Chevrolet Fan Club

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2011-02-28T23:22:00.000-08:00

The revived Chevrolet Camaro has been a big success for General Motors.
Last year, even though it came only as a coupe, the Camaro outsold its Mustang archrival, which came in more flavors: coupe, convertible and high-performance versions.
So the arrival of a much-delayed convertible version for 2011 seems to portend even greater Camaro sales glory.

The convertible arrives at what its marketers consider an optimal time to rekindle interest and sales in the current-generation car, which made its debut in 2009.

Chevy Volt fails

2011-02-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet's Volt extended-range plug-in car, launched late last year, has gotten glowing reviews from many auto critics. But Consumer Reports isn't among them.

Chevy Volt

The influential magazine, to which many consumers turn for advice on buying cars and other consumer goods and services, offered a harsh initial review of the Volt.
"When you are looking at purely dollars and cents, it doesn't really make a lot of sense. The Volt isn't particularly efficient as an electric vehicle, and it's not particularly good as a gas vehicle either in terms of fuel economy," David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports auto testing center, told reporters Monday.

"This is going to be a tough sell to the average consumer."

GM spokesman Rob Peterson said, "Ourcustomers are absolutely loving the Volt, and telling ussomething entirely different" than Consumer Reports, which said the car got 25-27 miles on electric power alone during its testing in Connecticut during a harsh winter.

Peterson called the testing conditions "extremely harsh weather."

2011 Chevrolet Equinox Overview

2011-02-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

Building on its fresh redesign of 2010, the fuel-efficient, powerful, and handsome 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a five-seat crossover force to be reckoned with.

After undergoing major cosmetic changes last year, the folks at Chevy continued tweaking the overall feel and driving experience on the Equinox and it now comes with a slightly shorter and wider wheelbase. When it comes to looks, the Equinox shares a split front grille with the Chevy Malibu, with a larger SUV shaped greenhouse. The Equinox is available in three trims – LS, LT and LTZ – and provides ample power from two engines – a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 264-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6. The optional V-6 now offers flex-fuel capability and can run on either gasoline or E85. Both engines are front-wheel drive and are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 also offers a manual-shift mode on the automatic and all-wheel drive is optional.

Crossovers and SUVs might frighten some with their mediocre to poor fuel economy, but that is not true for the 2011 Chevy Equinox. The Equinox receives 20-22 mpg in the city and 29-32 mpg on the highway. The 2011 Equinox seats five and competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. It can tow between 1,500—3,500 pounds depending on which engine you opt for.

One of the most notable aspects of the Equinox is how it utilizes interior space. The adjustable 60/40 rear seats can move forward and backward to give you ample cargo volume. A sleek dash includes an available Pioneer® premium sound system, in-dash six-disc CD changer, auxiliary input jack for your iPod®, and XM® Radio – creating a world-class sonic experience.

Additional options include the available DVD entertainment system with a 7-inch flip-down monitor and wireless headphones for rear seat passengers. Also available are heated front bucket seats with leather inserts which add a greater level of comfort, while the optional internal hard drive, navigation system, backup camera and power liftgate are sure to impress as well.

Safety comes standard on the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox and includes four-wheel antilock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, and Proactive Roll Avoidance to reduce the vehicle’s propensity to roll over in a panic situation. Standard dual front airbags and head-curtain side-impact airbags help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. An OnStar communications system with airbag deployment notification comes standard and is just another safety measure for you and your family.

Chevy Cruze Tries To Crack Small-Car Market

2011-01-03T07:52:00.001-08:00

Chevy Cruze

I was driving on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey when I spotted a car I didn’t immediately recognize, at least not from behind. As I caught up with it I was impressed by its attractive shape and subtle chrome accents. Is that a Chevrolet badge on the trunk? Oh — that’s the new Cruze compact sedan.
Wait a minute – I’m driving one of those.
Sometimes you have to see a car in motion to appreciate its looks. Even after days of test-driving the Cruze I didn’t consider it especially handsome until I saw someone else driving one. Sure, it looks fine sitting still. But on the highway, where small cars tend to look like endangered species searching for a place to hide, the Cruze looks wide, muscular and confident — like it belongs there.
That’s part of the image Chevrolet wants to project as it positions the new Cruze to compete with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the long-established powerhouses of the compact segment. In the past, Chevy’s entries in the market have fallen short of consumers’ expectations, sometimes by a great distance. Its predecessor the Cobalt was bland and seemed to be designed for rental fleets. Before that car arrived, the long-running Cavalier built a reputation as a perennial money-loser.
One advantage for the Cruze is its size. It is a bit longer than its rivals but appears to be significantly larger on the outside. Styling is attractive, with a look that is bolder than the Corolla and Civic but more mature than the Mazda3.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition Price

2011-01-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet has just announced the pricing details of the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition. The production of the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition is expected to begin in early first quarter of 2011. The company has priced the new vehicle at $90,960. Including option boxes, you will get a fully loaded 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition for $99,925.

The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition features the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with dark gray metallic calipers and black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels rolling on Michelin PS2 tires. For the first time the Magnetic Selective Ride Control is offered on the Z06 along with enhanced cooling.
When it comes to the exterior enhancements, the company has included a choice of Inferno Orange or Supersonic Blue colors adding to the Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter.

First Chevrolet Volt Delivered

2011-01-01T22:06:00.001-08:00

After months of hype and speculation, the Chevrolet Volt has finally hit the stands. Earlier today, retired airline pilot Jeffrey Kaffee took delivery of the first production Chevy Volt to hit the roads. Kaffee had traded in his 2005 Toyota Prius and claims he paid $42,000 for the vehicle that he purchased from Gearhart Chevrolet in Denville, NJ.
The Chevrolet Volt that Kaffee took over was one of the first 360 units that shipped out of the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. Other units from this first lot will be delivered to dealerships in New York, Washington D.C., Texas and California.
First unveiled four years ago at the Detroit Auto Show, the Chevrolet Volt has garnered a lot of attention from the automotive circles. General Motors has invested and marketed the Chevy Volt in hopes that the car could provide the much needed jolt for the company that was bailed out by the government just over a year back.

2010 Chevrolet Spark Woody Wagon Art Car

2010-08-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Surf's up dudes - and here's the proof! Chevrolet, the manufacturer behind the market-leading 5-Year Promise aftercare package, has pulled the wraps off a one-off special version of its top-selling Spark supermini, created to celebrate the brand's American heritage and connection to youth culture.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Price

2010-07-14T19:01:00.002-07:00

The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this September, starting at $16,995, including destination. Priced to compete in the compact-car segment, the Cruze offers more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features than any of its competitors.

"We believe the Cruze can redefine the expectations for compact-car owners and shoppers who are new to the segment," said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing. "For the price of a compact car, Cruze offers the styling, safety features, roominess, amenities, and refinement of a much more expensive car."

The 2011 Cruze will be offered for retail sale in four models:

Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including:
-Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission
-The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks
-Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation
-Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription

Cruze LT starting at $18,895, including:
-Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
-16-inch wheels

Cruze Eco starting at $18,895, including:

-Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission
-Segment-leading expected 40 miles per gallon highway
-Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamic performance package

Cruze LTZ starting at $22,695, including:

-Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
-Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
-Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and remote vehicle start
-Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and ultrasonic rear-parking assist
-18-inch alloy wheels

Major available options features on Cruze include:

-In-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive, enabling pause-and-play radio, downloading of audio CDs, or transferring MP3 files from a USB memory device
-Pioneer Audio system, with nine speakers and 250-watt amplifier
-Heated leather seats
-Ultrasonic rear park assist
-RS Appearance package, including rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lamps, and rear spoiler

"Cruze is a truly global car that leverages Chevrolet's design and engineering capabilities. As a result we can offer customers more standard safety features, more miles per gallon, and more upscale features than our key competitors," Campbell said. "That formula made Cruze a hit overseas, with more than 200,000 customers choosing Cruze since it went on sale in 2009."

Cruze will offer customers more standard equipment and amenities than the competition. "While some of our competitors may have a lower starting price, Cruze wins on value once these competitors are optioned up." said Campbell.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Price

2010-07-14T19:01:00.001-07:00

2010 Pennzoil RCR Chevrolet Camaro SS

2010-07-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

The RCR Street Performance Group as released their special edition 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS which has been up-fitted and enhanced with numerous performance upgrades. This one is the first of many models to be modified by the fabled race shop and made available to consumers.

The RCR Street Performance Group was created for people with a unique appreciation for the finer � and faster � things in life.

Additions to the vehicle include a carbon fiber body kit to increase downforce and performance. On the exterior, the front splitter, rear diffuser, side skirts, rear spoiler and the hood are all made of carbon fiber. The look is completed by a set of 22 inch custom wheels: front 22x9 and rear 22x10.5, wrapped in front 295/30/22, rear 265/35/22 tires.

The interior is completely reupholstered, using yellow trim piece on doors and around dash area and custom floor mats.

The RCR Street Performance Group also added a completely revamped suspension and supercharged engine, with a stainless steel exhaust, cold air intake and a performance based coil over kit with new bushings.

"The RCR Street Performance 2010 Camaro SS project is an opportunity that translates more than 40 years of RCR racing knowledge to the neighborhood garage." said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze CS Photo Gallery

2010-07-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet has pulled the wraps off a race-inspired option pack to further bring out the dynamic styling and handling of the Cruze saloon – the car favored by the Silverline Chevrolet team in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
The ‘CS’ styling kit consists of smart 18-inch white multi-spoke alloy wheels, lowered suspension, a boot spoiler, unique CS graphics and matching tailored carpet mats.

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

2010-06-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
It might be a few years old now, but the styling of the Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab still holds up very well. Other than a couple of extra logos, the hybrid version looks just like the others.

Of course, the business end of a pickup is the box. The GM trucks have a nicely integrated step rear bumper with a thick aerodynamic tailgate topper that also protects the tailgate from dents. The electrical trailer hook-up is well designed as is the covered lock for for the spare tire. A back-up camera is a $450 option.

Up front, any Silverado crew cab - including the hybrid - is roomy, comfortable and functional. The center compartment can swallow a laptop computer and there are two glove boxes on the passenger side
In non-hybrid Silverado's, the row two seat could easily be folded up for a lot of cargo space, but the seats do not fold in the hybrid version. A big battery pack takes up all the space.

The V8 shuts down cylinders to compliment the full-electric side of the power train. Around town, we got 22 miles per gallon; impressive for a full-size pickup.

Under the right conditions, the Silverado hybrid runs on electric power only; up to about 25 miles an hour. Otherwise, the hybrid version drives like any other Silverado: well-mannered and quiet for a truck.

As equipped, the sticker price on our test truck is $49,265. Ouch!

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review

2010-06-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Cruze
At a presentation to the Midwest Automotive Media Association (M.A.M.A.), Margaret Brooks, the Chevrolet marketing director for small cars, gave members a first look and detailed the features of the Cruze that are designed to give customers what they want regardless of the car’s size.

The Chevrolet Cruze is an important car for General Motors, more important in my opinion than the oft publicized Chevrolet Volt. This car not only has the tasks of keeping repeat compact car buyers…especially GM owners, and attracting those ready to move up in size, but also meet the needs of folks who are downsizing but not willing to give up comfort, convenience and features while at the same time reducing fuel consumption. Ms. Brooks confirmed the need to attract those folks who are “resetting” their vehicle needs. The empty-nesters who are perhaps getting out of a larger midsize or a crossover vehicle or finally retire the minivan.

Good news for the Chevrolet marketing folks this time around is that they are not sharing this platform with any other GM brand. GM’s restructuring has left Chevrolet alone with car models in the compact and sub-compact segments. However, formidable offerings from competitors such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra will certainly challenge the Cruze.

2011 Chevrolet Volt goes under hot-weather testing in Arizona

2010-06-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Volt undergoing hot-weather testing

The Chevrolet Volt engineering team is hanging out in the hot deserts of Arizona putting their fuel-sipping baby under hot weather testing.

“While the Volt is designed to operate in all weather and temperature conditions, one of the tests it is undergoing in the desert is the Hot Soak Evaluation, where temperatures inside the cabin can exceed 175 degrees F,” GM said in a statement. The test is done by ‘baking’ the Volt in the sun for several hours, then opening everything in the car, cycle all of the electric accessories, and then taking the car down the ride handling track to check for rattles, squeaks and other noises.

“The car performed well,” said senior durability test engineer Steve Pratt. “The air conditioner cooled things off from our interior temperature of 138 degrees down to a nice comfortable temperature for driving.”

Oh, and if by the trailer hitch seen in the video (posted after the jump) you’re wondering if the Volt will be equipped with handle towing – it won’t. That’s just the engineering team putting the Volt through some weight training via Grade Load testing. The test allows engineers to put stress on the engine and chassis to see how well they will perform while climbing a mountain at temperatures above 100 degrees F.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4x4 LT

2010-06-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Some might call it the perfect storm -- a confluence of seemingly random events that work together to make something larger than the sum of its parts. Heavy duty truck-lovers have been waiting for this type of storm for quite a few years, and they'll likely have to wait a long while before something like this happens again. Last year the Ram HD made a dramatic debut and won our 2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. This year, both Ford and GM are bringing their best and brightest (and strongest ever) to the party. And now the table is set for battle royal...but we're getting ahead of ourselves.

We recently had the opportunity to drive the new Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty and Sierra Heavy Duty in just about every configuration they offer and the changes they've made seem right on target. In fact, to their credit, they've laser-targeted some key areas where GM trucks traditionally didn't match up too well with the competition. Recently, Ford's been doing a lot of bragging about their recently released Super Duty, and for good reason; in fact, it even won our head-to-head comparison when we pitted it against our 2010 Truck of the Year winner, the Ram HD. Now the ring is set for a full-scale smack down as all three big-truck makers have an all-new or recently-new heavy-duty player. But that comparison test will have to wait because we've just spent several days driving just about every configuration of new GM HD truck they have to offer and we've got a few things to say. Here we go.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD First Drive

2010-06-17T07:14:00.001-07:00

There's a particularly trite and overused phrase we've heard so often we no longer respond when someone utters it: "You can't judge a book by its cover." And it's baloney, too. War and Peace is a tough read because it has so many damn pages, is old and weighs a lot. Cats for Dummies is something less than high art and will not soon become a major motion picture.

But a lesser-known corollary to this adage actually works: "You can't judge the profound changes in the capability of a heavy-duty pickup truck by the freshness (or lack thereof) of its sheet metal and interior."

Haven't heard that one? Jim Mikulec, GM's lead development engineer on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD project, puts it another way: "Everything that's changed is under the skin. Everything that's important is under the skin."

Falling Down
Just four years ago, the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD dually defeated Ford Super Duty and Dodge Ram HD trucks in our straight-up fight of strength and towing capability. Despite an aging interior, it won largely on the strength of its 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 engine and class-exclusive six-speed Allison automatic transmission. In 2007 GM gave its HD pickups a long-overdue body and interior redesign to go with these then-impressive mechanicals, and for the next couple of years the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD twins stood atop the pile.

4,400 Chevrolet Volt Owners to be Eligible for Free Home Charging Stations

2010-06-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

The first buyers of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended-range capability will be eligible for one of 4,400 free home charging stations. The program will provide Volt owners with a 240-volt charge station from either ECOtality, Inc. or Coulomb Technologies. In many cases, it will include the cost of home installation. The projects are made possible with a grant of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"Many owners will plug their Volt into a normal 120-volt electrical outlet, charge overnight and drive to work in the morning using only battery power," said Tony DiSalle, Product and Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt. "For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000."

The U.S. Department of Energy projects were established with two objectives: installing charging stations in residential, workplace and public areas to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles; and studying electric vehicle usage to optimize future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

To encourage consumer purchases of electric vehicles, federal grants and other funds have been awarded to install more than 15,000 home charge stations. That total includes 4,400 home charge stations for Volt owners; 2,600 as part of The EV Project from ECOtality, and 1,800 as part of the ChargePoint America project from Coulomb Technologies.

To study electric vehicle usage, the programs will collect data such as average charge time, energy usage and the starting and ending time of the charging process. This data will be analyzed by the U.S. Department of Energy to understand how electric vehicles are driven, how and when they are charged, and ultimately what is required for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze price

2010-06-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Chevy Cruze has gotten a ton of attention as GM has worked to steal some of the Ford Fiesta’s thunder as both cars prepare to hit the US market. Yesterday, General Motors announced the pricing schedule for their replacement for the Cobalt (and the Cavalier before that) and much like Ford’s Fiesta, the Cruze looks to offer a spread of luxury oriented items in a fuel efficient compact car.

The basic pricing of the 2011 Chevy Cruze is as follows:

Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including:
• Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission
• The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks
• Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation
• Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription

Cruze LT starting at $18,895, including:
• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• 16-inch wheels

Cruze Eco starting at $18,895, including:
• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission
• Segment-leading expected 40 miles per gallon highway
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamic performance package

Cruze LTZ starting at $22,695, including:
• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and remote vehicle start
• Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and ultrasonic rear-parking assist
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Chevrolet Electric Spark might be pushed back by 2 years

2010-05-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet e-Spark Electric Car Model

Cars, in my book, aren’t cars if they don’t burn up dinosaur remains and growl, burble or heck, even purr. But then who really cares about what I think. Plenty of people around liken cars to appliances or why else would soul less appliances that Toyota makes in the names of cars sell by the millions? All those millions won’t like what they’re about to hear.

Before anyone else catches wind of it, we bring it to you. General Motors might just abandon their tie up with Reva electric, now Mahindra Reva Electric, and go it alone for electric motor and battery options. What this could lead to is a two year delay in the Chevrolet Spark Electric’s launch in India and elsewhere. This bit of news comes straight from a top GM official who in turn has spoken to a top Indian auto journo.

Chevy's new Cruze promises a competitive entry

2010-05-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS

US Chevrolet dealers are looking forward to the arrival of an important new models, the Chevrolet Cruze in their quest to reclaim market share in today's competitive compact market segment.
Chevy's new Cruze model will replace the aged and lackluster Cobalt line, and is based on the GM's Delta global compact platform shared with several other compact lines. The Cruze is already produced for numerous other world markets, and promises to be a significantly better vehicle than its predecessor in almost every way.

Major areas where the new Cruze improves upon the Cobalt it replaces include improved interior room and material quality, upgraded safety features, and a step forward in important ride and handling driving dynamics. Drivetrains for the Cruze in America will be two four cylinders: a 1.8 liter 136 hp 4 cylinder, along with a 1.4 liter turbo four, which also produces 138 hp, plus six speed manual and automatic transmissions.

First 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Built

2010-05-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

General Motors unveiled its new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty range at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show back in March, but the first production pickup rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan, yesterday afternoon.
Production of the revised GMT 900 heavy-duty pickups commenced yesterday, and the first example to roll down the assembly line was a bright red, regular cab 2011 Silverado 2500 HD, equipped with the revamped 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8. The second truck off the line was nearly identical, albeit it was ordered as a crew cab. The first Silverado HD was destined for Strawberry Point, Iowa, while the crew cab is being shipped to Sumner, Washington.

For 2011, GM’s HD pickups receive significant upgrades to both the frame and diesel powertrain, allowing it to compete against the latest [Dodge] Ram Heavy Duty and Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups. These upgrades give GM’s trucks additional payload and towing capability -- in fact, when paired with the revised Duramax (which produces 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque), a regular cab, two-wheel-drive, short-bed 2500 HD is rated to tow 17,000 pounds, roughly 1200 pounds more than the 2010 2500 HD models.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6649810/auto-news/hello-hd-first-2011-chevrolet-silverado-heavy-duty-pickup-truck-built/index.html#ixzz0p5nn5ww1

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2010-05-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet has a lot more than the Volt.

The electric car with a gasoline-fueled generator -- scheduled to arrive at the end of 2010 -- holds the automotive record for the longest launch in history. But the Volt will not have nearly the immediate impact on the environment or Chevrolet's bottom line as the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will.

And, after a first drive of the car's different powertrains, it looks like the people at Chevy are just as serious about this compact as they are about the Volt.

Spacious and comfortable

Suffice to say, the new Cruze interior is spacious and comfortable. It's bigger than a typical compact and it feels that way.

The drive was designed to get a feel for Chevy's new little Ecotec engines and the car's ride.

Both are excellent.

When the Cruze arrives, it will come with either a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4.

The smaller of the two is designed to provide maximum mileage and Chevy promises 40 miles per gallon while still producing 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. (Chevy has not announced the city mileage for the Cruze Eco; however, some of its press material stated a city mileage of 27 mpg, though engineers said that number could improve.)

The engine feels very competent while accelerating or cruising at highway speeds. There's no sense of a turbo lag; by performance alone, it's difficult to know when the turbo is on and when it's not.

One of the reasons for this is that Chevy allows the engine to hit maximum torque around 1,800 rpm so the car never needs to strain to grab the power it needs -- it's already there.

The 1.8-liter engine, which is the base engine for the Cruze, is nearly as good. It creates 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque.

Confident, quick and quiet

No matter which engine the Cruze comes with, it will have a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Both were very responsive, never rushing to sixth gear in hopes of stretching out a few more feet with a gallon of gas. And while engineers will continue to tinker with the calibrations, its overall feel was confident, quick and quiet.

The ride on the three test vehicles was surprisingly smooth and quiet. Chevy even has a patent to show for its work on the rear suspensions, which it calls a Z link. This allows the rear axle to react independently to each wheel input. Add to that the Watts Link, which allows more precise tuning, and a MacPherson strut front suspension, and the bumps are gobbled up.

The car, while not a racer, can certainly handle tight cornering. Even the rack-mounted electric power steering provided nice resistance and a good return to center (though I would have liked a heavier feel the more you turn the wheel).

All of these suspension improvements become especially noticeable when you realize how quiet the car is on the road. The 17-inch wheels on the Eco Cruze (they are the same wheels used on the Volt) do allow more road noise into the cabin than the bigger 18-inch wheels, but, in both cases, the noise levels are very low. It's easy to hold a conversation with someone in the second row without ever raising your voice.

In back-to-back-to-back comparisons with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Cruze was considerably

Chevrolet Cruze Eco Gets Automatic Transmission

2010-05-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco Picture

General Motors will offer the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco with a six-speed automatic transmission. This is a change from the previously announced plan to give the fuel-efficiency-slanted model a six-speed manual transmission only.

Engineers working on the Cruze acknowledged to media on Friday that the car may lose a slight amount of fuel economy with the automatic. GM has been saying the Cruze Eco will get 40 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. City mileage figures, and fuel economy numbers with the automatic, will be released closer to launch, GM says.

The Cruze Eco was unveiled earlier this year at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It has a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo engine that makes 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

First Drive: Chevrolet Cruze Eco

2010-05-12T18:57:00.002-07:00

Hybrids are a great way to max out on MPG, but a new breed of conventional gas-powered cars are promising better than 40 miles to the gallon—at least on the highway. The all-new Chevrolet Cruze Eco, due out in late 2010, is one of those contenders. Last week, we gave it our first drive on a closed course at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds.

The Cruze Eco will be marketed as a compact, but nothing about it felt cheap or undersized to us—except maybe the expected price, which GM folks hinted will be in the mid-teen range. The car had the exterior dimensions, cabin space, trunk volume, amenities, and overall presence of a quality midsize sedan.

GM says the Cruze Eco will get 40 miles-per-gallon highway, and 27 in the city. (Official EPA numbers are not yet out.) Chevy engineers are still tweaking things in pursuit of a coveted 30/40 rating.

The Cruze Eco uses GM’s new Ecotec 1.4-liter Turbo, outputting 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A turbo delivers the performance attributes of a larger displacement engine while maintaining the fuel economy of a smaller one. Despite the low fuel consumption, we experienced more than adequate mid-range acceleration and passing power. The Eco version is only available with a specially geared 6-speed manual transmission; the Cruze Eco’s fourth, fifth, and sixth gears have been set to overdrive for improved fuel economy.

Improved aerodynamics is another key strategy. The Eco version of the Cruze uses lower grille air shutters that open and close based on speed of the car and cooling needs of the engine—and to reduce aerodynamic drag at highway speeds. This is the first use of active air shutters for a compact car in the United States. Other functional add-ons include specific front grille closeouts, a lowered front fascia air dam, mid-body aero panels, a deck lid spoiler, a lowered suspension, and ultra low-rolling resistant tires on lightweight aluminum wheels. The use of high-strength steel across the Cruze line helps to reduce mass and weight.

For our test drive, we got behind the wheel of an engineering unit, which was about 85 percent finished. It showed no signs of lag, and off-the-line performance was strong. The same goes for highway speeds, with the added note that the engine is very quiet. GM applied 18 distinctive acoustical treatments to ensure the Cruze rides free of most engine and road noise. Shifts were seamless with quick gear engagement in all shifting scenarios.

The split between ride and handling was even. The Cruze is agile, but not particularly athletic—while the ride is comfortable, although not cushy. Aside from a well constructed body, all Cruze models will feature, count ‘em, 10 standard airbags: two front, two side, two front knee, two head curtains and two rear side.

Black is most popular Chevrolet Camaro color so far

2010-05-12T18:57:00.001-07:00

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Black at 2008 LA Auto Show

Here are some fun 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sales facts. Up until May 11, 2010 (that was yesterday), black has been the most popular color for the new Chevrolet Camaro ever since it went on sale – accounting for 22.17 percent of all Camaros sold or a total of 22,893 units. The second most popular color is Silver Metallic accounting for 10,639 of all units sold (11.23 percent), followed closely by Victory Red with a total of 10,439 units sold (11 percent).

1950 Chevrolet Deluxe

2010-05-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

Sailing from the San Diego area, Ivy Westmoreland has always dreamed of cruising a classic car down the city'd alm tree-lined streets. That dream spawned from the many beautiful summer days she spent as a child in Southern California, watching the culture, now known as Lowriding, emerge within the urban streets of her hometown. Even though she diligently focused her time on obtaining a college education, raising two children, and working to manage the responsibilities that come along with being a great wife and mother, Ivy never lost sight of her automotive dream. As the saying goes, 'it's all about timing and finally, that time came for Ivy just five years ago.

After her two children were all grown up and living their own independent lives, Ivy finally decided to retire. Aware that such a hardworking life deserved the proper recognition, Stan, her loving husband of 31 years, asked her what she wanted. Ivy was quick to reply; she told her husband that she wanted "an oldie car." With his support, she began her hunt for the right classic ride, eventually settling on a Chevy Bomb in the city of San Juan Capistrano, California. Fortunately, the '50 Deluxe already had a nice paintjob, clean interior, and an airbag suspension to allow it to drop low and sit on the pavement. On the negative side of things, the car did need some work, and Ivy knew she would need to find a trustworthy mechanic to bring the ride to a safe level for her desired casual cruising trips.

Over the course of the next three years, the father and son duo known as the "Louies" over at Car Connection in Logan Heights, California, worked hard to get everything mechanically up to par. When the ride was ready for its debut, Ivy's good friend, Xavier "The Xman" from San Dieago's 92.5 FM radio station, told her to bring her "Purple People Eater" over to the Old Town district for a big Cinco De Mayo car show event. Ivy had voiced her concerns that the Lowriding community might not welcome her, but as she soon found out, they welcomed her with nothing but open arms. She met individuals from other car clubs and solo riders - from the youngsters to the OGs, as well as men and women - and they all gave her props for her beautiful ride.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Gets More Awesome For 2011

2010-05-05T20:42:00.001-07:00

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is one of the best bargains in the sports car category – if you can call $74, 285 a bargain, that is. Undoubtedly, it is a great deal considering the performance you get with it, and now it’s an even better value proposition thanks to some choice upgrades borrowed from the even crazier Corvette ZR1.

A re-tuned exhaust, new tires and some cosmetic bits are standard, but the big news is the Z07 option package, containing Brembo ceramic brakes, ZR1-like 20-spoke wheels, Michelin PS2 tires and GM’s famous Magnetic Selective Ride Control shock absorbers, which can alter the handling characteristics at the touch of a button. Hit the jump to see a 10 minute video outlining the changes to this year’s Corvette Z06.

2011 Corvette honors 50th anniversary of marque's first Le Mans win

2010-05-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

2011 Corvette

It's been 50 years since Chevrolet first took a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 1960 Briggs Cunningham Corvette. General Motors has decided to mark the occasion by swaddling the very first 2011 Chevrolet Corvette in the same livery worn by the champion. The car wears blue stripes and other decals as homage to the company's racing history, but it also packs a few performance tricks from the Chevrolet playbook at the same time. The special-edition 2011 Corvette boasts both the Z06 and CFZ packages, which means there's 505 horsepower on tap courtesy of a 7.0-liter aluminum V8.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

2010-04-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

With a 430-horsepower V8 and a sticker of only $55K, the new Corvette Grand Sport may be the best sports-car bargain on the planet

The Grand Sport, a new version of the iconic two-seater Chevy sports car, splits the difference between the regular Corvette and the powerful, much more expensive Z06. Basically, the GS replaces the Z51 performance package that used to be an option on the base-model Corvette.

The GS has the same 6.2-liter, 430-hp V8 found in the regular Corvette, and is offered as either a coupe or a convertible. Either way, it includes a number of Z06-style upgrades, among them bigger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, wider front and rear fenders, and a front splitter and tall rear spoiler, as well as fender stripes and vents and unique alloy wheels. These aren't all cosmetic enhancements. Many of them improve the car's aerodynamics and handling so that it hugs the road even more tenaciously than a regular Corvette.

General Motors rolls out 1,00,000th Chevrolet Spark

2010-04-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Carmaker General Motors India on Wednesday said it has rolled out its 1,00,000th Chevrolet Spark from Halol plant, situated near Ahmedabad.

The hatchback is produced at the company's Halol and Talegaon plants, which has a total production capacity of 2,25,000 units per annum.

"Chevrolet Spark has performed exceedingly well in the Indian market. The car continues to record impressive growth in sales month after month," General Motors said in a statement.

2011 Chevrolet Volt streaks toward production

2010-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt continues to rack up test miles as it streaks toward launch in the United States late this year.

Engineers said they have put 250,000 miles collectively on test Volts since November, and have flogged the extended-range electric vehicle in extreme cold-weather conditions. Some individual test cars have more than 20,000 miles on the clock.

The Volt, the most anticipated General Motors vehicle in years, remains on track for its rollout in some parts of the nation, officials said. The sister car of the Volt, the Opel Ampera, is set for launch in Europe in 2011.

Chevrolet Volt's battery and powertrain development

2010-04-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Volt

General Motors has provided another of its regular updates on the development of the Chevrolet Volt, focusing on its battery and powertrain. With a little over six months to go until the first production model rolls off the line, GM says it is making rapid progress on getting the Volt ready for final validation and certification. Over the past several months, the engineers have been accumulating test miles on the 80 pre-production IVER cars that were built last summer. The fleet has now accumulated over 500,000 miles, with some of the cars having run upwards of 20,000 miles while completing the durability tests.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition Sells For $297,000

2010-04-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

The production run for the new 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition will be capped at just 500 cars so each of these models will be something special, especially for diehard muscle car and Corvette fans. Too bad that the very first of the cars has already been sold at the Barrett-Jackson vehicle auctions, which took place in Palm Beach, Florida on April 3.

The first of the 500 retail 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition coupes was sold for a staggering $297,000. In addition to this, the winning bidder also receives the opportunity to tour GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan, home of the hand-built LS7 and LS9 engines found in the Z06 and ZR1 respectively. It doesn’t end there, however, as the winner will also have the opportunity to watch the car going down the line at the famed Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Chevrolet Cruze Eco & RS

2010-04-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet Cruze Eco
As the on-sale day draws closer for the Cruze, Chevrolet has released details concerning two additional versions: the high-fuel efficiency version, as well as an RS appearance package. The Eco will be powered by a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine mated with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet claims this powertrain and other fuel-saving measures should achieve an estimated 40 mpg on the highwaythat's almost hybrid or diesel territory. An automatic transmission will be available, but fuel economy figures are bound to be less impressive for that one.

The Eco's exterior is enhanced to maximize fuel economy with a lower front grille air shutter that closes at highway speeds to allow for greater aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds for optimal engine cooling airflow. In addition, the Eco benefits from lowered ride height also for better aerodynamics, light-weight wheels, and low-rolling resistance tires.

The sporty RS package will be offered to dress up the LT and LTZ trims. A storied moniker, RS includes unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler, and fog lamps, but no performance modifications. The interior instrument panel also gets chrome accent rings instead of the standard silver.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Review

2010-03-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevrolet Equinox, and here's what I discovered while traveling through the city and suburbs.

The Equinox is positioned as a "car-like" crossover, and it replaces the previous generation, which was competent yet forgettable.

So how does this new one stack up? Well, read on.

Available in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ, the Equinox offers two engines. Standard is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower, while an optional 3.0-liter V-6 makes 264 horsepower. Both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.

My tester was an all-wheel drive LTZ with the 3.0-liter V-6. It came with standard features like ABS, an antiskid system, traction control, a rearview camera, a rear parking assist system, a power rear liftgate, fog lamps, heated front seats, a cargo net and cargo cover, cruise control, satellite radio, an uplevel audio system, a wireless cell phone link, a USB port, and steering-wheel audio controls. Base price: $29,795.

011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

2010-03-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Corvette Z06 Carbon is the latest special-edition model to hit the street. Last week we brought you the first images and details on the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, and today GM has released a new set of images that show the car off in even more ferocious detail.

Designed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette's racing efforts at Le Mans, the Carbon Edition Z06 gets the suspension and brake package from the ZR1. Those same carbon-ceramic brakes are also found on the Ferrari F430, so it's no cosmetic upgrade, though the pizza-platter-sized flecked black discs do look sinister behind the blacked-out wheels.

Chevrolet releases more pictures of the new Z06 Carbon

2010-03-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

2011 Chevrolet Z06 Carbon edition and stay tuned to the Detroit Autos Examiner for all of your biggest automotive news from around town and around the world!

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon

2010-03-13T01:50:00.000-08:00

When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

Chevrolet Corvette may come to India

2010-03-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

A slew of sports cars have made it to the India [ Images ]n market and many more are expected to be launched soon. The recent buzz that is doing the rounds is that General Motors [ Images ] might bring its Chevrolet [ Images ] Corvette to India sometime in the future.

While talking to a business daily Timothy E Lee, president, international operations of General Motors discussed GM's plan of selling internationally popular models in India. According to him powerful cars like the Camaro and Corvette might be sold via special boutiques in small numbers.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 comes with exposed headlamps, 6.0 L LS2 V8 engine that has the capacity of producing 400 hp at 6000 rpm and 542 Nm torque at 4400 rpm.

Chevy is not alone. The recently launched Nissan 370Z may also be in India. The car has two variants with both manual and automatic transmission. Powered by a 3.7L, 3696cc, V6, CVVTCS (continuous variable valve timing control system) with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) technology the engine is capable of producing 332bhp power at 7000rpm with 365Nm torque at 5200rpm. The car has a mind blowing top speed of 257kmph.

Similarly, there is news of the Porsche 911 turbo S making it to India with a price tag of a whopping Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million)! The 911 Turbo S might come with a six-cylinder boxer boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry capable of producing 530 bhp power and 700 Nm torque.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD

2010-03-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

General Motors will roll out the revamped 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty ranges this summer with a variety of changes, notably more towing and payload capacity.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD GMC is also adding a premium Denali model to the Sierra HD series.

The Silverado and Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD come standard with a 6.0-liter Vortec gasoline V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Optional is a revised 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 that now delivers 397 hp and a muscular 765 lb-ft and is equipped with an Allison 1000 six-speed transmission.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition Unveiled

2010-03-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition Picture

The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon edition offers the same hood bulge as the ZR1, but without the silly peek-a-boo window.
Just the Facts:
Chevy is introducing a new edition of the 2011 Corvette Z06 in a limited run of 500 units.
The Carbon edition bundles Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires with carbon brakes and special paint.
Two additional packages, the Z07 and CFZ Z06 will also be offered for 2011.

Chevrolet Cruze Automatic launched

2010-03-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Cruze Automatic Six-speed automatic gearbox gives the ET ZigWheels Midsize Sedan of the Year even more firepower to surmount the D-segment

Chevrolet Cruze Automatic General Motors India has launched an automatic transmission variant of its recently launched D-segment sedan, the Cruze. The Cruze AT will come with a six-speed automatic gearbox and will be offered only on the fully loaded LTZ version that comes fitted with other bells-n-whistles like the passive keyless entry, push button start and electric sunroof

Priced at Rs 13.54 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the newly added auto-box is expected to take the car square into the territory of the Skoda Laura, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis, all of which are currently available with automatic gearbox variants

Speaking at the launch, P.Balendran, Vice President, General Motors India said "The Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed diesel performance combined with an array of unique features. And with the Automatic transmission option the Cruze offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a Sedan at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money".

2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R

2010-03-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Corvette Racing’s second-generation C6.R will be powered by a new 5.5L production-based V-8, to compete in the new unified GT class in the 2010 American Le Mans Series as well as the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The updated C6.R and the Corvette ZR1 on which it’s based represent the strongest link yet between a production Corvette and the modern Corvette Racing team. Both cars are well-equipped to compete on and off the track with showroom competitors including Aston Martins, BMWs, Porsches and Ferraris.

Corvette has a long history of production-based endurance racing, making its first appearance at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1956, and its first appearance at Le Mans in 1960. Then Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov leveraged the racing program to improve the production Corvette, as evidenced by the development of heavy-duty and high-performance components and the introduction of the race-bred Z06 option on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.

The transfer of technology between racing and production cars resumed with the start of the modern Corvette Racing program in 1999. More than a decade later, it’s impossible to imagine one team without the other, according to Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer:

“Simply put, without Corvette Racing, there would not be a Corvette Z06, much less the ZR1. And, without the foundation of the Corvette C6, Z06 and ZR1, the Corvette Racing team would not be the dominant presence in production-based racing.”

1999 – 2004: The C5-R acts as a catalyst for Corvette performance

Corvette Racing campaigned the C5-R from 1999 through the end of the 2004 season. The first-generation car scored 35 victories in 55 races, won its class at the 12 Hours of Sebring three consecutive years, posted three 1-2 finishes in the GTS class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and earned four consecutive ALMS manufacturers championships for Chevrolet.

It also served as a catalyst for Corvette performance.

In 1999, the fifth-generation Corvette C5 produced 345 horsepower from its 5.7L V-8. Leveraging the powertrain technologies developed for the C5R, Corvette brought back the hallowed Z06 moniker in 2001, packing a 385 horsepower 5.7L V-8.

In addition, the C5-R helped shape the sixth-generation Corvette, introduced for the 2005 model year. Corvette Racing’s influence could be seen in the C6 Corvette design, which featured flush headlights for better aerodynamics; a single, large grille opening for the engine air intake, radiator, and brake cooling; a lower coefficient of drag; and low 3,179 pound curb weight. Lessons from racing were also integrated in the 6.0L LS2 V-8, the most powerful standard Corvette engine to date, with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the C6 Corvette delivered unprecedented performance, including a 186-mph top speed, acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and quarter-mile runs in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R
2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R

2010 Chevrolet Suburban 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition

2010-03-02T18:35:00.001-08:00

Chevrolet announced the new 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban to commemorate the pioneering SUV’s production milestone. It is the first vehicle in the industry to achieve 75 years in production.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Synergy specification and pictures

2010-03-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Hot and cool exterior colors are a part of Chevy Camaro history. Now the 2010 model is getting its own.

Chevrolet today debuts the Camaro Synergy Special Edition with pricing starting at $26,790. Synergy will be produced in limited quantities from February to May.

“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green.”

The 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition is based on a Camaro 1LT, with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The powertrain has become a benchmark for the segment by offering a combination of performance and efficiency: The V-6 delivers 304 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, and returns up to 29 mpg on the highway.

The Synergy Green exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers (SEMA) show. In production form, the Synergy Green is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.

The color scheme is mirrored on the interior, with Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Synergy Green stitching also accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.

“Just as those colors helped make the first generation Camaro an icon, modern colors like Inferno Orange, Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition and Synergy Green will define the 2010 Camaro,” Settlemire said.

The Special Edition also includes the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, with Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models equipped with an automatic transmission.

“The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price,” says Camaro marketing manager John Fitzpatrick. “For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood.”

First 2011 Chevrolet Volts reportedly won't be E85 capable

2010-02-18T00:29:00.000-08:00

According to the knowers-of-all-things-Volt over at GM-Volt.com (which incidentally just got a very nice site redesign), the initial batch of first-model-year Chevrolet Volts won't be flex-fuel capable as initially planned. Says vehicle executive Tony Posawatz, "We are finalizing some of our options and the associated timing that goes with them. The E85 capable emission package will have its timing finalized soon... It will not be available for November 2010."

It will apparently take a full year or so to get flex-fuel capability built into the Volt's 1.4-liter four cylinder engine/generator package. Of course, none of this matters all that much if you plan to almost exclusively operate your extended-range electric vehicle using the electric motor and lithium ion batteries, eschewing as much reliance on fossil fuels as possible... but even that strategy won't be possible all of the time.

Chevy beefs up 2011 Silverados

2010-02-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2011 Silverado HD truck lineup with a new chassis to deliver towing, payload capability, and a new Duramax 6.6L diesel engine and Allison 1000 transmission combination for efficient fuel economy. The new truck is expected to go on sale this summer.

Chevrolet said that the 2011 Silverado HD lineup offers: a fully-boxed frame assemblies, new asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspensions, an improved 6.0L Vortec 6L90 powertrain, a new exhaust brake system, large brakes, efficient ride, handling and steering, and safety and functional technologies including 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models and connectivity.

According to Chevrolet, the new line-up grows to eleven 2500HD models and eight single and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models, including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box.

In addition, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are represented by a dome-style hood, a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. It also includes a new lineup of 17, 18 and 20 inch wheel/tire combinations.

Special Edition of the Corvette 427

2010-02-07T22:11:00.001-08:00

I think there is no human on the planet that doesn’t know about the big disaster from Haiti. A lot of people thought they should give a helping hand and so did this automaker namely Corvette by building a special edition of the Corvette 427 which is great but pretty normal from big auto makers.

This special edition of the Corvette 427 comes with the regular 7.0 liter engine that is able to develop 505 horsepower. The special edition of the Corvette 427 added a Single-style stripe, some chrome exterior badges, a painted spoiler, body color door handles, a dark titanium leather and also a crystal red center trim plate to mark the car as aspecial edition of the Corvette 427.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

2010-02-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

As you can see Chevrolet was busy, they worked (and still working) at a new project, I’m talking about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. This car looks very promising, I like very much the body and I like even more the fact that she is an electrical car, as you all know, electric cars are the future.

As I said Chevrolet Volt is an electrical car, but also the car is able to run on fuel too. Now a little bit more info about the electric specs, the car is powered by a big lithium ion battery, the battery can be charged at a regular outlet. It takes up to 3 hours to charge the battery full at 240v, and up to 8 hours at a regular 120v.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

2010-02-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Up until now, General Motors has remained deliberately vague in public about the scheduled Job 1 date for Chevrolet Volt production. Given the complexity and new technology involved in the program, the automaker's reluctance is understandable. After all when you don't know what the future holds or what problems will crop up, you don't want to put a misleading date out there, years in advance.

Internal schedules, on the other hand, are something else altogether. Every program needs to have deadlines so that people know how much time and resources to allot for a given task. Those internal gantt charts have undoubtedly had the magic Volt Job 1 date on them for several years. Among the stakeholders that need to when a vehicle will launch are the dealers that have to schedule orders for inventory. Around about this time of year, automakers usually brief dealers on when the current model year vehicles will end production and new ones will start.

General Motors releases video on how the Chevrolet Volt works

2010-02-06T22:14:00.001-08:00

By now, a lot of us have probably been hammered with lectures and tutorials about the idea of electric cars and how it’s going to revolutionize the auto industry in the future.

One of the most visible proponents of electric cars has been General Motors and with the Chevrolet Volt, the auto conglomerate has the ideal car to show everyone the merits of EV driving without compensating for performance and reliability.

But for every on

General Motors releases video on how the Chevrolet Volt works

2010-02-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

By now, a lot of us have probably been hammered with lectures and tutorials about the idea of electric cars and how it’s going to revolutionize the auto industry in the future.

But for every on

GM's Chevrolet Volt

2010-02-02T03:57:00.000-08:00

Meet the 2011 Chevy Volt, General Motors answer to hybrid cars like Toyota's Prius.
ABC News's Bret Hovell test drives the electric Chevy Volt.

You won't get the chance to buy it until the end of the year, but ABCNews.com was invited to preview the Volt on a closed course outside RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.

If you haven't driven an electric or hybrid car before, the first thing you notice after stepping on the gas-peddle is how quiet it is. An electric engine powered by a 400 pound lithium-ion battery allows the car to whisper along while barely making a sound.

You also notice how quick the Volt is. Because of the way electric motors are designed, power and torque are available from the starting line.

The car plugs into your standard household outlet, and will take about eight hours to fully charge, according to General Motors spokesperson Dave Darovitz. If your commute takes you further than the battery's 40 mile range, an onboard gas engine/generator kicks in, allowing you to travel between 300-400 miles before refueling.

2010 Camaro goes Synergy green

2010-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Striking bright colors are part of the Chevrolet Camaro's history--orange, yellow and what some might label Kelly green from the '60s.

Chevrolet is trying to generate a buzz for the 2010 Camaro with the Synergy Special Edition, a mouthful that means it is a limited-edition coupe with over-the-top green paint.

Count on this being the official pace car of any St. Paddy's Day parade.

The Camaro Synergy is based on a Camaro 1LT, with a 3.6-liter, direct-injection V-6, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $26,790 including shipping. Production is planned from February to May.

The “synergy green” exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association show.

In production form, the synergy green is accented by gray rally stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck.

The color scheme is mirrored on the interior, with synergy green instrument-panel and door inserts.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Pictures Gallery

2010-01-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Price

2010-01-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

By New Car Test Drive

On Sale: First Quarter 2009
Expected Pricing: $20,000-$27,000

The launch of the highly anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is expected in the spring of 2009. It'll feel a bit like back to the future, as GM's iconic pony re-emerges to compete with the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.

The new Camaro will be available with a 3.6-liter V6 aided by a six-speed automatic, a combination expected to be rated at 26 mpg on the highway. Enthusiasts will gravitate to the Camaro SS, equipped with a powerful V8 and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and 20-inch wheels. The Camaro will be built on GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The production version looks essentially identical to the concept first shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a remarkable achievement given the demands a modern design must meet. Compared with the retro-styled Mustang and Challenger, the Camaro has a more contemporary and angular appearance that looks more cutting edge.

This is not a reissued '69 Camaro. In fact, some might have wondered if this car was designed in the Chevy studio at all. It's edginess looked Cadillac inspired.

Underneath, it's thoroughly modern, offering the latest in technology.

While the exterior has a modern edge and attitude, the interior has more retro styling cues with two large main gauges and with other gauges located at the front of the center console.

The Camaro SS comes with a 6.2-liter V8 with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Cars with manual transmissions use GM's LS3 V8 expected to produce 422 horspower and 408 pound-feet of torque. The LS3 debuted on the 2008 Corvette and uses high-flow cylinder heads based on the Corvette Z06's LS7 engine for strong low-end torque and high-rpm power. Camaro SS automatics come with a new L99 V8 based on the LS3 that carries all the high-performance design features but also includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature, enabling the engine to run on only four cylinders when cruising on the highway to improve fuel economy.

The 3.6-liter V6 standard on the Camaro LS and LT is direct-injected and features variable valve timing. It's expected to generate 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard, a six-speed automatic optional.

Chevrolet Spark, smallest car in lineup, on sale next year

2010-01-15T08:28:00.001-08:00

Two women pose next to a new Chevrolet Spark car during the second press day at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show on March 4, 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was rolled out Monday at the Detroit auto show in a virtually identical version.

The head honchos at General Motors have realized that Chevrolet needs to start going after younger buyers. The Chevrolet Spark is one of their attempts to do just that. The five-door mini car, the smallest in Chevy's lineup, will go on sale in early 2012.

It was rolled out Monday at the North American International Auto Show in virtually the same version as the one above, which is sold in Europe. That picture is from the Geneva auto show last year.

"The designers who created this (car) joke that the headlamps are bigger than the wheels," says Michael Simcoe, executive director of global Chevrolet design. But the headlamps are sparkly and shiny. "Every opportunity we get to express 'jewelry' on this car, we'll take."

Chevrolet Aveo RS

2010-01-15T08:27:00.001-08:00

The sporty-looking hot hatch is in fact the new Aveo, GM’s Korean-built supermini that goes on sale in the UK in about 18 months.

It is bigger all round than the current car and is powered by GM’s 135bhp, 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual gearbox.

At the same time Vauxhall/Opel is looking for a new small car to offer underneath the current Corsa.

This might be based on an existing GM Daewoo/Chevy platform or not and will be between two and four years off depending on which way that decision goes.

“It could play a significant part in the Vauxhall/Opel portfolio,” said Nick Reilly, the acting chief executive of GM Europe.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

2010-01-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

Despite what may have been the most public development process in the auto industry's history, there's still lots of misinformation about the Chevrolet Volt. The extended-range electric vehicle has undergone innumerable tweaks for aerodynamics, manufacturing and reliability since it stole the auto show as a concept car in 2007, but the sleek four-door on Chevrolet's stand is identical to the cars that will roll off the assembly line this year.

Here are a few key facts to remember as you admire the production version at the auto show:

• There's no need to stop and recharge if you travel beyond the 40-mile range of the Volt's batteries. An onboard generator starts automatically to provide more electricity.

• The Volt will be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, formerly home to Cadillac and Buick large cars.

Chevrolet Aveo RS

2010-01-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

General Motors pulled the covers off a distinctive hot hatch at the Detroit Auto Show 2010, called the Chevrolet Aveo RS.
The newly qualified driver who receives their first car is a rite of passage for many in North America, with small coupes and even pony cars particularly the preferred male choice. Hatchbacks are perceived as unfashionable and undesirable for many. But with development and petrol costs heading up, hot hatches that can be sold universally at premium prices make financial sense for manufacturers.

The situation for GM is not helped by a general perception that the Chevrolet Aveo has been a bit of a dud. With the RS show car concept, the designers hope to inject a bit of desirability and freshness.

It provides a preview of the next-generation model. Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car's upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalisation options potentially available on the next-generation car.

The Aveo RS is powered by an efficient 138-horsepower 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine. Despite the Stateside aversion to 'stick shifts', a six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

Finished in electric Boracay Blue, the RS wears Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round tail lamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminium. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating a more aggressive-looking face.

Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminium structural surround, are inspired by the designers' affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterised by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-coloured turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile.

No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tyres. The Aveo RS show car's wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake calipers. The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a centre-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips.

With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated centre stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.

Auto Expo 2010: GM to launch Chevrolet e-Spark

2010-01-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

GM showcased the electric version of the little Spark, christened the e-Spark. The car will roll out in October and will be priced at around Rs. 7 lakh.

The e-Spark would be produced in collaboration with Reva electric car company. Reva would provide battery technology for the e-Spark.

GM is looking at manufacturing 5,000 units of the e-Spark initially. The car will be produced at the Telegaon facility in Maharashtra.

GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all

2010-01-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

2010 Chevrolet Beat for India -

The question of whether or not General Motors will bring its diminutive Chevrolet Spark to the United States still doesn't have a definitive answer. Thanks to a GM of India press release, however, we now know that the little urban runabout will be coming to North America, although that geography obviously also includes Mexico and Canada.

In the past, GM spokespeople have suggested that it might be possible for the Spark (A.K.A. "Beat," or that unbearably irritating robot from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) to be imported Stateside and that the automaker had kept U.S. regulations in mind when designing the car. Regardless, with gas as cheap as it currently is and a new Aveo just around the corner, we're certainly not holding our breath for a U.S. launch any time soon, and we feel that seeing the Beat in Mexican and/or Canadian showrooms is more likely.

Chevrolet Aveo RS Show Car

2010-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Chevy calls their AVEO RS show car “a wake-up call for the small-car segment”. Whether it is that remains to be seen, but they also point out, right off the top as a matter of fact, that the Aveo RS is ” designed to appeal to young enthusiasts,” has “personalization is built into the design,” and a “1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbo delivers exceptional fuel economy with performance when needed.”

Hmmm, who does that remind me of?

Scion?

Chevrolet will be showing Aveo RS at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in a few days. They say that it ” … features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.” It might as well be the next-gen Aero, but that only pointing out what you can already tell.

What the Aveo RS is, is yet another stab by General Motors to make a type of car, “a European-inspired hot hatch”, that seemingly every other carmaker out side of North America can knock out with out even breathing hard (i.e. Volkswagen, Toyota et al).

How far has Chevy come since the days of the Vega?

Well, on the one hand, the Aveo RS is not that bad a car. But on the other hand, the standards, the goalposts if you will, keep moving upward.

“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

OK, right … but does anybody have the sales figures for the Malibu handy? Is Toyota or Honda worried about the Malibu? Yeah, my point exactly.

The Aveo RS does take a stab at least at looking the part. Chevy has always done very nice shades of blue, and in this case, the color is called electric Boracay Blue. The company points out that the car “wears global Chevrolet design cues” like a dual element grille, round tail lamps and fender flares. There are also bits and pieces that are in brushed and polished aluminum, which always looks nice if you handle the design details right.

The Aveo RS also has outboard fog lamps, which, if you ask me, every car on the road should have. The fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet “creating an aggressive-looking face.” Boy, they’re trying hard, ain’t they?

“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”

The Aveo RS rides on 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. There are Boracay Blue brake calipers too because, as Chevy puts it “No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tires.” Out back there are such niceties as an integrated spoiler, a center-mounted exhaust with chrome exhaust tips, and exposed motorcycle-inspired rear tail lamps.

Inside you’ll see things like a matte black interior with gloss black highlights, metallic and blue accents, Boracay Blue accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augment the blue stitching.

The Aveo RS is motivated by the same 138-horsepower 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged four-banger that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze. Power gets to the tarmac via a six-speed manual transmission.

2011 Chevrolet AVEO RS Concept at NAIAS

2010-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

In the past, the Chevrolet Aveo was seldom remembered by any, because of some unfortunate design ideas and a cheap feel, but now Chevy is determined to change that. Starting with next week’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show, they expect to change the Aveo’s image into a more desirable product with the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept. The Chevrolet Aveo RS, mostly a styling exercise, provides a preview of what to expect from the next-generation production of Aveo.

Chevy says “the Aveo RS concept was designed to have an innovative look that is meant to be appealing to young enthusiasts“, and gives some hints about the latest concept car. The concept is longer and wider with more interior space than the current one. This profile makes the car look much more aggressive than its predecessor.

The Aveo RS design seems to have adopted some of the styling cues from the smaller Spark, but without the smaller area as in Spark. The scooped out rocker panel sculpting also resembles the Spark.

Like all new Chevys, the Aveo RS gets a dual port grille and round tail lamps, exaggerated for effect on the Aveo RS concept. The brake cooling inlets are extra-large, aiding the concept of “aggressive face”. The exposed headlamps and rear lamps resemble those on motorcycles. At the rear, the roof tapers low and the rear door handles are hidden in the rear pillars, which gives this five-door car a three-door hatchback look. The same motorcycle inspiration produced the instrument pod consisting of a round speedometer and a rectangular digital display to the right, with a milled metal surround and round cutouts on top of the steering column. An entertainment display system sits in the hooded pod above the center stack.

The blue theme is maintained throughout the interior of the car. The instrument panel, door inserts, and the leather trims for the parking brake, gear-shift, and steering wheel rim, the knobs and floor mats all include stitching that matches the blue exterior. The audio display, indicator screen, and other elements have been lighted in ice blue color. Blue stitching runs across the seats that are finished in actual leather.

Power in the RS comes from a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder engine, estimated at 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The torque gets sent over to the road via the giant 19-inch, five-spoke wheels and tires through a proper six-speed manual gearbox. Brake calipers are large enough to be visible through the wheels. Chevrolet had earlier announced that it would build the new Aveo in 2011 at its plant in Orion Township, Michigan.

Chevrolet Beat Video

2010-01-06T01:41:00.001-08:00

Just One day before the Auto EXPO GM wanted to make sure that they don’t want to wait for the EXPO and went ahead and introduced to India there version of small car Chevrolet Beat.the car is priced well below the rivals like i10 from Hyundai and Ritz from Maruti not sure if they keep up to the quality of those cars , but pricing wise its bit low than the competitors,Entry level is 3.34 lakh and upper level is 3.94 lakhs.and have like three variants – PS, LS and LT .
These will be available for order in the showroom immediately and will have a 1.2-litre petrol engine at its heart.IT has also promised that it will give fuel economy of 18.6 km per litre when driven at a peak power of 80.5 PS.

Chevrolet Beat in India

2010-01-06T01:40:00.001-08:00

Chevrolet Beat

New Delhi, India – General Motors India has launched the Chevrolet Beat. The model will be sold in over 150 markets in the future, including North America, Europe and other parts of Asia.

Based on GM’s global mini-vehicle architecture, the company took 27 months to develop the Beat. It joins the Chevrolet Cruze in the Indian market.

“With its best-in-segment design, performance and safety, the Beat is destined to become an industry benchmark and a winner among consumers in India,” said Karl Slym, president and managing director of GM India. “Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets in a competitive environment, the global vehicle was put through over one million kilometres of intensive durability tests in extreme weather conditions and crash tests both in India and abroad. It has high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over key areas of the body to ensure segment-leading occupant protection.”

In India, the Beat comes in three trim levels of 1.2, 1.2LS and 1.2LT. The LT can be optioned with a package of alloy wheels, dual airbags, seatbelts with load limiters, and anti-lock brakes. All use a newly-developed 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet Volt To Feature 24 Hour Connection Via OnStar Mobile App

2010-01-06T01:38:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Volt OnStar mobile app

Chevrolet doesn’t want owners of its upcoming Volt plug-in hybrid to just have a car to get them from A to B. For Chevrolet, owning a Volt is all about the experience of having one of the most advanced cars on the road, a feeling the automaker wants owners to be able to take away with them once the drive is over.

To that effect, Chevrolet and OnStar will be giving Volt owners 24-7 connection and remote control of vehicle functions via a new industry first wireless smartphone application.

Using smartphones like the Apple iPhone or Blackberry Storm, owners will be able to perform tasks from setting the charge time to unlocking the doors. Other features will include displaying the charge status of the batteries or the remaining driving range (electric and total), remotely starting the vehicle, and displaying mileage and odometer readings.

Traditional OnStar features such as door lock, unlock and remote horn and lights--which have typically been accessible only through a call into the OnStar call center--will now be available via the application.

The OnStar mobile application will be available for Volt owners at launch, which is expected shortly after production starts late in the year.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

2009-12-27T22:00:00.002-08:00

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car Picture

GM needed a little good news on Friday to take the edge off the demise of its Saab brand. It got just that with word that the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS will pace the 2010 Indianapolis 500. The car will debut on December 26 at the 2009 Indianapolis Auto Show.

This will be the sixth time that a Camaro has paced the race. The first Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500 was in 1967, followed by 1969, 1982, 1993 and 2009, said GM.

This year's pace car is inspired by the 1969 Camaro pace car and features an Inferno Orange Metallic paint job with White Diamond rally stripes. "The design is a modern interpretation of the original rally stripe that debuted on the 1969 Indianapolis 500 pace car," GM said in a statement.

The 2010 Camaro pace car is equipped with a stock 400-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, an RS appearance package and a leather interior with Inferno Orange touches. The pace car also features a new front grille insert that Chevrolet said it plans to offer as a future Camaro accessory.

Other details include amber lens taillights, special logo badging on the headrests and front fenders, and a safety strobe light system with custom interior light bar in the rear window.

Chevrolet Captiva Xtreme at 2010 New Delhi Auto Show

2009-12-27T22:00:00.001-08:00

Chevrolet Captiva Picture

General Motors India will be putting its best foot forward at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Show, displaying the Chevrolet Captiva Xtreme with turbodiesel power alongside its Volt and Spark EVs.

Riding on the success of the Captiva here, Chevrolet's Captiva Xtreme will come with an automatic gearbox, new foglamps, chrome inserts on the mirrors and roof bars. The Captiva Xtreme will feature the 148-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that also powers the current model.

GM India has taken a firm step toward going green, and at the Delhi show the company will display the Chevrolet Spark Electric, the first product of a recently signed joint venture between Reva and GM India. A compressed natural gas variant of the Aveo will also find its way to GM's green stall, along with the eagerly awaited Volt hybrid.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Chevy’s New Safe Word

2009-12-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2009-12-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Is it real? Already on sale in Europe and Asia, it is due in the United States in the third quarter of next year.

What they said: “Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail,” the press release promised.

What they didn’t say: Having the hipster Camaro and talk-of-the-watercooler Volt as its siblings means the Cruze may grow up with a “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” complex.

What makes it tick? The Cruze features two new small-displacement 4-cylinder engines, proving that General Motors is making fuel efficiency a top priority. Standard for the LT and LTZ models will be the Ecotec 1.4-liter turbo, and the LS will receive the Ecotec 1.8-liter. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions will be available.

How much, how soon? With the Cruze elbowing its way into the compact segment alongside the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, expect prices comparable to those competitors’ — starting below $16,000.

Chevy Volt gets cozy with iPhone and BlackBerry

2009-12-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

The Chevy Volt
electro-carriage will roll out for drivers next year, and when it does it’ll be iPhone and BlackBerry friendly. The image above was shown off at the L.A. Auto Show, revealing a BlackBerry
displaying the Chevy Volt’s battery charge status.

The iPhone and Blackberry apps will start off with the ability to control when the Chevy Volt gets charged. The Volt will alert your cellphone when it’s fully charged. Chevy also hinted that other cellphone platforms will be compatible with the Volt eventually as well.

Chevy Volt to go on sale in California

2009-12-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

General Motors says the Chevrolet Volt electric car will go on sale late next year in California.

GM said Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it will announce other markets later.

The Volt, which is expected to cost around $40,000, can be charged in a conventional outlet and is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity. When its lithium-ion battery runs low, an engine kicks in to extend its driving range to more than 300 miles without refueling.

GM also said it's teaming up with three California utilities as part of a demonstration project. Using a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the project will distribute 100 Volts to various fleets and will install 500 charging stations for residential, commercial and public use.

2011 Chevrolet Spark

2009-12-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well, how small is it? The hatchback Spark is tall for its 143-inch length, to permit four six-foot people to fit inside. You can assume the U.S. version will be 12 feet long, give or take an inch.

That's an inch shorter than the 2010 Mini Cooper, which has a back seat that's really not suitable for adult humans, but a full three feet longer than the two-seat 2010 Smart ForTwo.

Chevrolet Captiva Xtreme at 2010 New Delhi Auto Show

2009-12-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Captiva Picture

General Motors India will be putting its best foot forward at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Show, displaying the Chevrolet Captiva Xtreme with turbodiesel power alongside its Volt and Spark EVs.

In addition, GM India's latest entry to the Indian market, the Chevrolet Beat, will also be on display.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

2009-12-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car Picture

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS will be the pace car for the 2010 Indianapolis 500.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car Picture

This will be the sixth Camaro to pace the Indy 500.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car Picture

The 2010 Camaro pace car is inspired by the one from the 1969 Indy 500, GM said, right down to the rally stripe.

This will be the sixth time that a Camaro has paced the race. The first Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500 was in 1967, followed by 1969, 1982, 1993 and 2009, said GM.

This year's pace car is inspired by the 1969 Camaro pace car and features an Inferno Orange Metallic paint job with White Diamond rally stripes. "The design is a modern interpretation of the original rally stripe that debuted on the 1969 Indianapolis 500 pace car," GM said in a statement.

The 2010 Camaro pace car is equipped with a stock 400-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, an RS appearance package and a leather interior with Inferno Orange touches. The pace car also features a new front grille insert that Chevrolet said it plans to offer as a future Camaro accessory.

Other details include amber lens taillights, special logo badging on the headrests and front fenders, and a safety strobe light system with custom interior light bar in the rear window.

What is new with the Chevy Volt

2009-12-17T00:39:00.002-08:00

Earlier this year, I did a preview article on the first of the next generation of hybrid vehicles, the Chevy Volt. The Volt differs from a normal hybrid because the gasoline engine never directly drives the wheels of the car. Instead, the engine acts as an electric generator and charges a bank of batteries that power an electric motor. The batteries can be charged each night by plugging them into an outlet in your house and provides 40 gasoline-free miles each day. This method of drivetrains will soon be availability from other manufacturers as well.

We have learned some new things though. The Volt will go on sale towards the end of 2010, and it will cost about $40,000. It will qualify for a $7,500 tax credit which will help ease the sticker shock a little bit. GM has even recently announced iPhone and Blackberry applications that will notify you of the current charging status. A new higher-tech version of OnStar will empower the car to even choose the times to charge at night when the utility rate is the lowest. Talk about a smart car.

Although I haven’t gotten behind the wheel of a new Volt, several auto journalist have, and the impressions have been overall positive. Some said it’s a little unnerving when you are driving and the engine is charging the batteries because the RPM of the engine doesn’t change. You press the gas pedal further down, the car speeds up, but the engine will stay at the exact same RPM. I think this is something people would get over if they only had to pay $50/month to drive their car everyday.

The other new news is that the Volt will be built at a GM plant in Hamtramck, Michigan which is just outside of Detroit. GM will be spending $336 million to upgrade the plant.

These next generation hybrid vehicles are what’s next in the auto world and it will only help us to further reduce the dependency on foreign oil. They may not be for everybody at first, but expect one of your cars in the next 10 years to feature this new and exciting system.

2012 Chevy Spark First Drive

2009-12-17T00:39:00.001-08:00

2012 Chevrolet Spark Picture

The Chevy Spark is the latest trendy minicar.
It was one of GM's most enlightened moves maybe ever when it decided back in the still relatively happy days of 2007 to introduce three bold minicar concepts at the 2007 New York Auto Show. The Trax, Groove and Beat appeared (perfect for New York, since urban citizens generally speak only in monosyllables), and a little contest ensued to pick a favorite.

And now we've just driven around Athens, Greece, in the production version of the Beat, apparently the winning entry. Eventually to be known to us as the 2012 Chevrolet Spark, the new mini-size car will go on sale in Europe this coming March.

We really love these proper European minicars in the context of stressed-out city streets. The 2012 Chevy Spark is not a revelation, but it is what one should expect for this market segment in European terms, and that's saying a lot for a car that must fit into a genre that has become a sort of art form.

But when it comes our way as currently planned in 2011, can the 2012 Chevy Spark excite Americans for more than one selling season? The appeal of the Smart Fortwo in America suggests that so far we see a tiny tot like this as a bauble, not a necessity.

Pressure To Be Hip
While we could sort of tell back in 2007 that GM really wanted Internet voters to choose the Beat from the selection at the New York show (the spotlights glowed a little brighter on its electric green paint), we recall actually pulling for either of the other two. The Trax had a really interesting face, while the Groove had a great body. But the prevailing "bold-fresh-edgy" thingy in green got picked as low-hanging fruit by the vast majority.

So now the Beat has morphed into the 2012 Chevy Spark. That face is just too big. And those eyes straight from an aggressive re-stretch at the plastic surgeon. Dunno, really. It's not bad, yet it still seems like something of a fashion victim. Both the new Ford Fiesta in its definitive North American form and the Ford Ka (sadly, plans have changed and it won't be coming to us after all) also use the disco-headlights trick to make a tiny car look bigger, and these headlights strike us in the same way. These are all designs that lose their freshness after two years.

All of these cars could learn a lesson from the Volkswagen Golf, a car with a look that never grows old. Chevy itself has done a much better job with this company facial expression on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

Chevrolet makes trucks WiFi hot spots

2009-12-17T00:35:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet and Autonet Mobile have announced they’re turning Chevy trucks and SUVs into mobile WiFi hot spots.

Available now as a dealer-installed option, the service enables Internet access for laptop commuters and other Web-enabled mobile devices in seven Chevrolet trucks, including the Avalanche, Equinox, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and Traverse. Cost for the option is $200 for the remainder of the year--about half the normal price. Add to that a $29 per month Internet access charge, along with an unspecified installation cost.

Chevy and Autonet Mobile say the service will create an Internet hotspot within the cabin and provide coverage for a 150-ft radius around the vehicle.

WiFi can give road tripping, camping, and tailgating a 21st-century twist, and it may be a real aid to commercial users working in the field.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Review

2009-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

The new Chevrolet Camaro, Take Two.

When I was in possession of my first 2010 Camaro 2LT RS back in June, I was one of the first people to be behind the wheel of General Motors’ new muscle car for the entire Midwest. Equipped with the excellent 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine donated by the Cadillac CTS, camera phones and kids fresh from Transformers 2 followed me everywhere.

Fast forward six months, and I get a shot at the bigger brother, the Camaro SS. The SS’ 6.2-liter LS3 V8 sends a pavement-shredding 426 horsepower through a six-speed Tremec manual transmission and out the rear wheels. (A 400 horsepower L98 V8 swaps places if ordered with the six-speed automatic.) After a week of burbling around town, leaving long black streaks on country roads, and continuing to cause whiplash from observers, I can confirm Chevrolet has truly made an amazing car.

The difference between each version of the Camaro is only noticeable from behind the wheel. Sure, the front bumper has a subtle chin spoiler incorporated into the front bumper as well as a small vent built into the top of the front-end. Behind the optional RS-packaged 20-inch chrome wheels are large four-piston brake calipers stamped Brembo and there are two tiny SS badges placed on the nose and trunk lid.

The inside has the same cool, but ergonomically-challenged, retro-modern interior, with the retro dual analog gauges, optional secondary gauges down low in the center console, and two large rotary controls with HVAC controls located in the center. The only change really are the SS-embroidered seats, which come with additional side bolstering and are wrapped in leather fit enough for a Bentley. Of course, you still cannot see out of the damn thing, the backseat is worthless, and good luck getting anything larger than grocery bags through the tiny opening.

So little change inside and out. What is the big deal with this car then? Go ahead and fire up the big V8 under the long, sloping hood. Then smile.

Bringing 420 pound-feet of torque to life creates a quiet, but baritone burble. A huge change from the raspy, higher-pitched note created by the V6. Light raps on the skinny pedal turns this good-looking red guy into The Hulk, with a deep, barrel-chested roar from the dual exhaust outlets. I can’t wait any longer: Grab the leather-wrapped gear selector and put the transmission into first. Disable the traction and Stabilitrak, rev to about four grand, and drop the clutch.

The LS3 roars with a noise that would scare Zeus and the twenty-inch Pirelli P-Zeros fight for traction as Chevrolet’s ultimate muscle car warps the pavement underneath. With the independent rear-end, there is little wheelhop, which helps the Camaro pull off a sub-five second 0-60. The car just never stops pulling and is able to chirp all the way through third.

But wait, what is that ahead? A corner? A slight gasp escapes my lips, but I shouldn’t worry as the SS receives a much more aggressive suspension set up than the six-cylinder has.

Enter the corner fast and put those Brembos to use. The multiple pistons bite hard on the large rotors, causing a bit of front-end dive, but no wiggle or loss of composure. Saw the steering wheel into the corner and there is a much more noticable sense of immediacy and purpose. It has a greater presence and feel than there is in the 304-horsepower car.

The front-end communicates a great deal better than before and is much more planted in the corner, whereas the V6 felt a bit soft and floppy. The suspension loads the g-forces with a surprising firmness and balance not expected in this type of vehicle. Even giving the throttle some power, the rear end never feels loose, never feels disconnected from the rest of the car. The only real negatives is there is still too much understeer built into the suspension, the clutch is far too rubberband-like in everyday usage, and the Camaro still feels a bit bloated when pushed hard.

While I had the Camaro SS, I let my test driver from before, Ryan Love, take a spin in it. After an hour behind the wheel, he loved the power and the more control he felt compared to the V6 version. However, he felt too isolated from it all.

“I love the power. It’s so smooth,” he said. “The handling is also better, with less roll and understeer. However, it’s hard to tell how fast you’re going, and the engine doesn’t feel like it produces a lot of torque compared to the older generation, mostly because this Camaro is so quiet and smooth.”

While it may be fast, the Camaro does it with an amazing amount of polish. Sure, you can hear the primal noise of the V8, but there are no buzzes, rattles or vibrations permeating inside of the vehicle. The only vibration felt is through the gearbox, which acts as kind of a reminder there is something brewing at the other end of that transmission.. The plastics are very good inside, the leather is supple. The ride is polished, with firmness when you need it and comfort when you want it. The engine underneath the hood was put together in a clean, uncluttered design. The paint had very little orange peel, and the cherry red was beautiful on a sunny day.

Despite a few foibles, the new Camaro is a terrific car. It is not for everyone. For what it is and what it can do, there is little compromise. For just under 37 grand for a car packed with power everything, heated leather seating, an epic Boston Acoustics stereo, OnStar, and Bluetooth as some of the standard features along with the driving prowess and power this Chevy offers, it really is hard to beat.

Before You Buy

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership by getting a free, no obligation quote at Yahoo! Autos.

But wait, what is that ahead? A corner? A slight gasp escapes my lips, but I shouldn’t worry as the SS receives a much more aggressive suspension set up than the six-cylinder has.

Before You Buy

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership by getting a free, no obligation quote at Yahoo! Autos.

Chevrolet Camaro at Delhi Auto Expo

2009-12-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

General Motors is planning to unveil its pony car or muscle car Camaro at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo in January. The model was initially designed by General Motors to compete with Ford Mustang but in India it is coming as a part of brand building exercise for the company. General Motors has not confirmed any plans so far to launch the car in the Indian market.

The fifth generation Camaro went into production in March earlier this year. General Motors is expected to showcase the same model at the Expo. In the international market Chevrolet Camaro is available in 10 exciting colour snapped in two flavors, the V6-equipped LS trim and the V8-powered SS model. Other available features include a wireless cell-phone link, USB port, satellite radio, and remote engine start. Its 2-door convertible model is due to arrive in the overseas market by mid-2011.

Chevrolet launches Wi-Fi for 7 new models

2009-12-15T21:48:00.000-08:00

General Motors is keeping up with the latest technology by adding dealer installed Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile to seven new Chevy models. The Equinox, Traverse, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche and Express models will be the first available with this option.
General Motors is keeping up with the latest technology by adding dealer installed Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile to seven new Chevy models. The Equinox, Traverse, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche and Express models will be the first available with this option.

A 3G network is used to connect to the Web creating an in vehicle hotspot that extends up to 45 meters around the car. Able to handle multiple devices with speeds up to 1.5 mbps, enough for streaming video.
This will be handy on the family holiday but Chevrolet expect the Wi-Fi technology to be used mainly for business purposes.

“Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile enhances commuting, family vacations and work,” says Chris Rauser, Chevrolet Accessories Manager. “It benefits active families on the go, as well as professionals who need immediate information at remote job sites. Its uses are almost endless.”

It usually costs $399 ($443 AUD) but until December 31 it is $199 ($220AUD) with a two year contract. It also has a $29 ($32AUD) monthly service fee as well as the cost of installation.

Chevrolet Cruzes to 40 mpg with Cobalt Replacement

2009-12-09T01:33:00.000-08:00

The Chevrolet Cruze will offer 40 mpg fuel economy courtesy of a 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine.

Not lucky enough to live in Southern California and hop on the Chevy Volt when it debuts next year? Chevrolet will offer customers a more practical and immediate solution for their gas woes in the form of the Cruze, the compact replacement for the existing Cobalt.

Although Chevy will offer several engine options, the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will deliver the best fuel economy – 40 mpg highway – along with a respectable 138 horsepower. Designers claim the Cruze is as “slippery” in wind tunnels as the EV1, the most aerodynamic car GM has ever engineered.

The Cruze will also offer 10 airbags, a dual-cockpit design inspired by the Corvette, and the same front fascia design that Chevy debuted with the Malibu.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Chevy’s New Safe Word

2009-12-09T01:31:00.000-08:00

“Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail,” the press release promised.

Chevrolet Cruze will get 40 mpg and offer 10 air bags

2009-11-30T09:14:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-30T09:13:00.002-08:00

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

2009-11-30T09:13:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T03:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T19:01:00.002-08:00

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

2009-11-23T19:01:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2010 Chevrolet Agile Official Revealed

2009-10-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

2010 Chevrolet Agile is a new hatchback fully developed in the most advanced automotive technology center in Latin America located in Brazil, which carries all the modern global GM design cues.With its advanced exterior and interior design, new technology features and the revolutionary 1.4L (Econo.Flex) engine, the new Chevrolet Agile sets new benchmark in the compact hatchback market segment.

The new Chevrolet Agile will be available in two versions for Brazil – the LT and LTZ, and three versions for Argentina – the LS, LT and LTZ.

2010 Agile excels with its crossover-look and an elegant and dynamic profile. The interior design also offers premium quality and comfort, thanks to the “dual cockpit” design, which provides a distinct experience for the driver and passenger.

Under Chevrolet Agile’s bonnet is the already familiar and efficient 1.4L engine, which produces 102 hp at 6000 rpm when fueled with alcohol and 97 hp when running on gasoline. This new Chevrolet model’s engine also brings something new – “System Zero”, an engine management system designed by GM exclusively for ‘flex fuel’ vehicles.

The 2010 Chevrolet Agile will be available in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.