Thursday, October 29, 2009

2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

In order to celebrate the entry of the Corvette C6.R into the GT1 class of ALMS this year, GM unveiled to day the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition, a new package available for the Corvette Coupe 4LT, Convertible 4LT and Z06 3LZ.

The package will be available in a yellow base color with black accents, or with a black base paint and yellow accents. Yellow cars will receive black headlights with body colored door handles and a unique carbon fiber engine cover for both models. The Corvette Racing team’s ‘Jake’ logo will be used throughout the car, and the team’s victories will be displayed on the lower portion of the Corvette’s door.

[Source: Chevrolet]

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Pictures

Friday, October 23, 2009

Race-Prepared 2010 Camaro

Like a flashback to a time when Detroit steel dominated the world; Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers will all be represented in the season-ending Bosch Engineering Oktoberfest race this weekend in Richmond VA. All three of these modern pony cars compete in the series’ Grand Sport class, a group that includes cars that have only been minimally modified to 350-405 horsepower and top out at 160 mph. Unlike most other racing, the opportunity to see a car that is very much like one from the factory being put through its paces is more than a little satisfying.

2011 Chevy Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle

2011_Chevy_Caprice_Police_Patrol_VEhicle_3

With the iconic Ford Police Interceptor now doing a bid for life w/o parole, several automakers have begun to clamor for its coveted corner of the law enforcement industry. Enter: the 2011 Chevy Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV), only slightly more intimidating than the GEM NEV.

To be fair, it’s hard to compete with the extremely intimidating aesthetic of the Dodge Charger Police Package, but the Caprice doesn’t even seem to be trying. If you remove the ram bars, the light bar, and the meth dealer in the back seat, it would be right at home in the parking lot at the local bingo hall/church potluck. What’s more, not only is the Caprice sorely lacking in the looks department but the heat it’s packing under the hood doesn’t do much by way of impressing us either. Optionally offered with a V6 or 6.0L V8, even the most powerful of the two only puts out 355 horses which is roughly 100 more than the outgoing Ford, but still a full 43 less than the Charger.

2009 Chevrolet HHR

2009 Chevrolet HHR SS

One wonders now that the PT Cruiser is slated for termination if the Chevy HHR will follow soon after. The HHR only exists to begin with as a thinly veiled attempt at cashing in on the PT Cruiser’s past popularity anyway. Although the PT Cruiser’s unique (at the time) styling endeared it to a huge segment of buyers, the HHR has never been so lucky and has mostly lived on the periphery of automotive relevance for the last 3 years. All that being true, if the HHR is on its way out and it serves your needs, there are some pretty compelling reasons to give it a look. And none of them have to do with its styling.

GM Makes Grab For Relevance With Volt Color Contest

production-chevy-volt_021

As some of you more enterprising social networking users may have already heard, GM announced early this morning that the prestigious honor of naming the paint colors for the Chevy Volt will fall squarely on the shoulders of John Q. Public. Well, the honor of naming a paint color, at least.

Open to any members of the public who wish to participate, the official submission process begins today and will run until November 16th when the least offensive finalists are chosen. From there, voters will narrow the selection down to three grand prize winners who, in addition to lifetime bragging rights, will an all-inclusive to the LA Auto Show on December 2, 2009. The grand prize winner will be announced by Chevy on December 1 and will receive all the aforementioned swag, plus the chance to test-drive the pre-production Volt.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6

No more guessing. No more hype. No more waiting. At long last, Chevrolet has opened the doors to its feverishly awaited 2010 Chevy Camaro sport coupe, and we’ve enjoyed a thorough shakedown run (in a “99%” prototype).

Let’s not keep you in suspense any longer. The envelope, please: Chevy’s new two-door is…very good. Very, very, very good. At the risk of inducing insider trading, now would be a good time to sell your Mustang stock.

The 99% prototype is admittedly rough around the edges-awful paint, not all parts to production shape, some interior bits held in place with tape while engineers test final pieces — but in terms of hardware it’s a “nearly done” Camaro. With minor tweaks, this is the car you’ll be able to get by March.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 Front Motion

For this early drive, Chevy served up only the base, V-6 version of its new ponycar (V-8 drives will follow in about two months), but that quickly proved no disappointment. The headline news: The “base” engine is the same DOHC, 24-valve 3.6L V-6 that serves in the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the Cadillac CTS. Outfitted with variable valve timing and direct injection, this high-tech beauty will romp with more than 300 hp (final output is still TBD) and should deliver EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of least 18/26 mpg — though Chevy is aiming for 19/27 mpg.

Even GM loyalists must be pinching themselves. After so many years of second- or third-rate powerplants appearing in brand-new GM vehicles, seeing this superstar engine make its debut at launch time speaks volumes about the winning mindset of the New General. The development team, a dedicated cadre of Aussies well versed in building fast, rear-drive cars for GM division Holden, fought the good fight to get project money spent where it would do the most good. The result: premium engine hardware, sophisticated chassis moves, a gorgeous shape unmarred by “convenient” production compromises. You want a navigation system? Too bad — the Holden development crew figured you’d rather they spend the money on things like surgically precise steering and bourbon-smooth six-speed transmissions (besides, all new Camaros will offer OnStar turn-by-turn route guidance).

Yes, two six-speeds will be offered with the V-6 (and, by the way, the V-8): an Aisin manual and a HydroMatic automatic with wheel-mounted manual shift buttons (the V-8 manual will be a Tremec unit). All base Camaros will be equipped with an FE2 suspension package, though chief engineer Doug Houlihan says Chevy is “considering” adding, as an option, the uprated FE3 suspension that’ll be standard on V-8 cars. Base tires are 245/55R18 M+S BFGoodrich Traction T/As on 18-in. alloys; optional rubber will include 19- and 20-in. Pirellis (the latter available in summer or snow versions) plus an available 21-in. wheel-and-tire upgrade (summer only). Brakes are single-piston calipers all around, with cast-iron rotors (12.6 in.) up front and aluminum discs (12.4 in.) in back. (All Camaro V-8s will sport bigger, four-piston Brembo binders and a larger master cylinder for improved brake feel.) An optional RS package will include the 20-in. rims plus HID headlamps, a rear spoiler, and door-sill trim, among other upgrades.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Unveiled to the public yesterday in press conferences (video of which is available here) in Warren, Michigan and North Hollywood, California, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has finally made its long-awaited debut.

Careful not to stray too far from its historically-recognizable exterior styling, the 2010 Camaro is the 21st century update of an old favorite. Officially available in coupe form beginning Summer 2009, the 2010 Camaro is to be offered in 3 trim levels; LS, LT & SS – SS being the Camaro powerhouse everyone has been talking about.

Living up to its “pony car” tag, the Camaro SS gallops (sorry) into the 2010 arena with a 6.2L V8 engine, a bore/stroke formula of 4.06 x 3.62 and engine displacement measuring 6,162 cc. With 422 horsepower (@ 5,000 rpm), 408 lb-ft torque (@ 4,500 rpm), and current right-to-buy price tags sitting somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000, Chevrolet expects its key competitors to be the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Nissan 350Z.

Later this week, we’ll compare the 2010 Camaro to those 3 models and determine whether the Camaro 2010 can give those cars a real run for the money, or if Chevrolet is going to have to play a little bit of catch-up first.

Below, full text from the Chevrolet’s official press release:

July 21, 2008

It’s been one of the most talked about concept vehicles in automotive history. Now it’s more than just a concept.

Today, at simultaneous events at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, and GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio North Hollywood, California, GM unveiled the 2010 Chevy Camaro. Sales begin in early 2009.

“The new Camaro delivers the best of both worlds – great heritage and a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It’s a sports car for a new generation of enthusiasts that doesn’t forget the heritage that helped make the original a cultural icon.”

Monday, October 19, 2009

2009 Chevrolet Corvette

Question: It seems like there are a lot of conflicting opinions on when to change the oil in a Corvette. I've been changing the oil in my '09 convertible every 3,000 miles; is this too often? Should I just follow the car computer? Do I need to change the filter on every oil change?
David
Via the Internet

Answer: This seems like it should be a simple question to answer, but sometimes things aren't as simple as they seem. Let's start by covering the basics. You need to change your oil on a regular basis, because all motor oils break down over time. Once that breakdown has occurred, the oil loses its ability to protect your engine.

Besides lubricating an engine's moving parts, motor oils are designed to carry combustion byproducts away from the pistons and cylinders. Oil is also formulated to collect dirt and dust that enter the engine through the intake and condensation that forms due to heat cycling. Engine oil must also contend with any coolant or fuel that gets in the crankcase, as well as any acids that may form from the reaction between water and other contaminants.

This all means that the more you drive your car, the more the oil will become contaminated. Oil additives are used up over time, and the oil itself can oxidize or thicken, preventing it from doing its job. While knowing this may make you want to change your oil every time you start your engine, today's oils are remarkably resilient and long-lasting. That said, how often you change your oil should depend on several factors.

To determine the rate at which contamination and additive depletion occurs, we need to consider climate, driving conditions, fuel-injection or carburetion adjustments, and the general mechanical condition of the engine. In a perfect, climate-controlled world, with ideal driving conditions and an optimally tuned car, you could easily go 7,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. But since none of our vehicles operate under such conditions, I think you're doing the right thing by changing your oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles.

In some circumstances you'll need to change your oil more frequently than you normally would. These include a misfiring engine or extremely cold operating conditions, which can cause raw fuel to be introduced into the crankcase. Driving the vehicle hard-as you would at a road-course event or during a night at the dragstrip-will also require more-frequent oil changes. It's also a good idea to change the oil if you're getting ready to store your Corvette for the winter. This will remove any contamination and acids from the crankcase, so no bearing damage can occur during storage.

Every time you change your oil, you should change the oil filter as well. Most areas have oil-recycling centers that will take your used oil and filters. You can also check with your local parts store to see if they have a similar disposal program. Finally, always check your owner's manual for the type of oil you should use and the frequency with which you change it.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

chevrolet Spark Electra could arrive next year

Market sources say that GM India could launch the electric version of their Chevrolet Spark car in the next 12 months.

GM is collaborating with Reva Electric Car Company to develop this electric version of Spark.

Reva Electric Car Company is the only automaker in India to manufacture and sell electric cars.

The company has just launched their latest model Chevrolet Cruze in the Indian market.

They are also scheduled to launch another small car in India in the coming months.

GM India unveils new Chevrolet Cruze

General Motors unveiled the all new Chevrolet Cruze diesel model in the capital with an aggressive introductory price ranging from INR 1099000 to INR 1245000 (ex showroom, Delhi).

This is the second offering in the D or the executive, segment from GM India. Its first car model in this segment was the Chevrolet Optra Magnum.

The new car is cheaper than its competitor Honda Civic, the Skoda Laura diesel and the Volkswagen Jetta diesel. However it is priced in the same bracket as the Toyota Altis which is also available for INR 1100000 but is a petrol driven car.

Mr Karl Slym president & MD of GM India said that “Three months ago the new General Motors company was born. Cruze is the first offering from the new company. The new car has been built on a brand new global platform called the 300 series.”

According to him, the third small car scheduled for launch next year is also modeled on the mini 300 series platform. The 2 litre diesel engine-fired Chevrolet Cruze is the biggest car in the executive passenger vehicle segment in terms of dimensions and is available in two variants: LT and LTZ.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Concept

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

This week's informative GM Fastlane chat session with General Motors VP of Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar tells us the Camaro Z28 isn't guaranteed for production--contrary to earlier reports--and the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible was shown off to dealers this week, and "will come out soon."

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has been a hot seller for GM, and rightfully so--our own Bengt Halvorson drove one just this week and found it a lot of fun, "bitchin'," even, despite its minor downsides.

Drop Top Customs will make your Camaro a convertible

If you can't wait for GM to get off of its duff and release the convertible Camaro, Drop Top Customs will make one for you.

(Credit: Drop Top Customs

Suppose you wanted to pick up a convertible Chevrolet Camaro. You could wait patiently until the rumored 2012 release date. You could hope against hope that GM actually decides to release the darn thing. However, if you've got an extra 18 grand burning a hole in your pocket, you could see the folks at Drop Top Customs about making one for yourself, right now.

Ripping back the top will give rear passengers more headroom, but not legroom.

(Credit: Drop Top Customs

Custom Camaro convertible with the top up

Custom convertibles usually look odd with the top up. Drop Top's Camaro avoids this pitfall.

(Credit: Drop Top Customs

That $18,000 dollar price tag doesn't include the cost of the donor car, so expect to add between $22K and $33K, depending on how much topless muscle you're looking for.

Florida-based Drop Top Customs is currently accepting orders and will display its custom convertible Camaro at the 2009 SEMA Show.

Chevrolet Cars Online

Thursday, October 29, 2009

2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Pictures

Friday, October 23, 2009

Race-Prepared 2010 Camaro

2011 Chevy Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle

2009 Chevrolet HHR

GM Makes Grab For Relevance With Volt Color Contest

2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Monday, October 19, 2009

2009 Chevrolet Corvette

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

chevrolet Spark Electra could arrive next year

GM India unveils new Chevrolet Cruze

Thursday, October 8, 2009

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Concept

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

Drop Top Customs will make your Camaro a convertible

Labels

Blog Archive

Followers

About Me