September 5, 2008
This month GM will reveal a production-ready version of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid at GM's 100-year celebration. The car is expected to go on sale by November of 2010.
Full story here.
September 3, 2008
Like everything else with wheels these days, expect the next-gen Corvette to go after more mpg rather than more mph. Popular Mechanics is reporting that there is talk of V6s and maybe even diesels. As they say, everything is on the table for discussion.
Photo Illustration: Anthony Verducci
September 1, 2008
Mazda has been making some pretty impressive cars of late, however, some may think their "greenness" may be a bit on the thin side. That could change as word is leaking out that Mazda may be working on a car that could give the Chevy Volt a run for its money. Unlike the Volt--and every other hybrid vehicle to date--is that this Mazda could well use a rotary engine to recharge the batteries. Can you say, "ZAP-ZAP?"
August 28, 2008
A sharp-eyed movie buff in California has caught what looks like a production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt on the set of Transformers 2. Although some elements of this movie car have been altered like the extra large badges and oversized wheels, most of the sheetmetal matches up with the teaser shots that have been released by GM. It's a far cry from the concept, but this Volt still has a distinctive shape unlike anything else in the Chevrolet lineup.
Click here for the video from the set.
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August 26, 2008
Just found the following over at SpeedTV.com (here).
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We received this e-mail from Bart Brown of Wings'n'Wheels Hobbies, Clinton CT, USA. He forwarded it. We do not know the writer.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lime Rock Park was closed down for an hour and half today to honor Paul Newman. He was attended by his family, close friends, Skip Barber, mechanics on his race team, and those who happened to be at the track. PLN toured the track in his Corvette race car with his Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon following. He had come to say goodbye. Diagnosed with terminal cancer he is not expected to live beyond September. Race driver, actor, humanitarian, family man and friend, they did not come any better.
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So sad.
Images: Robert Ondrovic
August 22, 2008
The Solid Axle Corvette Club held their National convention in Harrisburg and Hershey this week. A total of 27 Solid Axle Corvettes and their owners visited the AACA Museum in Hershey.
So, just what is a solid axle Corvette? The rear axle housing on all 1953 to 1962 Corvettes was a one-piece shell. The rear differential (rear gears) and the axles were mounted within this rear axle housing. (The rear axle housing is sometimes called a solid [or straight] axle housing.)
Beginning with the 1963 model year, Corvettes had an independent rear suspension (IRS). The rear differential is built into the center housing: universal joints and short shafts (called jack shafts) transfer power to the rear wheels. Each rear wheel reacts independently to the road surface, and has earned the nickname "rubber axle".
More AACA Museum fun stuff (4 Club Car Show / Cruise In and Drive-in Theaters make a comeback in Hershey) after the jump.
August 21, 2008
GM has released images and some info on the all-new Chevrolet Cruze. The car will officially debut in October at the Paris auto show.
The Cruze will be a world car, and as such, will be sold in Europe, North America and Asia. Here it will replace the Cobalt and will likely be badged as a 2011 model. The Cruze will be powered by 1.6 and 1.8L that produce 112hp and 140hp. Both engines feature variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides which improve fuel economy as well as boost low-end performance. The turbodiesel is a 2.0L unit and develops 150hp. A five-speed manual will be standard and a new six-automatic will also be offered.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show: Chevrolet Cruze Goes for Bold, Not Evolutionary
It looks like Navistar, maker of International trucks, has had second thoughts about acquiring the General's medium- heavy-duty truck operations. They apparently had a non-binding letter of agreement with a time limit which has expired.
"Significant marketplace and economic changes" are to blame, so say GM and Navistar.
Frankly I thought it was was an odd fit from the get-go, as the GM trucks would compete head-to-head with those trucks from International. Then again, Freightliner did okay when they took over Ford's heavy-duty trucks, and re-badged them as Sterling trucks.
Full story here, here and here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM: Selling Assets to Raise Cash May Prove Tough
August 19, 2008
B V R Subbu (pictured), founder and board member of Argentum Motors, and former president of Hyundai Motors India, said that the company's electric car could be on sale in Europe and North America as early as next year and could debut at the upcoming Paris auto show.
Huh? Argentum Motors? Who are these guys? AutoObserver has an in-depth editorial on this little known Indian-French company; who they are, where they came from, and where they're headed.
Argentum Motors: Little-known Indian-French Company Could Upstage Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt
More on Argentum Motors can be found here.
August 15, 2008
August 13, 2008
No doubt we can add Ford, Toyota and Nissan to this list too; but for now we have news on what GM and Dodge are up to.
GM
First off, beside offering hybrid pickups, GM will offering a high-mileage versions of the 2WD 1/2-tons. Known as "XFE" models (as in eXtra Fuel Economy), these are vehicles using well proven technology, as they employ lots of gears (6) and a tall 3.08 rear axle ratio. The 5.3L V8 as also been tweaked somewhat.
On the hybrid front, word has it that these models have been pushed back to the first half of next year for release.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM Announces New Extra Fuel Economy Large Trucks, SUVs
Dodge
For Dodge it's a good-news-bad-news situation. The good news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08 model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08 model.
The bad news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08 model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08 model. That mean any remaining '08s on dealer lots are going to be hard to move once the '09 models start arriving.
Here's Inside Line's take: Priced: 2009 Dodge Ram
Here's AutoObserver's take: 2009 Dodge Ram: Priced Less than '08 Ram - On Paper
August 12, 2008
That's the question asked by ABC News in their interview with GM folks involved with the Volt project. We also get a glimpse of the front end styling. Actually, I have no fear about what the car will look like. I think it will be stunning. Why do I say that? Just look at what GM has put in their showroom floors over the past few years. Almost without exception they're all great looking vehicles, so I have no reason to doubt this new Volt will be equally great to look at.
The big question, however, remains: Is this Volt going to be GM's salvation? Or will it be just another in a long list of close-but-no-cigar attempts from the General?
Here's Inside Line's take: Slow Striptease of the Chevrolet Volt Begins
Here's AutoObserver's take: 33,000 Potential Buyers Raise Hands for Chevy Volt - Symbolically
August 11, 2008
The last time we saw the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, it was wearing enough camouflage to cover up all the details. This time, the covers were almost completely off when our spy photographers caught it testing at GM's Milford Proving grounds. No surprisingly, it looks much like the 2010 GMC Terrain we caught in Death Valley last week. Both SUVs should arrive in 2009.
July 24, 2008
The U. S. Postal Service announced it is partnering with General Motors and joining Chevy's Project Driveway market test to report how fuel cell vehicles operate under demanding conditions. The USPS will deploy two hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles on regular routes six days a week in Irvine, CA, and at another location to be announced.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: U.S. Postal Service Extends Market Testing of Chevrolet Equinox Fuel-Cell Vehicle
Image: Jamie Rector for General Motors
July 22, 2008
July 21, 2008
The long wait for the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro is about over, as images of the production model have hit the Net.
The car will be "officially" introduced this afternoon at 4:00 EDT on a webcast.
The new Camaro can be had in three trim levels -- LS, LT and SS (no, there is not an RS trim level). Power will be supplied via either a 296-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 416-hp 6.2-liter V8. Both engines will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Other goodies include stability control, Brembo brakes (on the SS), retro-themed gauges and LED interior lighting. Figure on a weight of about 3,750 pounds, with a 52/48 front/rear weight distribution.
Here's Inside Line's take: Revealed: Official Shots of 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
More images after the jump.
July 18, 2008
In an effort to allay both Wall Street and consumer fears, GM laid out their product cards for the future. Detailed images of the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze (Cobolt replacement), the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon (and Coupe), the Buick Invicta and Saab 9-4X were all there for everyone's pleasure.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Next-Gen Models Revealed, Including Chevy Cruze
Here's Inside Line's take: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Prepares To Become GM's Global Small Car
Invicta Showcar Previews 2010 Buick Sedan
2010 Saab 9-4X Crossover To Debut Next Spring
July 16, 2008
No sooner had GM CEO Rick Wagoner delivered the sobering news regarding GM cuts, Bob Lutz was right there to confirm that there is a lot of life left in what we can expect from the General in terms of future products. More to the point, the recently rumored cutting of brands was not a part of the discussion. Nope, all the current brands are to remain in place according to Lutz.
The biggest change that we can expect is that products from GM (and other vehicle makers too) will have a decidedly European/international flavor to them. That means less trucks--and the trucks that do remain will be smaller and more efficient. Expect more smaller cars and fewer cars with big V8s. No longer will the American car market be different from that of Europe and elsewhere.
"This is a difficult transition but once the transition is made, it's going to ease our problem of no longer having to produce unique vehicles for the American market," Lutz said. "In the future, anything we create worldwide is available to use to either import or produce in the U.S."
For a quick glance as to what's in store, check out AutoObserver's editorial:
GM: Remapping for a More Euro-Style Vehicle Landscape
July 14, 2008
The Z28 is another casualty of the escalating fuel prices. So Chevy fans, here's what you'll be missing:
A 6.2L, small block V8 with a roots-style supercharger that reportedly was to put out 500 to 550 horsepower. So with the Z28 now a no-show, the SS model will be the Max-Camaro. In that guise, you'll find a LS3 V8 with around 400 to 450 hp.Full story here.
July 10, 2008
So you want to know what it's like to pull off a 7:26.4 lap at Nürburgring? Well then, check out this video of the new Corvette ZR-1 doing just that (Corvette ZR1 tops GT-R 'Ring lap time)!
Here's Inside Line's take: Video: 2009 Corvette ZR1 Does 7:26 Nurburgring Lap
July 9, 2008
With the super-high diesel prices, customers of diesel pickups are turning their backs on them. Instead they are going back to gas-powered versions.
Diesel's have consistently run at 70 percent or better, for General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. It was even better at Chrysler, as they sold close to 90 percent diesels for the Ram Heavy Duty.
Not so any more, as in May, the percent of Ford Super Duty Pickups diesels dropped to 51 percent. That time last year, the Super Duty diesels were selling at 71 percent.
From January-to-May Chrysler's Ram, diesel-engine share reached a high point of 88 percent in 2006, and was 87 percent in 2007. Now for the same period this year, diesel-engine sales for Ram Heavy Duty are down to 82 percent, while overall Ram Heavy Duty sales are off by 38 percent.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Buyers of Heavy-Duty Pickups Turning Their Backs on Diesel
July 4, 2008
The South Korean-designed Chevy Beat may be coming Stateside. Originally intended for Asia and Latin America, the soaring fuel prices that have sparked the rapidly changing Americans' vehicle tastes have GM rethinking their plans.
"Everything is under review," said GM spokesman Dee Allen. While the automaker's executives continually review their lineup, this examination might lead to bigger changes, he said. "Obviously, the market has been changing rather rapidly."
The Beat is smaller than the current Chevy Aveo, and is roughly the size of a Smart.
June 28, 2008
With all this interest and fuss about lap times at the Nürburgring, Jalopnik has posted some info and several videos of other vehicles lapping this famous track. So while the Corvette ZR1 Nissan GT-R lap times are amazing, they're nowhere near the time posted by the Porsche 956, which has lapped the 'Ring at 6:11.13.
June 27, 2008
In the hands of General Motors development engineer Jim Mero, a new Corvette ZR1 posted a scorching 7:26.4 lap at the Nürburgring, which beats the Nissan GT-R's 7:29 lap record. The Vette was stock except for communication and safety equipment. It was wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 2’s, which is also the stock tire.
Stay tuned folks, I bet this 'Ring-Thing is not over yet...
June 19, 2008
Amid the huge and swift market shift in vehicles, as well as the uncertainty of future government fuel regulations, GM has decided to push back their next generation of fullsize trucks and SUVs. Instead, GM will redeploy those involved on those projects to other more immediate needs such as providing engineering expertise on smaller vehicles which are in such high demand.
GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson states: "We're going to focus on improving the current trucks until we see where the market goes."
Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP adds: "By delaying, you're making more people available and now to these people will be working on more strategic programs." He goes on to say: "This is being done to better use their resources in this time between now and CAFE."
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM: Future Product Plan Under Review
June 17, 2008
Well, so much for being the super sports car for the masses, as the 2009 ZR1 starts at $103,300. Plus you need to add a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax to that number. Add any options, and that number just gets even more painful—and let's not forget that more than a few greedy Chevy dealers will be adding salt to the wound by sticking an ADM on as frosting.
I guess, like the price of oil breaking $100 per barrel, that a $100+K Corvette was just a matter of time...
June 13, 2008
A possible answer to those wanting a small efficient pickup is sold just south of the border in Mexico: It's called the Chevy Tornado. In Brazil, where it's made, it's called the Chevy Montana; it's also sold in South Africa, but badged as an Opel Corsa Utility. It may be sold in other markets as well.
So what's the scoop here?..
June 11, 2008
Even in this truck-unfriendly environment, Chevrolet is not going to let Dodge and Ford grab all the headlines as far as 2009 1/2-tons are concerned.
So for the 2009 1500 Silverado Chevy is adding the following:
• Six-speed automatic transmission with 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines (interim availability on regular cab and extended cab models)
• More powerful, E85-capable 6.2L V-8 available on crew cab
• New 18-inch and 20-inch chrome-clad wheel designs
• Black Granite Metallic and Imperial Blue Metallic exterior colors
• OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• XM Satellite Radio with new NavTraffic feature
• Rearview camera system (extended cab and crew cab)
Also mentioned in the news release (here) is that an integrated brake controller is available on all models. For 2008 it was only available on the HD models, as I recall.
Full story here...
Hertz will be adding the Corvette ZHZ to their rental fleets, which suddenly means rentals cars are now becoming mighty appealing. In the spirit of the old Hertz Shelby-Mustangs, this new Hertz-Vette features a 436hp 6.2L engine and a 6-speed automatic. All ZHZs will be painted yellow and will have a black racing stripe down the middle of the car.
The ZHZ is part of the Hertz ‘Fun Fleet’, which is a collection of 12,000 high-performance cars...
June 6, 2008
General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz puts his stamp of approval on the hood of the first Chevrolet Volt engineering development vehicle after reaching speeds of nearly 60 mph while test driving it at the GM Proving Grounds. GM announced that its board of directors has approved funding for the production of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.
In related news GM is in talks with Cobasys LLC about a possible purchase of the company. Cobasys makes nickel-metal hydride batteries for GM...
June 2, 2008
Several weeks ago I posted news that GM is considering going to unibody construction for their next generation of SUVs (GM may shift full-size SUVs to unit-body construction). Now AutoObserver has more on that—and that it may also include pickups as well.
"The unibody vehicles are where you're going to have to make your money," says Michael Robinet, Vice President, Global Forecast Services CSM Worldwide of the big-volume era of body-on-frame pickups and SUVs. "Those days are finished."
This marks a sea change in thinking when it comes to light truck construction for GM, and for the rest of the SUV and truck makers as well...
May 28, 2008
GM is hoping for a tax break on electric vehicles, which would surely help offset the expected lofty MSRP of the 2010 Chevy Volt. If things go there way, they're hoping it might be in the range of $5000 to $7000. Since the Volt could cost in the $40K range, that would go a long way in terms of making it more palatable for consumers.
GM spokesman Greg Martin states: "GM wants to make sure new energy legislation comprehends not only current hybrid vehicles but future technology."
If anything is going to happen on this front, it will likely occur during the next presidential administration, and not before...
May 26, 2008
Call it a casualty of the impending fuel regulations, as GM has axed plans for large RWD Chevys and Buicks. The vehicles themselves will remain, but as FWD models.
RWD is not dead, however. There are still plans in place for a range of small RWD coupes and sedans...
May 9, 2008
GM's first SUV, the Chevy (and GMC) Suburban dates back to 1936. Actually it was just a "utility" vehicle, as there was no "Sport" in any sort of truck back in those days. Then as now their utility vehicles were always based off their pickup chassis. That's seven decades of following basically the same formula—and it may be about to end...
April 30, 2008
We all knew that Chevy had a hit on their hand with the new Malibu. What we didn't know was how would the public react? Would it be just another failed attempt from a domestic automaker at winning back foreign car buyers? Or, is this baby the real deal?
Well, early results seem to indicate the latter, J.D...
April 29, 2008
While Honda and others are reaping the benefits from selling loads of smaller cars, the makers of big trucks an SUVs are taking it it on the chin. In it's latest move GM will cutting one shift in all four of their factories that make full-size pickups and SUVs. The cuts will occur at Pontiac, Flint, MI; Janesville, Wis; and Oshawa, Ontario.
States GM North America President Troy Clarke: “With rising fuel prices, a softening economy and a downward trend on current and future market demand for full-sized trucks, a significant adjustment was needed to align our production with market realities.”
Full story here and here...
April 25, 2008
News of the ZR1's monster horsepower numbers surfaced last night and Chevrolet has released this video of the ZR1 on a top speed run in Papenburg, Germany. The new super Corvette reportedly topped out at 205mph. Not bad for a Chevy.