GM. So what better way to rise from the ashes than launching an all-new model?

The Chevrolet Spark, which replaces the crude and slow Matiz, is an all-new city car designed by the man who penned the chic Fiat 500. It's been created to capture the hearts of a youthful audience and aims to go head-to-head with the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10.

Inside, the cabin proves that Chevy has turned a creative corner, finely balancing a low-cost approach with a sense of fun.

Prices start from £6,945 and stretch to £9,845, while the options of a low polluting 67bhp 1.0-litre and an 80bhp 1.2-litre should make it among the best in class for running costs.

Chevrolet is confident its tiny city car will be a huge hit this side of the Atlantic. Read on to find out why.

New Chevrolet Spark

It's a mini-MPV that is shaped with a 'wheels-out, body-in' stance, its single-arc roofline accentuated by strong, clean body sides free of cladding. The focal point of the cabin is the motorcycle-style instrument 'pod', which sits on top of the steering column and delivers all of the essential information in a compact yet easy-to-read manner. The analogue speedometer is backed up by a digital tachometer, just like on a motorbike. All the controls are backlit by ice-blue lighting when the headlights are turned on. In-car entertainment is a matter of choice and Spark customers can enjoy their favorites on radio, CD, MP3 or by plugging in their portable systems via USB or Aux-in sockets.

The car's size, handling and manoeuvrability are in tune with urban life. Chevrolet's new mini comes in a compact package: at only 3640 mm long and 1597 mm wide, it should easily squeeze into tight city spaces.

The Spark is available with Electronic Stability Control, with electronic brake and traction control capabilities to provide precise anti-lock braking capabilities, as well as exceptional yaw stability. Almost 60 percent of the car's structure consists of advanced steels, with varying levels of stiffness and built-in crush zones to absorb crash impacts. The front engine bay rails and subframe are designed to absorb energy while maintaining the highest loads possible as they collapse, while a transition zone around the base of the A-pillars and front bulkhead effectively distributes crash energy around rather than into the passenger compartment.

A similar crush zone exists at the rear, with the fuel tank and its connections designed in a way to minimize the chance of ruptures. Additional rear impact loads are absorbed by a strong rear cross member.

High levels of occupant protection are further enhanced by twin front airbags, side curtain airbags and additional seat mounted thorax and abdomen airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and a pedal retraction system, which pulls the pedal box away from the car's occupants in the event of a frontal collision, reducing the risk of lower leg injury.

Two engines are on offer at launch - both petrol units with displacements of 1.0 and 1.2 litres. They are closely related and use a cast-iron block and alloy head, with a double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. They feature multi-port fuel injection and are both Euro V emissions compliant. Both engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The two engines use advanced features such as port deactivation technology to improve exhaust gas recirculation, leading to optimal fuel efficiency and idle stability, along with a timing chain to ensure a lifetime of low maintenance and running costs. The Chevy Spark consumes only 5.1 litres of fuel per 100 km and produces CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.

Much of the interior space is down to the car's clever packaging. The cabin was designed to accommodate as much supplementary storage space as possible. The centre console, for example, incorporates a bin for carrying smaller items such as a mobile phone, MP3 player or packet of chewing gum, while there's also a double cup holder next to the gear shifter.

New Chevrolets perform well in Euro NCAP crash tests

General Motors (GM) reports that its two newest Chevrolet models, the mid-sized Cruze and the smaller Spark, have performed well in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests. The Cruze was awarded the top five-star rating, while the Spark was awarded four stars; it reportedly scored 69 points out of a possible hundred in the tests, leaving it just one point short of winning a fifth star.

The Cruze was the first car subjected to the Euro CAP tests to score maximum points on both the frontal offset collision and side impact tests. The company attributed the good results in part to extensive use of high-strength steels in the Cruze's body structure, and also pointed to the active safety systems fitted to the car such as electronic stability control and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Cruze and the Spark are the latest models from the former Korean Daewoo operations whose products have been sold in Europe with Chevrolet badges since a GM takeover a few years ago. If GM had gone ahead with its divestment of Opel and Vauxhall, the Cruze and the Spark would have been been of central importance to GM in its efforts to maintain or improve its position in Europe; now the relative positioning of Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet, which to some extent occupy the same market territory, will probably have to be looked at afresh.

The Cruze, a sister car of the new Vaxhall Astra (which also received a five-star Euro NCAP rating in these latest results), has generally been well received, although it has been held back by the fact that initially at least it has only been available as a saloon, rather than with the hatchback body style favoured by European buyers.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Pedestrian Alert System

November 25th, 2009 Earlier this morning, we wrote about GM's announcement that engineers developing the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have partnered with the National Federation of the Blind to figure out "a safe level of sound" from the company's first extended-range electric vehicle. Our subsequent interview with Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for the 2011 Volt extended-range electric car, helped us understand some details of the Volt's Pedestrian-Friendly Alert System that we hadn't known. Drivers to sound the alert For one thing, the system will be driver actuated, rather than automatically producing sound at neighborhood speeds. Drivers will trigger it just like the "flash-to-pass" function now built into many turn-signal/light-switch combination levers. The goal, Posawatz said, was to produce an "automotive quality sound" that pedestrians would instantly recognize, without confusing it for the horn. He described it as "a series of low horn audio signals or cues," but said the precise sound is "still being fine-tuned." Lights as well as sound At speeds under 35 miles per hour, the system not only emits that characteristic sound, but also flashes the Volt's lights. Though flashing lights may not be useful to vision-impaired pedestrians, they add an additional layer of warning for children, runners, cyclists, and others who may be unaware that a two-ton vehicle is driving silently toward them. The alert sound is distinctive enough, Posawatz said, that it may become a way for Volt drivers to acknowledge each other, just as Corvette drivers and Harley-Davidson riders signal each other as they pass. Hybrids hit pedestrians more The imminent arrival of all-electric cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the 2012 Nissan Leaf has raised the level of concern among advocates for the blind about the lack of noise from hybrids running in electric mode. Recent preliminary data from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study appears to show that hybrids hit pedestrians more often than non-hybrid vehicles. With statistical information now demonstrating that risk, carmakers are lining up to work with groups like the NFB. At speeds under 35 miles per hour, the system not only emits that characteristic sound, but also flashes the Volt's lights. Though flashing lights may not be useful to vision-impaired pedestrians, they add an additional layer of warning for children, runners, cyclists, and others who may be unaware that a two-ton vehicle is driving silently toward them.

The alert sound is distinctive enough, Posawatz said, that it may become a way for Volt drivers to acknowledge each other, just as Corvette drivers and Harley-Davidson riders signal each other as they pass.

Hybrids hit pedestrians more

The imminent arrival of all-electric cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the 2012 Nissan Leaf has raised the level of concern among advocates for the blind about the lack of noise from hybrids running in electric mode.

Recent preliminary data from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study appears to show that hybrids hit pedestrians more often than non-hybrid vehicles. With statistical information now demonstrating that risk, carmakers are lining up to work with groups like the NFB.

1963 Chevrolet Impala SS - Green With Envy

Life can move in mysterious ways sometimes, and at the end of the day, it's funny how some things work out. Take the case of 28-year-old Tommy Garcia of Lexington, South Carolina. As a child, he grew up around classic cars, and at the age of sixteen, he realized that he had the passion to buy one. For four years, this dream of owning a classic car evaded him, until it finally became a reality when Tommy turned twenty. What's the reason behind the four year delay, you might ask? Well, finding a classic Impala in the South can prove to be easier said than done, as most frames are depleted with rust or simply falling apart from lack of care. In Monetta, South Carolina, Tommy found a '63 Chevrolet Impala SS that was ripe for a rebuild. It was originally purchased for a complete transformation, however, the car's owner had lost his passion and drive for the project.

Tommy stepped in, offering a respectable dollar amount as well as promises to provide updates on his rebuild for the previous owner. His sincerity and business sense swayed the owner, and he allowed Tommy to buy the vehicle. Ecstatic, Tommy put the Chevy on a trailer and brought it back home. The first step in the building process was to make sure the mechanics were in working order. The Impala was brought to Bernie Hajack, a very capable and certified Chevrolet mechanic. Bernie removed the stock motor and rebuilt it from the ground up, using the original factory specifications as his measuring stick. Supreme Plating, out of California, was the destination shop for the majority of the car's chrome additions.

With the help of his father, Tommy was able to focus his attention on the car's suspension. The Garcia men lifted the heavy Chevy frame in their family's garage, and built a perfect hydraulic set-up. Tommy and his dad installed a four-pump chrome setup with 17-inch Pro Hopper whammy tanks, ultimately finished off with polished Hi-Jacker blocks and stainless steel hard lines and also, four Deka batteries line the sides of the trunk for proper weight distribution.

The father and son combo sought out to give the Impala perfect detail, so they decided to strip the '63 down to the bare metal. The replacement parts necessary were taken with the Impala to Richard Wright, Jr.'s Custom Paint & Body in Lexington, South Carolina, where Chris "Goofy" Stewart completed the body work. Richard pulled the Chevy into the paint booth and laid down an Orion Silver basecoat, and several coats of House of Kolor Kandy Organic Green with a green flake. A friend, Mike Louder, added the finishing touches on the roof by spraying a similar mixture of paint to the basecoat, while Jeffrey Brewer went to work, laying down the patterns that Tommy had previously designed.

Chevrolet Volt is challenging for GM

• 
• 2011 Chevrolet Volt Picture

  The Chevrolet Volt goes into production in less than a year, and GM is working on getting the bugs out. | November 23, 2009 | General Motors Corporation

Chevrolet launches a product placement and an awareness campaign

the car will be the center piece of what Chevrolet describes as the “world’s largest school show-and-tell”.

The auto manufacturer will provide a lesson plan to teachers about the Volt through Weekly Reader, an educational materials developer for math curriculum and vocabulary tests.

“Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders, so Chevrolet is teaming up with Weekly Reader to provide a fun yet educational experience themed around electricity,” explained Maria Rohrer, a representative from Chevrolet. “Electricity is the new fuel of the 21st century and will help shape the future of the automobile.”

Chevrolet says that the event will tackle the basics of electricity and why it is important and how it can transform the American auto industry. The event will be held at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles and will be broadcasted on the Web.

A look at the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox FWD LTZ

2010 Chevrolet Equinox FWD LTZ

BASE PRICE: $22,440, for FWD LS; $24,190 for AWD LS; $23,360 for FWD LT; $25,110 for AWD LT; $28,045 for FWD LTZ.

AS TESTED: $31,685.

TYPE: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, crossover sport utility vehicle.

ENGINE: 3-liter, double overhead cam V-6 with direct injection.

MILEAGE: 17 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: NA.

LENGTH: 187.8 inches.

WHEELBASE: 112.5 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 4,200 pounds.

BUILT AT: Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.

OPTIONS: 3-liter V-6 $1,500; power sunroof $795; trailer equipment $350; 18-inch aluminum wheels $250.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox SUV refined, stylish

Chevrolet's sport utility vehicle named for the first day of spring had a rebirth this year, and the resulting 2010 Equinox is the best ever.

A crossover SUV that's based on a car-like chassis, the Equinox has stylish new looks, a refined ride, handsome interior and new, more fuel efficient engines.

The face borrows from the attractive front styling of the Chevy Malibu sedan and Chevy Traverse SUV. A two-tier grille and prominent hood, plus graceful side lines, create an attractive-looking SUV that makes even the Honda CR-V look a bit dowdy.

A compact SUV since it debuted in 2005, the Equinox also grew an inch here and there this year and looks on the outside larger and more substantial than before.

Best of all, the addition of a fuel-sipping four-cylinder engine gives it a better fuel economy rating — 22 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway — than the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and the CR-V.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $23,185 is lower than last year because of the smaller, base engine. But it's a tad higher than the starting retail prices for the new CR-V, at $22,255, and the new RAV4, at $22,300. All prices are for base models with four-cylinder engines, automatic transmissions and two-wheel drive.

The lowest-priced, 2010 Equinox with all-wheel drive starts at $24,935.

The interior is new, with nicely styled center stack of controls, comfortable seats and ice blue ambient lighting. Sure, there's a lot of hard plastic in there but fit and finish on the tester were excellent, and controls were ergonomically designed and easy to operate.

The ride was what impressed me most. Compared with the clumsy-feeling suspension of the old Equinox, the ride in the new model is downright refined.

The suspension — independent front struts and independent four link at the back — managed road bumps well, with just a few ba-boom sounds on rough stuff.

The Equinox had to manage both the road bumps and the considerable weight of the vehicle, which starts at 3,770 pounds with four-cylinder engine and goes to 4,000-plus pounds with V-6.

Despite the weight, which is more than that of the CR-V and RAV4, passengers rode above the road fray and felt only slight vibrations now and then. In fact, the Equinox provides quite a substantial, safe feeling to everyone inside. Some of this is due to the widened front track of the vehicle, which gives it a strong road presence.

That presence is backed up by government crash tests, which give the new model across-the-board five-out-of-five stars in laboratory front and side crashes.

The interior was surprisingly quiet, even though the test model was the uplevel Equinox LTZ with 264-horsepower, 3-liter, direct-injection V-6. I heard low, confident engine sounds while accelerating — never anything loud or raucous.

Understandably, the V-6 drinks unleaded gasoline at an average rate for a heavy SUV, resulting in a government fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This is the same fuel mileage rating as several other six-cylinder-powered smaller SUVs, such as the sporty BMW X3.

But the ride and handling of the Equinox isn't so much sporty as it is poised and comfortable.

The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly and tries its best to deliver top mileage. And powered by the V-6, the still-compact SUV can tow a healthy 3,500 pounds.

In contrast, the 2010 Honda CR-V, which comes with only a 180-horsepower four cylinder, can tow a maximum 1,500 pounds.

Neither the RAV-4 nor the CR-V comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

But Chevy also puts the six-speed tranny in the Equinox with the 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter, direct-injection, four-cylinder engine. This helps explain the noteworthy 32 mpg in highway driving for the four-cylinder model.

In comparison, the lighter weight RAV4 has top government mileage of 22/28 mpg, while the lighter weight CR-V tops out at 21/28 mpg.

Of course, no one goes from garage at home directly onto the freeway, so the everyday reality isn't going to be 32 mpg.

But with an 18.8-gallon gas tank in the four-cylinder model, the Equinox can travel a combined city/highway route of some 375 miles on a single fill-up, according to government figures.

There's even a first-ever noise cancellation technology for Chevrolet in the four-cylinder model. It uses microphones inside the vehicle to detect booming sounds and then seeks to cancel them out with counteracting sound waves from the audio system speakers.

Honda has had a similar system in its larger vehicles, such as the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV, for years.

But the Equinox's four-cylinder can feel a bit sluggish for such a heavy vehicle. It produces peak torque of 172 foot-pounds at 4,900 rpm, which comes at a higher rpm than the 172 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm in the RAV4.

The tester had a disturbing low buzz/rubbing sound whenever I made sharp U-turns. It seemed to come from the power steering. And I had to be careful when turning around because the model with optional 18-inch tires needed some 40 feet of turnaround space. This compares with the 34.8 feet turning circle in a base RAV4.

2009 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2009 Chevrolet Camaro

While the new 2009 Chevrolet Camaro is still being referred to as a concept vehicle, it will actually make it off the showroom floor and onto the streets unlike so many other manufacturers’ concept prototypes. Chevrolet plans to begin selling the revamped classic coupe in the first quarter of 2009. Fans of the original body style from the 1960s will be happy to know that the 2009 translation harkens back to the earliest version of one of the most popular muscle cars of all time. In addition, within a year of the initial release Chevrolet will make available a Camaro Convertible.



The makers are also bringing back new adaptations of the earliest interior stylings. Four auxiliary gauges are positioned in the center console displaying fuel, temperature, battery, and oil readings. The contemporary design is apparent in the faint orange glow that illuminates the console gauges, as well as the dash-mounted speedometer and tachometer. The tachometer also gets an update with an additional digital readout showing which gear the vehicle is in. The coupe seats four in racing-style silver and black seats that are flanked by unyielding side bolsters, keeping the driver and passengers firmly in place while taking those tight turns at high speeds.

The exterior got a makeover as well. While the muscular shape of the 1960s model is still intact, sharp lines have been traded for a smooth, luxury vehicle appearance. In keeping with the muscle car boldness, Chevrolet has given the 2009 Camaro giant 21-inch aluminum wheels in the front, while the rear gets even bigger 22-inch wheels. Even the hood scoop has gotten a sleeker look and is almost flush with the rest of the hood.



Buyers get a choice of manual or automatic transmission. The engine generates 400 horsepower in a 6.0 liter LS2 V8. It is also rumored that GM plans to develop a V6 and possibly a turbocharged 4-cylinder Camaro to compete with the Ford Mustang. The 2009 Camaro also features Active Fuel Management for those bogged down by rising fuel costs. Active Fuel Management disengages cylinders that simply are not used during average highway driving, thus allowing the coupe to reach up to 30 highway MPG. Rear-wheel drive, lightweight aluminum wheels, and an independent suspension are just a few of the other standard features of the Camaro.

While the new version is certainly paying homage to the classic, the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro is anything but a bland rehash of the past. Both the interior and exterior share an almost futuristic design with a streamlined body and enough chrome inside to cause blindness in direct sunlight. The MSRP is yet to be listed, but is expected to be comparable to that of the Ford Mustang. When time comes to place order, don’t forget to shop for the cheap insurance as this vehicle will be in great demand. Even though the car features Active Fuel Management, 30 highway MPG simply can’t compete with the influx of hybrids and fuel-friendly compact vehicles. Nevertheless, for those still looking for a modern vehicle that stays true to the muscle car genre, they need not look further than Chevrolet’s latest model.

2010 Chevrolet Camaros for SEMA

Chevrolet has unveiled not one, but five Camaro concepts at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, four of which showcase the customizing potential available through the company’s dealer-installed accessories. The fifth, well, that was built for some TV personality.

The Jay Leno Camaro

The Jay Leno Camaro concept began life as a base Camaro. Chevrolet then added a pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers to the 3.6-liter V-6, boosting horsepower by about 40 percent over stock to 425. What’s more, Chevrolet says there is virtually no penalty in fuel economy—when the turbos aren’t producing their seven psi of boost, of course.

Additional upgrades include a larger-capacity radiator, a custom exhaust system, a Centerforce clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission, Brembo six-piston brakes, and a lowered coil-over suspension kit from Pedders. Chevrolet says the Leno Camaro has the most radical styling of all the Camaro concepts at SEMA, with a uniquely vented hood and front fascia, functional brake-cooling ducts near the front and rear wheels, new front grilles, and a rear diffuser.

Camaro SS drivers beware: turbocharged V-6s are becoming increasingly popular in the aftermarket world as means to throw a green tint on fire-breathing performance. While Ford has yet to put its twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 in the Mustang, tuners will likely oblige and turbo sixes in general are swiftly growing in popularity.

Camaro Synergy

Rather conventional compared with the Leno concept, the Camaro Synergy is mostly a representation of how Camaro owners can customize their vehicle at the dealership level. It also previews a new Synergy Green exterior color that will be offered on a special-edition Camaro in the first half of 2010. Styling add-ons include 21-inch wheels, a more-aggressive body kit, Cyber Grey hood stripes, and a soon-to-be-offered larger rear wing. Inside, the Synergy gets a Jet Black interior with contrasting Synergy Green stitching, piping, and other accents.

Not exclusively a beauty without substance, the Synergy also features a few performance parts in the form of a new air intake, a Pedders coil-over suspension kit, and a set of Brembo brakes. While the suspension package, brakes, and interior touches aren’t offered at your local Chevy dealer, the automaker says that enough Camaro owners make similar modifications to warrant their inclusion.

Camaro Chroma

The Camaro Chroma concept is based on a Camaro SS done up in Summit White with a new silver-stripe package. It also features a number of not-yet-released accessories, including 21-inch wheels with silver-painted spoke centers and red accent stripes, a new “Blade” rear spoiler, and a new front grille with a body-color outer frame.

Unlike the Leno and Synergy Camaros, the Chroma uses existing dealer-installed performance parts, such as a high-flow intake and exhaust, short-tube headers, and a Hurst short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission. A Victory Red engine cover adds some aesthetic improvement, as do contrasting red stitching throughout the interior.

Camaro Dusk

Chevrolet is targeting young, urban professionals with this iteration of the Camaro. The exterior is painted in a hot color called “Berlin Blue,” while the swankier Jet Black and Sedona interior features a few premium touches like footwell lighting, upgraded sill plates, a Boston Acoustics sound system, WiFi connectivity, and an iPhone cradle.

Slight exterior and performance modifications include a new exhaust system, Brembo brakes, and a rear spoiler, all of which are borrowed from the Camaro SS. There are also 21-inch BBS wheels and a custom ground-effects package, both of which are prototype parts that may be available as dealer-installed accessories at a later date.

Camaro Graphics

The Camaro Graphics is actually four cars—or one car wearing four different graphics packages, one for each day of SEMA—and is the result of a Facebook poll from October, when Chevrolet asked Camaro enthusiasts to vote for their favorite design. After a second round of voting takes place after the show, the best received of the four concepts will be considered for future production.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Compact Car Launch Delayed Til Next Fall

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

As U.S. carmakers get serious about building world-class compact cars, one of the most eagerly awaited entries is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, which will face off against a totally new 2012 Ford Focus as well as revised models of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra.

Now reports say that General Motors will push back the Cruze introduction by three months, from next spring or summer into the third quarter of 2010, to ensure a perfect launch.

The upside is that the extra time will allow all models of the Cruze--presumably meaning different trim levels--to be built before the car goes on sale.

The Cruze has received good reviews in Europe and Asia, where it is already on sale. It will be built for the U.S. market in GM's Lordstown, Ohio, plant.

Perhaps the extra time is good, since the U.S. taxpayers who bailed out GM can only hope the 2011 Cruze does better than the first compact Chevrolet built there: the notoriously unreliable Chevrolet Vega.

The Cruze is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.4-liter engine that will offer fuel efficiency as high as 40 miles per gallon, with the same power as the 2.4-liter engine in today's 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The Cobalt will remain in production until the Cruze launches.