Chevrolet – Page 9 – Automobiles Review

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Revealed in Details!

2016 Chevrolet Cruze has been finally revealed after an extensive teaser campaign. Cruze from the new model year features a lot of benefits found on the outside as well on the inside, including exclusive range of new engines. The drivetrains are more powerful and more efficient than ever. In addition, Chevy has added a lot of technology tweaks that are becoming more than needed in today’s connected world.

Thee first thing to mention about 2016 Cruze is that it is larger, but regardless of that it is lighter, more efficient and sophisticated. Chevy’s best-selling car has been fitted with a new turbo engine as a standard, which is based on a leaner architecture. Thanks this factor, the result is up to 250 pounds (113 kg) reduction in weight. Of course, this also results in stronger performance.

Exterior & Interior

Due to the larger dimensions and the 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase, 2016 Chevrolet Cruze now offers more spacious interior. This also contributes for greater rear-seat legroom and more rear knee room. The new wheelbase is also responsible for more and an athletic, aerodynamically optimized design.

Absolutely exclusive to the exterior are the LED projector headlamps with signature lighting. There are also LED daytime running lamps on uplevel models.

Engine

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Engine

The standard engine in 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is the 1.4L turbocharged unit, which features direct injection and can pump out 153 horsepower (113 kW) and 177 lb-ft of torque (240 Nm). The standard transmission is six-speed manual.

It is also extremely fuel efficient and shows an estimated 40 mpg on the highway, when linked to the optional six-speed automatic transmission. For this great fuel consumption also contributes the Stop/Start technology. Another benefit is the estimated maximum highway range of 530 miles per tank.

In addition, the new turbo unit has leaner architecture and is responsible for Cruze’s stronger performance. In fact, Chevy is expecting a 0-60-mph acceleration of less than eight seconds.

Technology & Safety Features

A lot of technology features will come as standard and an option the new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. For instance, there are available goodies like the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as a lot of active safety features, introduced in the car for the very first time.

Furthermore, the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink comes with smartphone integration capability, including a standard seven-inch-diagonal screen and available eight-inch-diagonal screen. At launch the eight-inch screen will be offered with Apple CarPlay only, with Android Auto coming at a later time.

By the way, Chevy has equipped its new model with more standard features than most of its competitors. Here are included 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera and available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Optional content adds wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The list of available advanced safety features includes Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier, and with one more expressive RS package. Scheduled to go on sale in early 2016, it will be distributed in more than 40 markets worldwide. In 2017 Chevy will introduce a new diesel model for North America only.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze in Details:

Overview

Models:	2016 Chevrolet Cruze L, LS, LT and Premier
Body style / driveline:	four-door, 5-passenger front-engine transaxle; front-wheel-drive compact car
Construction:	steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
EPA vehicle class:	compact car
Manufacturing location:	Lordstown, Ohio (U.S. market)
Key competitors:	Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta

Engines

Type:	1.4L turbo DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu in / cc):	85 / 1399
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	2.91 x 3.20 / 74 x 81.3
Block material:	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Ignition system:	individual coil on plug
Fuel delivery:	direct injection with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	10:1
Horsepower(hp / kW @ rpm):	153 / 113 @ 5600 – SAE certified
Torque(lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	177 / 240 @ 2000-4000 – SAE certified
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Emissions controls:	close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor
GM-estimated fuel economy:	40 mpg highway

Transmissions

Type:	M326-speed manual	Hydra-Matic 6T356-speed automatic
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.27	4.58
Second:	2.53	2.96
Third:	1.47	1.91
Fourth	1.07	1.44
Fifth:	0.87	1.00
Sixth:	0.74	0.74
Reverse:	3.82	2.94
Final drive ratio:	3.83	3.53

Chassis / Suspension

Suspension (front):	independent, MacPherson strut-type with side-loaded strut modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Suspension (rear):	L, LS and LT: compound crank (torsion beam) with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rearPremier: Z-link
Steering type:	rack-mounted electric power steering
Steering ratio:	L, LS and LT: 17.2:1Premier: 16:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	TBD
Turning circle (ft / m):	34.4 / 10.5

Brakes

Type:	power 4-wheel anti-lock disc w/ESC and Duralife rotors
Rotor diameter (in / mm) and caliper type:	front: 10.8 / 276 vented; single-piston w/cast iron caliperrear: 10.4 / 264 solid; single-piston w/aluminum caliper
Total swept area (mm2):	front: 35,409rear: 27,646

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:	15-inch steel (std. L, LS) 16-inch alloy (std. on LT) 17-inch alloy (avail. on LT; std. on Premier)18-inch alloy (avail. on Premier)
Tires:	15-inch: 195/65R15 ALS16-inch: 215/60R16 ALS17-inch: 225/45R17 ALS 18-inch: 225/40R18 ALS

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):	106.3 / 2700
Overall length (in / mm):	183.7 / 4666
Overall width (in / mm):	70.6 / 1795
Overall height (in / mm):	57.4 / 1458
Track (in / mm):	front: 60.8 / 1544rear: 61.3 / 1557
Curb weight (lb / kg):	TBD

Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity:	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	38.9 / 988 (front) 37.3 / 948 (rear)
Legroom (in / mm):	42 / 1068 (front) 36.1 / 917 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):	54.8 / 1394 (front) 53.7 / 1366 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):	53.1 / 1351 (front)51.9 / 1319 (rear)
Knee room (in / mm):	TBD

Capacities

Passenger volume(cu ft / L):	TBD
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	TBD
Fuel capacity (gal / L):	12.75 / 48.2 (LS with auto. trans.)13.74 / 52 (all other models)
Engine oil (qt / L):	TBD
Cooling system (qt / L):	TBD

Source: Chevrolet

June 25, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Breaks Cover!

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible has been finally revealed and it looks invigorating! The cabrio features the design of the coupe variant but has a retractable soft top. By the way, Chevrolet says that this top is the most advanced one in the segment. In terms of performance and design, this convertible literally stands out. And with the addition of the sophisticated top, the Camaro looks not only fantastic, but also delivers enjoyable ride.

Most Advanced Top in the Segment

If you wonder what’s so special about this top, you need to reed further. 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is the only car in the cabriolet segment, which offers several functions related to its top. First, the latter operates fully automatically with the help of latches, thus automatically releasing and securing the top.

The second feature is that it opens or closes at speeds of up to 30 mph, and can be also opened remotely via key fob. The next cool feature is that the hard tonneau cover is deployed automatically, in order to provide a more refined, finished appearance when the top is lowered and stowed.

Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction. The benefit of this is that it improves the acoustic and thermal insulation. In addition, the system was designed to provide more comfortable and quieter ride.

Design

Of course, there is nothing else different in the convertible from the coupe, excluding the top and the position of the antenna for the radio. The top perfectly emulates the sleek silhouette of the Camaro coupe.

Just like its sibling, the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is built on a stiffer, but lighter structure. By the way, the weight savings here are estimated at around 200 pounds compared to the previous generation. These facts also lead to the conclusion that the Camaro convertible will still have coupe’s “sharp chassis tuning and nimble reflexes”.

There is another advantage from this architecture. It enables the top to fold down completely beneath the belt line. Afterwards, the hard tonneau cover automatically covers the folded top, resulting in an exclusive design and appearance.

EngineRange

Just like the Chevy Camaro coupe, the convertible will be offered in LT and SS trim levels. There are six engine combinations offered, including the 2.0L Turbo unit, which has been rated at 275 horsepower (202 kW), the 3.6L V-6 producing 335 horsepower (246 kW), and the LT1 6.2L V-8 with 455 horsepower (335 kW) and 617 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque. Each powertrain can be mated with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and coupe will be available on the market in the beginning of next year.

Source: Chevrolet

June 24, 2015

2016 Chevy Camaro Convertible Leaks Ahead of Official Debut

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible has already leaked right before it makes official debut tomorrow. Next to the released video at Chevrolet’s YouTube channel, it seems that the company “accidentally” released the pictures shown above on their site. They were after that removed, but conscious people at camaro6.com forum were fast enough to download them and later publish them.

What we basically see is that the 2016 Chevy Camaro Coupe in a convertible variant. And there is nothing more to that or anything surprising. The difference here is only in the retractable soft top and the changed position of the antenna.

Official Teaser Video

In addition, Chevrolet also released an official video to tease the upcoming premiere of the convertible Camaro Six. You can view it below. In it Chevy says that there’s only one button between the driver and the sky and that the Camaro Convertible will soon reveal all its secrets.

What is more, the company also stated that this will be the most innovative Camaro Convertible ever produced. And given the fact that we have already seen the pictures, we expect to see the innovations included mostly in terms of technology, engines and features.

Expectations

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe debuted in May and by doing so it inspired the world with its beautiful forms and potent engines. The sixth gen Camaro has shed more than 200 pounds of its weight, thus achieving better driving experience and more responsiveness. So we definitely expect to see this approach applied in the convertible.

The range of engines for the coupe features six different powertrain combinations. The first one is found in the Camaro LT and it is the 2.0L Turbo, producing 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm).

The LT grade can be also equipped with the 3.6L V6 capable of 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm) of torque. At last, the most powerful Camaro SS is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine rated at 455 horses (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft (617 Nm).

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will probably go on sale later this like its Coupe sibling.

It all goes down tomorrow. Stay tiuned!

Source: Chevrolet via www.camaro6.com

June 23, 2015

Hennessey Chevrolet Corvette Z06 HPE800 Under Chassis Dyno Tests [VIDEO]

Hennessey Chevrolet Corvette Z06 HPE800 offers nothing less but power and exceptional driving experience. And we don’t have to even convince you of that since it is a well known fact that the tuning company shows outstanding expertise in output uprating. What we have here is the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 which has been fitted with HPE800 upgrade and has been tested to the limits. And there is a video below to make things even more graphic.

The production version of the Chevy is powered by the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine. It produces more than 650 horsepower (485 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque (881 Nm) at 3,600 rpm. These numbers make the car the most powerful production GM vehicle.

HPE800 Upgrade

After the HPE800 upgrade was added Corvette C7 Z06 is now capable of furious 800 hp (588 kW) at 6,500 rpm! Just check out the video and you can hear and see everything. But how the specialists have achieved this mind-blowing performance uprating?

In other words, what does the HPE800 upgrade include? There are a lot of factors contributing for the power boost. Starting with the lower pulley upgrade, the high flow cylinder heads, upgraded valve springs and lifters are just some to mention.

What is more, there is also new cold air induction system added as well as custom HPE camshaft. In addition, Henessey Performance added all necessary gaskets and fluids to make everything work smoothly.

Serial-numbered dash and engine plaques as well as the Hennessey exterior badging will make sure that the car stays recognized. At last, there are also in-house made premium floormats which will adorn the interior.

Optional Upgrades

If the styling features are not enough for the powered-up Corvette, then the owner can opt for some optional goodies. Examples are the Hennessey Performance carbon fiber door sill plates and the H10 monoblock wheels coming in different sizes.

At last, we urge you to view this great video. There’s a lot to see and you won’t believe your eyes!

httpv://youtu.be/jpiyUj9MfnA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hennessey

June 19, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Malibu: With Great Weight Comes Great Performance

2016 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan was put on a special test and training program in order to become even more efficient, powerful and more comfortable. And the team behind the project achieved some interesting results. Now, the 2016 Malibu vehicle is lighter with about 136 kg (300 pounds) and achieves some excellent purity: only 48 mpg in city and about 37 mpg on the highway, thanks to the redesigned 1.5-liter turbo engine. And of course, the lighter weight means improved ride and handling. So, let’s see what the Chevy team has achieved.

The five most noteworthy achievements in 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

1. Stronger body construction

The 2016 Malibu’s greatly reduced weight means that the engineers used only light, but high-strength steel, that ensures thinner, but extremely well-built components, that improve the handling and the overall safety of the vehicle. Furthermore, the stronger body construction means and one more thing. The suspension system can be fine-tuned even more precisely, which means even smoother and comfortable ride.

2. Wonderful use of aluminum

Light and extremely strong, the use of aluminum components in the 2016 Malibu machine is one of the main reasons of the great weight reduction. The overall reduction, thanks only to the aluminum components reduced the car’s weight with 3 kg, which is quite impressive. Furthermore, aluminum components in the suspension system improve the handling and the overall responsiveness of the Malibu.

3. Streamlined instrument panel and light power accessories

For example, the redesigned window regulators save up to 4.2 pounds, while additional 2.2 pounds are reduced by the complex order inside the instrument panel. But complexity also means more integrated parts and components, which bring additional features for no additional weight or energy cost. In fact, even the center console was greatly improved and now it weights with 1.75 pounds less.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

4. Lighter seats and other soft materials

Chevrolet 2016 Malibu now comes with special leather seats, that save up to 40 pounds of the overall vehicle weight. Furthermore, there were a total of 2.6 pounds reduced by redesigning the trunk and the changed interior carpet. It is interesting how Chevrolet team manages to reduce the weight in such interesting ways.

5. Lighter engine components

And the last, but not least, the powerplant. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu now offers customers a special 1.5-liter turbo engine, that is 86 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the standard 2.5-liter engine. And along with the wonderful features, that a lightweight engine brings, one is especially important: the lightweight system bring better front-to-rear weight balance, which contributes the vehicle’s wonderful responsiveness.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

With great weight improvements the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2015. Furthermore, the vehicle will be offered in 4 trims: L, LS, LT and Premier. Furthermore there is also a special Hybrid model, that will demonstrate some stunning performance and efficiency features.

Source: Chevrolet

June 18, 2015

Chevrolet Silverado Lineup Is the Most Advanced Vehicle, When it Comes to Connectivity Features

Chevrolet Silverado customers happen to be the most connected vehicle owners on the road, which makes OnStar RemoteLink app one of the most popular among drivers. Furthermore, Chevy owners can check tire pressure, oil levels and remotely start their vehicles. Future is here!

In the future, Silverado owners will also have the opportunity to use the special Proactive Alerts, which will predict and warn drivers, when certain vehicle components need a special attention. The idea is to warn the driver, before the part is completely destroyed or before the vehicle’s performance is affected.

And when it comes to OnStar 4G LTE connectivity system, almost all Silverado drivers agree to use a three-month or three-gigabyte trial of 4G LTE data. Interesting fact is, that after the trial, majority of customers use the one gigabyte data per month option.

Chevrolet Silverado Lineup Rear Angle

Customers will also have the opportunity to stay informed of what is happening in the truck of the vehicle, thanks to the partnership with Telogis. The company is working on a project with OnStar technologies, that allows customers to know when and how will they have to refuel, destination track, speed information and many more.

It is good to hear such news from the automobile business. It means, that technology is evolving and gives opportunity for more comfortable, pleasurable and safe drive. Hopefully in future there will be numerous more similar products, that will ensure pleasure and safety on the road.

Source: Chevrolet

June 11, 2015

Repearing the One Millionth Corvette. Sort of a Horror Story With (Almost) Happy End [VIDEO]

Technicians and engineers at General Motors Design Center are doing their best in order to restore the historic 1 millionth Chevrolet Corvette, that was heavily damaged more than an year ago, when a sinkhole opened beneath the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky.

The crew, that accepted the challenge to repair the vehicle is part of the GM’s Mechanical Assembly group at the Design Center, which usually creates prototypes and concept vehicles. Long story short, these guys will make the car look as fresh as new. Or at least we all hope so.

In fact, this is the 1992 legendary Corvette model, that was damaged along with other two Corvette vehicles. The other model is a 2009 Corvette ZR1 prototype, also known as the Blue Devil, and a 1962 Corvette. As you know, five more vehicles were swallowed by the sinkhole. But as people, who try to do the best out of every situation, the managers decided to expose the damaged vehicles like a theme in the museum. Clever, aren’t they?

So, let’s remind you what happened. But we warn you, that the further information will bring you pain and tears. Read on your own risk.

On Wednesday, February, 12, 2014 at 5:44 a.m. National Corvette Museum personnel were notified about the burglar alarm in Skydome area. When the staff arrived, they saw enormous sinkhole, measuring about 45-by-60 feet wide and 30-foot deep. Creepy. The vide of the collapsing floor was seen than 8.5 million times in YouTube. This video is in fact a short horror story. As you watch it, you will shivers go down your spike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IukDWhf7U9I

To sum up, in that tragic day eight historic Corvettes, two on loan from GM and six, owned by the museum were swallowed and damaged:

1993 ZR-1 Spyder (on loan)
2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil” prototype (on loan)
1962 Corvette
1984 PPG Pace Car
1992 1 millionth Corvette
1993 40th Anniversary Corvette
2001 “Mallett Hammer” Z06
2009 1.5 millionth Corvette

Oh, yeah. And one more thing. Browse the gallery photos on your own risk. We remind you, that every picture contains incredible amount of pain.

Source: Chevrolet

June 11, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Cruze to be Revealed on June 24

Chevrolet Cruze is one of the best selling cars globally. It’s world sales have surpassed 3.5 million, which signifies that the company has to do something acknowledge this fact. The milestone will be marked with the introduction of Chevy’s next-generation Cruze on June 24.

The compact vehicle will keep its great design and engineering features that made it award winning and so much appraised. The future customers will still get the stylish and playful style of the car, the great safety and connectivity features and all of this at an affordable pricing.

What is the difference? The 2016 Cruze has one purpose and it is to bring forward the segment with more of the features that future buyers find attractive. In addition, it will be larger but at the same time it will weigh less.

Chevrolet did not say much, but it still revealed that the new generation model will be equipped with more innovative technologies, new engines and optional safety features. In fact, just like the other cars in company’s range, the Volt, Spark, Malibu and Camaro that were revealed earlier this year, Cruze will bring to 25 new technologies to the brand. In this way Chevrolet will make sure that the safety, fuel economy, performance and connectivity is better than ever.

We can see from the teaser image that the new Cruze will boast refreshed sporty front featuring thinner grille and bigger air intake as well as new design for the headlights. At last, it was also officially disclosed that 2016 Cruze will be one of the first vehicles in company’s line-up to feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze is scheduled to hit showrooms in the beginning of 2016.

Note: In the gallery below are shown 2015 Cruze pictures.

Source: Chevrolet

June 4, 2015

Chevrolet Z06 Will be Driven By Mark Reuss At the Detroit Grand Prix

Mark Reuss, the top product development executive ant General Motors and a motorsport maniac will drive the special Corvette Z06 this weekend for the special Chevrolet Dual in Detroit .

There will be two races, that will take place May 30-31 with a length of only 2.5 miles with a strat from Chevy’s Detroit headquarters.

Reuss, who is also a vice president of the Global Product Development and Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, is also a well-known racing fan. He is also a certified pool test driver in North Course of the Nürburgring track in Germany. And furthermore, he is the creator of the GM Performance Division in 2001, when he looked over the GM cars and their production. In fact, he was responsible for the production of Chevrolett SS and Cadillac V-Series models.

The Corvette Z06, on the other hand, is a similar model to the vehicle, that Jeff Gordon raced in NASCAR last week in Indianapolis 500. The vehicle includes an Arctic White exterior and Adrenaline Red interior, that comes with a special package of graphics and safety strobe lights. The machine produces a total of 650 supercharged hp (477kW) and comes with a seven-speed manual transmission and a special track-capable chassis system.

Source: Chevrolet

May 30, 2015

Chevrolet Confidently Stays as a Global Leader in Incorporating Smart Phone Apps

Strategy Analytics state, that there are more than 2 million smart phone users and this numbers increases. Something more, there are many phone users, that tweak their smart gadget even when they drive. Now, Chevrolet brand takes another challenge to deliver the smartest and easiest way of using both mobile phones and vehicles.

For the 2016 year Chevy will offer the special Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. There will be 14 Chevrolet models, that include and the special Chevrolet Cruze, which is the best-selling passenger car, which will include the special multimedia systems.

On the other hand, Chevy‘s seven-inch Mylink information system grants owners with a smart way to use the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

As you might know, each of both systems builds off the features, that customers like the most. For example, Android Auto is built with influence by Google Maps, Google Now and some apps like WhatsApp, Skype Gplay and more.

Car Play, on the other hand, focuses on the iPhone features and grants access to apps, while driving in incredibly simple way. The system allows drivers to make calls, send messages, listen to music and many more.

It is a good thing to hear, that a car brand tries to fit in the world of hi-tech gadgets. Having the ability to make numerous different technologies work together will make you spark out from the crowd. Just like Chevrolet team does.

Source: Chevrolet

May 28, 2015

Click It or Ticket Campaign Teamed Up Car Brand and Different Organizations

Do you know what is incredibly annoying and incredibly useful at the same time? You guessed it, the seatbelt alarm. Imagine a situation, where you are in charge to get your kids from school or to go to that really important business meeting or you are just late for your appointment and you get finally in your car. And then you hear it. The one and only bing-bing-bing-bing signal, that reminds you for your seatbelt. It really is interesting how this unmistakable sound pisses off people, but at the same time reminds you, that you have responsibility for your life.

This is the 15th year, that marks the strict law enfrorcement to be pulled over, because you didn’t put on your belt. Now, Chevy, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Michigan office of Highway Safety Planning team up to support the Click it or Ticket campaign. They plan massive marketing strategies, that focus on the overall awareness of drivers: the idea is to get it on higher and higher levels. One of the ways of expanding the idea is the display of the Click it or Ticket logo on GM Renaissance Center office and hotel complex towers.

And in addition, OnStar advisors will be reminding about to buckle up right at the end of the emergency calls. As you know, the fine of failing to wear a seatbelt is constantly increasing and in some parts of Michigan it is really high.
In fact, wearing a seatbelt is incredibly safe thing to do. Numerous studies show, that they are vita for crashes, done by a speed up to 50 mph (90 km/h). And in addition, since Michigan made the seatbelt a must-wear by law 15 years ago, the belts have saved numerous lives: the fatal-end crashes have decreased with about 35 per cent and the seatbelt usage has increased with the incredible 93 per cent.

One more statistic: according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, seatbelts saved about 350 lives in Michigan in 2013. Furthermore, the study shows, that wearing a seatbelt in a SUV or pickup vehicle reduces fatal injuries with 60 per cent, while wearing seatbelt in car this percentage is around 40.

In fact, General Motors is most responsible for the numerous safety belt improvements in the past years. Now, in the event of a crash, a special gadget, called pretensioner reduces the slack of the seatbelt and both with the airbags, the load limiters are much more safer for the chest of people.

It is good to hear, that worldwide companies are interested in people’s lives, when it comes to driving. And remember: the next time you hear the annoying beep-beep-beep sound, just smile and put on your seatbelt. Be grateful, that there are people, who remind you, that health is far more important, that the expensive car or the fact, that you are late for work.

Source: Chevrolet

May 20, 2015

Have You Heard About the Gen Six Camaro?

Finally, the sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro from the 2016 model year is here! It was introduced two days ago at a special event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. From what we can see, this car undoubtedly carries the spirit of Chevy’s most popular car, but it is also lighter, more potent and features wide array of features. This basically means faster driving experience.

But, what’s new here? Well, the new Camaro is leaner, it is built over a stiffer platform and features slightly smaller dimensions. Its size is accentuated by a sculpted exterior, tuned in the wind tunnel. The result is more aero-dynamism combined with better handling and efficiency.

As a matter of fact, there are only two things that have been kept from the previous generation: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge. To achieve this unique result, the Gen Six Camaro, Chevrolet has focused on three main points: performance, technology and design.

Exterior Design

The tighter and leaner stance of the Camaro has been created via the new light-weight architecture. It also makes the car more athletic and aerodynamic, because of its wider and lower look. Some of the new features of the exterior design are the LEDs, the ten exterior color choices (complemented by five interior color trims) and a lot of accessories.

In addition, the design was aerodynamically optimized after 350 hours of wind tunnel testing. The aim was to optimally minimize the drag on the LT models and enhance downforce on SS.

At the front the Camaro features cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, while at the back it adds expressive taillamps. Unlike other models, the SS have unique rear spoiler, but all models do share the more pronounced, sculpted roof panel. The last feature improves the rigidity of the roof.

Interior Design

As mentioned, the additional exterior color choices will be complemented by five interior color combinations. Furthermore, the cabin also benefits from the shifter-focused center console, the intuitive controls all over the place as well as the flat-bottom steering wheel.

All of the materials used for the upholstery of the interior are of the highest quality. Other cool features are the control rings around the air vents which are utilized for temperature and fan speed adjustments.

Technology

Nowadays cars are stuffed with technologies that make everything easier. There are three technology features exclusive to the Gen Six Camaro. The first one is the new Drive Mode Selector, which has the capability of tailoring up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes. The modes are as follows: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and Track. The last one comes only for the SS models.

The second feature is the Interior Spectrum Lighting, which can make the experience of the passengers amusing, because it offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console. At last, the third feature is the high-definition configurable color display. There is also an additional screen but it comes on additional price.

Performance & Engines

The first thing regarding the performance that the engineers had to do is to make vehicle’s body mass lighter. Hence, the new Camaro has shed more than 200 pounds of weight, thus achieving better driving experience and more responsiveness.

Next on the list were the engines. The range here features six different powertrain combinations. Common among them is that they are designed to show improved performance and efficiency.

In details, Camaro LT comes as a standard powered by 2.0L Turbo unit, which produces 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The 0-60 mph acceleration happens in less than six seconds, while the fuel consumption is more than 30 mpg on the highway. This means that this is the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever built.

The LT grade can be also equipped with the 3.6L V6. If this is the case, this means that we should expect 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm). Both engines can be mated to either the six-speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

At last, the most powerful Camaro is the SS and it is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine. We know this unit from the Corvette Stingray, but for the Camaro 20 percent of the components were changed and made specific for its architecture. The output of this engine is rated at 455 horses (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm). This one can be connected to six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other vital performance features are the Magnetic Ride Control active suspension and the improved handling. Well, all Camaro models will have Brembo brakes, and will ride on Goodyear tires coupled with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro will go on sale later this year. It will be made available only in two grades: LT and SS.