General Motors has started the expansion of its Wentzville, Missouri plant, essentially taking the first steps toward brining the new Chevrolet Colorado to the U.S. Continue Reading…
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Jamming tons of people into a small car is a comedic staple in the clown community, and now Chevrolet is using the tactic as a competition to see how many rugby players can fit in the Chevrolet Sonic.
Missed out on the limited edition Chevy Camaro Intimidator SS when it first came out? Here’s your chance to get your hands on one that’s basically new with just 48 miles on the odometer and selling for $49,900.
Only 83 of these special Camaros were made, commissioned by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt and built by GMMG. The vehicle was originally owned by NASCAR president Mike Helton, where it sat peacefully for 11 years logging barely any miles on the road. The Onyx Black exterior is accented by a Silver stripe on the showroom fresh outside.
Under the hood is an LS1 V8 mated to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission packing 381-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. GMMG fitted its Posi-traction rear end with 3.73 gears on the Intimidator SS models while suspension and handling has been upgraded thanks to double A-arm front and three-link rear suspension and Eibach springs.
The sleek Camaro rolls on 17-inch American Racing 200S wheels in a Magnetallic Gray finish wrapped with 275/40 Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber. This particular vehicle is number-43 of 83 and comes complete with the original window sticker.
Check it out at RKmotorscharlotte.com
GALLERY: 2001 Chevrolet Camaro Intimidator SS
Toyota continues to enjoy success with its Prius family of models, as its plug-in hybrid sold 1,654 units in the month of April.
The sales figure trumps its main competitors, the Chevrolet Volt (1,462 sold) and the Nissan Leaf (370 sold) making it the most popular plug-in vehicle last month in America. It’s no huge surprise that the plug-in variant of the Prius is selling well compared to its counterparts, considering how well-known the Prius moniker has become over the years.
Last month the Japanese automaker also saw the highest sales total for its Prius models ever for the month of April, moving a combined figure of 25,168 units across all its model variants. In total, Toyota sold 30,126 hybrids while its luxury division Lexus moved a respectable 2,467. Compared to April 2011, Toyota’s hybrid sales saw a huge jump of 124.6 percent, but it’s worth noting that April 2011 was also after the disastrous tsunami that hindered vehicle production.
“Thanks to continued strong sales of Camry and Prius family, Toyota was America’s number one retail brand for the second straight month,” said Bob Carter, general manager of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “With consumer confidence improving, we expect to see sustained industry growth in the months ahead.”
Rumors are flying ever since an OnStar app revealed that Chevrolet has an ‘SS Performance’ model in the works. There is no doubt a Chevrolet SS Performance sedan is coming and now some details have surfaced surrounding the upcoming model.
While the factory Chevy Camaro ZL1 can’t quite keep up with the new Ford Shelby GT500, the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering ZL1 can.
The well-established parts manufacturer became the first to break the 200 mph barrier in a brand new ZL1, topping the speedometer at 202.67 mph at the Continental Tire North America Uvalde proving grounds in Texas. That’s not all this particular ZL1 has done, breaking the 10 second barrier with a 10.79 @ 134.36 mph at Muncie Dragway a mere two weeks after the vehicle came out.
Lingenfelter will be offering three different performance packages to ZL1 owners and enthusiasts looking to keep up with the GT500′s performance. Power upgrades range from 630 to 700 hp, a significant increase from the factory 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque figures.
“The Lingenfelter crew couldn’t be more excited to make history as the first 2012 ZL1 Camaro to exceed 200 mph, and to celebrate this victory on the heels of becoming the first company to run a ZL1 in the 10s,” said Ken Lingenfelter, owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.
Watch a video of the Lingenfelter Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 taking on the quarter mile after the break.
Up for sale is a rare 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible with an asking price of $159,900 sporting a Ferrari yellow and black paint job.
The C2 Stingray features an accident-free fiberglass body crafted by Corvette Restorations AZ. Along with the immaculate body, a couple of bolt-ons were added to make it more aggressive and functional, while the fenders were shaped to perfectly frame the 18-inch Foose Nitrous Thrust wheels.
Each year thousands of Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts assemble at for Camaro5 Fest. Last year, the American automaker decided to join the caravan of 150 fifth-generation Camaros in Phoenix, Ariz., to capture it all on film.
The sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette is heading into its final year of production, signifying a highly successful seven year production run.
As it prepares to be replaced, the American automaker is giving the C6 ‘Vette a new paint shade, Night Race Blue. The Night Race Blue is a classy shade of blue which will complement the existing Supersonic Blue Metallic and Carlisle Blue Metallic that is currently being offered.
Buyers of the 2013 Corvette will also get to choose between four Black Painted aluminum wheel choices, instead of the Competition Gray that was offered in years prior. Choices include a 5-spoke in 18- or 19-inch sizes, the Grand Sport in 18- or 19-inch, the Spider design will come in 18- or 19-inch, and the ZR1-styled wheel will be offered in 19- or 20-inch.
With the new paint and wheel combos certain to make the 2013 ‘Vette a looker, we’ll have to suffer with these grainy photos for now.
2013 Corvette Wheels
The Chevrolet Avalanche, admits General Motors, may just have been too innovative for its own good.
Launched in 2002 as a new type of functional light-duty pickup with with actual space for five, it helped create the boom in crew cab pickups, which now represent 65 percent of light-duty pickup sales. As a result, sales of the Avalanche have suffered, sliding slowly from a peak of over 90,000 units in 2003 to just around 20,000 units the past few years.
“The Chevrolet Avalanche was one of the earliest forays into re-inventing the traditional pickup truck,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Edmunds.com. “It was a vehicle that maintained the traditional truck image and capability but was more versatile for the person buying it for personal use more than work – a lifestyle truck more than a work truck. Other variations on the theme from competitors followed the Avalanche’s debut.”
For 2013 the Avalanche will get a back-up camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lights and a remote start feature as standard equipment on LS model, while LT models also get a standard rear camera. Moving those last Avalanches off the lots will be easier thanks to a $35,980 starting price (plus $995 shipping), which is $2,500 lower.
“More than 580,000 Avalanches have been sold since its introduction in 2001, and Avalanche has won major awards and recognitions throughout its run,” said Mark Clawson, Avalanche marketing manager. “So it is only fitting that Avalanche retires on a high note.”
That high-note is a Black Diamond edition model with body-colored bed surrounds, a unique badge and added features.
GALLERY: 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
Price, looks and size… these are the few factors that used to decide what vehicle you’d park in your driveway. Looking for a cheap and small car? A Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic will do. Need something bigger, perhaps a mid-size Hyundai Sonata or an SUV. Things used to be pretty easy.
With increasingly high gas prices and an overall movement towards green, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel economy has become more important. In fact, for many price, looks and size are now completely trumped by fuel economy.
“Buyers just look at the MPG on the sticker,” says IHS Automotive Analyst Devin Lindsay commenting that car buyers are now completely mesmerized by the EPA sticker label.
Take a look at the Toyota Prius, for example. It’s not terribly big, is fairly expensive, and looks… well… weird. But that didn’t stop three million of them from being sold, all thanks to a hybrid gas-electric engine that provides excellent fuel economy.
The Prius isn’t the only option for someone looking for a fuel efficient car, however; especially those in search of a more engaging driving experience. If you want to cut down on trips to the pump, and still drive a fun, powerful, good looking car, your best bet might just be in a diesel powered vehicle. That does mean you’ll almost certainly have to drive German, although a flood of new diesel-powered vehicles are about to hit our shore.
10. 2013 Lexus ES
Over the past few years Lexus has been referred to as a Japanese Buick, with the number one reason being the ES front-drive luxury sedan – a car that drew direct comparisons with the not-quite-Cadillac GM premium brand. To erase those comparos the new 2013 ES gets a more stylish exterior with a GS-themed front nose and a profile more like the flagship LS.
Swapping its Camry underpinnings for an Avalon platform it has, however, grown even more in size – a notable Buick trait. Plus, to challenge the eAssist mild-hybrid LaCrosse, there’s finally now an ES300h hybrid system getting 39 mpg average.
A forgettable sedan if there ever was one, over the past several years the Impala owes its success to fleet sales, not consumers.
Chevrolet is now looking to change that with a completely restyled version of its full-size front-drive sedan, adding plenty of luxury, technology and style. Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, to find out more about the 2014 Chevy Impala watch out first look video below.
GALLERY: 2014 Chevy Impala
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse officially debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show this morning as the as the brand’s latest full-size crossover.
“We have injected a stronger presence into the Traverse exterior by focusing on the details. The small but important changes give it a more vibrant personality that more closely reflects the lifestyles of the families who rely on the Traverse to get them through their busy lives,” said GM director of exterior design Phillip Zak.
GALLERY: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
With a bold new design taking inspiration from the Camaro, Chevy is hoping to inject some much-needed passion into its front-drive full sized sedan. And the Impala will need it.
Despite being the top seller in the segment, the all-new Hyundai Azera has plenty of curves and tomorrow Toyota will unveil a new version of its Avalon that company reps call “stunning.”
The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala is set to go on sale in early 2013 and the American automaker has released its new emblem design. Much like the Corvette, the Impala has its own emblem in addition to the brand’s signature bowtie.
Since its debut in 1958, the Impala has worn variations of the leaping African antelope which the vehicle is named after. The 2014 Impala will mark the 10th generation of the model and the new emblem was designed to complement its more modern, athletic design of the full-size sedan.
Two versions of the new emblem can be seen on each side of the vehicle, so that the antelope always appears to be running forward. The new Impala emblem has a bright chrome finish and Impala logos are also stamped on the aluminum sill plates.
“For the new Impala, we wanted to evolve the emblem to complement the new vehicle design without making any radical changes to its character,” said Joann Kallio, lead creative designer for Chevrolet global badging. “We kept the stylized interpretation of the animal, and made the impala more muscular. We also added defined edges, to give the impala a sleek form and make it look like it was running fast.”
Click back to AutoGuide for live coverage from the 2012 New York Auto Show.
GALLERY: Chevy Impala Emblems Over the Years
As yet another sign that sales of the Chevy Volt continue to fail to live up to expectations, General Motors will extend the scheduled summer shut down at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant where it’s built.
The assembly facility was already preparing for a two week production pause as part of a regular Summer break, but that period has been extended by an additional week in response to slower than expected demand. Currently the facility sits idle, with GM announcing several weeks ago that it would curb production in response to a glut of products on dealer lots.
Production for the range-extended gasoline car isn’t expected to resume until April 23rd.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, has decided to add five Chevrolet Volts to its Chicago fleet with up to 20 more EVs coming in 2012.
Zipcar members are able to reserve a Chevy Volt immediately starting at just $10 per hour. The first five Volts are available at Cityfront Place Apartments and in University Village at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Zipcar plans on deploying EVs throughout the city and is working with 350Green to install EV charging stations where the Zipcar EVs will be. Other partners in the program include Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Tishman Speyer, LAZ Parking and Cityfront Place Apartments. All of the above are helping to provide locations for the EVs along with charging stations.
Since most Zipcar members employ the use of their vehicles for less than 35 miles, the Volt is a perfect fit – or any EV for that matter – for the Zipcar program. Ideally most members would never have to pay for gas since the EVs will have charging stations conveniently located at several locations.
The City of Chicago is installing hundreds of EV charging stations for public use throughout the year as part of its Chicago Climate Action Plan. Zipcar has always been a huge supporter of advanced vehicle technologies. It was the first car sharing company in the U.S. to add EVs to its fleet with the Toyota RAV4 EVs in Boston back in 2002 and was the first to offer hybrids in the Seattle market in 2003.
“We are looking forward to providing our Chicago Zipsters with increased opportunities to reduce their environmental impact and drive some of the most technologically-advanced vehicles on the road as we roll out this EV program over the coming months,” said Charles Stephens, general manager, Zipcar Chicago. “Freedom has always been a hallmark of the Zipcar experience, and now members can have the best of both worlds – the low carbon experience of an electric car with the back-up security of a gas engine – as we introduce the new Volts into our fleet this week.”
Earlier this month, Chevy halted production on its Camaro ZL1 for a “quality assessment” which appears to have been a potential software issue that the American automaker wanted to assess and deal with if necessary.
It appears that production is back on track now, as Chevy has emailed its ZL1 customers announcing that the hold has been lifted. The customers whose cars had already been produced but placed on hold, will see their vehicles arrive dealerships in the next two to three weeks. For the rest of the orders, production has resumed and estimated delivery times are to come from the American automaker.
Chevy also stated that they need about two weeks to determine remaining ZL1 allocation and distribution.
Will the wait be worth it for ZL1 customers? Read our review on the Chevy Camaro ZL1 here.
GALLERY: 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1
[Source: Motor Authority]
Despite recently released distracted driving guidelines targeting in-car navigation systems, Chevrolet announced its new GogoLink smartphone app that delivers full-function navigation to the Spark and Sonic’s MyLink infotainment system.
Imagine what the NTSB thinks about this, an application on a smartphone that provides plenty of distracting pictures on the vehicle’s infotainment system. Nonetheless, the aim of the GogoLink smartphone app is to provide a cost efficient in-car navigation option for those buying the more affordable Spark and Sonic models from Chevy. The app even has live traffic updates.
Those visiting the upcoming New York Auto Show can take it for a test drive at the Chevrolet booth. According to Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars, about 90 percent of Spark and Sonic owners have a smartphone.
“This technology is typically found on cars costing far more, but next-gen customers are accustomed to being connected. By using a smartphone app, Chevrolet found a smart and safe way to provide navigation,” she said.
GogoLink will be available after the Spark goes on sale, so early adopters of the Spark will have to swing by the dealer to get a software update. Pricing for GogoLink hasn’t been announced yet.
Watch GM’s webisode on the GogoLink Navigation app after the break.
GALLERY: GogoLink Navigation App
Last week, Chevrolet teased a photo of the new 2013 Traverse interior and has now revealed the new crossover-utility vehicle ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show.
According to Chevy, the 2013 Traverse has a “new, athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end that introduces a new face for Chevrolet crossover utilities.” From the pictures we see the 2013 Traverse features a very modern and sporty design with a prominent front grille and powerdome hood.
New features in the eight-seater interior include upgraded soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting. The new center console features a 6.5-inch Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system along with large and illuminated redesigned climate controls.
Powering the 2013 Traverse is a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with 288-hp and 270 lb-ft of torque with a dual exhaust. The single exhaust Traverse has 281-hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures are 17/24 mpg city/highway for the front-wheel drive model, while the AWD model loses 1 mpg in both categories (16/23).
“We have injected a stronger presence into the Traverse exterior by focusing on the details,” said Phillip Zak, GM director of exterior design. “The small but important changes give it a more vibrant personality that more closely reflects the lifestyles of the families who rely on the Traverse to get them through their busy lives.”
We will be sure to take a closer look at the 2013 Traverse when it makes its official debut at the New York Auto Show.
GALLERY: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
Last May, Chevrolet debuted its 45th Anniversary Camaro, offering the package to any 2LT or 2SS trim level coupe or convertible. However, the first 45th Anniversary Camaro Convertible is a different story. For that, head down to Palm Beach, Fla. on April 6 for the Barrett-Jackson Auction.
All proceeds from the sale of the 45th Anniversary Camaro Convertible will go to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. The 45th Anniversary package comes with Carbon Flash Metallic paint, 20-inch wheels, unique stripe package, custom interior with black and red leather seats, custom fog lights, taillights, and 45th Anniversary badging.
Purchased separately, the package is priced at $1,375, which isn’t bad considering what you get.
That price is sure not to apply to the 2SS 45th Anniversary Camaro Convertible, which is one-of-a-kind with VIN 001 sporting the 6.2L V8 with a six-speed manual transmission. Those that can’t attend the event in Florida may also bid online.
GALLERY: 45th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Is this the Chevrolet version of the Buick Encore? Recent drawings filed to the European patent office reveals that General Motors could be preparing an entry-level crossover for its Chevy brand.
It appears that this Chevy crossover will be a little more than a foot shorter than the current Chevy Equinox model and has the possibility of making its way to the U.S. because it doesn’t really have a currently-viable competitor to popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Few details were released on the new crossover, but L’Automobile Magazine hints that this new crossover could be part of the new partnership between Citroen and GM.
GALLERY: Chevrolet Crossover Patent Filings
[Source: L'Automobile Magazine]
There’s no denying that Chevrolet Volt sales have been sluggish. GM has admitted as much with production halted currently until April 23rd.
So the American automaker went back to the drawing board to come up with a new ad campaign for its Volt. Because no doubt, the ad created for the Super Bowl had less than stellar results. This time around, they (smartly) decided to stick to just human beings, showing somewhat candid interviews of “Happy Volt Owners.”
GM CEO Dan Akerson says these commercials will feature “the facts” and are “more interesting” now that they have “the happiest drivers on the planet” in the ads.
The ads are a little more effective than using interstellar aliens inquiring about the Volt technology. It’s real-world people trying to explain how the Volt offers real-world advantages. Will it do the job for Chevy? Perhaps the automaker should see what their European brethren are doing to sell the Ampera.
Watch two of the commercials below