Autoblog

Techco unleashes 600 horsepower Corvette supercharger system

Drew Phillips — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet

Techco Supercharged Corvette - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you haven't heard much about Techco, you soon will. The Anaheim-based aftermarket company launched a bevy of performance products for the Chrysler LX platform and Ford Mustang earlier this year, and recently stuffed its reverse-revolution twin-screw supercharger system underneath the hood of a brand new C6 Corvette. The result? 600 horsepower and 535 lb-ft torque at just six pounds of boost.

Designed and engineered by the same team that created the Series VI supercharger for the Saleen Mustangs, the Techco Corvette supercharger displaces 3.0 liters and features a standalone 8-rib drive system, patented dual A-Frame Intercooler system, high-volume fuel rails with 54 lb/hr injectors, and more. Corvette owners will also be pleased to hear it fits underneath the stock hood.

We recently got the chance to get behind the wheel of Techco's demo Corvette for a short drive, and were simply amazed at the dual nature of the car. From the outside it appears to simply be a stock Corvette - it looks stock, sounds stock, and even drives stock if you lay off the throttle. A unique drive system helps to keep things quiet, muting the sound of the supercharger. Get on the gas, though, and the blown LS3 propels the Corvette past legal speeds in the blink of an eye. With a package price of just $8,500 and an optional 10 psi kit, it's a pretty good bargain as well. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Techco Supercharged Corvette

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Techco International]

Continue reading Techco unleashes 600 horsepower Corvette supercharger system

Techco unleashes 600 horsepower Corvette supercharger system originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Lutz says Pontiac G8 to survive as Chevy Caprice in U.S.; Camaro Z28 reportedly dead

Alex Nunez — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Chevrolet, GM

2009 Chevy Caprice SS (Middle East) - Click above for a high-res photo gallery

Bob Lutz is back, and after what seems like five minutes into his job as GM's new marketing kingpin, he's doing what he does best: making headlines. Rest assured that this is a good thing, as El Generalissimo Roberto Maximo told Automobile Magazine that yes, the Pontiac G8 will live on in the United States as the Chevy Caprice. So much for Fritz "I'm not a fan of rebadging" Henderson's statement to the contrary a couple of weeks ago.

"The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste," Lutz told the mag. As for the G8 being "too good to waste": Amen to that, Bob. This also makes us wonder if law enforcement-grade models will be part of the deal with Holden to continue production. Chevy Caprice police cars? That's got a very familiar ring to it. The next question is whether a U.S. Caprice would mimic the Middle East-market Caprice, which is based on the long-wheelbase Holden Caprice/Statesman, or whether it will simply be a Chevy-badged version of the standard-wheelbase Holden Commodore/Pontiac G8/Chevrolet Lumina. Frankly, as long as there's ultimately a Caprice SS that is identical to the Pontiac G8 GXP in every critical way, we don't care.

In his conversation with Automobile, Lutz also essentially confirms that next year's Cadillac CTS coupe will be joined by a V-series variant, saying that the CTS-V coupe was the car that had most of the Presidential Task Force members' tongues wagging during the product-pipeline tour they were given by GM. Lutz even hints that a CTS-V wagon is not completely out of the question. (We'll take the wagon in brown, with the stick, Bob.)

On the bad news side, in a separate blog post, Automobile reports that Lutz kind of throws dirt on the idea of an LSA-powered Camaro Z28 (though he doesn't specifically state that the program's toast). He says that for "mainstream" sports models like the Camaro, powerful sixes (like the one in the Camaro LS and LT) and turbo fours (like the one used in the now-dead Cobalt SS, HHR SS and Solstice GXP) are more indicitive of the automaker's future direction in that regard. Hmmm. Well then, how about bolting a blower to the direct-injected V6?

Welcome back, Bob. This sounds like it could get pretty fun.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Miiddle East)

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

BREAKING: Lutz says Pontiac G8 to survive as Chevy Caprice in U.S.; Camaro Z28 reportedly dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Lifestyle

Yesterday, not long after we posted a story about a gay-centered General Motors marketing video for Chevrolet's new Camaro, the video was mysteriously pulled from YouTube. As it turns out, GM itself has copped to the disappearing act, as it reportedly ordered the popular video hosting site to yank the footage.

According to a USA Today article, GM spokesman Dave Barthmuss felt that the video - which featured a pair of so-called 'go go boys in Camaro-branded underwear washing a new 2010 model - was "not appropriate and not in good taste." The footage was filmed as part of a Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen gay day promotion at a Hollywood movie theater.

Despite pulling the video, GM has reportedly launched a more concerted campaign to broaden the scope of its marketing efforts as it applies to the Camaro, with more overt efforts to target gays, bisexuals and the transgendered. It is not immediately clear what (if any) effect pulling the footage will have on the rest of the automaker's p.r. efforts.

[Sources: USA Today; Mlive]

FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota

Quick - What's the best-selling light-duty pickup truck in America? Did you say the Ford F-150? Not so fast. According to the J.D. Power Information Network (via our friends at PickupTrucks.com), General Motors sold more Chevy Silverado 1500 pickups (119,959 units) in June that Ford sold F-150s (107,778 units), and that's not a fluke.

It seems that the automakers don't actually break out the sales of each pickup line when reporting overall figures, so Ford lumps all F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350...) sales together when it correctly lays claim to the title of Best-Selling Pickup Line in America. Ford's Super Duty series commands nearly 50-percent of the HD pickup market, which puts the Blue Oval on top of the overall sales race.

Interestingly, all three American automakers picked up full-size pickup market share at the expense of Nissan and especially Toyota, which saw sales of its Tundra plummet from 76,516 units to just 36,106 units in June of 2009 compared to one year ago. Click here for the full breakdown of full-size truck sales data.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort

John Neff — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to view video after the jump

Wasn't it just a couple of years ago that the American Family Association was boycotting Ford for marketing in gay-centric publications? Fast forward to today and see just how much things have changed. Last month, Chevrolet sponsored an event in Los Angeles called Gay Day at the Movies to promote the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Michael Bay's latest opus, of course, features a bunch of General Motors vehicles, not the least of which is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that plays the leading role of Bumblebee.

A video was produced to promote Gay Day at the Movies featuring a pair of "Bumblebee Boys" in Camaro-branded briefs washing the Bowtie brand's pony car revival. The cheeky (pardon the pun) video is clearly targeted at the gay community and uses beefcake car washers to that effect in a not-so-subtle way.

Will Chevy or GM see a backlash from being associated with this video? Who knows, but the video isn't exactly being shown in primetime on NBC. For the moment, it lives solely on YouTube with a gajillion other vids - and one would have to actively search to find it.

Follow the jump to watch the video for yourself, and please remember to be respectful in the comments.

UPDATE: The video has been removed from YouTube by the user. We're searching to find it again on the interwebs.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: USA Today via Huffington Post]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort

VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuning Chevrolet's Volt, GM engineer says: "We've got the feel of a sports car"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Tech, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res gallery

We don't have to tell you how important the Chevrolet Volt is to General Motors. Even if the model isn't likely to turn a profit for many years, the plug-in electric car's success or failure is likely to be seen as a crucial indicator of GM's post-bankruptcy prospects in the eyes of many. This being the case, it's not surprising that automaker is practically throwing everything it's got at the project. According to Chief Engineer Andrew Farah, the Volt team is currently working on getting the sound and feel of the driving experience just right. Speaking to Automotive News, Farah said:

The engine, not being directly connected to the foot, is one of the things we continue to tune. We don't want it to be discomforting to people. There is an expectation of what happens when you put your accelerator to the floor in the way the car sounds and feels. We've got the feel. We've got the feel of a sports car. The sound part and the way the engine plays into that perception is one of the areas we have to work on.

Clearly, creating a plug-in car with mass-market appeal isn't as simple as bolting an electric motor and a bunch of batteries into an existing chassis. People have come to expect certain things to happen as an automobile is driven, and GM needs to find the right compromise between zero-emissions technology and time-honored driving dynamics. Further complicating the issue is the tremendous weight of the car's T-shaped battery pack. Farah explains:

Here's the thing to remember: When you put the battery in, it actually lowers the center of gravity of the car. There are a thousand reasons why heavy is bad, but a few why it is good. And so we are getting those advantages of the good heavy, and the disadvantages we are managing.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Tuning Chevrolet's Volt, GM engineer says: "We've got the feel of a sports car" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opposite World: GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Buick Enclave - Click above for high-res image gallery

In these dark days of bankruptcy proceedings, ever-dwindling sales figures and decades of receding market share, General Motors' base of dealerships certainly has plenty of things to keep it up at night. You may be surprised to hear, though, that a dwindling supply of available inventory is one of the major problems some dealerships are currently reporting. We're not shocked to hear there's only a six-day supply of Chevrolet Camaro models on hand, but dealers are also seeking remedies for shortages of Buick Enclaves, GMC Yukon SUVs and extended-cab Sierra pickups, as well as limited supplies of Chevrolet Silverado trucks. For a company that has historically had an unhealthy attachment to high inventories across their brands, this is an unusual development indeed.

GM is aware of the shortages and Mark LaNeve, vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, tells Automotive News that the shortage is a normal part of the adjustment process from the old days of carrying a 120-day supply of vehicles to today's goal of a leaner 75-day supply. The General's messenger further suggests that dealers trade inventory with each other to bolster inventory until the automaker is ready to rekindle its assembly lines beginning on Monday, July 13 after the company's extended summer shutdown.

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Opposite World: GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to watch video after the jump

High end tuner Fesler has created its own 2010 Fesler Moss Camaro; a tuned-up version of the hot-selling coupe that's been designed as an homage of sorts to General Motors' 1969 Bowtie. For about $55,000, you can get features like an adjustable coilover suspension, special 22-inch wheels and tires, as well as stainless steel struts. Bump the price up to $90k, and you'll get a supercharger that bumps the power quotient to an even 600 ponies. The fully loaded model stickers for a stout $150,000, and includes more equipment than we can reasonably add here. Fesler is even offering a package that includes a matching 1969 model(!) if you've got the garage space and the financial wherewithal.

Hit the jump to watch video of the supercharged version of the car in action. As you can probably guess on your own, the video includes burnouts and donuts. We wouldn't have it any other way.

[Source: Fesler]

Continue reading Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO]

Fesler Camaro taking shape, smoking tires [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

John Neff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Chevrolet

2010 Hennessey Z700 - Click above for high-res images

Hennessey Performance Engineering makes the point that track-oriented Porsche owners can opt up from a normal 911 to a GT3 RS and Viper owners can choose the ACR edition, so what's out there for ZR1 owners who want a more hardcore machine? To answer that question, HPE has introduced the Z700 for 2010.

The exclusive new model features a number of enhancements that go beyond the requisite power increase, which in this case jumps from 638 to 705 dyno-tuned hp. HPE has also put the ZR1 on a diet, shedding pounds by adding lightweight carbon fiber seats and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in a Michilin Pilot Cup Sport tires. The wheels alone scrub off 60 lbs. of rotating weight. Aero enhancements include Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler, all of which add 300 lbs. of downforce. Finally, an alcantara steering wheel and shift knob should feel better in the hand when barnstorming the track.

Hennessey plans to prove that the Z700 is a big improvement over the ZR1 by taking direct aim at the standard car's Nürburgring lap time of 7:26. They'll be flying to Germany with a Z700 later this year to take their best shot, but considering that HPE is perhaps the only only tuning company with its very own on-site track, Lonestar Motorsports Park, we expect good results.

Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which also includes the cost of a donor ZR1. That's nearly a six-figure increase over the base price of a ZR1, so we'll have to wait until it sets some lap times to see if it's worth it.

Gallery: Hennessey Z700

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading 2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.

Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).

Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.

As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.

Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM: Volt to be sportier alternative to Prius and Insight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for a high res image gallery

Now that the Chevrolet Volt has progressed to the point where vehicles with near-production bodywork are running around, the time has come for the crew to begin ironing out details like the ride height and spring rates that will directly influence the plug-in hybrid's handling.

Regarding these points, chief engineer Andrew Farah has some interesting things to say about the Volt and the way GM will position it against its competitors. For instance, Farah notes (in reference to the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight), "Our chassis is much more sporty than either of the other vehicles."

Farah also comments on a couple of changes to the car's exterior design that eagle-eyed parties had noticed, such as the relocation of the plug from the front fender to under a flap in the traditional location for a gas cap. Other changes, such as the headlamps and taillights, may merely be present because the Volt is still early in its development cycle and there are some pre-production bits that aren't yet necessary for testing purposes.

Spy photographers take note: Farah also says the car is set to undergo some hot-weather endurance testing out west this summer.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Inside Line]

GM: Volt to be sportier alternative to Prius and Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wink, Wink: GM officials reportedly coyly confirms Camaro Z28... but it isn't coming soon

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

According to the well-connected boys over at Camaro5, General Motors will indeed produce a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 after all... and they've even scored some details on the hi-po offering.

According to Camaro5 user Hiney1 who attended a special question and answer session at the Carlisle Nationals this weekend (seen above), a Z28 will arrive after the Camaro Convertible, itself expected in the spring of 2011.

The Z28 will reportedly make use of some sort of high-output LS-based engine (C'mon, guys! You're killing us!), and it will incorporate a hood similar to that of the Bumblebee edition, along with a unique grille, the usual spate of graphics and emblems, and perhaps even a tweaked rear-end. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: Camaro5]

Wink, Wink: GM officials reportedly coyly confirms Camaro Z28... but it isn't coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM says Camaro supply outstripped by demand, cars selling for over sticker

Chris Shunk — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for a high-res image gallery

You want a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro? You'd better come strong with more money than the MSRP requires, and you'd better be willing to wait. Bloomberg is reporting that General Motors can't build the reborn bow tie pony car fast enough to quench public demand. That's excellent news for a company that needs a reason to smile, and it could be even better for dealers donning the bow tie. After all, car sales are still firmly in the tank, and GM has seen more than its fair share of shrunken demand.

Dealers have already booked about 25,000 orders for the Camaro, yet only half have been delivered to date. Analysts reportedly told Bloomberg that dealers are getting $500 over sticker on average, too, and at least one dealer is guessing that he won't have a Camaro to sell in stock for at least a year. Bartow Chevrolet in Florida sold its first two Camaros at MSRP, and he's already booked 18 orders.

There is no question that the Camaro has grabbed the attention of the car-buying public, and the debut of Transformers 2 will likely give the pony car another marketing shot in the arm. GM sold 5,463 copies of the Camaro in May, and we're guessing that number will grow as production ramps up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: GM says Camaro supply outstripped by demand, cars selling for over sticker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to view the video after the jump

Normally the twisting of an ignition key doesn't constitute news here at Autoblog, but this is one of the few exceptions. Back in January, Hennessey Performance announced the HPE700, a concoction born from the combination of an LS9 supercharged V8 from a ZR1 and a 2010 Camaro. The Texas-based company only recently shoe-horned the engine into the engine bay. A video camera was on when it was finally time to start the newly created monster, and the sound is nothing short of amazing. The result of open headers plus what appears to be a fairly aggressive cam makes for a sound that has the hairs on the backs of our necks standing on end. Have a listen for yourself by watching the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Brian!

Gallery: Hennessey Camaro HPE700

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700

VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt chief engineer takes drive in first pre-production prototype [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet Volt Integration prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

The technicians and engineers at General Motors' Pre-Production operations center at the Warren, MI Tech Center have been hard at work for the last several weeks finishing up the first of about 75 integration prototypes of the Chevy Volt. They worked so hard, in fact, that the first car was completed a week ahead of schedule. These are the first actual running prototypes and include pretty much all of the production-intent hardware in a production body shell. As is typical of these integration prototypes, items like the light clusters aren't quite done yet. The intended bulbs are included in a flat black plastic cluster with the proper arrangement but the covers and internal sculpting are missing.

Chief engineer Andrew Farah took IVER #1 (that's Integration Vehicle Engineering Release #1) out for a brief drive after it was completed and checked out and, according to the video after the jump, everything worked smoothly. While the car looks pretty much like the Volt that was unveiled last September, if you look carefully you will notice one difference. From the original concept to the styling buck we have seen for the last nine months, the charge port was always hidden under the trim piece just ahead of the driver's side mirror. There is now a flap looking much like a gas cover just below that on the fender. The charge port sits behind that flap. According to Volt spokesman David Darovitz, this is the production intent configuration. Dave, we're ready for our test drive anytime, you have our number. Check out the video with Andrew Farah after the jump.

Gallery: First Chevy Volt integration prototype

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt chief engineer takes drive in first pre-production prototype [w/VIDEO]

Chevy Volt chief engineer takes drive in first pre-production prototype [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to view the video after the jump

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dominated everything in its $100,000 price range, and quite a few supercars that double or triple its MSRP. With just about everything with four wheels subservient to the ZR1, MotorTrend decided to forgo cars and trucks for something with a bit more boost.

MotorTrend's Aurthor St. Antoine thought a more credible contender against the ZR1 would be an F/A-18 Hornet from the Blue Angel squad. So it was Blue Devil vs. Blue Angel, with one vehicle doling out 638 hp and able to hit 60 in 3.3 seconds, and the other capable of mach 1.8 and packing 32,000 pounds of thrust. It doesn't exactly sound like a fair fight, but the race is pretty simple: the first to the one-mile mark wins.

Hit the jump to find out who comes out victorious in the battle of the bow tie vs. Navy fighter jet. If you're not into all the hoopla surrounding the ZR1 and the Blue Angel F/A-18 and you just want to see the race, skip to about eight minutes in. We're pretty sure this race was just an excuse for St. Antoine to get in the cockpit of an F-18, but we can't say we blame him.

Continue reading VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet

VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When the new Knight Rider hit the airwaves, some were ~~a bit disappointed~~ thoroughly livid that Michael's new ride was a Mustang. Since the original KITT was a Trans Am, purists cried foul and said a more natural replacement would be the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Fortunately or unfortunately, one enterprising Camaro owner decided to take up the task and right the show's perceived wrongs. Camaro5 poster Spaceballone picked up a $135 Scanner Light equipped with 64 ice blue LEDs and three built-in patterns. The hood slot in the Camaro fit the kit perfectly, with juice provided by the car's battery.

Hit the jump to view the video for yourself. It's not NBC quality (that could be a good thing), but we think you'll agree that KITT lighting looks good in blue.

Continue reading VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride

VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Toys, Lifestyle

Beijing Bumblebee gathering - click above for high-res image gallery

Less than one week before Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen goes into wide release in China, fans of the morphing vehicle-turned-robot movie franchise took to the streets of Beijing in full Bumblebee regalia.

What looks to be a well-organized event was put on by website Autohome.com.cn, and it appears that they even managed to get General Motors' Chevrolet division in on the act, with a new Bumblebee-spec Camaro to lead the procession of like-painted fan cars.

We're not sure we'd go with the yellow-and-black stripes treatment on our own rides, but we remain impressed with both the dedication and the sheer variety of cars that have been given the 'Full Bumblebee,' including a couple of new Cruze sedans and a passel of Aveos, a Ford Focus, a Suzuki Swift and an SX4, a Citroen C4 - even a Mark II Volkswagen Golf. Check out the high-res photo gallery after the jump, and be sure to click on the link below for even more shots of the event. Thanks for the tip, Joe!

Gallery: Beijing Bumblebee Gathering

[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Google Translate]

We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Supercars, Chevrolet

Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors can clearly use all the money it can get, and for the 2010 model year, you'll have to fork over more of it to get behind the wheel of a ZR1. The 2010 638 hp supercar will cost you $109,530; an increase of $2,910 over last year's model. A larger MSRP isn't a good thing, but according to Corvette Blogger, many dealers were already charging $10,000 over sticker for an '09 model, so this could be the General's way of getting a little bigger piece of the action.

For all that dough, you still get the most powerful production Vette of all-time - and a few new items as well. The 2010 model now comes with standard side curtain airbags, launch control and Performance Traction Management System. PTMS, by the way, gives the driver more control over traction settings when in competition mode.

Also new for 2010 is the ability to choose from a far greater array of colors including Torch Red paint, Competition Gray alloys, and a Cashmere toned interior. Hit the jump to pour over the press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Continue reading REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump

REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy Camaro Convertible caught outside Oshawa plant

John Neff — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Chevrolet

Chevy Camaro Convertible spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last we reported back in March, plans to produce a drop-top version of the Chevy Camaro were still in effect. While the Camaro Convertible ~~may be delayed until early 2011 and arrive as a 2012 model~~ (GM just confirmed it will arrive as a 2011 model), the on again/off again project appears to be firmly in the on position now... and we have proof. Autoblog reader Brad M recently caught the Camaro Convertible getting a tan outside of the Oshawa, Ontario plant that assembls the fixed-roof Camaro. The red convertible was sporting front and rear fascias from the Camaro SS and, with its top retracted, sported a very clean rear deck with only the center stop lamp and satellite radio antenna sticking up. With the chance of a Dodge Challenger Convertible hovering around 0%, we're pleased to see Chevy still intends to take on the Ford Mustang Convertible in the topless wars. Now, back to waiting...

Gallery: Chevy Camaro Convertible - spy shots

Spy Shots: Chevy Camaro Convertible caught outside Oshawa plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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