Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


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With the LA Auto Show near at hand, Chris, Dan, and Editor Extraordinaire Paukert sat down and talked over some of the latest for Episode #155 of the Autoblog Podcast. First up is the surprisingly thorough re-rework of the Mustang, before we move on to talk about the early release of U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta pictures. Gazing at photos brings us to the Chevrolet Cruze, which has also been lensed in North American garb. The Chinese-market Buick Excelle is rumored as a possibility for our market, and we scratch our heads about that for a while. Toyota's handling of its gas pedal recall and Nissan's low-priced and well-integrated navigation unit wraps it up before we move on to some of your questions. Right before signing off, we jump back to talk briefly about the newly unveiled Audi A8 and Saab's sad fortunes. At one hour, 50 minutes, it's an epic. We blame Paukert.

If you get bored once the new Autoblog Podcast bliss has worn off, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show...

Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Mustang2010FordMustang2011 mustang v62011MustangV6audi a8AudiA8auto showautoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastAutoShowbuickbuick excelleBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevy cruzeChevyCruzefeaturedfiesta hatchfiesta hatchbackFiestaHatchFiestaHatchbackFord Fiestaford fiesta picturesFord fiesta sedanford fiesta unveilFordFiestaFordFiestaPicturesFordFiestaSedanFordFiestaUnveilla auto showLaAutoShowlos angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowlost angelesLostAngelesmustangmustang v6MustangV6nissan navigationNissanNavigationpodcastsaabsaab dealsaab koenigseggSaabDealSaabKoenigseggtoyota accelerationtoyota gas pedaltoyota pedaltoyota recallToyotaAccelerationToyotaGasPedalToyotaPedalToyotaRecallv6 mustangV6MustangTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:31:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #155Autoblog1:49:25LA auto show; cruze; chevrolet cruze; buick excelle; toyota recall; fiesta; ford fiesta; toyota; nissan; nissan navigation; mustang; v6 mustang; mustang v6; autoblog podcast<![CDATA[Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/back-to-the-future-1969-danz-camaro-concept-goes-the-wrong-dire/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/back-to-the-future-1969-danz-camaro-concept-goes-the-wrong-dire/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/back-to-the-future-1969-danz-camaro-concept-goes-the-wrong-dire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


1969 Danz Camaro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's really nothing wrong with the first-generation Chevy Camaro, except perhaps for the fact that rows upon rows of them can be seen at every single car show in America. In fact, so ubiquitous is the 1969 model that there are a couple of aftermarket companies willing to build you a brand new example from the ground up utilizing just about zero OEM bits or pieces.

This being the case, it's hardly surprising that this is the model year The General chose to mimic with its new fifth-gen Camaro for 2010. But what would happen if you could somehow jump to-and-fro through the time/space continuum in your Mr. Fusion-equipped DeLorean time machine and transport yourself back to '69 with visions of the 2010 model in your head?

Answering that question-that-nobody-asked is the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept car, which you can see in the high-res image gallery below. Words cannot describe the initial reaction we had when opening this sucker up in our browsers for the first time, so we'll just say that we hope its creator kept the original pieces in the garage when it comes time to sell. Yikes!


Gallery: 1969 Danz Camaro Concept


[Source: Carpictures.com via Carscoop]

Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1969 camaro1969Camarocamarochevroletchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarochevychevy camaroChevyCamarodanzdanz camaroDanzCamaroMon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Three years ago this December we first walked into a Manhattan conference room for a background briefing on a new concept being developed by General Motors for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Earlier that year, the release of a documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car made the then largest automaker in the world the subject of some well deserved criticism for its handling of the end of the EV1 program. The movie and announcement of the all-electric Tesla Roadster lit a fire under GM to get back into the plug-in electric vehicle game.

What we saw that day in NYC was a description of a new powertrain architecture then dubbed E-Flex. GM folk on hand that day included vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz and former VP for environmental affairs Beth Lowery. They explained that among the biggest lessons learned from the EV1 program were that range anxiety and lack of practicality would make a car like EV1 nearly impossible to sell in the mass market. The engineers went back to the drawing board to address those issues and came up with the extended range electric vehicle, or ER-EV. The Volt concept was approved for production mere months after it was revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. At this week's LA Auto Show, GM is publicly showing the production intent version of the Volt. Before that, however, we were among the first to drive a Volt with its range extender running. Read all about it after the jump.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltfeaturedquick spinQuickSpinvoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - click above for high-res image gallery

More than a year after first showing us a styling buck and nearly as long since launching it overseas, General Motors is finally showing off the production Chevy Cruze for North America. Set to be shown publicly this week at the LA Auto Show, the Cruze is still a good eight or nine months away from arriving in U.S. showrooms.

When it does finally arrive, the Cruze should be a huge step forward from the Chevy Cobalt, and GM hopes it will be an able competitor to the next-generation Honda Civic and Ford Focus, which are slated to arrive not long afterward. The Cruze is slightly larger than the Cobalt, but will be powered by downsized engines, including a new 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, as well as a 1.8-liter normally-aspirated unit with similar power but less torque. All Cruze models will get six-speed gearboxes - either manual or automatic. The turbo Cruze is expected to score an impressive 40 mpg EPA highway rating.

Based on our brief experience driving a Chevy Volt powertrain mule (Cruze and Volt share common DNA), the Chevrolet Cruze should be more refined than the outgoing Cobalt by an order of magnitude, with a roomier interior and much better-executed passenger cabin. We'll see it in person later this week in L.A., and in the meantime, you can check out the first official images from GM in the gallery below. The official press release follows after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim

LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet cruze2011 chevy cruze2011ChevroletCruze2011ChevyCruzebreakingchevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevychevy cruzechevy cruze interiorchevy cruze lordstownChevyCruzeChevyCruzeInteriorChevyCruzeLordstowncruzela auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeles 2009LosAngeles2009Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Cars & Coffee: Chevy shocks the crowd, brings Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/cars-and-coffee-chevy-shocks-the-crowd-brings-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/cars-and-coffee-chevy-shocks-the-crowd-brings-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/cars-and-coffee-chevy-shocks-the-crowd-brings-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

General Motors shocked the crowd at Cars & Coffee this weekend by bringing out the 2011 Chevy Volt. Representatives on hand said this is the same car that will be on display at the LA Auto Show next week. They added that this is a pre-production model with a lot of development miles on it. For all that, it looked pretty good, especially given the wet conditions. We were disappointed that nobody faked an electric shock when touching the car in the damp lot.

Lack of hijinks aside, it seemed most people at the show liked the Volt, although several walked right past it, not realizing what it was. Good or bad, as important as this car is to GM, it looks pretty much like any other midsize sedan. On a day where Suzuki brought out all of their SEMA show cars and Tesla brought down a Roadster and Roadster Sport, the Volt and the Equinox fuel cell vehicle behind it still managed to draw a pretty big crowd. We snapped a few pics for our gallery, which you can check out below. We'll bring you more about the Volt and everything else worth noting at the LA Auto Show next week.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt at Cars & Coffee

Cars & Coffee: Chevy shocks the crowd, brings Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt prototype2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltPrototypechevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009VoltSat, 28 Nov 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[GM confims Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production alongside 2011 Buick Regal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/gm-confims-chevy-camaro-convertible-for-oshawa-production-alongs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/gm-confims-chevy-camaro-convertible-for-oshawa-production-alongs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/gm-confims-chevy-camaro-convertible-for-oshawa-production-alongs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever look for something high and low only to find it hiding in plain sight? That's how we'd sum up the latest announcement from General Motors. The company has announced that the new Buick Regal - based on 2009's European Car of the Year, the Opel Insignia - will enter production at the beginning of 2011 at its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario. There it will join the existing assembly line for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers and the Chevy Camaro.

The kicker? General Motors subtly slipped in the announcement that the Camaro Convertible will begin production there as well around the same time. The drop-top pony car was first mooted with the concept unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, and GM has been hemming and hawing about its production prospects ever since. Well, apparently they've made up their minds, and told all of us about it in the most understated way they could think of. Follow the jump to read the official press release.


Gallery: Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confims Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production alongside 2011 Buick Regal

GM confims Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production alongside 2011 Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 buick regal2011 chevrolet camaro convertible2011BuickRegal2011ChevroletCamaroConvertiblebuick regalBuickRegalcamarocamaro convertibleCamaroConvertiblechevroletChevrolet Camaro ConvertibleChevroletCamaroConvertiblechevychevy camaro convertiblechevy camaro convertible conceptChevyCamaroConvertibleChevyCamaroConvertibleConceptoshawaoshawa ontariooshawa plantOshawaOntarioOshawaPlantFri, 27 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/loma-performance-unveils-corvette-c6-blackforceone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/loma-performance-unveils-corvette-c6-blackforceone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/loma-performance-unveils-corvette-c6-blackforceone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

C6.BlackforceOne
Loma Performance Corvette "BlackforceOne" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Loma Performance seems to think that its new BlackforceOne Corvette is somehow evocative of POTUS' personal airplane. "Clearly reminiscent," they go so far as to say in their press release. (We think the moniker sounds as if could have been the title of a 1970s action film starring Fred Williamson.) Anyway, labored connections to the Prez's 747 aside, with the BlackforceOne, Loma appears to have come up with something pretty tasty.

It starts off as a base-engined C6 Vette, which is subsequently twin-turbocharged to make 783 horsepower (794 PS). Of that, a devilish 666 hp (675 PS) or so actually make it to the rear wheels. Accordingly, the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a scant 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is 205 mph (330 km/h). The stock brakes are replaced with carbon-ceramic discs all around, and the suspension, wheels, tires, exhaust and other drivetrain components are also upgraded accordingly.

The package is then wrapped in a widebody kit drenched in one of three matte paint finishes. Production will be limited to 25 examples, according to Loma, which will formally unveil the BlackforceOne at the Essen Motor Show.


Gallery: Loma Performance Corvette BlackforceOne


[Source: Loma Performance]

Continue reading Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne

Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackforceblackforceonec6c6.blackforceonechevroletcorvetteessen 2009essen motor showEssen2009EssenMotorShowlomaloma performanceLomaPerformanceWed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or -- more to the point -- the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarselectricityElectricVehicleev noiseEvNoiseWed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Fesler-Moss shows off new line of tuned 2010 Camaros]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/fesler-moss-shows-off-new-line-of-tuned-2010-camaros/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/fesler-moss-shows-off-new-line-of-tuned-2010-camaros/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/fesler-moss-shows-off-new-line-of-tuned-2010-camaros/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Fesler-Moss Camaros - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in April, we told you about the new partnership between Chris Fesler's custom car shop and Jon Moss, the former director of General Motors' specialty vehicles division. At that time, we only had renderings of the proposed Fesler-Moss Camaro, but these fresh photos of a pair of completed cars is evidence that the duo has been hard at work since then.

The Fesler-Moss Camaro is currently available in two flavors. First up is the Competition Package, which commands a $50,000 price tag in addition to a donor car, and it mainly focuses on a variety of carbon fiber or billet body components, but it also features performance upgrades like a supercharger and six-piston brakes. For customers who want the ultimate Fesler-Moss Camaro, they can opt for the Limited Edition Package. This adds even more carbon fiber items, color-matched leather seating surfaces, a custom sound system, and best of all, swaps out the LS3 for a supercharged LS9 V8. Just sixty will be built at a daunting price tag of $150,000. Follow the jump for a full list of upgrades for each package.


Gallery: 2010 Fesler-Moss Camaros


[Source: Fesler-Moss via SeriousWheels.com]

Continue reading Fesler-Moss shows off new line of tuned 2010 Camaros

Fesler-Moss shows off new line of tuned 2010 Camaros originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chevrolet Camaro2010 Fesler-Moss Camaro2010ChevroletCamaro2010Fesler-mossCamaroCamaroChevroletChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamaroFesler-MossFesler-Moss CamaroFesler-Moss Competition CamaroFesler-Moss Limited Edition CamaroFesler-mossCamaroFesler-mossCompetitionCamaroFesler-mossLimitedEditionCamaroMon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Next-gen Buick Excelle for China - Click above for high-res image gallery

Soon Buick will have an entire lineup of competitive vehicles with the Enclave, all-new LaCrosse and soon-to-arrive-from-Europe Regal. Since the latter model is basically a direct port of the Opel Insignia, its success may help General Motors decide whether or not to snag a fourth model from another overseas market. The likely candidate is this car, the next-gen Buick Excelle that is currently sold only in China.

Recently snapped by spy photographers while undergoing testing with very little camouflage, the next-gen Excelle will adopt GM's Delta II small car platform that also underpins the new Chevy Cruze and Opel Astra. It's more closely related to later, however, as previous generations have been not much more than rebadged Astras. Just because Buick could sell the Excelle in the U.S., however, doesn't mean it should. Would the market really accept a Buick this small, especially when the Cruze is on sale across the street? Time will tell but you can let GM know what you think now in the comments.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China


[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick chinabuick excelleBuickChinaBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechinacruzeexcellespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsMon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Back in August, in the wake of General Motors emergence from its pre-packaged bankruptcy, the automaker gave select members of the media a preview of several upcoming products. Among those was the next Chevrolet Aveo, which will take up the B-segment mantle to battle the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the current Aveo, which is built in South Korea by Daewoo, the new model will be built at the Orion, MI assembly plant north of Detroit.

While there had been speculation that the ungainly-looking Chevy Viva from Brazil would be the Aveo replacement, that is an entirely different car - although it will likely share some mechanical bits with the Aveo.

At the August preview, GM design manager Bob Boniface confirmed to us that the Aveo moniker would be retained because, in spite of the baggage the current model carries, it does have recognition and launching a new nameplate has been deemed too expensive a proposition. Of course, that was three months ago and the Aveo is still a year or so away from launch, so things could change. Whatever it's called, early spy shots from Brenda Priddy and Co. suggest that it's shaping up to be a better-looking car than the current model, with a wider stance that looks less tippy.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevy aveo2011ChevyAveoaveoaveo5chevroletchevychevy aveoChevy Aveo5ChevyAveoChevyAveo5spy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotssubcompactSun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Out of Three Ain't Bad: Most Chevy Camaros reportedly being sold with V8 power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/two-out-of-three-aint-bad-most-chevy-camaros-reportedly-being/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/two-out-of-three-aint-bad-most-chevy-camaros-reportedly-being/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/two-out-of-three-aint-bad-most-chevy-camaros-reportedly-being/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a sign of the times that most buyers of the new Camaro would go for the V6 and not the V8. At $31,595, the eight-cylinder SS model naturally sells for more than the $23,530 base V6 model. To compound the issue the V6 model costs the auto giant nearly as much to build as the V8 version.

So why would GM want buyers to go for the V6? The smaller engine would help the General keep its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rate on the good side of earth-friendly. But according to Edmunds, customers have been voting with their feet. Their right feet, as it would happen, heavy as they are.

Of more than 47,000 Camaros sold from April through October, Edmunds estimates that about two-thirds have been V8 SS models - a trend we can get on board with.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS


[Source: Inside Line]

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad: Most Chevy Camaros reportedly being sold with V8 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocamaro ssCamaroSschevroletchevrolet camarochevrolet camaro ssChevroletCamaroChevroletCamaroSschevychevy camarochevy camaro ssChevyCamaroChevyCamaroSsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S.-spec Chevrolet Cruze to debut at LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/u-s-spec-chevrolet-cruze-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/u-s-spec-chevrolet-cruze-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/u-s-spec-chevrolet-cruze-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has announced plans to unveil the U.S.-spec version of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze at next month's LA Auto Show, alongside the all-new Chevrolet Volt. The compact sedan has been available in Europe and across the Pacific for over a year, but will finally go on sale in the States in the third quarter of 2010.

Originally shown at the Paris Motor Show last year, the Cruze is designed to replace the aging Cobalt and will be packing a 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder that GM expects to max out at 40 mpg on the highway. Production will begin at the General's Lordstown, OH plant this coming April, and it would seem that GM doesn't plan to offer the 1.6- or 1.8-liter gas engines (or the Euro-market 2.0-liter turbo diesel) at launch. Hit the jump for GM's releases and expect more details to follow when we hit the ground in So. Cal. on December 2nd.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

Continue reading U.S.-spec Chevrolet Cruze to debut at LA Auto Show

U.S.-spec Chevrolet Cruze to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet cruze2011 chevy cruze2011ChevroletCruze2011ChevyCruzechevroletchevycruzelala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-builds-an-ls9-for-someones-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-builds-an-ls9-for-someones-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-builds-an-ls9-for-someones-corvette-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Our completed LS9 V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you think of brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and AMG, the idea of their engines being built by the hands of skilled craftsmen is no great surprise. However, most people would be very surprised to learn that General Motors has its own special facility dedicated to building its highest performaning engine by hand.

The GM Performance Build Center is located in a nondescript industrial park in in Wixom, MI, not far from the company's Milford Proving Ground. The PBC is a 100,000-square foot factory that opened in 2005 and has since produced both the supercharged Northstar V8 that was used in the Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V, as well as the dry-sump small-block V8 used in the Corvette Z06 and ZR1. The most recent addition to the lineup is the dry-sump LS3 used in the new manual transmission Grand Sport. We were invited by GM to tour the facility and even build one a monster LS9 that would eventually wind up in someone's ZR1.


Gallery: Building an LS9 V8 at the GM Performance Build Center

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet corvetteChevroletCorvettecorvettefeaturedgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgm performance build centerGmPerformanceBuildCenterLS9LS9 engineLS9 V8Ls9EngineLs9V8Wixomwixom factorywixom michiganWixom.MichWixomFactoryWixomMichiganzr1Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-all-gm-brands-to-go-on-sale-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-all-gm-brands-to-go-on-sale-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-all-gm-brands-to-go-on-sale-this-week/#commentsFiled under:



The holidays are coming and everything must go! So says GM's VP of sales Susan Docherty. "All of our efforts will be to sell down our remaining 2009 inventory." Docherty is expecting all the 2009 cars to be cleared out by January, 2010. The big sales, starting this week, each get their own names. Chevy is having a "Red Tag Sale," Buick-GMC are going with "Holiday Event" and tip of the top Caddy is using, "Seasons Best."

As it happens, that's right about the time that Pontiac and Saturn are set to wander off into the sunset -- for good. As of right now, there's only about 10,000 Pontiacs and 8,000 Saturns left on dealer lots. "We're actually winding down those products quicker than we had anticipated," said Docherty. Curiously, there's no mention of what GM will be calling the Pontiac and Saturn sales, though "Get 'Em While They're On Fire!" has a certain ring to it.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuickCadillacChevroletGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGMCPontiacSaturnSusan DochertySusanDochertyMon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/chevy-volt-color-contest-finalists/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/chevy-volt-color-contest-finalists/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/chevy-volt-color-contest-finalists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

As of this morning, Chevrolet is moving into the final stage of its Volt color naming contest. The company has picked three finalists from among the names submitted by 13,000 people over the last two weeks. Starting this morning, you can cast your vote for which of the finalists will win the contest. The silver paint with a pale green tint will be one of the launch colors for the Volt when it goes on sale next November.

The three finalists are "EV-ergreen" submitted by Devin McQuarrie, San Jose, CA; "Viridian Joule" submitted by Dave Thomas, of Sanford, FL; and "environMINT" entered by Matthew Valbuena, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Visitors on the http://www.chevroletvoltage.com site can vote for their choice and all three finalists will be brought to Los Angeles on December 1 where the winner will be announced. Immediately following the announcement, the winner will get to take a test drive in one of the pre-production Volts, the first outsider to do so. General Motors is limiting votes to one per person per IP address over the next two weeks, so make yours count. Not sure which to vote for? Ponder the issue while checking out GM's official video after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO]

Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt color contestChevroletVoltChevroletVoltColorContestchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltenvironMINTEV-ergreenViridian JouleViridianJoulevoltvolt colorvolt color namevolt colorsVoltColorVoltColorNameVoltColorsMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember those AWESOME rumors about the rear-wheel drive Pontiac G8 living on as a Chevy Caprice? Not going to happen, though used Chevy cop cars will still be the hot Christmas item come 2017 or so. Inside Line's Ed Hellwig reports that after a sit down meeting with General Motors' Maximum Bob Lutz, not only won't there be a true successor to the 1994-1996 Impala SS, but the next Impala will remain front-wheel drive.

The new Impala will get bigger says IL, and add features - probably in an attempt to keep up with the hefty and tech-laden Ford Taurus. Lutz mentions that the new Impala will not only sport decent fuel economy, but also feature GM's hybrid technology. Whether or not this means a Chevy Volt style gas-electric powertrain or the General's next-generation belt-alternator mild hybrid system isn't clear. All we know is, once the few, still-lingering-on dealer-lots G8s are gone, they are gone baby, gone.


Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)


[Source: Straight Line Blog]

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzCapriceChevroletChevrolet CapriceChevrolet ImpalaChevroletCapriceChevroletImpalaChevyChevy CapriceChevy ImpalaChevyCapriceChevyImpalaImpalaMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/caveat-emptor-columbus-ohio-dealer-taking-deposits-on-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/caveat-emptor-columbus-ohio-dealer-taking-deposits-on-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/caveat-emptor-columbus-ohio-dealer-taking-deposits-on-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have been waiting patiently nearly three years now for the first extended-range electric vehicle to debut. One Columbus, Ohio area Chevrolet dealer is looking to take advantage of this eagerness by posting an auction on eBay Motors for its allocation of Volts. Jack Maxton Chevrolet is now taking deposits on the Volt a full year before the first production models are scheduled to roll off an assembly line in Detroit.

There are clearly problems with this. The current bid is at $1,525 but it's not clear from the listing just what the winning bidder will get. It could be the first position in line, if and when Maxton gets some Volts, but we can't say for sure.

Notice we said if Maxton gets the Volt. We checked with Volt spokesman David Darovitz at General Motors who told us that it's not certain that every Chevy dealer will get the Volt: "They must first go through a rigorous certification process" to ensure that they are ready to sell and service the electrically-driven compact and its battery. Darovitz also tells us, "Dealers have not been selected" at this time, and that includes Maxton Chevrolet. You might want to keep that in mind before placing your bid. Remember, patience is a virtue. Thanks to Nat for the tip!


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: eBay Motors]

Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt depositsChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltDepositseBayebay Find of the DayEbayFindOfTheDayvoltvolt depositsVoltDepositsMon, 16 Nov 2009 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/from-cobra-to-corvette-superformance-to-introduce-1963-grand-sp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/from-cobra-to-corvette-superformance-to-introduce-1963-grand-sp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/from-cobra-to-corvette-superformance-to-introduce-1963-grand-sp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.

While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).

As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.


Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport


[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport1963 Corvette Grand Sport1963ChevroletCorvetteGrandSport1963CorvetteGrandSportChevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteGrandSportCorvetteCorvette Grand SportCorvetteGrandSportGrand SportGrandSportsuper bowlSuperBowlSuperformanceSuperformance Corvette Grand SportSuperformance Grand SportSuperformanceCorvetteGrandSportSuperformanceGrandSportWed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-drag-racing-chevy-c6-corvette-owner-shoulda-bought-a-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-drag-racing-chevy-c6-corvette-owner-shoulda-bought-a-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-drag-racing-chevy-c6-corvette-owner-shoulda-bought-a-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Corvette C6 w/Nitrous Oxide - Click image to watch the video

Or at least a Z06. Now, we're all for drag racing - it's one of the purest forms of sport around - much like World's Strongest Man minus all the steroids. Or is that plus nine billion times the steroids? Either way, little is more adrenaline pumping than watching a nitrous-venting 1976 Chevrolet Camaro run the quarter in 8.5 seconds. Especially when you stop and think about how totally terrible Camaros were when Jimmy Carter took office. *Shudder.*

Anyhow, the reason you can get dirty old Camaros to run so quick are the mods. In fact, a constant, never-ending stream of modifications always makes that next hundredth of a second seem just within reach. Drag racing is the sport of the tinkerer - just ask Don Garlits. You can always shed weight, but then you reach a point where structural integrity becomes an issue.

More power is typically (if not always) the answer. To get there, you got your lumpy cams, bundle o' snakes headers, intake pipes the size of telephone poles, hot lifters, blowers, turbos and, of course, nitrous oxide (N2O). We say "of course" N2O because most drag races are over before you can count to ten. Besides, motors are cheap but Friday night glory at New Jersey's Island Dragway lasts forever, right? In this case, however, the ol' nitrous bottle might be more at home hooked up to another car - might we suggest a '76 Camaro? Find out why after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Tampa Bay Examiner]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C6C6 CorvetteC6CorvetteChevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevrolet Corvette C6Chevrolet Corvette z06Chevrolet Corvette ZR1ChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteC6ChevroletCorvetteZ06ChevroletCorvetteZr1ChevyCorvetteCorvette Z06Corvette ZR1CorvetteZ06CorvetteZr1Drag RacingDragRacingisland dragwayIslandDragwayN2ONitrous OxideNitrousOxideZR1Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST