- Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Economy, Videos, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, GM
This morning's Today Show on NBC featured General Motors' design chief Ed Welburn talking with host Matt Lauer live from General Motors' Warren Tech Center. Welburn previewing the Detroit Auto Show's coming attractions, including the new Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Camaro. Most newsworthy, however, was the designer's willingness to pull back the sheet - albeit partially - on what looks to be a production-bound version of 2007's Chevrolet Beat concept. Welburn promised that the car would be unveiled at the show in Cobo, leading us to speculate that the Beat may come to the States after all. Check out the Beat concept's high-res gallery below, and video footage from the show after the jump.
[Source: MSNBC]Continue reading VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show
VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Tuners, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for a gallery of the SMS Dodge Challenger
Steve Saleen is bringing back the musclecar wars with the help of the Detroit 3. Not content to modify Ford Mustangs alone, the former head of Saleen, Inc. is branching out into bowtie and Mopar territory as well. His new company, SMS Limited, will take on all three of the new retro rods this year. Under his former eponymous company's banner he had focused primarily on Ford vehicles, but now that Dodge and Chevrolet are getting back into the musclecar game, he figures it's time to expand his reach.
We've already profiled the SMS Limited Signature Series Dodge Challenger that Saleen has developed, and talked to Steve about what he had planned for the 2010 Mustang, but now we have a few more details about the SMS versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. For 2009, SMS Limited will not only build the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers, but also the SMS 460 Mustang and later in the year a line of SMS Camaros in their 150,000-square-foot facility in Anaheim, California.
All of the cars will get SMS superchargers, tweaked suspensions, and unique exterior styling elements, and the superchargers are more efficient and provide better cooling than anything they've used before. The company is also putting a new emphasis on upscale interiors, with better materials that should justify the cars' higher sticker prices. SMS Challenger production should begin this month, with 2010 Mustangs starting to show up in the spring. And if all goes according to plan, Camaros should start rolling out by the end of the year. Customers wanting a bit of Saleen magic applied to their musclecars will be able to order them through select Dodge, Ford or Chevrolet dealerships.
[Source: Detroit News]Steve Saleen's plan of attack for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Green, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet
Click above for new high-res renderings of the Splinter Wooden Supercar
The world's greenest supercar project is progressing nicely. The last time we checked in with Joe Harmon and his team of woodsmen craftsmen from North Carolina State University, the all-wooden car's hand-laid bodywork had been mated with the chassis, which was awaiting installation of the twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced V8 engine and six-speed rear-mounted transaxle from a modern Chevrolet Corvette. Those 600 ponies will be funneled to the rear wheels, which have center hubs made from pressed and laminated wood, naturally. Even the transverse leaf springs are made from orange osage wood.
Work on the project has slowed so Harmon and his colleagues can finish school, but the Splinter continues to garner attention having appeared in a flattering piece published by Automobile Magazine. While we wait for Team Splinter to graduate and finish the car once and for all, take a look at these new high-res renderings of the arts and crafts supercar.
The Splinter is one of those rare projects that's truly inspiring, and Harmon seeks to prove that wood is anything but an outdated material with no place - outside the dashes of expensive luxury cars, of course - in modern automobiles. Point taken.
[Sources: Joe Harmon Design, Automobile Magazine]Splinter Update: Students making progress on wooden supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Tuners, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet
Click above for a high-res gallery of the fahgmitgas Matiz LPG Concept
Thanks to a company called fahrmitgas ("go with gas", get it?), our European readers will soon be able to cut their fuel costs to the low, low price of €3 (about $4.20 USD) for every 100 km of driving. Of course, they'll need need to be driving a converted Chevrolet (nee, Daewoo) Matiz converted to LPG, but on the other hand... that's just €3 to go 100 kilometers.
The fahrmitgas Matiz LPG Concept has been put through a suite of bench-tested enhancements in order to be so frugal. Since fahrmitgas is a supplier to Chevrolet, it has intimate knowledge of the Matiz's systems. After installation of the LPG unit and some engine tuning for mid-range power, the company added stop/start, lowered the car a whopping 30 mm, and fitted it with ultra low rolling resistance Hankook Optima 4S tires. A shift light on the center console helps the driver get the most of from his or her LPG.
A liter of gas in Germany is about €1 (@ $1.40 USD), meaning 3 liters/100 km for the LPG Matiz, instead of 5.2 liters/100 km for the petrol Matiz. fahmitgas is looking at a production run, but no timetable or prices have been announced. In the meantime, check out the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery of photos below.
[Source: Fahrmitgas]Continue reading Autogas Chevrolet Matiz Concept = LPG for the masses
Autogas Chevrolet Matiz Concept = LPG for the masses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet
Click above for a high-res image gallery of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Back in October, General Motors reported that it had already received some 6,000 advance orders for its new fifth-gen Camaro. Despite the fact that the first car has yet to be delivered to a paying customer (that's scheduled to take place in February, with the first one selling at the upcoming Barret-Jackson auction next month), pre-orders are not slowing down, with GM now reporting a total of 10,000.
According to the automaker, 84 percent of the first 6,000 requests were for V8 models, but GM is now suggesting that a larger percentage of its latest orders are for V6 models. Sounds like those jonesing for a new V8-powered muscle car were the first ones turning in their order forms. Now that those initial buyers have all reserved their Camaros, the model mix may be getting closer to what The General had expected in the first place.
Hopefully, GM and supplier Cadence, LLC get their disagreements worked out in time and these initial pre-orders can be filled in a timely manner. The last thing GM needs right now is a botched launch of its revived pony car, especially since GM has been promoting the new Camaro hardcore for the last few years.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]GM reports 10,000 Camaro pre-orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, UK
Feel free to read that headline as many times as necessary, but yes, it's true: Clarkson-san wrote "Out of nowhere, my car of the year," the Corvette ZR1. The man who pooped on the spearhead of electric cars has given an American high horsepower pushrod V8 the gold and glory. And this is after comparing the ZR1's predecessors to Big Macs: "Cheap, plastic and at the right time, and in the right place, sort of just what you want."
Not only that, but to put the ZR1 on its pedestal, Clarkson went so far as to remove the Caterham 500 he had previously placed there. On the show, he said that the Caterham was the best of the year, but in his article writes, "However, if you broaden the search engine and look simply for the best car of the year, the Caterham isn't in with a shout because it's ugly and geeky and I wouldn't have one even if the option was the loss of my right testicle."
And so the ZR1 reigns, even though "it's not built very well." In Clarkson's words, it is "both docile and extraordinarily savage," looks good, goes fast in a straight line and around corners, "most of the time bumbles about like a forgetful uncle," and costs "lots for a Corvette" but is a bargain for the performance. His only lament about the car was this: "unless the healthcare and pensions company that makes it can be turned around, it will be the last of the breed." The ZR1 - winning hearts and minds... Hat tip to Pdexter!
[Source: Times Online]Jeremy Clarkson's Car of the Year: the Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM
Every time GM turns a corner it seems to come face to face with another obstacle. The latest setback concerns supplier Cadence, LLC, which provides interior parts for the 2010 Camaro. Cadence declared bankruptcy in August, and is now in liquidation proceedings. To GM's chagrin, joining Cadence in its descent into commercial tar pits are the specialized machines that GM needs to make parts for the Camaro.
If GM can't get the tooling, there are certain to be disruptions at assembly plants and then on down the food chain. The General would then need to pay to have the tooling made again while it looks for another supplier, a cost GM describes as "substantial." GM would like to have a new supplier in place by January 12, 2009 because Camaro production is slated to begin on February 16, with deliveries in mid-March.
So far, it's unclear as to who actually owns the machines in question - Cadence or GM - and Cadence has had nothing to say on the matter. Regardless, if GM doesn't get its way, then it has to spend a chunk of the money it just fought for to recover old ground. The most recent precedent isn't promising: Chrysler tried to get the tooling from bankrupt parts supplier Plastech, and was denied. Thanks for the tip, Jerry!
[Source: The Wall Street Journal]GM suing supplier to keep Camaro production going originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, GM
Click above to watch video after the jump
The 2010 Chevy Equinox looks to be a far more sophisticated vehicle than the crossover it replaces. It will be powered by a choice of two direct injection engines, with the four-cylinder model able to crest 30 mpg on the highway and the new 3.0L V6 packing 255 horsepower. Chevy's new crossover also adds upgraded aesthetics with expressive, modern headlamps and tail lights, the new corporate Chevy grille and a more muscular stance. On the inside, the Equinox also looks very Malibu with a sweeping, double cockpit and a center stack that looks as good as any in the segment.
We had a chance to get down and dirty with the all-new Equinox at the GM Design Center last week, and the video evidence of our trip is available after the jump for your high-def, widescreen viewing pleasure. You can also read our in-depth preview of Chevy's new crossover by clicking here.
Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Chevy Equinox inside and out
VIDEO: 2010 Chevy Equinox inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Etc., Green, Chevrolet, Honda, MINI, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows, Lifestyle
The Green Car Vision awards celebrate a car that's got its headlights pointed down the road of the future. Among this year's five finalists are two serial hybrids (Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma) two electric cars (MINI E and Mitsubishi i-MiEV), and one hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (Honda FCX Clarity). It seems like a pretty good breakdown of where things stand now, with serial, plug-in hybrids and electric cars duking it out in center court and a hydrogen vehicle thrown in to keep things honest. Three of those cars -- the MINI E, i-MiEV, and Clarity -- are on the roads right now, albeit in limited numbers, and the Fisker is due to hit the scene at the end of 2009, while the Volt bows in 2010. The winning car will be announced on February 3 at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show. You can read the full press release after the jump and check out a high-res gallery of the finalists below.
[Source: Green Car Journal]Continue reading Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award
Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Innotech Chevrolet Corvette
The last time we heard the name Innotech was back in 2000 when the independent Czech manufacturer introduced the Mysterro, a quirky supercar with a carbon fiber and kevlar body and a Corvette V8 amidships. While the company planned a production run of 25, only one was ever built and we hadn't heard from them since. Until now.
Innotech has announced a new styling package for the C6 Corvette with additional upgrade options for the interior, brakes, wheels, suspension and engine. The design has a heavy influence from both classic and modern Italian automobiles, particularly with the front end and the flying buttresses similar to that of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (itself borrowing heavily from vintage Prancing Horses). A speedster will follow shortly, as will Z06 and ZR1 versions. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-res gallery below.
[Source: Innotech]Continue reading Czech it: Innotech does Chevrolet Corvette
Czech it: Innotech does Chevrolet Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Chevy Equinox
Now that General Motors will be getting a cash infusion to stay in business at least through January, the automaker plans to unveil some new products at next month's Detroit Auto Show. The first one we can show you is the second-generation 2010 Chevy Equinox. You might recognize the greenhouse from spy photos we published earlier this year in which which the CUV was misidentified as the Cadillac BRX. While the Equinox gets a complete re-skin for 2010, the new CUV's dimensions are within an inch of the current model in all directions.
The Equinox remains a unibody crossover with either front- or all-wheel drive and the same basic suspension layout as before. The platform is an evolution of the current Theta architecture shared with the Saturn Vue. The Equinox's new styling looks more contemporary with prominent wheel arches and the obligatory Chevy twin-port grille. Inside, a new dual cockpit setup looks very similar to the one in the larger Traverse. As expected of any new model these days, the full array of USB audio, Bluetooth and DVD entertainment systems are also now available. Read about the new engines powering the Equinox after the jump.
[Source: Chevrolet]Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox debuts with direct injection
Detroit Preview: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox debuts with direct injection originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Time Warp, Auction Action, Chevrolet
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Don Yenko's Chevrolet collection
While not necessarily to the same extent, Don Yenko was to Chevys what Carroll Shelby was to Ford. He may not have beaten Ferrari at Le Mans, but Yenko built some of the most powerful Bowtie muscle cars of the 1960s. With only a few hundred built, they're also some of the most valuable. At the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in January, a private collector will be selling off his collection of five Yenkos, which are considered to be some of the best and most original in existence. Up for grabs will be a trio of 1969 Camaros, a 1981 Turbo Z Camaro, and a rare Yenko Nova. The highlight will be the Daytona Yellow Camaro that is one of three existing cars built by Yenko for NHRA drag racing. It features a COPO 427/425 V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, Hurst shifter, and more. Follow the jump for Barrett-Jackson's press release with more details on these rare muscle cars.
[Source: Barrett-Jackson]Continue reading Yenko collection being unloaded at Barrett-Jackson
Yenko collection being unloaded at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, GM
Since automotive sales are in the toilet and the sour taste of high gas prices still lingers, the unfortunate timing of General Motors' long-awaited Chevy Camaro has the armchair quarterbacks fervently debating its long-term viability. This, despite the fact that upon its release the Camaro will offer a little something for almost everyone throughout its various trim levels, a courageous attempt by GM to boost the iconic car's sales. However, many devoted Camaro enthusiasts will still be left out in the cold. This in part due to the vehicle's starting price as well as the many additional luxuries that drag down the Camaro's power-to-weight ratio. No one wants to pay MSRP for a vehicle they intend to strip. That's why GM Performance Parts will be offering a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro body in white. As a result, budget Camaro racers won't have to wait 10 years for a discounted used chassis and large race teams won't necessarily break the bank building a replacement when the driver inevitably stuffs the wall.
The Camaro BIW package will be a full body assembly structure available through GM Peformance Parts for $7,000 beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The chassis will not contain a VIN number, so there will be no means for street registration, as the body in white is reserved for race teams only. An application must be submitted to GM Performance Parts for approval before any transaction occurs. Follow the jump to see the press release in full.
Continue reading GM Performance Parts to offer new Camaro body in white
GM Performance Parts to offer new Camaro body in white originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Special/Limited Editions
Click the image above to view the gassed 'Vette take on the Nissan GT-R after the jump
The Garage 419 team is anything but conventional, so when they say they're going to race a Nissan GT-R against a $500 competitor, you know it's going to be entertaining. Host Matt Farah had the easy task of rolling to the strip in the Godzilla of street racers, with 478 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and launch control at his beck and call. Editor Gene Sanchez had the tougher task of obtaining a $500 car to challenge his co-worker. Sanchez had a couple tricks up his sleeve, though, as he rented a $200-per-day LS3 Corvette from the Hertz Fun Collection and added a bargain-basement $300 nitrous system. Unfortunately, the 'Vette was burdened with lousy run-flat tires and a six-speed slush box, but at least the yellow underdog had the crowd on its side. Does a juiced up Corvette have a chance in Hell of besting a bone-stock GT-R on a one-eighth mile drag strip? The only way to find out is by hitting the jump to see the race for yourself.Continue reading VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous
VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac Provoq Concept
Through some circumstantial evidence, "rumblings" and tea leave-reading, Autoweek has come to the conclusion that General Motors may unveil a new Cadillac model at the Detroit Auto Show powered by the Chevrolet Volt's range-extending hybrid powertrain.
Rumors of a Caddy-badged Volt have been circulated since earlier this year, with Bob Lutz and other GM execs hinting at the possibility of new hybrid model joining the Cadillac line-up. Lutz told reports back in September that "there's definitely room" for an eco-conscious Caddy and that "there's going to have to be some kind of dramatic environmental statement" from GM's luxury brand. So what form could it take?
Opel and Vauxhall versions of the Volt are already planned, but a Cadillac variant would likely be a small- to mid-size crossover. Just such a vehicle is slated to arrive in the second quarter of 2009 - the next generation SRX -- inspired by the Provoq concept unveiled earlier this year. While the Volt is supposed to carry a price tag of around $40,000, the range-extended, plug-in hybrid CUV from Cadillac would be priced significantly higher, and that could help GM recoup some of the costs associated with the Volt's advanced drivetrain development. We'll know for sure in a few weeks time.
[Source: Autoweek]Rumormill: Cadillac Volt coming to Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'CHEVROLET' Category
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
New York 2007: Chevrolet Trax - urban crossover
Active buyers who want to get in touch with their sportier side – or who just want to navigate the urban jungle in a sportier ride – will make tracks to the Chevrolet Trax, an urban front-wheel-drive crossover concept with a twist: This micro SUV has an electric limited-slip differential that features an independent battery pack and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, providing a low-cost all-wheel-drive system.
The four-door Trax is bathed in a Blaze Orange exterior finish, with rugged Burnt Orange accents on the front and rear corners that reinforce the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size. Simple door lines make getting in and out easier; and fold-flat rear seats add functionality.
Other features that suit its dynamic and off-road character include a voluminous, single-unit bumper and fender in front and rear, a pronounced front wheel arch shape, dynamic side character lines, a rear-mounted spare tire and roof rack. Brake calipers in Flame Yellow infuse additional attitude. The package rides on 16-inch wheels and Kumho tires for precise ride and handling.
The Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine.
“The Trax is a vehicle that you can show off anywhere, be it off-road or on the road,” said Sangyeon Cho, manager of the min icar exterior design team at the GM Design Center in Inchon , South Korea . “It brings a rational combination of SUV design, function, performance and value to the consumer.”
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Thursday, March 1st, 2007
Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, shows the new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007
Detroit News Readers’ Choice Awards
2007 Chevrolet Camaro concept
General Motors
The Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept will be unveiled at the GM Style event on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 5, 2007.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Thursday, March 23rd, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Chevrolet Avalanche SUT
Sales Company:
Available version:
1500 5.3 V8 aut.
1500 5.3 V8 aut. 4WD
2500 8.1 V8 aut.
2500 8.1 V8 aut. 4WD
Previous version:
Variation:
Cadillac (United States of America) Escalade EXT
Cadillac (United States of America) Escalade
Info:
For 2003 the Avalanche safety story gets even better. The 2003 Avalanche provides the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child seats in the rear seat for the center and left passenger seats.
Posted in CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Thursday, March 23rd, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Opel Blazer (5d) (Indonesia)
Chevrolet Blazer SUV 3d
Sales Company:
Available version:
4.3 V6 4WD
4.3 V6 aut.
4.3 V6 aut. 4WD
4.3 V6
Previous version:
Variation:
GMC (United States of America) Jimmy - Envoy (Mk.I.)
Geiger (Germany) Chevrolet Blazer tuning
Info:
For 2003, improved powerplant emissions and new seat fabrics add to Blazer\’s reputation as a dependable, well-equipped compact sport utility built on a foundation of security and toughness.
Donors:
Posted in CHEVROLET | No Comments »
