Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Chevrolet Builds 100 Millionth Small-Block V-8, Says Future V-8 Engines Will be Direct-Injected

100 Millionth Small-Block V-8 group photo

"General Motors today celebrated the assembly of the 100 millionth small-block V-8. The milestone engine was an LS9, the 638-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 found under the hood of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Chevrolet officials admit this was a symbolic milestone, as it’s hard to establish exactly which V-8 was the 100 millionth. The celebrated LS9 built today, however, won’t ever be started, and is destined for display at the GM Heritage Center museum. The engine also will likely be shown at events like the Woodward Dream Cruise. Chevrolet has even inquired about displaying the LS9 at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit — it is, after all, an important piece of automotive history — but the museum has yet to respond."  [Continue reading...]

Monday, November 28, 2011

’Ave a look at Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet Aveo is a budget urban runabout.

"Engines – The all-petrol Aveo fleet consists of a choice between 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines – late 2011 saw the introduction of a diesel option. For what is effectively an urban runabout, the petrol motors work well. Neither of them is particularly quick but they are willing and reasonable refined engines.

Exterior – Like many cars in its class the Aveo’s classic hatchback shape is a familiar one. The doors open wide for easy access and at the tailgate is a good size and easy to operate. Overall, the styling is conservative, which should ensure broad appeal."  [Continue reading...]

Friday, November 25, 2011

Chevrolet Truck History: From the 490 Half-Ton to the Silverado and Beyond

"While Chevrolet was founded in 1911 as a collaboration between racer Louis Chevrolet and entrepreneur William Durant, it wasn’t until January 1918 that it started producing trucks. Chevy’s been producing trucks ever since. Here are several Chevy trucks that represent the brand and its history.
1918 Chevrolet 490 Half-Ton Light Delivery 'Cowl Chassis'
The 490 Half-Ton was Chevy’s first truck. Based on the 490 car platform, but with stronger rear springs, the 490 was sold for $595 as a chassis only. It was up to the buyer to install a cab and bed or a panel van body, depending on what it would be used for. A one-ton Model T (for truck) was also available for $1,125. Again, it came bodiless, but unlike the 490 was built on a truck frame. Both vehicles were powered by four-cylinder engines. The 1918 Chevrolet Model T engine could produce 37 horsepower. Its speed was governor-limited to 25 mph. It wasn’t until 1929 that Chevy started using six-cylinder engines. By 1930, light-duty trucks came with factory-built cabs and bodies."  [Continue reading...]

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Cooking a Perfect Turkey



"Preparing and serving a centerpiece turkey can create anxiety for even the most seasoned cook. Each year, turkey hotlines receive thousands of calls from desperate cooks looking for answers on everything from cooking to carving. We’ve put together the following cooking tips and recipes to help guide your once-a-year turkey preparations and assure success.

Choosing the Turkey

Working with the highest quality ingredients makes it easier for any cook to produce a great meal. When ordering your whole turkey, allow at least 1 pound per person, plus 1/2 pound per person for leftovers. (Remember to take into account the size of your fridge and oven!) For turkey breast, plan on 3/4 pound per person. If it is a boneless breast, allow 1/2 pound per person."  [Continue reading...]

Monday, November 14, 2011

2013 Chevrolet Spark Debuts: 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

2013 Chevrolet Spark Picture
"LOS ANGELES — Making its North American debut this week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark minicompact will begin reaching U.S. and Canadian dealers in mid-2012 — years after its debut in most other global markets.

Engineered and built in Korea by GM Daewoo, the four-passenger, five-door hatchback was first shown in concept form as the Chevrolet Beat nearly three years ago at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The Spark went on sale in Europe in early 2010. Versions are sold by GM around the world, in such far-flung locations as India, Australia, Mexico and Uzbekistan.

For the U.S., Spark will be powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 85 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a standard five-speed manual gearbox; a four-speed automatic is optional."  [Continue reading]