2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet's Cruze is a fine family car that's economical with gas, provides room for four adults and, in the LTZ, delivers some oomph you might not expect.

Earlier this year I tested the base LS model and found it a delight, everything that GM and Chevy had been trying to do in a small entry-level sedan for decades. It was economical, well-built with first-rate ride and handling. Ah, but it wasn't zippy.
That base model comes with a fine 1.8-liter engine, and it delivers 136 horsepower. But the LTZ, which is pricier, deposits a 1.4-liter engine with a turbocharger under Cruze's hood.

The result is sportier acceleration. The turbo model produces 138 horsepower, so it's not a monster. But the torque is much stronger as you press the accelerator. Power is smooth and steady, with little noticeable turbo engagement.

The six-speed automatic worked flawlessly in the test model. It was balky in the LS, which was tested in midwinter.

Beyond the engine, you'll find only moderate performance differences between this model and the LS. Braking was fine on the LS, with discs up front and drums in back. The LTZ adds discs in back, so these grip better and are very consistent. Traction and stability control systems are standard on all Cruze models.

Handling is precise and the ride is well-controlled in both models, a credit to the suspension tuning and the car's 105.7-inch wheelbase. The ride is pleasant, not too soft or too stiff. The LTZ adds 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires, up from 16-inchers on the LS. That seemed to firm up the ride.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze

New Chevrolet Cruze is a fine family car that's economical with gas

Naturally, you'll pay more for the LTZ and its acceleration and better gas mileage. The list price is $23,110. An LS starts at $17,275 with delivery charges and a manual transmission, while an automatic LS goes for $18,200. The test car added a pricey navigation system and monitor for $995 and stereo upgrade for $445 to hit $25,300. That's getting a little pricey, although it includes some nice extras.

The LTZ comes standard with automatic climate control, heated power outside mirrors, rear park assist, a self-dimming rear view mirror, fancier interior trim and instrument cluster, and lighted vanity mirrors.

Other items that come when you move up to the 1LT and 2 LT models just below the LTZ, are cruise control, floor mats, power body-color mirrors, USB port, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, remote start, leather heated front power driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The interior is extremely quiet and well laid out, as in the lower-end model. Everything feels high quality, from the low road noise level to the solid feel and sound of the doors and trunk when they close. Speaking of trunks, this one is large at 15.0 cubic feet.
You can seat four adults in the Cruze comfortably, with good head and legroom front and rear. The seats are well formed, with moderate contouring, and the leather looks and feels good too. Three-speed heated seats are standard up front. My only complaint is that the seat's bottom cushions are hard. I didn't have that problem in the LS model.

There's a tilt/telescope steering wheel and a great dash layout, possibly Chevy's finest.

Other standard features include power windows and door locks, automatic lights, split folding rear seats, a rear defroster and keyless entry. Overhead lighting is good and fades out after the doors are shut, giving you a few seconds to find controls and the seat belt at night.

Cruze is among the best choices in the small sedan segment from a pricing, economy and quality standpoint. Moving up to the higher priced models cuts into its value, but the car itself remains a winner. Better yet, there is a model to fit nearly any budget.

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Corvette including Edelbrock

The new Corvette has a 400 hp engine so notable named the LS2. The predecessor was the LS1 model at a mere 350 hp. This engine along with aerodynamics allows this Corvette to have the highest top speed of any Corvette, including the exotic ZR-1 model from the early 1990's. This new engine is all aluminum and with the Z51 package, allows the fastest acceleration of any model currently available.

The team considered using a 405 hp LS6 engine, but it had a lot of special components in it to get that horsepower. They were afraid that the cam might have been too aggressive for everyday street driving. When the team finished, they came up with a 400 hp engine at 6,000 RPM. The engine also boasts 25 lb-ft greater torque than the previous engine. Torque numbers are 400 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. Now the engine is larger. The engine displacement increased from 346 cu in to 364 cu in. This was accomplished by a larger cylinder bore of 101.6mm. The stroke remained the same at 92mm. The LS2 also uses a higher lift cam and stronger valve springs. Another engine feature is the throttle body has been increased from 75mm to 90mm which allows more air into the engine. Couple all of this together with new flat top pistons at a higher compression of 10.9:1 and faster responding fuel and engine management computers results in one of the most advanced engines GM ever put in a car.

Due to state emissions regulations Corvettes and every other car manufactured have to abide by strict guidelines to comply with noise ordinances and highway safety standards. While these laws and regulations are often more strictly enforced with motorcycles and cars custom built for road racing the system in a brand new Corvette or even a Corvette kept in mint condition may not be enough to satisfy an owner looking for a more powerful sound.

To improve engine horsepower and get a more throaty sound from the exhaust many car owners will swap out the OEM system and replace it with any of the high quality performance exhaust systems available on the exhaust part aftermarket. When performing and exhaust swap Corvette owners need to carefully shop for specific exhaust parts including mufflers, headers, crossover pipes, exhaust tips and catalytic converters. Available in high quality metals including shiny chrome, stainless steel and durable carbon fiber.

Unless you have an inside source for available Corvette parts your best bet for finding high performance and high quality exhaust systems and parts is to go online and search through aftermarket suppliers to locate the right parts for your specific make and model of Corvette. While some systems and mufflers are universal fit others are engineered for certain types of engines and will only work on specific car models.

2011 The Chevrolet Volt will initially be released in California

After the first 40 miles a 4 cylinder gasoline/E85-powered engine generator will create on board electricity to a 53kw generator which will enable the Volt to travel a further 300 miles. The power from the generator is sent either to the batteries or the electric motor depending on how much the battery is charged and how much power is required for the car. There are many other features in the Chevrolet Volt as well such as liquid crystal element display, which is completely configurable by the driver along with a seven inch display for viewing vehicle information.

It has a touch screen with climate controls for information and entertainment. There is the provision for an optional navigation system with its own on board hard drive for storing music or whatever you like. There is also a standard Bluetooth device to be used with cell phones and Bluetooth and USB connectivity to enable fast music streaming. The Chevrolet Volt has been scheduled and is expected to be released in late 2010. The price of the car is estimated at around $40,000.

In an industry often chided for dragging its feet when it comes to saving the environment, GM has taken a stand to be the champion of the new electric car. Having failed once before in the 1990s with the EV-1, GM is taking a huge risk by promising an as-yet undeveloped car in just two years. GM needs to build the battery to power this revolutionary car. Between engineering and testing, this could constitute a lengthy and expensive process - and the possibility then exists that GM may not follow through on its promise.

In addition to the science of it all, there's the publicity. GM's name hasn't been inspiring trust and building confidence in the past decade. They've been slow to respond to a changing market and suffered through expensive strikes and internal problems. If this special project succeeds, it may be their ticket out of the hole they dug themselves. If it fails, well, at least they would have inspired their competitors to go out and build us a plug-in hybrid.

The Chevrolet Volt is generating a tremendous amount of press. Try this link to follow all the Volt news, see additional pictures, read updates on the Volt's price (recently bumped to $40,000), and eventually find the release date and availability data.

The Volt will initially be released in California, followed by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Michigan and Texas. 12 to 18 months later, nearly all of the 600 Chevy dealers nationwide should be selling the hybrid car, The Volt.

2011 The Chevrolet Avalanche

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a leader in unchanged in 2011.
In the case of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, is a combination of both trucks and SUVs of the attributes that proves to be as attractive. The avalanche is based on the architecture of full-size trucks, GM and comes in a body style, four-door Crew Cab. Unlike a truck, however, the cab and bed of an avalanche that are not separated however, the Avalanche features one-piece body of an SUV.

Council of styles, trim levels and options
The Chevrolet Avalanche 2011 is a full-size pickup truck crew cab with a removable rear window and exclusive Midgate. The LS comes with a bed composed of responsibility, a three-piece removable cover charge, running boards, roof rails and rear privacy glass tinted deep. Inside you'll find full power accessories, conditioning with dual zone manual air, front seats with power driver seat, Bluetooth, OnStar and single CD stereo with auxiliary input jack, a port / USB for iPod, satellite radio audio controls for the rear seat.

Depending on trim level, independent or other packaging options include 20-inch chrome wheels, power running boards, a trailer brake controller integrated roof panel, a front seat entertainment system rear seat.

The Chevrolet Camaro Was Introduced a compact car

Camaro SS

The Super Sport struggles to remember the days of big block power. Chevrolet website states that this 6.2-liter V8 engine can get a real world 19 mpg in the test cycle of the EPA. But with 422 horses available, many of them will not be able to maintain sufficient in itself to see your best mileage. In fact, after meeting the SS, it was difficult to return to the dealer. The SS does all the RS does, but more strongly. The treatment is somewhat compromised by the engine is heavier, but the suspension does a good job of reigning in the case of understeer becomes a problem, prudent (not widespread, especially the SS) the application of gas that help you step right rear independent steering and out of vehicles. "

Conclusion

To stay at least 300 horsepower and an impressive number of standard equipment, the 2010 Camaro is fun. Check the option box for the engine of the SS and feel superhuman when behind the wheel. Although the outward visibility is compromised in some way, there will be mistakes down the road is nothing more than a Camaro. Given all this, it is not surprising that this vehicle has earned the status of collection of the best of a consumer purchase.

The Chevrolet Camaro Was Introduced a compact car in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors at the start of the 1967 model year as competition for the Ford Mustang.

Although It Was Technically a compact (by the standards of the time), the Camaro, like the Entire class of Mustang competitiors, soon Was Known as a pony car.

Though the car's name Was contrived with No Meaning, General Motors Researchers found a Frenchman in the word dictionary as a slang term for "friend" or "companion." Ford Motor Company Researchers Discovered other definitions, Including "a shrimp-like creatures" and an arcane term for "loose bowels"! In Some automotive periodicals before official release, It Was code-named "Panther."

New generations of CHEVROLET CAMARO SS

The 2010 Camaro is one of the few cars coming out very nice design as the prototype of the study. Instead of providing an updated fifth-generation Camaro, sometimes abused the retro theme has been selected, listening to the signals new design that made the car a big hit when it debuted in 1967. However, Chevrolet has done a wonderful job of evoking the flavors of the past with modern comforts. But how to handle the new Camaro 2010?

Camaro RS

Several trim levels are available to make the demand for cars as you like, but many people watching one of the two models: the RS and SS versions. My first test was hard with the six-cylinder power RS ​​(Rally Sport for) version. This V6 engine is a version of the company that General Motors is in many of its cars in those days. With direct injection and other modern technologies, this engine over 300 horsepower. For reference, the last of the fourth-generation Camaro that only about 20 hp more, and that was with a V8 engine.

From the cockpit

Standard equipment on the 2010 Camaro is great, but some materials are a little "hard on the eyes and a little" less soft to the touch for a car of this price. The dark interior contrasts with the thin sliver of light passing through the very attractive, but hard to see from the window. Some function is, unfortunately, sacrificed in the name of the form and sell more cars.

The RS may be the best option for many, with the standard independent rear suspension and the light that contributes to a six-cylinder front light with enough power to make the RS a great handling machine. Autocrossers possible, as the RS for this reason. But what the six missing, as well as a shock to V8 territory, is the kick in the pants and the power of sound corporate governance LS series of engines installed on more expensive models. Without further ado, let the Camaro "King of the Hill."

Generation 2

The larger second-generation Camaro featured an all-new sleek body and improved suspension. The 1970-1/2 Camaro debuted as a 2 +2 coupe, not convertible Was Offered Would not Appear and again until well into the third generation.

Most of the engine and drivetrain components Were Carried over from 1969 with the exception of the 230 in ³ (3.8 L) six cylinder - the base engine Was now the 250 in ³ (4.1 L) six rated at 155 hp (116 kW).

2011 The Concept Plug-In Chevrolet Volt Hybrid Car

General Motors is seeking to regain its hold in the auto industry by introducing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle known as the Chevrolet Volt. Launched in December 2010 as a 2011 model, it was first offered at a retail price of $41,000.00 before factory incentives, tax deductions and other subsidies. It is also available through a lease program consisting of 36 monthly payments of US $350.00 plus $2,500.00 at lease signing and an option to buy at the end of the lease term. At least seven regions were included in the initial launch area with nationwide availability expected to happen within 12 to 18 months.

The makers of Volt refer to it as an Extended Range Electric Vehicle because of the vehicle's range-extending gasoline powered internal combustion engine. General Motors purposely avoids the term "hybrid" to describe the Volt. However, industry experts see it as a plug-in series hybrid because the internal combustion engine and electric motor is combined in a series rather than parallel.

The Chevrolet Volt is a mid-sized car with a 5-door lift back body style. It has a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. Its engine consists of 149 hp electric motor and a 1.4 L 4-cylinder for powering a 74 hp generator. It measures 4,500 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,430 mm in height. A person who drives less than 40 miles a day is guaranteed to use zero gasoline and produce zero emission. The Volt makes use of a gasoline powered, range extending engine which drives a generator to produce electric power when the lithium-ion battery is exhausted. This happens when the vehicle is driven beyond the 40-mile battery range.

HQ Chevrolet Auto Car : 2010 Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept


HQ Chevrolet Auto Car : 2010 Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept
Battery Power

The Volt shares the same platform underpinning its Chevrolet Cruze compact, but these two models are starkly different from each other. The Chevy Volt has a unique body, aerodynamically designed to enhance fuel economy at all times. As designed, the Volt will run on battery only power for the first 40 miles of drive before the supplemental gas engine kicks in. This extended range electric vehicle should be able to travel more than 340 miles on a full tank of gas and much further with additional fill ups. A nightly recharge will replenish the battery allowing the car to operate in electric-only mode once again.

So why buy a Volt and not a conventional hybrid vehicle such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight? Well, the Chevy Volt will offer far superior fuel economy, consuming less than half of the amount of gasoline the typical hybrid uses. In addition, when operating in electric-only mode, the Volt will emit zero emissions, something no hybrid can claim.

Volt Pricing

Certainly, the $41,000 price tag will limit the number of people willing to give the Volt a try. But, that price tag is reduced by $7,500 for people eligible to take the federal rebate. In addition, in some states, such as California, a $5,000 rebate is also available. That means your Volt, which will come with all of the amenities you want, will cost you about $28,500 plus license, taxes and tags.

Lastly, fuel savings should amount to about 500 gallons annually for the person who drives her Volt 15,000 miles annually. With gas prices averaging $3 per gallon that is an additional savings of $1500 per year or $15,000 for ten years.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including head lamps and HID lights.


HQ Chevrolet Auto Car : 2010 Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept


HQ Chevrolet Auto Car : 2010 Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept

2011 Chevrolet Volt electric/hybrid on the market in USA

Safety features on the "2011 Chevy Volt" include antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
The change-over from battery charge to generator power can be difficult to notice, though the pre-production Volts we've driven do have a disconcerting generator noise level; the engine revs regardless of engine speed.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt ranks 3 out of 19 Upscale Midsize Cars. Amid industry debate (“It’s an electric car!” “It’s neither!”), Chevrolet has rolled out the Volt. The Volt is neither a hybrid car nor an electric car. Chevrolet calls it an extended range electric vehicle. For those buyers, the Chevrolet Volt is largely an electric car.

Two of the top competing electric/hybrid vehicles currently on the market in the USA happen to be Nissan's Leaf and Chevy's Volt. While the Volt is actually a hybrid vehicle that has a rather extensive range, and the Leaf is purely an electrical vehicle, the two models do share some similarities as far as price, mileage per charge or per gallon (Volt) and safety specs are concerned. Let's take a look at how they stack up to one another, and even take a peek at their pricing so you can decide which one is best suited for your needs.

2011 Chevrolet Volt is one of the most anticipated cars

Two of the top competing electric/hybrid vehicles currently on the market in the USA happen to be Nissan's Leaf and Chevy's Volt. While the Volt is actually a hybrid vehicle that has a rather extensive range, and the Leaf is purely an electrical vehicle, the two models do share some similarities as far as price, mileage per charge or per gallon (Volt) and safety specs are concerned. Let's take a look at how they stack up to one another, and even take a peek at their pricing so you can decide which one is best suited for your needs.

Overall Range

The Leaf is the winner as far as being most environmentally friendly is concerned. It has an engine capable of just over 100 horsepower and on a full charge it can go just over 70 miles; however, it takes a few hours to charge up the high performance battery. The Volt makes sense for green drivers that want more out of their money at the pump. You can get about 35 miles on a charge and nearly 400 miles from a full tank of gas. Volt offers 37 MPG, whereas the Leaf offers about 99 MPGe, which the Volt ranks near to at 93 MPGe.

In the event VIII Annual Global Green USA pre-Oscar awards, held in Hollywood (California) on Wednesday, celebrities posed for a photo with the Chevrolet Volt by 2011. The list was extended to various celebrities including director James Cameron and actor Dennis Hasbert.
Leonardo DiCaprio was one of those who came to the Oscars a few years ago in a Toyota Prius. Since then, some famous boldly led to the Cadillac Escalade hybrid.
The question is: What will be the vehicle that draws more attention to the Academy Awards?. We have to wait until tomorrow night to know the answer.

Vehicle Highlights: first plug-in for 2011 The Chevrolet Volt

One aspect which sets the Volt apart from any other car on the market is its long driving range for an electric vehicle, something usually not found in other electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf. Since the Volt operates uses an electric motor for the first 40 miles or so, consumers who have a short commute could probably skip fueling up for long periods of time. The car industry awarded the Volt the honor of being named 2011 North American Car of the Year.

Let's take a closer look at the powertrain that powers this innovative vehicle. The car is powered initially by an electric power train which switches over to traditional gasoline mode after around forty miles. The electric powertrain provides 149 hp and 273 lb feet of torque while the traditional engine is a 1.4 Liter four cylinder. Acceleration is smooth and instantaneous while the Volt provides a driver oriented and athletic drive. Charging the car is quite simple; you just plug it into a regular 120 volt outlet. The Volt goes from 0-60 mph on just 9.2 seconds which is pretty fast when compared to speeds of the average hybrid. A home charging station is highly recommended.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt makes its debut as General Motors' first plug-in gas/electric vehicle. It is expected to see limited production in calendar 2010, with availability only in California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, DC. Nationwide sales are slated for late-calendar 2011. GM calls this 4-passenger, 4-door hatchback an "extended-range electric vehicle," because it has, in effect, two different drivetrains: an all-electric one (battery and motors) that drive the car for the first 40 or so miles after a full plug-in recharge, and a gas-powered hybrid system (with gas engine and fuel tank) that automatically takes over after that to give about another 300 miles of range.
Touch-control switch system on the center console
High-resolution, seven-inch, full-color LCD reconfigurable Driver Information Center display. The display shows electric-only range, fuel economy, , extended-range, trip information, tire pressure information and other key vehicle messages.
High-resolution, seven-inch, full-color, center stack-mounted touch screen display that serves as the interface for infotainment and cabin climate controls. An Efficiency (Leaf) switch accesses energy usage, power flow and charging screens - all easy to use and understand.
Charge modes are customizable according to need and electricity rates for efficient programming and lower costs.
A key fob that allows drivers to remotely start the vehicle and precondition the cabin based on outside temperatures
An exclusive mobile app, powered by OnStar MyLink, that enables owners to engage with the Volt functions using a smart phone.

Chevrolet Volt warranties bring value and peace of mind

Volt owners receive outstanding battery and vehicle limited warranty coverage. In addition to the eight-year/100,000-mile limited warranty on the Chevy Volt's 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, Chevrolet will provide:
Three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage
Five-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance and courtesy transportation
Five-year/100,000-mile limited gas engine coverage
Six-year/100,000-mile corrosion protection coverage.

2011-2012 The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus has a retail price of $75,000, and will be ready for delivery in the spring of 2011. Reservations for one of these limited-edition cars will be accepted beginning at noon, EDT, on October 19, 2010.

All Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus will be equipped with a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine, When paired with six-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque; with the six-speed automatic, the engine delivers 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus also has exclusive, 21-inch, polished aluminum wheels, wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high performance tires. Other features include Brembo disc brakes, LED halo-ring headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking assist, and a 245-watt, Boston Acoustics sound system.

Before any official announcement, reports began running during April 1965 within the automotive press that Chevrolet was preparing a competitor to the Ford Mustang, code-named Panther. On June 21, 1966, around 200 automotive journalists received a telegram from General Motors stating, "...Please save noon of June 28 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to help scratch a cat. Details will follow...(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations – SEPAW Secretary." The following day, the same journalists received another General Motors telegram stating, "Society for the Eradication of Panthers from the Automotive World will hold first and last meeting on June 28...(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations SEPAW Secretary." These telegrams puzzled the automotive journalists.

The Chevrolet Camaro SSX Track Car

The Chevrolet Camaro SSX Track Car has a purposeful aesthetic, with exterior appointments and suspension modifications aimed at road course performance. They include carbon fiber aero parts - front splitter and adjustable rear wing - lightweight carbon fiber body panels, revised lower grille and unique brake cooling ducts. The carbon body panels significantly lower the Camaro's weight, as does the elimination of much of the production car's sound-deadening material, carpeting and rear seat.

Low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior paint is contrasted with the carbon aero parts, door graphics/racing number and red details; and this competition-ready Camaro rolls on dedicated track wheels and tires. This concept was constructed with input from Pratt and Miller, Chevrolet partner in Corvette Racing, and Riley Technologies using parts proven in the Grand Am racing series.

Interior
Carpeting, sound deadener and rear seat deleted
Ace suede-covered racing steering wheel and shifter
SCCA-approved roll cage and window net
Racing driver's seat with five-point harness
Racing pedals
Fire suppression system
Fuel cell
Video camera system mounted on the roll cage

Performance
LS3 6.2L V-8 enhanced with Chevrolet Performance Parts' camshaft, cylinder heads and dry-sump oiling system
Production six-speed manual transmission with Corvette ZR1 twin-disc clutch
Low-restriction air induction and exhaust systems
Four-wheel disc racing brake system with six-piston front/four-piston rear calipers and drilled and slotted rotors
Modified production suspension with Pfadt licensed components
20-inch racing wheels and tires
Camaro SSX