Chevrolet will Sell Volt in Europe

Chevrolet announced at the Geneva Motor Show that it will sell the Volt in Europe, with prices in Germany starting from €41,950 (US$58,560). It will be similarly priced in other European markets, where it will arrive in November 2011.

The Volt's sister car, the Opel Ampera, will also go on sale this year in Europe, at a slightly higher starting price. Unveiled in final production form at the Geneva Show, the Ampera will cost €42,900 ($59,885), but prices can vary in different countries depending on the standard equipment.

Chevrolet said the Volt would be fully equipped with all the usual safety and convenience features, plus leather seats. As in the US, European buyers will have an 8-year/160,000 km warranty (100,000 miles) on the powertrain and the lithium-ion battery.

"Our price in Europe is based on the U.S. Volt price adjusted for transportation cost, import duties, exchange rates and homologation," said Wayne Brannon, CEO of Chevrolet Europe.

The Volt and the Ampera are basically the same car, both being built at GM’s Detroit Hamtramck plant in Michigan, US. There are only minor differences between the two cars, mainly concerning the front and the rear styling. In battery-only mode, the EVs have a maximum range of 40-80 kilometers (25-49 miles) that can be extended to 600 km (373 miles) when the gasoline engine / generator kicks in to charge the battery.

The 111 kW (150 hp) electric motor delivers 370 Nm of torque (273 lb-ft), accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around nine seconds while top speed is 161 km/h (100 mph). The battery can be fully recharged at any household 230-volt power outlet in three to four hours.

 

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Chevrolet Malibu versus Kia Spectra

Are you in the market for a new car? Are you thinking that a certain tiny four seat subcompact will deliver to you the best fuel economy? Think again - some of today's cars are using advanced technologies which are helping larger, heavier cars achieve better fuel economy numbers than their smaller competitors.
Chevrolet Malibu Picture


For the record, the Kia Spectra is made in South Korea by the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group and is imported to the US while the Chevrolet Malibu is built in America. The Spectra is a compact car, the Malibu is classified as a midsize; both have enough seat belts to carry five passengers.

Base engine for the Spectra is a 2.0L I4 paired with a five-speed manual transmission while a four-speed automatic transmission is offered optionally. The standard engine for the Malibu is a 2.4L I4 that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Though the Spectra gets 24 mpg city and the Malibu 22 mpg city, the Malibu has a highway edge of 33-32. Interestingly, the standard manual transmission engine combination results in 30 mpg on the highway for the Spectra.

Extra Gears, Better Fuel Economy

What makes the difference between the two models? The two extra gears in the Malibu is what does it. Earlier models had a four speed manual which delivered 30 mpg, but with the six-speed now included, Chevrolet drivers can get ten percent better fuel economy than before.

Having extra gears means the transmission can operate at lower ratios which means that less fuel is used. For people who do a lot of highway driving, the Malibu wins out in fuel economy, besides being a larger, roomier car for long trips. This doesn't mean that the Spectra isn't a capable car, but it does contradict a certain maxim - smaller cars are always more fuel efficient. Instead, the maxim should be that cars with the newest technologies, particular those with modern transmissions of at least six gears could be the most fuel efficient vehicles available.

Technology You'll Pay For

Most certainly the Spectra and the Malibu are designed for different drivers so my comparison does not include price or prestige, but it does indicate that car shoppers should look very closely at what they are getting: the bigger car could offer the best combination of ride and fuel economy for you and your family - you just have to ask yourself if you are willing to pay for these enhancements.
Kia Spectra Picture

Test Performance Chevrolet Silverado

One of the easiest and most affordable add-ons is of course a high flow air filter. Not only will this allow the truck's engine to breath more efficiently, but will give you a part that is reusable. In the long run, this will save the enthusiast in maintenance costs and will give the driver a fuel economy boost of 1-3 mpg on average. In addition, manufacturers like K&N and Airaid have a wide selection of air filters to choose from for any make and model of automobile, these retail for only $35-55 and the benefits will exceed itself in a matter of months. I would also recommend the fuel injection intake kits if money is no object, again these install in less than 45 minutes and have the same function as a basic air filter. These are also available in a cold air variety that feeds air from behind an air dam or bumper, therefore getting more increase of horsepower......

One such other add-on that is most popular is a custom exhaust. To compliment a more free flowing intake system, a quality exhaust is a must and will help dispel of all the burnt gases from the engine efficiently. An aftermarket system will also enhance performance figures and give it's driver a slight edge in fuel economy as well. There are some exhaust systems from Borla and Magnaflow that have a bolt on kit available which will eliminate welding work and having to bring your ride to a muffler shop. But for a more economical system, Flowmaster has a wide variety of kits that cost only several hundred dollars and is the most popular. In your exhaust search, try to focus on stainless steel kits to help hinder rust for many years to come. And most kits come complete with all the hardware-muffler(s), tubing, hangers, clamps, bolts, instructions, you get the picture. But best of all, a custom exhaust will give the truck a nice throaty sound that only a muscle car can do.

And finally, another basic add-on is a performance chip. Made available by companies like Hypertech and Superchips, a performance chip will re-educate the computer system in your truck to adjust shift points to better your fuel economy. These chips take very little time to install, less than 15 minutes in most cases, and cost around a $100 on average in most autos. A more technological accessory is a power programmer, this tool does everything a chip does, but there is more driver intervention of specs of your engine vitals. You can literally customize your truck's computer more completely than just a chip. But beware, these programmers cost more than 3 times the performance chip, and it's worth every penny.

And so there is my short list of performance goodies anyone can install in an afternoon's time. Additionally, these parts will not affect your manufacturers warranty. There are other inexpensive performance add-ons like hedders, mass air flow sensors, and transmission shift kits to consider, but require a little more work. The overall end product however, will be one of complete amazement and satisfaction as you finally turn the key and feel the results!

Chevrolet Avalanche is the perfect compromise

Chevrolet's Avalanche is an interesting yet phenomenal approach of combining both sport utility and pick up truck versatility. Since it's release in 2002, the Avalanche has long been a great seller and a consumer's pick in satisfaction. Most dealers sell out of the current model year before the end of the year is up, which bodes well for future sales. For some of us that's unfamiliar with what the Chevrolet has to offer, I will take one out and do some constructive reviewing of what the 2008 Avalanche has to offer in the marketplace. That way, the buyers can decide if it's a suitable vehicle to add to the shopping list.

Riding in the 2008 Avalanche doesn't disappoint as well. Made better with a new design and better engineered parts, the newer Avalanche rides better and feels like better quality. To be completely honest, the interior design and fit and finish is among the best in the fullsize market, and it's nothing to be ignored! Driving the truck is gratifying, very smooth over bumps (revised coil over shocks) and the turning radius is super tight (uses a revised rack and pinion system). As in Honda Civic tight! Power is adequate coming from my LT1 5.3L with cylinder deactivation, but feels its weight when you start to go up hills. The 4-speed automatic is generic for this type of vehicle, but with other trucks offering five and six speeds, it would only be more beneficial if Chevrolet integrates that into future models. The Cadillac Escalade EXT already has this, and it makes a huge difference.

Problems were few and far between. Some would say that squeeks and leaks can be an issue, especially with the different construction of the body and cage construction. But the last couple years of Avalanches have been further improved to help along the long lasting durability of the truck. Prices are stout, my test mule was right at $35k for a 2WD LT1 trim. They can get very expensive right away depending on how fancy you get, and this is easy to do as there are a lot of hypnotic features buyer's would love to have. Additionally, there are plenty of one year old trade ins available, and at about half price compared to new, this would be an advantageous route to go if you're looking to save. Gas mileage in this heavy truck is terrible, if not unbearable. Even with the cylinder deactivation technology, I only managed 14 mpg with sensible driving. Not a truck's biggest achievement by no means.

Chevrolet Camaro SS Black Cat

FELGE German aftermarket specialists reveal their upgrade program on the Chevrolet Camaro SS.

The standard 6.2-liter V8 unit develops 432 horsepower and 569 Nm of maximum torque, but after receiving a compressor kit (EUR8,999) by Speed Box, the Camaro produces some impressive 625 horsepower.

In the 22-inch realm, a staggered approach is used, with 265/30ZR22 tires on 10-inch wide rims and 295/25ZR22 meats over11-inch rims out back. This kind of image is backed up with appropriate chassis mods, including a coil-over conversion from H&R along with their sway bars.

It's a performance-oriented package but Speed Box also offers that 'Black Cat' matte body paintwork for the Camaro SS priced at €3,500.





Press Release

BLACK CAT - 22 "by www.FELGE.de and 625 HP
Vehicle: Chevrolet Camaro SS

The reinvigorate rated economical crisis after the U.S. car industry has born some kind of cars during its remarkable history. The made by GM Chevrolet Camaro SS is with good reason that is represented in this category. Comparisons with the legendary Ford Mustang are not at all far-fetched, they are even a matter of intention.

Herten, Germany, you can find the Speed Box car workshop. And it is even there such a Camaro that has been chosen to make all neighbors to have a look at this kind of vehicle.

The dominant power dome on the engine bonnet gives justified reasons for speculations, because the 6.2 liters V8 engine produces 432 HP at a max standard. torque of 569 N / m. After having passed a cure power with compressor kit (€ 8,999.00) by Speed Box, the Camaro impressionating produces 625 HP.
The BORLA stainless steel exhaust system helped (999.00 € without tailpipe) has its own full up sound. The matte black body paint work under the lines of the Chevy catlike manner, available starting from € 3.500.

The top of the pops is this phenomenal wheel / tire combination named Rhino out of the seemly endless wheel model pool of Schmidt Revolution (www.felge.de) Bad Segeberg, Germany. For this type of care have been used equipped with 265/30-R22 and 295/25-R22 tires 10x22 "and 11x22" wheels, wheel arch without crimping. The wheel set price incl tires is of € 3,399.00. In addition, the high quality rims from Rhino Schmidt Revolution have especially weatherproof stainless steel face plate, that can be replaced in case of damage in a cheap and quick way to thanks to optimized installation. The Rhino light alloy rims are available in 9x20 ", 10x22" and 11x22 ".

Additionally, Speed Box Spends H & R coilovers for 1,272.00 €. H & R stabilizers are optional for another € 530.00, Which improves the driving dynamics sensibly.

And if after all the well-disposed spectator fevers to get the key to make an extended test drive, the tuning experts will have reached their aim ...

2011 Baldwin-Motion Camaros

Baldwin-Motion has released details on a series of 5 special models based on the 2011 Camaro SS.

The 800 HP upgrade package will include a 2.8-liter Twin-Screw supercharger system, eight-rib supercharger drive assembly, unique block, 4.125-inch bore, pressed-in liners, forged 2618 Aluminum 9.3-to-1 pistons, forged 6.125-inch H-Beam Steel connecting rods, forged 4.00-inch stroke steel crankshaft, race-prepped CNC-ported aluminum heads, custom Redline R3-SC Blower camshaft, ATI/Redline damper, high-efficiency tubular exhaust system and an upgraded TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.

Available through DeNooyer Chevrolet in upstate New York, customers will have a choice of cars ranging from the SS-427 (dyno-rated at 525hp), or the 427-SC Supercar (dyno-rated at 800 horsepower). The 2011 Camaro SS Phase III cars will start at under $80,000 and go up from there. It should be interesting to see how things actually run, especially since Chevrolet is working on their own 550+ hp Camaro Z/28 that’s set to debut for the 2012 model year.




Press Release

RETURN OF THE FANTASTIC FIVE:
MODERN MUSCLE CARS WITH LEGENDARY HERITAGE!

Baldwin-Motion's Joel Rosen partners with DeNooyer Chevrolet's Performance Division and Redline Motorsports to build and market 2011 MOTION 427 and 454 Camaros.

More than 40 years ago Joel "Mr. Motion" Rosen, a young Brooklyn dyno-tuner, hot rodder, street racer and national record holding drag racer, turned a simple 427 Camaro engine swap into an empire. And catapulted Baldwin-Motion and MOTION into internationally respected performance brands. Working with Baldwin Chevrolet, he was the most prolific builder-marketer of modified new big-block Chevys during the Supercar ‘60s & ‘70s. He backed up Phase III models with written money-back performance warranties! He's now passing the torch to Howard Tanner, a young dyno-tuning specialist and speed shop owner.

"It's Déjà Vu all over again," said Joel Rosen, quoting the legendary Yankee, Yogi Berra. "We have re-launched the Baldwin-Motion and MOTION brands again, this time capturing the true spirit of what we did in 1967-1974: Market built-to-order, dyno-proven and warranted SS & Phase III 427 & 454 Camaros, crafted by a high-tech dyno shop and available exclusively from a single authorized Chevrolet dealer."

Specially prepared 427 and 454 engines power the latest iterations of the legendary Baldwin-Motion Fantastic Five : 2011 SS & Phase III Camaros, dyno-rated at 525 (SS-427) to 800 horsepower (427-SC Supe rcar). Howard Tanner is President of Redline Motorsports, a speed shop specializing in fuel-injected vehicles in Schenectady, NY. He and his team are the builders. Dan Carlton, General Manager, DeNooyer Chevrolet's Performance Division in Albany, NY is handling client contact.

DeNooyer Chevrolet, owned by second-generation Chevrolet dealer Jim DeNooyer, is the highest volume Chevrolet dealership in upstate New York. As a young, hands-on car guy, DeNooyer was into hot rods, customs and drag racing. He later moved up into fast boats and has held speed records since the 1990s. Sons, Joel and Tom, also high-performance enthusiasts, handle day-to-day operations.

"It's great that the folks at DeNooyer Chevrolet and Redline Motorsports have embraced the Baldwin-Motion heritage of using the latest GM 427 and 454 high-performance factory engines in their new MOTION Camaros," said Dr. Jamie Meyer, Product Integration Manager, General Motors Performance Parts.

Tanner is a highly skilled engine calibrator and dyno-tuner as well as an experienced builder of large-displacement GM vehicles, including Camaros and Corvettes. Carlton, a respected racer, successful GM of luxury brand dealerships and former Chevrolet dealership principal, has years of experience selling both imported and domestic high-performance vehicles. He is a former New York State Ice Racing Champion and currently competes in sports car, ice racing and Modified motorsports.

Every MOTION Camaro will be built to order at Redline and tuned by Howard Tanner on its DYNOmite 1,400 horsepower Eddy Current Load dyno. A full dyno report as well as official Baldwin-Motion documentation will go with each car.

Sanctioned, serialized and signed by Joel Rosen, each 2011 MOTION SS & Phase III Camaro will be delivered with custom MOTION VIN plates and complete documentation. To prevent future cloning of MOTION Camaros, Rosen and Carlton will be establishing a confidential MOTION Registry detailing VINs, vehicle specifications and original purchaser data.

In 1967-1968, Baldwin-Motion marketed its full line of 427 Chevys under The Fantastic Five banner. Advertising and marketing materials, as well the windows at Baldwin Chevrolet, screamed The Fantastic Five. And, that's how they're launching the new line of 2011 MOTION Camaros.

The 2011 Fantastic Five : SS-427 (525 HP), Phase III 427 (600 HP), SS- 454 (550 HP), PHASE III 454 (625 HP Torque Monster!) and PHASE III 427- SC (800 HP Supercharged Supercar). Complete details can be found at http://www.officialbaldwinmotion.com/

"I like to think of our 2011 SS and Phase III 427 & 454 Camaros as "modern MOTION mythmakers!" said, DeNooyer's Carlton.

When Rosen and MOTION LLC's Larry Jaworske and Joel Ehrenpreis re-launched the Baldwin-Motion and MOTION brands in 2005, they set a new standard for 1969 "continuation" Camaros. The Launch Edition two-seat SuperCoupe, powered by a front/mid-mounted, fuel-injected 540-inch aluminum big-block, won the coveted GM Design Award at SEMA 2005 and set a record at Barrett-Jackson in 2006.

"We produced extremely expensive, coachbuilt Camaros between 2005-2009. This time it's different. Our new MOTION 427 & 454 Camaros are much more affordable and drivable, starting at under-$80,000, and will be hard to beat on the street or at a show. I've ordered the first one (#001), a limited-production, 800-horsepower supercharged Phase III 427-SC Supercar," said Rosen.

New Chevrolet Orlando MPV Shows up in Paris (With Live Pictures)

Finally, we've got live pics of the new Chevy Orlando. Essentially the General's answer to the European mid-size MPV question, the small, Cruze-based 7-seater had a bunch of promise back when it originally debuted as a concept.

Somewhere between there and this year's Paris Motor Show, all the old, Judge Whitey executives in the General's back pocket found a way to crush any chance of it being cool by turning the stocky little MPV into an ass-in-the-air high-ish-riding mini-minivan...unless there's an air suspension system I don't know about.

You can see that the interior keeps the decent styling inherited from its platform-mate and appears to actually be sourced from the original concept. Too bad the same can't be said for the rest.

When this little box goes on sale in early 2011, methinks the best things about the whole package are the trick dashboard cubby and its two available diesel torque-makers.

As for the rest, attractive European MPV it ain't. For the full info and specs, check out our previous post, and to see how the Orlando stacks up against the concept, head on over to our Concept to Reality comparo.

By Phil Alex

_____________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Chevy Camaro Convertible pace car

Chevrolet has revealed a new Camaro Convertible Pace Car for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 race.

It features a similar paint scheme to that of the 1969 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace car convertible. The exterior is Summit White with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior has orange leather and Indy 500 logo embossed headrests.

A total of fifty cars will be built and they are all 2SS models with a 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) 6.2-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. They come nicely equipped with Brembo brakes, HID headlights, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with high performance tires.




Press Release

Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible to Pace Indianapolis 500

• New Camaro SS convertible in white with orange stripes and orange leather-trimmed interior evokes classic 1969 Camaro pace car model
• One of the 50 Festival Committee cars will be auctioned for charity at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on Jan. 22
• 2011 is the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500

DETROIT - A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will serve as the official pace car of the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale classic auto auction, where a bidder will have the opportunity to purchase the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars.

The 2011 Camaro Convertible is the 22nd Chevrolet chosen to pace "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing®" and the seventh Camaro. Adding to the rich heritage is the fact that 2011 will mark the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500, as well as the centennial year of Chevrolet.

Chevrolet will donate full proceeds of the auction to the David Foster Foundation, a charity devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. David Foster, the 15-time Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, founded the organization in his native Canada.

The pace car, along with the matching festival cars, features a Summit White exterior accented with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front seat headrests embossed with the Indy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument panel trim. The instrument panel trim features extensions of the orange exterior stripes.

The color combination is similar to the design used on the 1969 Camaro Indy pace car - replicas of which have become among the most popular Camaros in the collector world.

"It's an honor for Chevrolet to pace the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, especially during this landmark year," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "This is also a great opportunity for us to build on Camaro's strong momentum, while supporting an important charity."

The auction for the commemorative edition pace car takes place Saturday evening, Jan. 22, during SPEED's live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event. The vehicle carries lot number 1284 and bids can be submitted at the auction in person or online by clicking this link for a 2011 absentee bidder registration packet:

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Chevrolet name have long been associated with one another beginning with Arthur, Louis and Gaston Chevrolet's participation as competitors in the Indianapolis 500," said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO Jeff Belskus. "It is fitting in this 100th year for both brands that we reinforce that relationship through this year's Camaro pace car, which resembles what many argue is the most famous pace car in IMS history, the 1969 Camaro. We are looking forward to seeing this car on track, pacing the greatest 33 drivers in the world on May 29."

Pace car details

Equipped with a 400-horsepower (298 kW) V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the actual pace car for the race requires no performance modifications to perform its duty in front of the racing field.

All 50 of the Festival Committees cars will be SS convertible models fitted with the 2SS equipment package, offering the following standard features:

• Four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers and hydraulic assist
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Competitive/sport mode that enhances on-track performance
• Performance Launch Control (with the manual transmission) that optimizes hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance
• Twenty-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires
• Head-up instrument display
• Center console with auxiliary gauge package.
• Along with the 2SS equipment, the cars feature the RS package, which includes HID headlamps and unique tail lamps.

Convertible refinement

The Camaro Convertible delivers coupe-like driving dynamics, with the unmatched fun of open air driving. The Convertible model contains an enhanced structure designed to eliminate the traditional compromises of open cars, such as cowl or steering wheel shake. The goal is a convertible that drives like the coupe. All the powertrain and suspension elements of the existing Camaro Coupe carry over unchanged in the convertible. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.

Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:

• A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
• A transmission support reinforcement brace
• Underbody tunnel brace
• Front and rear underbody "V" braces.

The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

The regular-production versions of the 2011 Camaro Convertible will begin arriving in Chevrolet dealerships in February, opening a new chapter in the Camaro's ongoing 21st century rebirth. Even before the introduction of a convertible model, Camaro ended 2010 as the sales leader in its class in the United States for the first time since 1985.

Chevrolet's pace car heritage

Louis Chevrolet, who founded the brand with William "Billy" Durant in 1911, was a racer, mechanic and pioneering engineer. He raced in the early years of the Indianapolis 500, which also started in 1911, and served a luminary of the event in the years after he retired his racing helmet. That included driving the official Indianapolis pace car, which was developed by Indy 500 founder Carl Fisher, who believed a rolling start was safer than a standing start. The first Indianapolis 500 featured a pace car driven by Fisher.

The first Chevrolet selected as the Indianapolis 500 pace car was the 1948 Fleetmaster Six. The brand would go on to lead the racing pack more than any other manufacturer. The list of Chevy pace cars includes:

1948 Fleetmaster Six
1955 Bel Air
1967 Camaro
1969 Camaro
1978 Corvette
1982 Camaro
1986 Corvette
1990 Beretta
1993 Camaro
1995 Corvette
1998 Corvette
1999 Monte Carlo
2002 Corvette
2003 SSR
2004 Corvette
2005 Corvette
2006 Corvette
2007 Corvette
2008 Corvette
2009 Camaro
2010 Camaro
2011 Camaro

2011 the Traverse Chevrolet comes with a long list of safety features

The Chevrolet Traverse insurance providers demand high premium rates because of two reasons. SUV drivers are more likely to harm others than themselves while driving. This is usually covered by the insurance providers and this is a great loss for them. The next reason is the fact that SUVs are prone to more accidents than cars due to their height of elevation.

Families will be happy to see that the Traverse comes standard with a long list of safety features. Anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and front as well as side curtain airbags for all three rows of seating are standard equipment on the 2011 Chevy Traverse. Excellent marks from the government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front, side, and off-set impact tests confirm the vehicle's safety in a variety of possible accident scenarios.
2011 the Traverse Chevrolet comes with a long list of safety features