2013 Camaro 1LE Puts New Twist on Performance

 

"The current Chevrolet Camaro already has a strong hold on the modern-day muscle-car segment, and come this fall, it will have an equally tight grip on the pavement: That’s because Chevy is unleashing a new 1LE performance package that draws its inspiration from the Camaro’s past involvement in Pro-Am road racing—and will enable more than 1 g of lateral acceleration.

“The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR [Virginia International Raceway] puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer.” 

To help the car live up to Oppenheiser’s high praise, Chevy engineers equipped the Camaro 1LE with a wide range of goodies, including:

• A 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 426 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque
• Exclusive monotube rear dampers to optimize body control and ride quality
• Larger front (28-mm) and rear (27-mm) stabilizer bars for improved control
• Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts that were designed specifically to manage the LE1’s improved levels of traction
• A strut tower brace that heightens steering feel and response
• The same wheel bearings, toe links, rear shock mounts, and high-capacity fuel pump found in the Camaro ZL1
• Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires (the same ones used on the front of the ZL1)
• An exclusive Tremec six-speed manual transmission with a higher final-drive ratio than on the Camaro SS and a standard air-to-liquid cooling system

The Camaro 1LE also gains a dynamic and expressive appearance upgrade as well, with a matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler, along with black-finished 10-spoke 20-inch wheels. In the cabin, the ZL1 contributes its flat-bottomed racing-style steering wheel and short-throw shifter, too." [Read more]

SXSW 2012 Wrap Up

Chevrolet Spark, Sonic Get a New App for Maps

 

" Its in-your-face colors already make the 2013 Chevrolet Spark hard to lose in a crowd. Now it will be even harder to get lost while driving the Spark and the Sonic, thanks to available GogoLink.

GogoLink is an embedded smartphone application that delivers full-function navigation – including live traffic updates – through the vehicles’ MyLink infotainment system. It was introduced today and is expected to be available in the fall. Consumers can test-drive GogoLink for themselves at a special kiosk in the Chevrolet exhibit the New York International Auto Show.

“GogoLink gives Spark and Sonic customers cloud-based navigation and live traffic alerts projected on the vehicle’s seven-inch, high-resolution touch screen for a great value,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars.

About 90 percent of expected Spark and Sonic buyers own smartphones, Landy said. “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.”

GogoLink navigation includes:

• Emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest hospital
• Thousands of points of interest
• Local Search via Google
• Where am I? locator
• Live traffic functionality provides crash reports and lane closures, and with alternative routes
• 3-D maps
• Ability to store native maps to the customer’s smartphone, giving them access to locations and turn-by-turn directions even when phone signal quality is poor. Many GPS-enabled apps do not do this.

Because GogoLink navigation will become available after Spark goes on sale, the first Spark models sold will require a simple update at the dealer to accommodate the app. GogoLink pricing will be announced later.

MyLink is standard on 1LT and 2LT versions of the Spark, as well as the Sonic LTZ and upcoming Sonic RS model. MyLink is available on Sonic LS and LT models. On Spark and Sonic, MyLink operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio. This lets owners enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is safely stowed." [Read more]

Chevy Sonic Turbo Now Available with Six-Speed Automatic

"The Chevrolet Sonic’s fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission, bringing the increased torque of turbocharging to drivers of automatics.

“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”

Sonic’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission achieved a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, according to independent AMCI testing – faster than the comparable 2012 Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent. The Sonic with the turbo-automatic combination went from 0 to 60 in about eight seconds.

“Traditionally, turbocharging was used to enhance the performance of engines, but today it is as much about fuel economy as a 0-to-60 time,” said Bob Benedict, assistant chief engineer for the Ecotec 1.4L engine. “The turbocharger provides high-pressure airflow for high torque to boost the vehicle and give the driver a fun driving experience with improved fuel efficiency.”

The 2012 Chevy Sonic Ecotec 1.4L turbo six-speed automatic delivers an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg in the city, while the manual gets 40 mpg on the highway and 29 in the city." [Read more]

Volt Leads Industry in 2012 Total Value Index

"It’s another breakthrough for the Chevrolet Volt: According to detailed research by Strategic Vision, the Volt provides more value to its customers than any other vehicle in the country. That’s the bottom line from the 2012 Total Value Index, based on input from nearly 70,000 individuals who responded to Strategic Vision’s highly detailed annual survey. The Volt also won the Mid-Size Car segment in the study.

“Even though the median price of a Chevy Volt was $43,000, owners believe that for every dollar spent, they got more than did buyers of other vehicles. Customers had tremendous value appreciation for Volt’s technical innovation, warranty, standard equipment and certainly fuel economy,” said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision.

Remember, too, that consumers can slice some $7,500 off the top of that median price thanks to federal tax incentives, with a growing number of states and local communities pitching in with even more. In fact, the net starting price of the 2012 Volt is actually less than it was for the 2011 model. The current Volt then extends its value proposition with additional standard features like Chevrolet MyLink. The new system leverages the latest Bluetooth technologies and allows Volt owners to enjoy streaming audio, access to Pandora and Stitcher, connections to the Gracenote artist and album art database, and voice control for the phone, music and audio systems." [Read more]

Silverado Among Least-Expensive to Insure

  

"Already touting plenty of efficiency and capability advantages against America’s other full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado can now showcase another major benefit. It’s one of the least-expensive pickups in the U.S. to insure, trailing only its GM sibling, the GMC Sierra. And while the six-cylinder Sierra Regular Cab finished fifth overall on Insure.com’s rankings of low-cost insurance choices, the Silverado distinguished itself with two models in the top 10: The Regular Cab V6 was right behind the Sierra, in sixth place, and the Silverado Extended Cab V6 grabbed the 10th spot. 

The Silverado light-duty family also offers:[Read more] "

Cruze, Sonic Among Forbes’ Safest under $20,000

  

"Chevrolet was the best-selling passenger-car brand in the country last year, and one look at its lineup helps explain why: The brand is in the midst of introducing a new generation of vehicles that offer high value, dynamic style, an engaging driving experience and award-winning safety. In fact, two of the newest cars in the Chevrolet stable—the new Chevy Sonic and Chevy Cruze—recently added to that roll call of honors when they were named to the list of “Safest Small Cars for under $20,000” by Forbes magazine.

It’s an important recognition because, as the publication points out, “a vehicle-related fatality occurs an average of once every 16 minutes” in this country. 

But both the Sonic and Cruze help protect their occupants with a wealth of standard safety features, such as electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, body structures that incorporate plenty of high-strength steel, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat attachment system, and 10 airbags, including side-curtain airbags designed to help keep outboard passengers safe in rollover crashes. Each also comes with GM’s OnStar service, which can leverage GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically reach first responders in case of an emergency—even if the vehicle occupants are unable to activate the system themselves." [Read more]

Candles | Corvette 427 Convertible | Chevrolet

New Chevrolet Racecar to Debut for 2013 Season

 

"The countdown to the debut of Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racecar is underway.  Chevrolet announced today that for the 2013 season, Team Chevy will be racing a vehicle based on a new nameplate to the brand’s lineup. 

Taking advantage of the new NASCAR rules, which allow manufacturers to display more of their brand identity in their racecars, the new Chevrolet racecar will closely resemble the production version.  Both cars will be unveiled in the coming year.                                                                                      

“We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles,” said Jim Campbell, vice president, Chevrolet Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.  “We know that Chevrolet fans are eager to see the new racecar and we hope that the prospect of being able to own one just like it will make the wait a little more bearable.”

The current Chevrolet racecar, the Impala, took three out of top five spots at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday including the win by Tony Stewart. Since 2007, the Impala has dominated the series, taking the checkered flag 79 times.  Chevrolet drivers have also won five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers' Championships, and Jimmie Johnson (4) and Tony Stewart (1) have collected five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver's championships in the Impala.

“The Impala has been a critical part of Chevrolet’s success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are confident the new racecar will allow us to remain the most successful name in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history,” Campbell said.

A legacy of racing competition runs deep in Chevrolet’s 100-year history, dating to co-founder Louis Chevrolet’s passion for racing automobiles. Chevrolet has won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship 35 times. Chevrolet Corvette Racing has taken seven class trophies at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Chevrolet-branded V-8 racing engine won the Indianapolis 500 seven times between 1988 and 2002.

As Chevrolet continues to define itself as a 21st Century global automotive leader, motorsports remain integral to the plan. The racing version of the Chevrolet Cruze, which since its 2009 debut has become the bowtie brand’s best-selling car globally, claimed the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) Cup in 2010 and 2011, and is the first ever General Motors-branded vehicle to win such honors in a FIA-organized series." [Read more]

Volkswagen Group of America Announces Plans for Further Investment in Tennessee

"Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) announced today that it will invest $40 million to build a warehouse in Roane County, Tenn. for distributing domestic auto parts for the Chattanooga-made Passat. The 400,000-square-foot facility is expected to open by spring 2013 and will employ up to 45 people by 2016.

Addressing the need for increased infrastructure, the facility will begin as a redistribution center to service warehouses and will later expand to include a parts distribution center. The redistribution Master Depot will support the US, Canada and Mexico. The parts distribution operation will improve service parts delivery times to over 100 dealers in the surrounding regions.

"This new facility is exemplary of the commitment that Volkswagen Group of America has to meeting the needs of our dealers and our growing customer base," said Rawdon Glover, Executive Vice President of Aftersales, Volkswagen Group of America. "Our continued investment in the U.S. market affirms that Volkswagen is dedicated to the economic vitalization of the communities where we do business."

"I'm grateful Volkswagen is expanding its presence here in the state and bringing new jobs to Roane County," said Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, "because projects such as this bring more direct and indirect investments to Tennessee."

Roane County Executive Ron Woody said of the project announcement, "I couldn't be more pleased that Volkswagen has chosen Roane County to be the site of their new Southeastern distribution facility. We appreciate VW's confidence in us and our workforce - and certainly appreciate their investment in our community. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with them for many years to come."

Volkswagen first announced its plans in 2008 to produce a new midsize sedan specifically for the North American consumer at its $1 billion plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. Completed in 2011; the plant produces the all-new Passat, and is one of the most advanced and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world." [Read more]

Chevrolet Will Build 69 COPO Camaros for NHRA

 

"Chevrolet said it will build 69 COPO Camaros, strictly for NHRA drag racing, this year with prices starting at $89,000. Deliveries will start this summer.

Introduced last fall at the 2011 SEMA Show, the COPO Camaro recalls the special-order high-performance Camaros of the 1960s. COPO stands for Central Office Production Order, the special-order system used by Chevy dealers in the '60s.

The 2012 COPO Camaro is described as Chevrolet's "first purpose-built Camaro drag-racing specialty car designed to compete with the quickest in NHRA's Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes." It said the new model is "expected to be the quickest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet."

The car is outfitted with a full chrome-moly roll cage, solid rear axle, lightweight racing wheels, a pair of racing seats, competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges.

Engine choices include an LS7-based naturally aspirated 427 (7.0-liter) V8 and two supercharged LSX-based 327 (5.3-liter) V8s. All three engines come with a Powerglide automatic transmission designed for drag racing." [Read more]

Power-Dense Powertrains Drive Malibu’s Global Rollout

 

"The all-new Ecotec 2.5L debuting on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan this summer is one of the most-powerful naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines in the midsize segment, topping the output from the new Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry. It will be joined this fall by a new Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine, delivering more horsepower than any previous V-6 offered in a Malibu.

Malibu’s Ecotec 2.5L delivers an SAE-certified 197 horsepower (147 kW) and 191 lb.-ft. of torque (259 Nm) – the most torque of any naturally aspirated four-cylinder in the segment. And when compared with the competition, it delivers 19 more horsepower (14 kW) and 21 more lb.-ft. of torque (28 Nm) than the 2012 Toyota Camry LE’s 2.5L I4 engine, and 27 more horsepower (20 kW) and 21 more lb.-ft. (28 Nm) than the 2013 Ford Fusion’s 2.5L four-cylinder.

The Ecotec 2.0L turbo is SAE-certified at 259 horsepower (193 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). Its peak torque is sustained from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm – a broad range that provides an immediate feeling of power in all driving conditions and helps produce 0-60 performance in 6.3 seconds.

The new engines feature direct injection for increased fuel efficiency and higher power, and help drive Malibu’s performance around the world. Both will be offered in the United States, Canada, Israel and other markets,  while rounding out a diverse North American powertrain lineup that also includes the segment-exclusive, fuel-saving eAssist™ technology in the Malibu Eco. It combines start-stop technology with regenerative braking and a lightweight lithium-ion battery to provide an electric boost in certain conditions, delivering a GM-estimated 25 mpg in the city 37 mpg on the highway. That’s better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan currently available.

“The 2013 Malibu is the latest entry in Chevrolet’s growing global car portfolio, which has seen almost an entirely revamped lineup in the last 15 months,” said Chris Perry, global Chevrolet marketing vice president. “We sold 4.76 million Chevys worldwide in 2011 – one every 6.5 seconds – and the new Malibu will help us grow the brand globally even more this year, where it will be introduced for the first time in many markets.”

The 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will eventually be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. It is already on sale in South Korea and China, with sales to begin this year in more than 70 additional countries, including Canada, throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Africa and other Asia-Pacific markets." [Read more]

Math | Under the Blue Arch | Chevrolet

‘Under the Blue Arch’ to Debut in Chevy Dealer Group Ads

 

"Chevrolet is breaking ranks with the stale tradition of local advertising and opting for some entertainment via a TV show built around likeable but quirky characters who work in a Chevy dealership. The story, however, is told in a series of 30-second commercials.

The new local dealer advertising campaign, which begins airing Thursday (March 1), is titled “Under the Blue Arch.” It’s directed by Randall Einhorn, whose credits include directing “The Office,” “Modern Family,” “Parks and Recreation,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Wilfred.” 

The show is a 30-second retail format featuring a consistent cast of characters – from the former radio host turned salesman to the top-selling single mom – set in a new Chevy dealership. The “made for TV” dealership family will be featured in local dealership group advertising and portray the brand’s new look and feel.

“The automotive retail advertising landscape is very crowded, so you have to find a way to break through,” said Joel Ewanick, GM vice president and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Humor is a great educator and this campaign is designed to grab people’s attention, tweak their funny bone and get them to consider Chevrolet.”

Filming for the ad campaign took place in a Chevrolet dealership in Southern California in early January, but is designed to be location neutral with a fictional town and dealership name to be discovered by those interested in the show. During 10 days of filming, Einhorn and Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Chevrolet’s advertising agency in the United States, created numerous video vignettes which form the basis for the ad series." [Read more]

2012 Chevrolet Volt Cleared for California’s Carpool Lanes

 

"A low emission model of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car are on their way to California, where customers will qualify for a $1,500 state rebate and be allowed to drive solo in the state’s carpool lanes.

Volts with the Low Emissions Package, which is standard for California, began shipping from the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck plant this week and should begin arriving at the more than 140 participating Chevrolet dealerships in California before the end of the month.

"The Volts with the Low Emissions Package are certain to be a strong draw for California commuters looking to travel the state’s notoriously congested freeways in the carpool lane,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

Commuters who use carpool lanes in Southern California save an estimated average 36 minutes a day, or about a third of their total driving time.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is making 40,000 Clean Air Stickers available for registered vehicles that meet the state’s emissions standards. Applications can be downloaded from the DMV’s web site at www.dmv.ca.gov

Additionally, the new Low Emissions Package makes the 2012 Volt eligible for owners and lessees to receive up to $1,500 in state rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This incentive is in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 Clean vehicle rebate applications can be submitted online at www.energycenter.org

California has more than 1,400 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. Originally restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants to help minimize congestion, the lanes are now open to   single occupancy use by owners of advanced, low-emission vehicles. Volts registered in Georgia, New York and Florida also are eligible for single occupancy access to carpool lanes.

The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas-and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 10 million miles since the vehicle launched late last year. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity." [Read more]