Chevrolet – Page 13 – Automobiles Review

Chevrolet Sail 3 is Intended for China Only

Chevrolet Sail 3, as well as Camaro RS Limited Edition and Corvette Stingray Coupe have just made their China debut. In addition, Buick is showcasing a customized Regal GS and Excelle XT. In total there are 32 GM vehicles on display in Shanghai. The third generation Sail is Chevy’s entry-level family car. The model was introduced 15 years ago, and since then it has been a driving force in this car segment. As a matter of fact, there have been nearly 1.4 million Sails sold across China. The car will go on sale nationwide by the end of this year.

Sail 3 is built on Shanghai GM’s small car architecture and has fully adopted Chevrolet’s new design language. The exterior is relatively small, exuding youthful and dynamic feel. Sail 3 is 51 mm longer and 45 mm wider than its predecessor.

The wheelbase has been extended by 35 mm. This of course indicates for a roomier cabin. The trunk space is 366 liters and there are also many user-friendly storage compartments.

The front fascia includes wider dual-port grille, which is also sportier than in previous models. There are also visible the eagle eye-shaped headlights. At the back, the dual-C-element taillights provide unique touch to the rear.

The interior of the third generation Sail features a dual-cockpit design. It also includes innovative flowing instrument panel, dual-mode sunroof and sculpted seats.

The car is driven by a 1.5L DVVT or a 1.3L VVT engine. Each can be coupled with either manual or mechanical automatic transmission with start-stop function. The fuel consumption is rated as low as 5.3 L/100 km. As a result, Sail 3 has been listed in the National Energy-Saving and Eco-Friendly Vehicle Catalogue ahead of its market launch.

Source: Chevrolet

November 24, 2014

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT Concept Transmits the Spirit of Innovation

There is something marvelous, something wondrous, something breathtaking and mind-blowing about 2014 Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) concept. It looks like a car from a world far beyond ready to attack and conquer our own. This fighty little devil represents an exclusive development for all the gamers and fans of the PlayStation^®3 racing game, Gran Turismo^®6.

Chevrolet wanted this car to feel special. And it succeeded. But if u strip that away, there is a mid-mounted 671-kW laser beamed-energy propulsion system that releases beams of light that focus in a shroud. They produce shock waves that generate enormous thrust in the lightweight race car.

Thanks to the integrated laser and the pack of lithium-ion batteries and an air-powered generator which boosts 900 hp, the concept car will be capable of a 240-mph top speed in the video game, with 0-60 acceleration capability of just 1.5 seconds.

Yet, unlike other GT projects, this Chevy is actually real and it looks even more monstrous than in any pictures. It can be seen and touched at the 2014 LA Auto Show. The car is boundary-pushing, with innovative design and flare for power. Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT is seen as a quintessential design icon that can become the next-generation driving machine. It offers an explosion of character, ambitious vision and futuristic glare.

“The Chaparral 2X VGT is a vision of how advanced technology may shape the look and driving experience of racing,” explains Chevrolet. “Chaparral’s race cars and methods were seen as outlandish four decades ago. The 2X VGT concept might just be a harbinger of motorsports in the next four decades.”

Have a look through the pics. What do you think? Could this be the best Vision GT concept so far?

Source: Chevrolet

November 21, 2014

2016 Chevy Volt to offer easier charging

Electric cars have many benefits – a simpler chassis, fewer internal parts, no harmful emissions and more but people worry about being able or not to charge their cars when such a need arises. Chevrolet knows this very well and that’s why the new 2016 Chevy Volt will offer easier and more user-friendly charging.

“Chevrolet used the real-world experiences of today’s Volt owners to make the charging process simpler and more convenient in the next-generation Volt,” said Andrew Farah, chief engineer for the Volt. “The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging it on their terms.”

The new car comes with improvements when it comes to recharging the battery and checking the battery level. There are three major new features that customers will get to enjoy – GPS location-based charging, new and more intuitive charge status indicators and portable cord enhancements.

The GPS location-based charging will allow owners to set their charging preferences exclusively for their “home” charging location and the vehicle will automatically adjust to that setting when it is at that location. The car will recognize when it arrives “home” based on GPS data. This will allow owners to pre-set their charging level (8 amps or 12 amps on 120V only) and whether they wish to charge immediately, set a departure time for each day of the week, or set a departure time and a utility rate schedule to charge only at off-peak rates. Owners can input their local utility’s rate schedule into their Volt to assure they’re charging using the cheapest electricity rates. They will only have to program the system once and the Volt will return to these settings every time it is at its home location.

The new and more intuitive charge status indicators make it easier for owners to confirm that their Volt is charging and to see what the status of the charge gauge is. The new status system features a specially designed tone that indicates when charging has begun, with additional tones for delayed charging. It will even indicate if the charge port door was left open after unplugging but before entering the vehicle. Moreover, if you glance through the windshield you can see an updated charge status indicator light on the on the top of the instrument panel to show the approximate charge level through a series of flashes.

The portable cord set enhancements include a new 120V portable cord set that incorporates a cord that is nearly 25 feet long, which is longer than the current 120V portable cord. It can be locked using a small padlock to deter unauthorized removal during charging. Based directly on customer feedback, a new storage bin for the cord is now located on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor, for improved accessibility.

Excited about the new 2016 Volt? Then have some patience – the car will debut in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Source: Chevrolet

November 20, 2014

Colorado ZR2 Concept is Chevrolet’s Vision For Future Pick-up Trucks

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept is a design vision of how the American company could take the off-road capability to the next level. It also displays the potential of the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine, which will arrive in the Colorado lineup later next year. The concept is built on the production Colorado Z71 and uses advancements in technology from the ZR2 production models. The diesel unit has an estimated power of 181 hp (133 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 272 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm, and it is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Four inches wider than the production Z71, the concept truck has new front and rear fascias, and two-inch higher ground clearance. Greater suspension levels are ensured by the mono-tube coil-over shock absorbers delivered by King. They feature remote-mounted fluid reservoirs.

Electronic-locking front and rear differentials are what distribute torque to 275/65R18 off-road tires. The rubbers are coupled with unique 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke bead-lock-style wheels.

Other exterior elements that need to be mentioned are the new grille, power dome-style hood and headlamp housings. The exterior color is Cyprus Green and it is highlighted with Henna Orange accents and custom ZR2 identification on the rear fenders, tailgate and grille.

Stepping inside the pickup truck, we see the ZR2 logos almost everywhere: from the front-seat headrests to the instrument cluster display. The Jet Black leather-trimmed interior features orange stitching which perfectly harmonizes with exterior’s orange accents.

Source: Chevrolet

November 20, 2014

Chaparral Returns with Gran Turismo 2X VGT Concept

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT will be available in Gran Turismo 6. We don’t know yet how it will be looking like, but the news was confirmed by the muscle car automaker via the teaser image above. The car is inspired by the spirit of innovation of the founders of Chaparral Cars – racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp. In addition, it was designed and developed to celebrate the 15^th birthday of PlayStation Gran Turismo 6 game, and gives glimpse into brands plans for the future. Chaparral 2X VGT will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19^th of November, while gamers will be able to race it after the online update of the GT6 around Christmas.

Jim Hall and Hap Sharp were those who have created Chaparral Cars in 1962. Back then they didn’t think that their cars would have influenced so much the racing world, and eventually fundamentally change it. Since the beginning they have partnered with Chevrolet Research and Development, and have utilized “pioneering” aerodynamics and aerospace technology.

Following this tradition, GM’s Advanced Design Studio, with input from Jim Hall, designed the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept. It revealed that it is a “fantasy car in every sense of the word.”

The first original Chaparral was a front-engine race car built by Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes in 1961. A year later, Hall and Sharp purchased the Chaparral racers and founded Chaparral Cars, immediately beginning with the design and construction of Chaparral 2.

Unlike the original car, this was a mid-engine one with an aerospace-inspired semi-monocoque fiberglass chassis. It was driven by Chevrolet’s small-block V-8 327-cubic-inch engine and included torque-converter transaxle. Then it made history: winning the 1963 Riverside race, 1964 United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) and the 1965 Sebring 12-huor race.

Pioneering methods and materials were developed through the collaboration with Chevrolet. Some of them include the composite monocoque chassis, lightweight-alloy powertrain systems, automatic transmissions for racing and progressive and the active aerodynamics.

Chaparral 2E race car appeared in 1966 and raced in the SCCA’s Can-Am series. In 1967, the car set the fastest lap in five of the eight races at the World Championship Endurance competition.

1970 saw the birth of the Chaparral 2J – a radical vehicle powered by Chevrolet’s big-block V-8 engine. The car also featured a separate motor to drive a pair of fans that exhausted air beneath the car, producing suction-derived downforce. And although it it grabbed three pole positions in four races, it was eventually banned by the race series’ sanctioning body.

We are definitely eager to see the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT for Gran Turismo 6. Probably it hints towards production plans?

Source: Chevrolet

November 14, 2014

Chevrolet Impala’s CNG tank can survive bullets

There are many different fuels besides gasoline out there with each one of them having advantages and drawbacks. In the recent years, however, compressed natural gas (CNG) has become a popular type of fuel due to several advantages – it is cheap, it does not pollute the environment and it provides almost as much power as gasoline. The drawback? It’s the CNG tank as there may be leakages and other problems.

This is not the case with the tank of the CNG-powered 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The car boasts a tank that is so safe and so strong it can survive bullets and fires that come from different directions. Chevrolet has achieved this level of endurance and safety by adding a large piece of cast aluminum that protects the tank valve and connection from certain side impacts and sheet metal plates on either side help protect it from loose objects in the trunk or rear seat. Chevrolet has also exposed the tank to pressures higher than 3,600 PSI, which is the normal value and then other extreme situations, exceeding US federal regulations and CNG industry guidelines. In addition to that the tank has undergone long-term structural integrity tests equivalent to 15,000 pressure cycles and hydrostatic burst tests of up to 8,100 PSI. This is what the tank also had to endure:

The industry-standard Bonfire Test confirms the CNG tank’s pressure relief valves are operational and help prevent the tank from rupturing in a fire. In addition to placing the tank about four inches above a steady 800-degree Fahrenheit fire, General Motors’ engineers added trunk, back seat and underbody fires to test the pressure relief valves’ ability to sense heat on all sides of the tank. And the tests were done at two different fuel levels.
In the Penetration Test, the tank is filled to its service pressure and is shot with a 7.62 mm armor piercing bullet. In order to pass the test, the bullet has to pass completely through one side of the tank without exiting out the other side. The goal is to have the tank maintain the bullet hole only as the weak structural point, without rupturing.
Front barrier, side impact and rear impact crash tests were conducted on the Bi-Fuel Impala. Some aftermarket CNG-conversion kit manufacturers conduct only a barrier test.

The all-steel, trunk-mounted tank holds about 7.8 gallons of gas, enough for the driver to cover about 150 miles of driving after which the car automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline. The Bi-fuel Impala, which is also a 2015 “Green Car of the Year” finalist, is the auto-industry’s only manufacturer-produced full size sedan in North America that runs both on CNG and gasoline. The CNG system is covered by a 5-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, whichever comes first, and can be serviced at Chevy dealerships in both the USA and Canada.

The CNG-powered 2015 Chevrolet Impala can be ordered now. The car will ship by the end of this year.

Source: Chevrolet

November 13, 2014

2015 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Racer Revealed at SEMA

The famous COPO Camaro model has shown its 2015 form at this year’s SEMA Show. In fact, this is the fourth edition of the limited-production race car, of which only 69 will be built. The vehicle will participate in the 2015 racing season where it will amaze the viewers with its Abalone White exterior with gray and orange accents as well as the new COPO graphics. What makes the mode even more attractive is that each of the 69 units has been built by hand. The car will be powered by a 350 “LSX” V-8 engine with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger.

Furthermore, as a true racer, the COPO is fitted with NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment features. Racing chassis and suspension components are a necessity as well as the unique solid rear axle system which has replaced Camaro’s independent rear axle.

COPO crate engines and parts have been specifically made by Chevrolet Performance for this production race car. Many of the specialty parts allow racers to construct their own race cars using the proven components of the genuine COPO Camaros.

In the engine range there are three six different powerplants, which are perfect for the 2015MY version of the racer: the naturally aspirated COPO 427 and COPO 396, the supercharged COPO 350 (2.9L SC), the naturally aspired COPO 350 and the supercharged COPO 327 (4.0L SC) and COPO 327 (2.9L SC).

Soruce: Chevrolet

November 5, 2014

SEMA Chevy Natique Concept Pairs Custom Colorado With Super Air Nautique

It is the same car, it is the same company, it is the same show. This time the SEMA-bound Colorado Concept is called Natique and it is a joint product of Chevrolet and Super Air Nautique 210 that is one of the industry’s best wakeboard boats. In contrast to the previously presented Colorado, the exterior of this is decided in two-color paint scheme – a custom orange metallic flake and black paint. Complementing the darker side of the truck are the 18-inch Chevrolet accessory wheels.

As you can see, the model was entirely redesigned via styling and performance features. First, it is powered by the 3.6L V-6 rated at 305 horsepower (224 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb.-ft.) Along with this range of power, this modified pickup offers a comfortable interior. It features innovative technology such as Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Chevrolet has included in this concept traditional truck features such as four-wheel drive and a highly flexible bed with Chevy’s GearOn™ cargo management system. Some of the exclusive additional features in this concept include four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors, G80 automatic locking rear differential, Standard CornerStep rear bumper and EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate.

Furthermore, the standard two-tier loading allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, thus making it easier to haul, store and conceal items There are thirteen standard tie-down locations throughout the bed for utilization. The aforementioned Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning come as part of the safety package includes. Both systems use camera-based technology to warn driver of potential accidents.

Source: Chevrolet

November 4, 2014

Ricky Carmichael Shows His Chevy Colorado Performance Concept at SEMA

Since SEMA show started today the automotive world is furiously witnessing the birth of special one-off vehicles. An example for this is the 2014 Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept which was developed by the American auto-builder and the motocross legend Ricky Carmichael. The midsized pickup truck is all about supporting this lifestyle. The vehicle features a cargo bed that is large enough to haul a motocross bike and a mountain bike. In addition, this Colorado has the power to confidently take them anywhere.

Precisely, crew cab’s 6’ 2” cargo bed allows hauling of items up to eight feet long (when the tailgate down). To secure the bikes, the concept has a tailgate extender. In addition, company’s GearOn™ system has been also included in order to hold larger items such as bikes, boards and kayaks above the bed. In this way it leaves enough room for smaller gear.

Carmichael’s Colorado boasts unique exterior and interior and racer’s competitive spirit. The body is painted in the famous nowadays matte gray (my not-so-favourite, so I consider it as a disadvantage), which was highlighted with high-gloss silver and yellow accents, and a graphic of Carmichael’s signature.

The 17-inch Z71 aluminum wheels, wrapped in Goodyear Duratec off-road tires, feature the same yellow accents. They are also to be seen inside, where racer’s racing number 4 is embroidered into the front seat headrests.

Furthermore, this concept version, just like the production, stays connected via Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also a standard rearview camera system. When it comes to the power the Colorado is driven by the 3.6L V-6 engine. The unit produces 305 horsepower (224 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft), and is equipped with a 2WD and a concept performance exhaust system.

At last, the Colorado is famous for its trailering capacity, which is rated at 7,000-pound at its maximum, when equipped with heavy-duty trailering package. The maximum payload capacity is of 1,590 pounds.

Source: Chevrolet

November 4, 2014

Rocky Ridge and Callaway Create a Special Edition Silverado

SEMA Show isn’t the only automotive exhibit happening in the United States. Texas Motor Speedway is one of the events where people can be introduced to new tuning models such as Callaway’s latest project. For it they have collaborated with Rocky Ridge Trucks of Franklin Springs, Georgia. The end result is called 2015 Callaway Chevrolet Silverado Rocky Ridge Special Edition.

The 540 horsepower supertruck was revealed by two special persons: Chase Elliott (NASCAR Nationwide Series points leader) and his father Bill Elliott (Sprint Cup champion). To achieve this amount of power both tuning companies have used a supercharger system.

In fact, it is with a third generation design, meaning that it is completely new. It was introduced earlier this year in the Callaway Corvette. The new supercharger housing and integrated intake manifold delivers better airflow and increased charge air cooling capability. In addition, the intake manifold runner cross-section and length were tuned for a broad torque band.

The new triple-element intercooler configuration is provided by Callaway. It lowers inlet charge air temperatures. Due to system’s increased efficiency, the trucks can produce more consistent power.

The tuners also provided Silverado’s new exhaust system, which uses a very low restriction muffler assembly with an abbreviated tail pipe, exiting at the side of the bed, in front of the rear tire. It has a full stainless steel construction and includes Double-D tip.

Source: Callaway

November 4, 2014

SEMA Debut: 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Commemorative Edition

Since SEMA Show started yesterday, the first super special project that we are to present to you is a special edition, which celebrates the culmination of segment-leading fifth-generation Camaro, and it is dubbed: 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Commemorative Edition. The car has been America’s best-selling performance vehicle for five years in a row and it has come the time to mark the final year for the fifth generation.

The car exhibited at the show will be made available on 2LT and 2SS coupes and convertibles and will include the RS package. Of course some of the features are unique to this special edition. Take a moment to see the one-off 20-inch wheels, the exclusive body stripe and the body-color front splitter.

The ZL1 rear spoiler and Commemorative Edition fender emblems will complement one of the five available five exterior color combinations. Precisely they are: Black with Cyber Gray stripe, Silver Ice Metallic with Cyber Gray stripe, Summit White with silver stripe, Ashen Gray Metallic with silver stripe and Red Hot with black stripe. All of the SS models will also get a body-color hood insert.

Inside, Adrenaline Red interior you see will be only featured in the Commemorative Edition. It includes red and black leather seating surfaces, red instrument panel insert and stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob, shift boot, door trim armrest and center console lid. Other details include leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel and Commemorative Edition sill plates. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Commemorative Edition is scheduled to go on sale this spring.

Since 2009 Chevrolet has sold more than 400,000 fifth-generation Camaros. This number is a real proof that the mode has been America’s best-selling performance car for four consecutive years. And in fact, Camaro currently leads Mustang by 10,000 sales – putting Camaro on track to be America’s favorite performance car for a fifth consecutive year.

November 3, 2014

Chevrolet’s Four Brazilian Concepts May Preview Production Models

They are four and they have all been just exhibited at the Sao Paulo auto show. If you already have heard about them, we are hinting at Chevrolet’s four new concepts. It is not official, but we can say that some of them might enter production soon and we are very excited about it. Just take a look at them and you’ll know why. The fleet of vehicles displayed in Brazil features the following concepts: S10 High Country, Onix Track Day, Onix Effect and Cobalt.

First, the S10 High Country has received a number of equipment features such as headlamps and dark chrome 18-inch wheels with unique finish, chrome trim at the base of the windows and a unique Red Chili exterior paint finish.

Inside, the car is based on the 2015 Trailblazer. This means that it includes leather upholstery in two colors, with the predominant Brownstone and stitching in the same color. The panel comes with glossy black finish.

Next is the Onix Track Day Concept which evokes thoughts of spectacular performance. Just bear in mind the completely modified mechanical, suspension, engine brakes and exhaust system. Under the hood of this car is the Ecotec 1.8 Flex, which produces around 150 horsepower (110 kW).

Other highlights here also include 215 / 45 R17 new front and rear spoilers that contribute to better aerodynamics, and of course the eye-catching bright yellow paint of the bodywork. The latter has received as a contrast exclusive artwork and dark ceiling. Inside, the interior brings shell type seats, “flat base” steering wheel coated with noble materials, four safety belts and other exclusive finishing details.

Onix Effect is the third concept exhibited at the show. It is based on the same model as the previous car and also offers a sporty look. On the outside, the Onix Effect differs mainly by dark the 15-inch wheels and the aero package. The kit comprises of skirts and spoilers, headlights and taillights with “smoked” details.

Glossy black finish covers the ceiling, B columns, external mirrors and the frame of the front grille. There are stickers on the hood, sides and tailgate, which contrast with the white paint of the bodywork. Inside, the concept gets multi-function steering wheel, red satin elements, embroidered carpets and new instrument panel. Here the powertrain is the Onix LTZ 1.4, developing 106 horsepower (78 kW).

At last, the Chevrolet Cobalt is a sedan which runs on Spin Active 16-inch wheels. It features dark chrome radiator grille with glossy black details. Dimmed lights, rear bumper bar also in dark chrome and adhesives column in black high gloss complements the exclusive painting “Glory Red”.

The interior in the case of Cobalt features “Jet Black” dashboard, doors and carpet. Dark leather seats are also there ad they can show off with stitching and embroidery in light gray, giving a special touch of elegance and sophistication to the concept.

Source: Chevrolet

October 30, 2014

Tag: Chevrolet