- Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, Ford, GM
Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.
Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).
Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.
As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Chevrolet, GM
2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for a high res image gallery
Now that the Chevrolet Volt has progressed to the point where vehicles with near-production bodywork are running around, the time has come for the crew to begin ironing out details like the ride height and spring rates that will directly influence the plug-in hybrid's handling.
Regarding these points, chief engineer Andrew Farah has some interesting things to say about the Volt and the way GM will position it against its competitors. For instance, Farah notes (in reference to the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight), "Our chassis is much more sporty than either of the other vehicles."
Farah also comments on a couple of changes to the car's exterior design that eagle-eyed parties had noticed, such as the relocation of the plug from the front fender to under a flap in the traditional location for a gas cap. Other changes, such as the headlamps and taillights, may merely be present because the Volt is still early in its development cycle and there are some pre-production bits that aren't yet necessary for testing purposes.
Spy photographers take note: Farah also says the car is set to undergo some hot-weather endurance testing out west this summer.
[Source: Inside Line]GM: Volt to be sportier alternative to Prius and Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill
According to the well-connected boys over at Camaro5, General Motors will indeed produce a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 after all... and they've even scored some details on the hi-po offering.
According to Camaro5 user Hiney1 who attended a special question and answer session at the Carlisle Nationals this weekend (seen above), a Z28 will arrive after the Camaro Convertible, itself expected in the spring of 2011.
The Z28 will reportedly make use of some sort of high-output LS-based engine (C'mon, guys! You're killing us!), and it will incorporate a hood similar to that of the Bumblebee edition, along with a unique grille, the usual spate of graphics and emblems, and perhaps even a tweaked rear-end. Thanks for the tip, Jay!
[Source: Camaro5]Wink, Wink: GM officials reportedly coyly confirms Camaro Z28... but it isn't coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM
2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for a high-res image gallery
You want a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro? You'd better come strong with more money than the MSRP requires, and you'd better be willing to wait. Bloomberg is reporting that General Motors can't build the reborn bow tie pony car fast enough to quench public demand. That's excellent news for a company that needs a reason to smile, and it could be even better for dealers donning the bow tie. After all, car sales are still firmly in the tank, and GM has seen more than its fair share of shrunken demand.
Dealers have already booked about 25,000 orders for the Camaro, yet only half have been delivered to date. Analysts reportedly told Bloomberg that dealers are getting $500 over sticker on average, too, and at least one dealer is guessing that he won't have a Camaro to sell in stock for at least a year. Bartow Chevrolet in Florida sold its first two Camaros at MSRP, and he's already booked 18 orders.
There is no question that the Camaro has grabbed the attention of the car-buying public, and the debut of Transformers 2 will likely give the pony car another marketing shot in the arm. GM sold 5,463 copies of the Camaro in May, and we're guessing that number will grow as production ramps up.
[Source: Bloomberg]REPORT: GM says Camaro supply outstripped by demand, cars selling for over sticker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Videos, Chevrolet
Click above to view the video after the jump
Normally the twisting of an ignition key doesn't constitute news here at Autoblog, but this is one of the few exceptions. Back in January, Hennessey Performance announced the HPE700, a concoction born from the combination of an LS9 supercharged V8 from a ZR1 and a 2010 Camaro. The Texas-based company only recently shoe-horned the engine into the engine bay. A video camera was on when it was finally time to start the newly created monster, and the sound is nothing short of amazing. The result of open headers plus what appears to be a fairly aggressive cam makes for a sound that has the hairs on the backs of our necks standing on end. Have a listen for yourself by watching the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Brian!
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700
VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos, Chevrolet, GM
Chevrolet Volt Integration prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery
The technicians and engineers at General Motors' Pre-Production operations center at the Warren, MI Tech Center have been hard at work for the last several weeks finishing up the first of about 75 integration prototypes of the Chevy Volt. They worked so hard, in fact, that the first car was completed a week ahead of schedule. These are the first actual running prototypes and include pretty much all of the production-intent hardware in a production body shell. As is typical of these integration prototypes, items like the light clusters aren't quite done yet. The intended bulbs are included in a flat black plastic cluster with the proper arrangement but the covers and internal sculpting are missing.
Chief engineer Andrew Farah took IVER #1 (that's Integration Vehicle Engineering Release #1) out for a brief drive after it was completed and checked out and, according to the video after the jump, everything worked smoothly. While the car looks pretty much like the Volt that was unveiled last September, if you look carefully you will notice one difference. From the original concept to the styling buck we have seen for the last nine months, the charge port was always hidden under the trim piece just ahead of the driver's side mirror. There is now a flap looking much like a gas cover just below that on the fender. The charge port sits behind that flap. According to Volt spokesman David Darovitz, this is the production intent configuration. Dave, we're ready for our test drive anytime, you have our number. Check out the video with Andrew Farah after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Chevy Volt chief engineer takes drive in first pre-production prototype [w/VIDEO]
Chevy Volt chief engineer takes drive in first pre-production prototype [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Videos, Chevrolet, GM
Click above to view the video after the jump
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dominated everything in its $100,000 price range, and quite a few supercars that double or triple its MSRP. With just about everything with four wheels subservient to the ZR1, MotorTrend decided to forgo cars and trucks for something with a bit more boost.
MotorTrend's Aurthor St. Antoine thought a more credible contender against the ZR1 would be an F/A-18 Hornet from the Blue Angel squad. So it was Blue Devil vs. Blue Angel, with one vehicle doling out 638 hp and able to hit 60 in 3.3 seconds, and the other capable of mach 1.8 and packing 32,000 pounds of thrust. It doesn't exactly sound like a fair fight, but the race is pretty simple: the first to the one-mile mark wins.
Hit the jump to find out who comes out victorious in the battle of the bow tie vs. Navy fighter jet. If you're not into all the hoopla surrounding the ZR1 and the Blue Angel F/A-18 and you just want to see the race, skip to about eight minutes in. We're pretty sure this race was just an excuse for St. Antoine to get in the cockpit of an F-18, but we can't say we blame him.Continue reading VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet
VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Chevrolet
Click above to watch the video after the jump
When the new Knight Rider hit the airwaves, some were a bit disappointed thoroughly livid that Michael's new ride was a Mustang. Since the original KITT was a Trans Am, purists cried foul and said a more natural replacement would be the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Fortunately or unfortunately, one enterprising Camaro owner decided to take up the task and right the show's perceived wrongs. Camaro5 poster Spaceballone picked up a $135 Scanner Light equipped with 64 ice blue LEDs and three built-in patterns. The hood slot in the Camaro fit the kit perfectly, with juice provided by the car's battery.
Hit the jump to view the video for yourself. It's not NBC quality (that could be a good thing), but we think you'll agree that KITT lighting looks good in blue.Continue reading VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride
VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Toys, Lifestyle
Beijing Bumblebee gathering - click above for high-res image gallery
var rmers_enthusiasts_parade_their_own_Bumblebees'; Less than one week before Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen goes into wide release in China, fans of the morphing vehicle-turned-robot movie franchise took to the streets of Beijing in full Bumblebee regalia.
What looks to be a well-organized event was put on by website Autohome.com.cn, and it appears that they even managed to get General Motors' Chevrolet division in on the act, with a new Bumblebee-spec Camaro to lead the procession of like-painted fan cars.
We're not sure we'd go with the yellow-and-black stripes treatment on our own rides, but we remain impressed with both the dedication and the sheer variety of cars that have been given the 'Full Bumblebee,' including a couple of new Cruze sedans and a passel of Aveos, a Ford Focus, a Suzuki Swift and an SX4, a Citroen C4 - even a Mark II Volkswagen Golf. Check out the high-res photo gallery after the jump, and be sure to click on the link below for even more shots of the event. Thanks for the tip, Joe!
[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Google Translate]We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Supercars, Chevrolet
Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res gallery
General Motors can clearly use all the money it can get, and for the 2010 model year, you'll have to fork over more of it to get behind the wheel of a ZR1. The 2010 638 hp supercar will cost you $109,530; an increase of $2,910 over last year's model. A larger MSRP isn't a good thing, but according to Corvette Blogger, many dealers were already charging $10,000 over sticker for an '09 model, so this could be the General's way of getting a little bigger piece of the action.
For all that dough, you still get the most powerful production Vette of all-time - and a few new items as well. The 2010 model now comes with standard side curtain airbags, launch control and Performance Traction Management System. PTMS, by the way, gives the driver more control over traction settings when in competition mode.
Also new for 2010 is the ability to choose from a far greater array of colors including Torch Red paint, Competition Gray alloys, and a Cashmere toned interior. Hit the jump to pour over the press release.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc
[Source: Corvette Blogger]Continue reading REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump
REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Chevrolet
Chevy Camaro Convertible spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last we reported back in March, plans to produce a drop-top version of the Chevy Camaro were still in effect. While the Camaro Convertible may be delayed until early 2011 and arrive as a 2012 model (GM just confirmed it will arrive as a 2011 model), the on again/off again project appears to be firmly in the on position now... and we have proof. Autoblog reader Brad M recently caught the Camaro Convertible getting a tan outside of the Oshawa, Ontario plant that assembls the fixed-roof Camaro. The red convertible was sporting front and rear fascias from the Camaro SS and, with its top retracted, sported a very clean rear deck with only the center stop lamp and satellite radio antenna sticking up. With the chance of a Dodge Challenger Convertible hovering around 0%, we're pleased to see Chevy still intends to take on the Ford Mustang Convertible in the topless wars. Now, back to waiting...
Gallery: Chevy Camaro Convertible - spy shots
Spy Shots: Chevy Camaro Convertible caught outside Oshawa plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Supercars, Chevrolet
Hennessey Performance HPE700 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hennessey Performance has successfully completed the most crucial step in developing its ZR1-powered HPE700: Getting the Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor to fit in the engine bay of the new Camaro. John Hennessey just sent over these images that show the before and after, and from the look of things, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 fits nicely.
The engine cover that's visible through a polycarbonate window on the Corvette ZR1 lines up nicely against the Camaro's firewall and it appears there's still some room left in front of the engine. While the LS9 normally produces 638 hp in the ZR1, as its name suggests, the Hennessey HPE700 will be shooting for over 700 horsepower. Only 24 examples will be produced and Hennessey has already sold 11. If you're interested, check out the official specs and features on the Hennessey Performance website.
[Source: Hennessey Performance]It Fits! Hennessey successfully shoves ZR1 LS9 into Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Government/Legal, Safety, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, MINI, Toyota, Carsumer Advocacy
Driving a small car in the urban environs they're so well suited for can add up in big repair bills, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Low speed incidents in parking lots and on tight city streets are everyday occurrences that seemingly shouldn't cost a lot to set right, but they apparently wind up costing consumers many thousands of dollars each year. The smallest cars on the market also have tiny price tags, making the price of repairs a much larger percentage of what the vehicle cost in the first place. The IIHS recently evaluated the bumpers of some of the tiniest vehicles on the market in low-speed incidents, and the results dovetail with the agency's equally low impressions of vehicle-to-vehicle impact performance of small-segment vehicles. A new damage assessment criteria was used to more closely mirror reality, and the cars underwent four tests: two corner impacts and two full width impacts on the bumpers.
Of the seven cars tested, only the Smart ForTwo earned an "acceptable" rating, with most of the pack scoring "poor." Worst was the Kia Rio's startling $9,380 total damage tally, by far the most expensive showing in the test. The Honda Fit and Mini Cooper may be more highly regarded in the small car segment, but both of those models also score poorly.
In diametric opposition to what anyone might actually enjoy driving, the Smart ForTwo and the Chevrolet Aveo came out best in terms of repair costs, bashing their way to $3,281 and $4,490 in total damage, respectively. It's clear from the IIHS' testing where bumpers often failed to engage or slid under the test barrier, that the way improve on the tests is to pay closer attention to bumper position in all circumstances when designing a car. If the bumper doesn't match up properly, bodywork ends up bearing the brunt of the impact, making even low-speed collisions expensive propositions. Hit the jump to see a video and a chart of the results along with the full release.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair
IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet
The scalpel of bankruptcy that is slicing off GM's sponsorship activities hasn't touched NASCAR's top tier Sprint Cup series, but the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series' have been trimmed. NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kevin Harvick have teams running in the lower two series, and have been told by GM that they will lose funding.
Harvick runs three trucks in the Camping World Truck Series and hasn't commented on what GM's move will bring. Earnhardt, with the backing of Hendrick Motorsports, fields two cars in the Nationwide series and a team spokeswoman said "we are fully capable of adjusting our business model to this change" to continue racing.
For now, Chevrolet has no plans to pull out of NASCAR entirely and the Sprint Cup remains immune to the cost cutting. As the red carpet event, everybody knows the fans want to see Chevrolet doing the ovals, and we imagine there will be quite a few other painful measures taken before the Bowtie would bow out of oval racing.
[Source: AP via Google News]GM to make "NASCAR-wide" funding cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
Since Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport for 2010, we've been given detailed information on what the trim level will include as well as its starting price - $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. What we haven't been given is a truly good look at the Grand Sport, having to make due with a single profile shot.
Chevy has just released six new images of the GS in both coupe and convertible form that finally show off the exterior changes. Most obvious are the new gills that sit behind the front wheels and vent air from the larger brakes. The Grand Sport also gets that air inlet on the leading edge of its hood from the Z06, as well as the air scoop behind each door and front splitter. Those front and rear fenders are also both wider than what you get on a base Corvette, all in order to accommodate wider tires fitted to Grand Sport-specific wheels. Though the engine remains the same, GS Vettes do get an upgraded suspension and your choice of a manually tranny or six-speed auto.
Replacing the Z51 package, the new Grand Sport really does seem like the perfect compromise between a garden variety Corvette and the harder edged Z06. Check out the rest of our Grand Sport photos in the gallery below.
[Source: GM]Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'CHEVROLET' Category
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
-Filed under: Trends, Crossovers/CUVs, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Pontiac
Stricter mileage standards being voted on by the government is already taking its toll on automakers like GM, which now have to shift focus onto smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Traditional bread winners such as big heavy SUVs are being phased out by a new generation of smaller and more car-like crossover models.
To ensure that it can retain buyers downsizing from large SUVs to more fuel-efficient models, GM will be introducing a new compact crossover to essentially replace the Pontiac Torrent (pictured). However, under its new brand strategy, Pontiac will be strictly for cars while GMC will be responsible for truck sales, which means the new model will be branded as a Buick or Chevrolet.
It isn’t the end of the road yet for GM’s full-sized SUV models. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUV will be equipped with hybrid options to ensure they continue beyond the current generations. The Acadia large CUV is also planned to receive a V8 in a couple of years, while the Envoy SUV from GMC will likely suffer the same fate as the Trailblazer.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req’d]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, BUICK, CHEVROLET, GMC, PONTIAC | No Comments »
Monday, April 30th, 2007
New York 2007: Chevrolet Trax - urban crossover
Active buyers who want to get in touch with their sportier side – or who just want to navigate the urban jungle in a sportier ride – will make tracks to the Chevrolet Trax, an urban front-wheel-drive crossover concept with a twist: This micro SUV has an electric limited-slip differential that features an independent battery pack and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, providing a low-cost all-wheel-drive system.
The four-door Trax is bathed in a Blaze Orange exterior finish, with rugged Burnt Orange accents on the front and rear corners that reinforce the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size. Simple door lines make getting in and out easier; and fold-flat rear seats add functionality.
Other features that suit its dynamic and off-road character include a voluminous, single-unit bumper and fender in front and rear, a pronounced front wheel arch shape, dynamic side character lines, a rear-mounted spare tire and roof rack. Brake calipers in Flame Yellow infuse additional attitude. The package rides on 16-inch wheels and Kumho tires for precise ride and handling.
The Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine.
“The Trax is a vehicle that you can show off anywhere, be it off-road or on the road,” said Sangyeon Cho, manager of the min icar exterior design team at the GM Design Center in Inchon , South Korea . “It brings a rational combination of SUV design, function, performance and value to the consumer.”
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
Inspired by a “half-soldier, half-modern” military helmet, the Chevrolet Groove concept is contemporary and funky, but evokes classic Chevrolet heritage design cues like an upright windshield and prominent fender flares that give the Groove a strong, sturdy stance reminiscent of a retro hot rod.
Groove lead exterior designer Jawook Koo, of the GM Design Center in Inchon , South Korea , was seeking a mini design that was big on presence.
“I wanted to get out of the mini vehicles stereotype that is characterized by a weak, insecure and ‘cute’ appearance, so that consumers can feel safe just by looking at the vehicle,” said Koo.
The Groove’s design conveys anything but weakness. The striking matte Lunar Quartz exterior finish contrasts with the strategic use of satin silver exterior chrome details. Big, five-spoke 17-inch wheels pushed all the way to the rear give the impression of a vehicle that’s much longer than it is, thanks to the short-but-pronounced hood and long, flat cabin, a design that provides for a roomy interior. Contrasting Vertigo brake calipers bring additional attention to the big wheels.
The front overhang includes open-air vents that are integrated into the front LED fog lamps, and the elongated front headlamps further “lengthen” the vehicle.
Getting this front-wheel-drive concept in the Groove is a highly efficient, 1-liter diesel engine.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Friday, February 9th, 2007
2007 Chevrolet Volt Concept, General Motors
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
Monday, January 15th, 2007
Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, shows the new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CHEVROLET | No Comments »
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
