Showing posts with label Chevrolet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chevrolet. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

SEMA 2010: Chevrolet Camaro SSX Concept




Chevrolet has made it clear that the company has a strong interest in helping owners get the most out of vehicles like the Corvette and the Camaro on a race track. While the epic Corvette Z06X Concept was seemingly envisioned as the Bow Tie answer to the Dodge Viper ACR-X, Chevrolet is showing the Camaro similar love via the SSX Concept. The car makes use of a host of carbon fiber in places like the trunk lid, hood, fenders and doors to keep weight as low as possible, and while the company isn't saying exactly how many pounds it managed to shed compared to the standard SS, we've got to imagine that the figure is far from insubstantial.

In addition to putting the Camaro on a diet, Chevrolet also took it upon itself to play havoc with the 6.2-liter under the hood by bolting on tricks like new CNC aluminum cylinder heads, sliding in a new camshaft and swapping in a dry-sump oil system. Make no mistake, with around 524 horsepower on tap, this dog will hunt.

SEMA 2010: Chevrolet Corvette Z06X Concept




Chevrolet was kind enough to give us a sneak sampling of what the company has planned for SEMA 2010, and the star of the show looks to be the car you see above. Called the Corvette Z06X, the bruiser is effectively a race-ready behemoth with a host of suspension tweaks and a slew of weight-reducing materials on board. Built by the Corvette legends at Pratt and Miller, this Satin White machine started its life as a Z06 with the CFZ carbon-fiber package. Throw in an adjustable rear wing borrowed straight from the C6R along with a full SCCA roll cage and you've got the bones for go-fast trackday goodness.

Under the hood, the standard LS7 V8 benefits from a new low-restriction intake and a more robust coolant system. The suspension wizards at PFADT were so kind as to supply a set of mono-ball control arm bushings, adjustable stabilizer bars and a complete coilover suspension, too.

Chevrolet has also bolted on a new raised carbon-fiber hood along with carbon headlight housings to shave a few pounds. The biggest weight savings, however, has to come from the polycarbonate rear window which is also lifted straight from the C6R.

SEMA 2010: Chevrolet unveils custom 2011 Camaros




The Red Flash Show Camaro is a look-at-me V8-powered coupe that will certainly grab your attention out on the road thanks to its modified intake and exhaust system. On the other end of the spectrum is the XM/Accessory Appearance Package V6 Camaro that goes for a more subtle, not-so-flashy styling upgrade. The Synergy Series Camaro is the second version of a once-per-year limited-edition, and it features interior and exterior colors not available on any other model in the Camaro range. Finally, the SSX Track Car Concept rumbles on to the SEMA floor to tease us with the idea of a purpose-built track-day machine

SEMA 2010: 1955 Chevrolet E-Rod LS3 Pickup




While the wicked E-Rod LSA found its way into a Superformance Grand Sport Coupe at this year's SEMA show, General Motors decided to plop the company's new E-Rod LS3 into something a little more traditional. GM yanked the sheets off of an expertly-crafted 1955 Chevrolet pickup street rod. The project started by mating a minty-fresh Dynacorn body with the chassis of a Trailblazer SS. Throw in a 315-horsepower, 335-pound-feet of torque E-Rod LS3 and you've got the basic ingredients for one very lust-worthy pickup.

GM says that the new E-Rod LS3 will command a price tag of $7,150 when it arrives in 2011.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Cruze hatchback looks good in Paris, would look better in America

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

You know, the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback is a pretty good-looking little C-car. Sure, many of the show car bits will be removed when this five-door Cruze goes into production, but on the whole, General Motors has impressed us with this attractive hatchback version of its new compact car.

Unfortunately, the five-door Cruze is not slated for North American consumption – we'll have to make do with the still-good but less-functional (and less-attractive) sedan. GM may think that Americans don't buy hatchbacks, but according to recent sales data of hatches versus their sedan counterparts, The General would be very, very wrong. Regardless, Europeans will get to sample the Cruze Hatchback when it goes on sale in the old country in mid-2011.

Thus, we are left to sit and stare at the Cruze hatchback as it shines under the lights of the Paris Motor Show.

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo is ready for global B-segment battle

Chevrolet Aveo show car

The Chevy Aveo might look a little awkward from certain angles, but it's sure to be a wholly better machine than its predecessor. Still, the new design is a big step forward for General Motors, and we like certain cues like the rear door handles being integrated into the C-pillar and the mean, Spark-inspired taillamps. This Aveo you see here is actually a "show car" for the time being, as the production car will receive minor tweaks and changes depending on the market in which it's sold.

When it goes on sale in America next year, the new Aveo will more than likely be powered by The General's 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 115 horsepower, though Europeans will have up to four engines from which to choose including a 1.3-liter diesel. Along with a huge interior refresh, the Aveo should now be better poised to compete with offerings like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

Paris 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Orlando offers frill-free utility

2011 Chevrolet Orlando

Chevrolet has debuted its Orlando people mover here at the Paris Motor Show, and while we were originally a bit nonplussed at being promised the car in the U.S. only to have General Motors later recant, we're no longer upset at its absence. Inexpensive and frumpy smallish MPVs still manage to find an audience in many European markets, but having fiddled with the Orlando today, we suspect that it probably wouldn't have fared that well Stateside.

Our first impression is that the Orlando is rather Dodge Journey-esque, albeit a bit smaller (it's Cruze-based, but bigger than it looks). Still, it shares the Dodge's seven-seat configuration and value-oriented bent, though it makes use of a range of smaller, Euro-friendly powerplants, including a 141-horsepower 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder and a pair of diesel fours offering 131 hp or 163 hp.

The interior is basic yet functional, with a much better resolved dashboard and center stack than the aforementioned Dodge. That said, the Orlando is built to be an inexpensive offering and it very much feels that way, with a nondescript crossover-like exterior (disappointing after the much better looking concept) and a competent but character-free interior. The three-row stadium seating is a nice touch, but as with most vehicles of this size, the 'way back' will be reserved for short trips, particularly as there's almost zero space for cargo when the rearmost seats are deployed.

Orlando production is slated to begin this month, with the first deliveries slated for early next month.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Ford Presented the Police Version of New Explorer

Police Ford Explorer

Ford company presented the police car constructed on the basis of off-road car Explorer of following generation. The novelty joins in a ruler of Ford's special cars and appears on the enterprise conveyor in Chicago next year. Tests of both cars were used by policemen of district Los Angeles and the State of Michigan.

Ford Explorer for US Policemen

Police Ford Explorer will be presented in all-wheel drive versions with the atmospheric 6-cylinder engine in volume of 3,5 litres and power of 280HP. Such motor is aggregated with a 5-step automatic transmission and is capable to work, both on usual gasoline, and on bioethanol E85. According to representatives of Ford, Explorer for 20 percent is more economic than the police sedans Crown Victoria.

Police Ford

Interior Explorer

Ford Explorer Police Vehicle

Interior Police Ford

The novelty received the strengthened body, more hardy suspender and the modernised brake gears, the new generator and a radiator, and also 18-inch wheel disks which for drop of expenses are unified with disks for police Ford Taurus. In off-road car interior there was a computer system with the nine-inch screen for access to a database, fastenings for the weapon, video registration systems, and also special closed compartments in a luggage compartment.

Besides Ford, the cars for police of the USA offer some more companies — Dodge (which prepared version Charger), Chevrolet (prepared for special services Caprice) and firm Carbon Motors which has developed own car.

Related Posts: Ford

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

2010 New Chevrolet Camaro Sports Car UFC Limited Edition

Most great and amazing sport elegant car 2010 Chevrolet Camaro interior design and exterior body kit design that will make you interesting. The UFC sports car maker now a days launched it is teaming up with Findlay Customs and Modern Muscle Las Vegas to release 10 Limited Edition UFC Chevrolet Camaros sports car. UFC, in combination with Findlay Customs and Modern Muscle Las Vegas will build the limited-edition 2010 UFC Camaros sports car complete with 650 Super-charged powerful engine horsepower and one-of-a-kind vehicles features which will create even the most die-hard UFC fan or gear head stand up and get notice.
2010 New Chevrolet Camaro Sports Car UFC Limited Edition
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports car looks like a new vehicle, but it was built from existing GM parts from other models. They started with the chassis architecture of the impressive Pontiac G8 and engines from Cadillac and Covette. GM made the new Camaro drop-dead gorgeous, with high performance, and affordable.
The interior of the new Camaro is comfortable and materials are good, but the exterior styling is where it shines. The stitched leather wrap on the steering wheel is nice, and the bucket seats are comfortable, with decent bolstering, but may not be enough to keep an aggressive driver in his or her place during aggressive cornering. 
The front seat slides 8.5 inches, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes, and the seat can be raised up for better visibility, so drivers of all sizes will fit. The excellent leather upholstery is available in black, gray, beige and two-tone Inferno Orange.
The climate control buttons on the center stack didn't seem to be designed for ease of touch, but more for looks, but I have seen worse. Visibility through the windshield is good despite the long hood and raked windshield, thanks to careful location of the driver's seat and the ability to raise it. Rear visibility over the driver's shoulder isn't very good, but then it's impossible to make it good with a chopped roofline that gives it its sporty look.
The new Camaro sports car succeeds for all the reasons to buy this sports car, great looks and styling, a very potent and efficient engine borrowed from Cadillac, great performance and handling, and a good price point. I have test driven the Dodge Challenger SRT8, and the Ford Mustang GT. For my money I would choose the new Camaro sports car.
The first UFC Camaro will be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson's Orange County collector car auction taking place June 25-27 at the OC Fair & Events Center.  The winning bidder will also come away with a UFC experience package that includes an inaugural drive with UFC President Dana White, backstage VIP access to a UFC event, meet and greets with UFC fighters, an autographed OCTOGON book and UFC gear.  
The Camaro is being auctioned for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a charity dedicated to providing financial assistance to dependents of US military personnel lost in the line of duty.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

2011 Chevrolet Cruze priced at $16,995, LTZ at $22,695

2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS


General Motors has slapped a price tag on the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, and with a starting price of $16,995 (including destination), the new compact contender is well positioned to compete with the segment stalwarts.

The entry-level Cruse LS comes packing the 138-horsepower 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission, along with 10 air bags, traction ctonrol, OnStar and keyless entry. If you option up for the $18,895 LT, the standard four-pot is replaced with GM's new Ecotec 1.4-liter turbo and a six-speed automatic box, and the Eco version rings up the same sticker with a six-speed manual, 17-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tires and an enhanced aero package.

The top of the line LTZ will set you back a suitably high $22,695 and comes with the aforementioned 1.4-liter turbo and automatic 'box, along with cruise control, leather seats, Bluetooth, USB audio, redundant steering wheel controls, rear-parking assist and 18-inch wheels. Navigation, a nine-speaker Pioneer stereo, heated seats and RS Appearance package are all available as separate options.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

GM cancels plan to sell Chevrolet Orlando in U.S.

Chevrolet Orlando


Rumor has it that General Motors won't be selling the new seven-passenger Orlando here in the United States come 2011, or ever for that matter. According to Automotive News, GM has said that it will be skipping the people-mover in order to focus its attention on the models Chevrolet currently sells. Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet's product marketing director for small cars and crossovers, said that the company's current portfolio easily takes care of any family's needs.

While buyers in Canada, Europe and Asia will still be able to buy the new Orlando as scheduled, GM has decided to increase production of the Equinox, Traverse and Malibu here in the U.S. to make up for the missing model. The move is still somewhat of a shock, especially considering how hard GM was pushing the Orlando as part of its new product lineup just one year ago.

The decision to drop the Orlando does make sense, though. Despite the fact that the vehicle was based on the much smaller Cruze platform, it would be elbowing its way into an already packed showroom dominated by the likes of the popular Equinox. Those needing a little more space for their brood or luggage can still easily step up to a Traverse.

Meanwhile, Automotive News reports that the Cruze is still scheduled to begin production later this year.


[Source: Automotive News]

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept, HHR goes future tech

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept


While Chrysler has failed to find a way to update or replace the retro-styled PT Cruiser, we can definitely see this as a forthcoming replacement to the Chevrolet HHR. The Volt MPV5 is slightly larger than HHR, but fills a similar market niche. While Chevrolet hasn't announced a firm production commitment, it wouldn't be surprising to see the MPV5 built in both conventional and ER-EV forms to help jack up GM's light truck CAFE numbers. The roomy interior will likely find a bigger audience than the smaller Volt while still yielding a 32 mile electric range, and if we had to guess, we'd see the Orlando-inspired plug-in EV hit the market by 2013.

Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 crossover revealed

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept


The rumored extended range electric crossover we saw revealed in General Motors' design patent drawings is now a reality. The Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept will make its debut tomorrow at the Beijing Motor Show, and just as we suspected from seeing Volt design chief Bob Boniface's name on the patent, this five-passenger crossover rides on the same Voltec architecture as the Volt.

The new Chevrolet concept integrates design elements from the Volt, including the headlight, taillamps and grille, with a five-door hatch body style very similar to the larger Orlando and a length about four inches longer than the current HHR.

Propulsion comes from the same 150 horsepower engine and 16 kilowatt-hour battery used in the Volt. However, its larger frontal area and increased drag mean that this one only has a 32-mile electric range as opposed to the Volt's 40 miles. The Crossover has full seating for five and 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. The dashboard appears to be lifted directly from the Volt, including the dual LCD displays. We wouldn't be at all surprised to see this as the second Voltec product in the GM North American lineup. If built, this would likely be classed as a light truck and do wonders for GM's CAFE numbers on that side of the business.


[Source: General Motors]

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Limited version of Indy 500

Chevrolet Camaro Indy

Company Chevrolet plans to make in the limited circulation "Indianapolis 500". Pace car for these competitions is constructed on the basis of coupe Camaro SS and practically differs nothing from the serial car.

Civil «Indianapolis 500»

Civil "pace car" it will be possible to order in exclusive orange colour with white "racing" strips and 20-inch wheel disks from an aluminium alloy. On forward doors of the car flaunt stickers with a logo "Indianapolis 500", on forward wings Chevrolet Camaro will be a logo, and on headrests the same emblem is embroidered.
The new muscle car will be equipped with the 400-strong 8-cylinder petrol engine in volume of 6,2 litres and a 6-step automatic transmission.

Indy 500 Pace Car

Interior of Pace Car

Interior of Pace Car by Chevrolet Camaro

In total it is planned to construct 200 copies of the civil version of the car of safety of races Indy 500. Car cost in the American market $41,950US.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California




Muscle car fans and collectors take note - make sure to put June 19th down on your schedule. That's the day that RM Auctions has set to schedule off a private muscle car collection in San Diego, and more than 80 fine examples of American iron will be looking for new homes.

The auction will be highlighted by some of the performance icons of the muscle car era including an ultra rare 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible, a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, a 1970 Boss 429 Mustang and a pair of 1969 Camaro Z28s. The best part? All of the cars will be offered at no reserve. You can read more details about the auction in the press release after the jump or head over to RM's web site for the full list of cars up for sale.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

Today, GM has given news that they will make a track oriented version of the Z06 called the Carbon Limited Edition, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Corvette racing at the 24 Hours of LeMans. The Chevrolet Corvette has an ala-cart selection of options. There is base model, the Grand Sport which used the base LS3 engine with some Z06 goodies, the Z06 and it’s 7 liter motor, and the world-class ZR1.
2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. In 2010, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition. "Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. "With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast."
2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.
2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car's Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.
2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06's dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car. An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.
2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer of 2010.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010

Back in August when General Motors introduced the all-new GT2 class Corvette C6.R, it ran downsized 6.0-liter version of the 7.0-liter V8 from the long-dominant GT1 car. At the launch, Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan told us the 6.0-liter was just an interim engine. With revised GT rules on tap for 2010, GM was already planning a brand-new engine for its race Vette.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Unlike the 6.0/7.0, which is a ground-up race engine that only shares basic architectural dimensions with the production small block, the 2010 C6.R's V8 is a new 5.5-liter unit that will indeed be derived from the production engine found in roadgoing Corvettes. In fact, the 5.5-liter race engine will be built at GM's Performance Build Center alongside ZR1 and Z06 V8s.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Fehan has confirmed that the 5.5 is running on the dyno and will make its race debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. We don't have any additional details on the new engine yet, although we were told earlier that it is based on the next-generation production small-block, which we expect to see in the Corvette soon
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Corvette Racing is preparing for the season-opening round of the 2010 American Le Mans Series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, to be held in Sebring, Fla., on March 20. Forty years ago, Sebring set the stage for some highly competitive racing among Cobras, Ferraris, and Corvettes. 
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Difficult weather and trying mechanical situations added a challenging dimension to an exciting event. In light of recent C5-R successes and the impending start of yet another season of American Le Mans Series competition, a look back at the effort put forth by the privateer Corvette camp lends amazing perspective.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Corvette Racing will compete in the GT (formerly GT2) class against entries representing Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Jaguar, and Ford. Corvette Racing drivers Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen, and Antonio Garcia are testing the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R. Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Emmanuel Collard are testing the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.
[Source: Chevrolet]
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010

Monday, February 15, 2010

2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Chevrolet is supplying the Indianapolis 500 with a 2010 Camaro SS as a pace car. Unveiled ahead of the 2010 event which is taking place at the Brickyard on May 30, the Inferno Orange metallic muscle car will mark the sixth time a Camaro has paced the 100 year-old 500 since its debut in 1967. Officials from Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway unveiled the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 pace car at the Speedway's Hall of Fame Museum.
2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car 

"We've enjoyed a great partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout the years," said Jim Campbell, General Manager, Chevrolet, "and are proud to once again have the privilege of pacing the Indianapolis 500 in a Camaro."
2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

The 2010 Chevy Camaro Indianapolis 500 pace car is a 21st century sports car that looks to the future with a nod to both the car's and the race's heritage. The first year for Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500 was in 1967, the year the Camaro made its debut. Camaro has since paced the race in 1969, 1982, 1993 and 2009.
This year's pace car features an Inferno Orange Metallic paint scheme with White Diamond rally stripes that travel from the front to the rear over the top of the body, as well as extending to the instrument panel. The design is a modern interpretation of the original rally stripe that debuted on the 1969 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.
2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

"Chevrolet has done it again with the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS Pace Car, it is simply beautiful," said Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. "The car's tribute to '500' history and its sports car feel will be a big hit with our fans, and it will look great leading the Indianapolis 500 field on Race Day."
2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

The 2010 pace car is equipped with a stock 400 hp 6.2L V-8, an RS appearance package and leather interior with Inferno Orange interior accents. The pace car also features unique design cues that further enhance the Camaro's head-turning design. Features unique to the pace car include:
- 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo painted on doors and embroidered on driver and passenger headrests
- 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo badges on front fenders
- All-new front grille insert that Chevrolet plans to offer as a future Camaro accessory
- Amber lens tail lamps
- Complete safety strobe light system with custom interior light bar in the rear window (no rooftop light bar)
- All-new GM Accessory floor mats with red and orange accent stitching
 2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Starting at approximately $23,000, and offering an EPA-estimated 29 highway mpg on the V-6-powered car, the all-new Camaro is a budget-friendly sports car that doesn't sacrifice on performance. Despite the recent economic challenges, the Camaro has overtaken its closest competitor to lead the regular sports car segment in sales for the last six months. Chevrolet sold more than 6,000 Camaros in each of these months.
2010 Chevrolet Sports Car Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. The 2009 racing season marked the 100th anniversary of the Speedway and the start of its Centennial Era, which continues with the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Chicago 2010: Chevrolet rolls out Caprice Police Car

Chevrolet Caprice PPV

Late last year, General Motors announced that it would build a Zeta-based Police Car for North American duty. Though there was already a perfectly good Pontiac G8 available before GM decided to shutter the brand, this Zeta would be based on the longer version of that platform as used by the Holden Statesman and be known as the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicle.

Well, what do you know. Chevy brought just such a vehicle to the Chicago Auto Show, and we managed to snap off a series of photos to share. According to the personnel manning the booth, the Caprice PPV is still in concept form, complete with a refurbished Toughbook panel from Panasonic attached to the center console.

Being a long-wheelbase Zeta, the Caprice PPV has plenty of room for a divided cockpit with what appears to be a plexiglass barrier protecting the driver and front passenger from whatever or whomever happens to be confined to the rear. Other interesting tidbits include a number of storage locations, including one for weapons between the two front seats.

We're sure the cops will appreciate the E85-compatible 6.0-liter V8 and the 355 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque it puts out. Now if only GM could find a way to put just such a Caprice (or, would that be a proper Impala SS?) in every single Chevrolet dealership around the country, they may really be on to something.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Chicago 2010: Chevrolet celebrates Suburban's 75th Anniversary with Diamond Edition

Chevrolet celebrates Suburban's 75th Anniversary with Diamond Edition

It's a big name for a big truck... deservedly celebrating its impressive lineage. Chevrolet rolled out the 2010 Suburban 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition model at the Chicago Auto Show specially commemorating 75 years of family hauling (making it the longest running nameplate in the industry). The decked-out SUV, limited to just 2,570 units (apparently, GM is limited by the amount of White Diamond paint it can procure), is identified by its White Diamond Tricoat exterior paint and Cashmere interior.

In addition to standard 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and revised roof rails, the eight-passenger Suburban comes with standard LTZ package content – integrated navigation radio, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, rearview camera, rear park assist, remote starting and adjustable pedals. Leather upholstery with heated/cooled front seats is also standard. Ensuring fellow soccer moms will notice your commemorative gesture, the Diamond Edition also arrives with a slew of obligatory badging on the C-pillar and interior.