Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Chevrolet Reveals Plans for Hybrid Cruze Plug-In
Australia’s GoAuto reports that the Cruze will be a traditional plug-in hybrid, where the engine and hybrid system work in tandem, rather than the Volt, which is described as an electric vehicle with a range-extending gasoline engine. “Plug-in Cruze doesn’t make Volt redundant at all. Plug-in Cruze would have a different powertrain. Plug-in hybrids use both the engine and motor all the time,” said Jim Frederico, who is in charge of General Motors’ small electric vehicle program. “The plug-in Cruze has a place and it will be a hybrid.”
GM is testing an all-electric Cruze in South Korea currently, but so far it remains an experimental vehicle. A Cruze plug-in could debut as early as 2014, given the car’s strong sales and the introduction of the diesel version in 2013 (which a plug-in version would likely overshadow).
** Courtesy of AutoGuide
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
2012 Chevrolet Camaro Earns Highest Ever Safety Ratings
How’s this for doubling your pleasure: Not only does the 2012 Chevy Camaro family offer the fastest, more powerful production Camaro ever—in the form of the awesome ZL1—but now that lineup also includes the safest Camaro yet. That’s because the 2012 Camaro Coupe recently became the first vehicle of any kind to attain the highest possible score—five stars—in every single facet of the revised National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program.
(It’s an especially notable achievement, as NHTSA deployed a new, more stringent testing regiment for the 2011 model year. This included adding a number of advanced crash scenarios, including a side barrier impact test and side pole impact test.)
Helping keep Camaro occupants safe and sound are features such as:
- Six standard air bags, including head-curtain side units specifically designed to help protect outboard passengers during side impacts
- Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, which can automatically apply the brakes or adjust the throttle to help drivers maintain control of the car
- Standard four-wheel disc brakes, with SS and ZL1 models boasting Brembo components
- Standard seatbelt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors as part of the Camaro’s front-seat restraint system
- A new Rear Vision Package with a rearview camera; the package is standard on the Camaro 2LT and 2SS, and optional on the 1LT and 1SS trims
- Standard remote keyless entry with a panic button
- GM’s award-winning OnStar safety and security system
“Camaro has always been about performance, and that includes safety performance,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “We always strive for five-star ratings, and the fact that we achieved them under more rigorous requirements is a great accomplishment.”
** Courtesy of Chevrolet in the News
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Camaro ZL1 by the Numbers: 3.9 Seconds, 184 mph, $54,095
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9
seconds, and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,095, including Performance
Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension, the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of
performance and technology for the price of a sports car.
“From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of
delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris
Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “The ZL1 is no exception. There
are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the
Camaro ZL1.”
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe features a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,095,
excluding delivery fees and taxes. For that price, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more
expensive cars:
Supercar Performance
The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower
(432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). – making it the most-powerful production Camaro
ever.
The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact
intercooler The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated
valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at low speeds as well as a free-flowing
system for peak performance.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers performance that rivals some of the world’s fastest supercars:
“With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, the acceleration of the ZL1 is just awesome,” said
Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer, “but horsepower is only half of the story. The ZL1’s
most significant measurement of performance is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That’s
astounding for a 2+2 coupe, and a great testament to the acceleration, braking, grip, and
balance of the Camaro ZL1. It is the well-rounded performance of the Camaro ZL1 that will set
the bar for the sports-car segment.”
Exclusive, track-capable technologies
To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track-
capable technologies that are exclusive to the sports car segment.
For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic
Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological
(MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving
conditions.
“Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip
and body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the
best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the
incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.”
Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management (PTM), which is
exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is an advanced system
that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control
and electric power steering response to enhance performance. For example, the launch control
feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible
acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the
system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the
system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction.
Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and PTM will
automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available
traction.
In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory,
including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake-
cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features
not available on the Ford Shelby GT500:
Additional features and options
The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with sueded
microfiber inserts, and heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a
nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park
assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.
The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:
-Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
-20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
-Power sunroof is $900
-Stripe package is $470
-Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
-The suede package, including sueded microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro
ZL1 Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro
ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuelefficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
# # #
CONTACT:
Monte Doran
Chevrolet Communications
313-348-2317
monte.doran@gm.com
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 Combines Powerful Engine, Aerodynamic Design for Explosive Speed
The new 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is clearly the fastest production Camaro to ever hit the road, but that’s just part of the story: The ZL1 is a true all-around sports car that has both the power to hit 170 mph on Germany’s famed Nürburgring racetrack and the handling chops to cover the course even faster than a Porsche 911 GT3. And while a 580-hp V8 is primarily responsible for the former, it’s the ZL1’s aerodynamic design that helps enable the latter.
“The Camaro ZL1 lapped the Nürburgring in an incredible 7:41.27 seconds, which would not have been possible without work of our aerodynamics team,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “The design of the ZL1 creates downforce like a race car, harnessing air pressure to press the tires against the track for extra grip and control at high speeds.”
To achieve this, the Camaro crew focused on improving seven key aspects of the ZL1:
Front fascia—Numerous changes were made to the ZL1’s front fascia to increase airflow for engine and brake cooling, including the addition of a large lower opening and the carefully engineered placement of the fascia’s integrated brake-cooling ducts.
Hood—To prevent air from being trapped in the engine bay, which creates unwanted lift, the ZL1’s hood has a vented, carbon-fiber insert that improves air flow and keeps the front tires planted in all driving scenarios. The insert’s venting improves engine cooling, too.
Front splitter—The ZL1 uses a racing-style splitter instead of the traditional front air dam to further increase downforce, yet this factory-installed unit was designed specifically to allow plenty of ground clearance for everyday driving.
Front tire deflectors—Lift and drag also are reduced by using dedicated deflectors to optimize airflow around the wheels and tires.
Belly pans—Under-car aerodynamics are vital for high-performance handling, and the ZL1 has two separate belly pans—one below the engine cradle, the other behind the engine assembly—to help reduce turbulence beneath the vehicle. Transmission-cooling is upgraded at the same time, thanks to NACA-style ducts designed into the rear belly pan.
Rocker panels—Subtly reshaped rocker panels cut down on lift and drag, and also boost stability, particularly in high cross-winds. They also protect the car from stone chips.
Rear spoiler—The unique design of the ZL1’s rear spoiler, with an incorporated center high-mounted stop lamp, provides nearly 150 lbs. of downforce all by itself.
“From the driver’s seat, the added downforce makes a huge change in the feel, and responsiveness of the ZL1 at high speeds,” said Oppenheiser. “One of the best examples of how aerodynamics improved the performance of the ZL1 is the ‘Fuchsröhre,’ or Foxhole at the Nürburgring. In the ZL1, you can take that sweeping left-hand corner flat-out in fifth gear—nearly 160 mph (257 km/h). That’s a great testament to the confidence-inspiring stability and control the aerodynamic design helps give the Camaro ZL1.”
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is slated to go on sale early next year, with a ZL1 convertible model scheduled to launch in the summer.
** Courtesy of Chevy in the News
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Camaro Named "Hottest Car" at SEMA for Second Year Running
Proving lightning can strike in the same place twice, the Chevrolet Camaro was named the “Hottest Car” during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show for the second straight year. The award goes to the most accessory-friendly vehicle at the event and was first given in 2010—which means the Camaro is the only car to ever win it.
“After more than two years on the market, the Camaro continues to inspire creativity and Chevrolet is thrilled to see that expressed in all the wonderfully personalized examples here at the SEMA Show,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy. “Camaro has always been a car customers love to personalize and we are doing all we can to support them and the aftermarket industry with parts and accessories that help turn their dreams into reality.”
That was certainly the case this year, as Chevy brought a bevy of Camaros to SEMA, including the reincarnated “COPO” Camaro. Inspired by the rare Central Office Production Order Camaros of 1969—essentially dealer-designed, factory-fresh dragsters, each packing a 427-cubic-inch V8—the 2011 version was developed to meet the specs for today’s NHRA Stock Eliminator competition, with:
- Hardware capable of handling either the same kind of naturally aspirated big-time power plant as the original or a supercharged 5.3-liter V8
- Provisions for three different transmission setups, including a Powerglide two-speed, three-speed automatic or five-speed manual
- High-rise cowl-induction hood
- Custom Aeromotive fuel system, with a fuel cell and integral high-pressure fuel pump
- Chrome-moly roll cage
- Coil-over front suspension with Strange Engineering adjustable struts
- Custom rear suspension, based on NHRA requirements, with Strange Engineering shocks, Panhard bar and stabilizer bar
- Strange Engineering S-9 solid rear axle with aluminum third member, 35-spline spool, 35-spline axles and 4.10 gear set
- Lightweight, COPO-specific racing wheels
- 29 x 9-inch rear radial racing slicks and 4.5 x 28 x 15-inch front tires
- Manual steering system
- Strange Engineering lightweight racing brakes system with standard line lock
“The COPO Camaro is a proof of concept for what a Chevrolet Stock Eliminator entry could look like,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “And it is a clear indication that Chevrolet intends to homologate the Camaro for sportsman drag racing.”
All of which helps explain why the Chevy Camaro is clearly a safe bet to take home its third consecutive SEMA award next year.
** Courtesy of Chevrolet in the News
Friday, November 4, 2011
Don't Miss This Month's Exclusive Coupon For Facebook Fans!
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Chevrolet Debuts Its Hot Wheels Camaro Concept Car at the 2011 SEMA Show
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The annual gathering of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is often considered the ideal stage for automakers that want to highlight their “big toys for big boys,” and that certainly was the case today: Chevrolet opened its exhibit at the 2011 SEMA show with the premiere of its Hot Wheels Camaro Concept. And while the concept is a paean of sorts to the 1:64 scale version from Mattel—first introduced in 1968—it boasts a full-size helping of both style and performance.
This includes a brilliant “Spectraflame” exterior that matches the look of the original Hot Wheels Camaro, with a striking metallic-green finish that required significant effort to achieve on the Chevy. Designers first had to meticulously prepare the surface of a full-size Camaro, add a primer coat, then cover that with a unique liquid-metal solution that created the car’s mirror-like silver-chrome basecoat. This was followed by several layers of a special green tint that was used to finish the concept’s appearance.
“It may sound pretty straightforward, but no one had ever tried using this process to paint a whole car,” said Phil Zak, GM’s design director. “The bodywork and paint team experimented with several processes before spraying the first body panel. There were so many variables that contributed to getting the finish perfect, from the drying time to the air pressure of the spray guns—none of which was known before this project—and the team absolutely nailed it perfectly.”
“The Hot Wheels and Camaro brands have been paired together since their inception,” added Felix Holst, vice president of design for the Mattel Wheels Division, which collaborated on the project. “As part of the brand’s historic sweet 16, the Camaro was the first Hot Wheels car ever produced. The Spectraflame paint and redline tires of those first Hot Wheels cars have been the dreams of guys for generations, and it was thrilling to inject these elements into a Camaro for real.”
“Thrilling” is the right word for the SEMA concept’s performance, too. While the toys relied on gravity for their motivation, the SEMA car packs all the serious upgrades found in the Camaro ZL1—the hottest production Camaro ever sold by Chevy. As a result, beneath that Spectraflamed hood waits an all-aluminum 6.2-liter LS3 V8 that’s been hooked up to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. That combo might not be enough to send the Hot Wheels Camaro through the loop-the-loop, but it’s definitely enough to knock the competition for a loop.
**Courtesy of Chevrolet In the News.com
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