2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle

Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol VehicleAn all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It's a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.

Chevrolet made the announcement at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, in Denver, Colorado. The Chevrolet Caprice PPV will be available for ordering next year and will hit the streets in early 2011.

"The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement," said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. "We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas."
Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar added, "Along with Impala and Tahoe, the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle gives agencies a greater range of choices for police and special service vehicles that are all available from Chevrolet."
Unlike other police cars on the market, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV is not based on existing "civilian" passenger-car model sold in North America. It has been developed in key areas specifically for police duty, containing modern equipment and features:

Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt




The front seats are sculpted to "pocket" the equipment belt, which greatly increases the comfort for a great range of police officer sizes. The foam density of the seatback and cushion insert surfaces are designed to conform to the shape of an equipment belt's various items, too, allowing the officer's back to rest properly on the seatback surface.
"The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle's seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car," said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. "The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface."
Along with comfort, the materials used in the seats were also carefully selected. High-wear materials were chosen to stand up to long hours of everyday use, while breathability, long-term durability and ease of cleaning were also important criteria.
Engineers worked on several iterations of the seat, testing a couple of versions in the field to get real-world feedback from police officers, who used prototype seats in their cruisers for a month. Their input helped determine the final design.
Class-leading space
The Chevrolet Caprice PPV is based on GM's global rear-drive family of vehicles that also underpins the Chevy Camaro. It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture - 118.5 inches (3,010 mm) - along with a four-wheel independent suspension that delivers responsive high-performance driving characteristics that are crucial in some police scenarios.
Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle's long wheelbase also contributes to exceptional spaciousness. Compared to the primary competition, its advantages include:

A larger interior volume - 112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters - than the Ford Crown Victoria, including nearly 4 inches (101 mm) more rear legroom
The barrier between the front seat and rear seat is positioned farther rearward, allowing for full front-seat travel and greater recline for officer comfort
At 18 cubic feet (535 liters) free space (beyond battery located in trunk), the Caprice's trunk volume is large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area. The Chevrolet Caprice's 6.0-liter V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (265 kW) with an estimated 384 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that is performance-calibrated for police duty. Additional, police car-specific powertrain and vehicle system features include:

• High-output alternator

• Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers

• Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps

• Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads

• Heavy-duty suspension components

• Police-calibrated stability control system

Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature. A host of complementary features are also offered, including special equipment packages such as spotlights; lockouts for the power windows and locks; and an "undercover" street-appearance package (9C3).
To enable more room for interior equipment, the standard radio can be relocated to the trunk, allowing for an in-dash, touch-screen computer to be used.


Source : Netcarshow.com

Opel Says Second Generation Ampera Will be Cheaper

Even though deliveries of Opel’s extended-range hybrid aren’t expected to begin until early 2012, the company is already planning the successor to the Chevy Volt’s European alter-ego.
According to British magazine Autocar, the second generation of the Opel / Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled for release in 2015 and, if sources from within the company are reliable, it feature a more radical design and a lower starting price than the current model.
In the UK for example, the Vauxhall Ampera, which is already available to order, costs a rather steep £28,995 –and that is after the government’s £5,000 rebate. Opel engineers say that the battery pack alone costs around £7,000 but improvements in technology in the next four years will enable the company to reduce the cost by 50%.
However, that’s not enough. Opel CEO Nick Reilly said the price of the Ampera will be further reduced by economies of scale due to increased demand and more localized production: “We have an education job to do on the technology of the Ampera, but that will come in time. We hope that it will establish itself as a market leader and we’ll be able to capitalize on that with a cheaper, more expressively designed second generation model”.
Economies of scale could also come from fitting the Ampera’s extended-range powertrain in other Opel and Vauxhall models. If this happens, then the cost of tooling and manufacturing would drop significantly further lowering the costs.
Nevertheless, GM has to first assess sales of the model before it goes ahead with any decision, such as manufacturing its next generation in Europe, as it currently builds it alongside the Volt at its Warren, Michigan plant in the US. So far, things are looking good since 7,000 of the 10,000 units allocated for 2012 are already presold, with 75% of the sales going to fleet customers.
Opel would also like to give the next-gen Ampera a more aggressive style that will be more in line with the other models in its range.
The German firm's designers didn’t have a lot of freedom in the first generation because of the restraints forced on them by the car being a rebadged Volt. If they get the green light, the 2015 model will follow the company's new design “language” , recently previewed in the brand-new Opel Zafira Tourer.

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Ebay news: Camaro Meets Batmobile

Fancying a GM classic with a little more, ahem, pizazz than your run-of-the-mill F-Body Chevrolet Camaro? Welcome to the wonderful world of eBay and the DreamRyder (that's how the owner spells the name of the car).
The DreamRyder is the creation of one Bill Logan who used a V8-powered 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible as a base. Logan says he spent 13 years to complete all the customizations, which include a fiberglass body said to be inspired by a number of animals such as the bat ray and the eagle.
The DreamRyder is up for sale on eBay at an undisclosed reserve price, with the highest bid currently standing at $5,900. Head down for more photos, a video and the seller's description of the car.

eBay Seller's Description:
"Built on an "F" body 82-92 Camaro over a 13 year period, I consider it functional art.
So my work is an animalistic representation in the form of a sphinx like creature, crouching between its flanks, about to pounce. In the front is a face with a beak, fangs and eyes.
The roof is kind of a bat ray with an eagle like head and its body spread out behind it, embracing the rear window and ending in a sweeping transition into a creatures buttocks in the rear.
All the lights are functional and are fiberglass as is the rest of the body as are the side pipes.
I have built a set of molds so I can reproduce any part I might need. I am considering building an enhanced version eventually.
It is a driver and a traffic stopper and is very well received at shows."

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Chevrolet Volt (2011)[REVIEWS]

Chevrolet introduced the all new 2011-volt electric vehicles at long range, establishing an entirely new segment in the global automotive market. The five-door four-seater Chevrolet Volt is designed to provide the benefits of an electric car, with no range limitations associated with other electric vehicles on the market.

'Chevrolet Volt is the only car you have, "said Mark Reuss, president GM North America." Volt offers all this. A revolutionary propulsion system, a modern design, the industry leader in safety, comfort and a premium of user-friendly technologies, dynamic and spiritual "

Designed, built and delivered to customers in 29 months, the Chevy Volt will be available at Chevrolet dealerships before the end of 2010. This is a standard level of finish very well equipped, with two option packages: Premium Trim a group and a rearview camera and the Park Assist package.

The Chevrolet Volt is a class by itself

The Chevrolet Volt is a hybrid. This is a one-of-a-kind, all electric drive vehicles designed and manufactured to operate in all climates. Developed by GM Voltec revolutionary propulsion system, consisting of a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor to a pure electric range of 25 to 50 miles depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. 1.4L diesel engine extends the range up to 310 additional miles on a tank of fuel by the operating system of the vehicle until the electric car can be plugged in and recharged or refueled. What distinguishes the Volt electric-only vehicles, which can be used when the load is not immediately available - for example, during a blackout or a long distance trip.

"Chevrolet Volt electric makes the driving experience more productive, efficient, easy to use, safe and fun way to reward any size vehicle on the market," said Doug Parks, director, global vehicle line volts.

Each main element of the Chevrolet Volt was designed and analyzed for their effectiveness, including its look very aerodynamic, lightweight wheels, tires specially designed energy-saving high-quality stereo system, and more. This attention to detail makes the Volt the most aerodynamic vehicles and energy efficiency in the market.

Chevy Volt electric drive redefined

The heart of the Chevrolet Volt is its Voltec propulsion system that combines the pure electric drive system and an engine to extend the effective range, so the Volt up to 350 miles total range.

Chevrolet Volt is a long-life battery is composed of 5.5 meters, 435-pound (198.1 kg), the T-shaped, 16-kWh lithium-ion battery produced in Brownstown Township, Michigan, provides energy to the advanced 111 kW (149 hp) electric drive unit of a vehicle. Using only the energy stored in the battery, Volt offers between 25 and 50 km of fuel and exhaust emissions without driving electric, depending on terrain, driving techniques, and temperature.

Chevrolet Volt battery is designed to provide value, safety, quality, performance, durability and reliability. It is covered by a eight-year/100 0.000-mile warranty. Since 2007, GM engineers have more than one million miles and four million hours of validation tests volt battery pack and each of nine modules and 288 prismatic cells. Development teams, validation and testing have met thousands of specifications and validate each of the 161 components of the battery volts, 95 percent of GM-designed and developed.

"Our customers have a commitment to technology that will help reduce our dependence on oil," said Micky Bly, GM's executive director, global systems of electricity. "In return, we are committed to providing the highest standards of value, safety, quality, performance and reliability for our customers."

When the battery runs out, the Chevrolet Volt transitions seamlessly with long-range mode. The order is reversed from an advanced technique, 1.4L 63 kW (84 hp) gasoline engine integrated electrical propulsion unit to provide up to 310 additional miles of range.

The Volt electrical service can be a living proof. Volt not only reach a top speed of 100 km / h, the unit of electric drive excellent low speed torque of 273 lb.-ft. (368 Nm), it takes 0 to 60 km / h in less than 9.0 seconds and the quarter mile in under 17.0 seconds.

Chevrolet Volt Battery Charger is a simple and intuitive, and can take place the traditional domestic 120V socket, or a separate 240V charging station. The vehicle is fully charged in about four hours using a 240 V socket outlet 120V and 10-12 hours. When the vehicle is connected, owners can program either immediate or delayed payments, even if the coordination of charging according to time of departure, or when electricity prices are lower. Owners can also manage and control the computer remotely MyVolt.com volts or exclusive applications for smart phones, the Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar MyLink.

Chevrolet Volt was designed and refined the influence
The Chevrolet Volt is a bold, elegant, performance-oriented attitude extends its capabilities with an electric motor, and is seen as a luxury sports sedan medium. This is possible thanks to its wide front and rear (61.2 / 62.1 inches [1556 / 1578 mm]), 105.7 inches (2685 mm) wheelbase, wheel-line stance, carving belt and performance bonds.

"The Volt is a revolutionary car, and we wanted the design to be so thin and dynamic a statement as possible," said Bob Boniface, design director. "When you look at this car, it is highly technical and sophisticated in its execution, with many interrelated areas which provide clean, sharp edges and creases. "

Working closely with GM's aerodynamics wind tunnel in the shape own teams Volt, design and engineering has developed the most aerodynamic car in the history of Chevrolet. By reducing the energy required to overcome air resistance, helped Chevrolet Volt aerodynamics eight miles wide estimated electric and 50 miles from the beach area.

The front fascia of Volta Redonda and color, tapered corners and grille allows air to move easily around the car to reduce drag. In the rear edges, strong and carefully designed spoiler flow of air traffic control. Tilt aggressive on the windshield and rear window also reduces the turbulence and drag.

Inside and out, the element sets and relations point of the game are as good or better than any other segment. Even the compartment under the hood is not neglected: All components are maintained at a high level of appearance that blends with the rest of the car, with the surfaces of grains and colors.

Badges, divisions gloss black appliqués bring the product back bow and the Chevrolet Volt two signs, others are located on the quarter. Six exterior colors are offered the Chevrolet Volt, as Viridian Tricoat Joule, the name selected to win a national competition held in 2009. Others are Ice Silver Metallic, Black Metallic and Cyber ​​Gray, Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Inside, the Volt offers space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect premium five-door sedan - including the storage compartments and the 40/40 rear-folding seats. It also offers them a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options than any offered in the past, the Chevrolet sedan, but Chevrolet's signature dual-cockpit design.

Two seven-inch high-resolution color screens are shown: one is a modifiable graphic display and the cluster, center console, features, touch screen, touch-control switches and integrated into the transmission.

Chevrolet Volt has excellent handling characteristics

Great driving dynamics starts with a strong body-frame structure integral allows optimal fit and provides drivers with a greater sense of stability on the road, the strength and confidence.

The Volt is the suspension type MacPherson, the answer sophisticated torsion beam rear rack and fast electric steering system assisted the management team ZF - a device used in high-end sedans sports - have been established to provide feeling soft and refined handling and solid in the center. The low center of gravity combined with a wider track and longer wheelbase for balanced performance and front and rear hydraulic bushings, another added bonus, helping to eliminate the hardness of the road.

Regeneration electro-hydraulic braking energy capture to 0.2 g for the transfer to the battery. The braking system features large rotors friction with a special finishing process protects against corrosion and promote longer life.

Chevrolet Volt to ride lightweight aluminum alloy, weighing just 17.8 pounds (8.1 kg), each compared to 24.2 pounds (11 kg) of typical 17-inch wheels. They are wrapped in Goodyear Fuel Max, all season long, low rolling resistance tires are optimized for range of electric vehicles, the sound, feel and performance.

Chevrolet Volt is equipped with a continuous security

Like all Chevrolets, the Volt helps protect occupants before, during and - thanks to OnStar - after an accident. Accident Prevention Standard features include antilock brakes with traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and advanced LED daytime running lights that make the Chevrolet Volt is more visible to other drivers and pedestrians.

Continue a strong occupant protection structure, and the Chevrolet Volt body-frame integral structure strategically combines advanced steel to ensure rigidity and impact resistance. Nearly 80 percent of the overall structure Chevrolet Volt is a robust advanced high-strength and ultra high strength steel. Active occupant protection features are eight standard airbags and seatbelts with double pretensioners to help reduce the risk of injury.

After the fall, the Chevrolet Volt offers the security of OnStar, which uses a built-in sensors automatically alert OnStar Vehicle adviser to certain types of collisions. Advisor is immediately connected to the vehicle and may require emergency assistance to be sent to its position.

Since the Chevrolet Volt is so quiet all-electric mode, the driver can activate sounds like noise to warn pedestrians, especially blind people in the intersection. Alarm has been developed in collaboration with the American Federation of the Blind.

Chevy Uses Solar Power to Charge Volts

Chevrolet announced today that it is installing solar-powered electric charging stations at two dozen dealerships in North America as part of its Green Zone initiative.

The new units will generate enough electricity to fully-charge 12 Chevrolet Volts a day, while excess electricity created will be used to power the dealership, supplementing their power needs. According to the Detroit automaker, each canopy generates enough electricity for up to 4,500 charges per vehicle annually.
“The beauty of this program is that there is no capital cost required from the dealership” said Dave Halvorson, president of American Chevrolet in Modesto, California which, along with Al Serra Auto Plaza in Michigan will be the first two dealerships to become a part of the Green Zone initiative.
“The question isn’t whether to install a solar canopy, it’s where and how many” added Joe Serra, president of Serra Automotive. “It’s a win for us because the electricity generated will help reduce operating costs, and it’s a win for the environment since solar power helps reduce our carbon footprint.”
The Chevy Green Zone is a part of GM’s plan to invest $7.5 million in Sunlogics, a solar panel manufacturing and development company that will manufacture and install both the solar panels and the charging stations.

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Since the introduction of the market in 2009, Chevrolet Cruze has won the hearts of many drivers in the world. Sporting distinctive, powerful body lines, he launched a revolutionary design language for Chevrolet.

With the arrival of Cruze sedan, Chevrolet is present in full force in Europe fought very compact segment. Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback offers style and versatility of the five-door vehicle, with the same features as the award-winning Cruze sedan.

"We think the Cruze will hatch will give us a tremendous opportunity to expand the presence of Chevrolet in the compact segment," said Wayne Brannon, president and CEO of Chevrolet Europe. "If you look at what we have achieved with lounge, best-selling Chevrolet nameplate around the world in 2010, there is every reason to believe that the sedan will contribute significantly to the growth of Chevrolet in Europe."

In setting out the task of creating a five-door hatch based on the Cruze sedan, Chevrolet engineering and design team had to take into account that the clientele of the compact five-door market is very heterogeneous. The result is a car that does not compare with the fierce competition in Europe generally.

With a bold, expressive design Chevrolet, the Chevrolet Cruze interior hatchback combines a stylish and progressive leading interior space with a line-up of fuel efficient and diesel options. In security, including the Cruze offers great value, with safety standards complete equipment on all models.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition

Chevrolet Camaro, cars of America's most popular sport, the pace of improvements to extend the model of 2012 years.

Other highlights include an enhanced version of its standard direct-injection 3.6 V-6 engine, a new performance suspension package fe4 SS coupe and a series of design and technology advancements, such as the revised design dashboard, steering wheel for the new camera system reverse.

The improvements come in time for the 45th anniversary of the Camaro, which will be celebrated with the launch of the anniversary special edition Chevrolet Camaro 45. Continuing the tradition of the Camaro models anniversary, 45th anniversary special edition performs all the updates for 2012, along with other unique design elements inside and out.

"The attractive design of the Camaro and performance has led to the top of its segment," said Rick Scheidt, Chevrolet marketing vice president. "By 2012, we are capitalizing on this momentum to improve performance and comfort of the Camaro."

They arrive in the early months of 2012 is high-performance Camaro ZL1, the most technologically advanced car ever developed in its class.

Class-leading 3.6-liter V-6

New Camaro 3.6L direct injection V-6 - the engine LFX - goes into production in summer 2011. It delivers a SAE-certified 323 hp (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm - an increase of 11 horsepower (8 kW) for the 2011 engine without compromising fuel economy.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 its debut at the Chicago Auto Show 2011. This is the Camaro the best car make and most technically advanced ever developed in its category. The new ZL1 continues the momentum of the Camaro, which prompted a whole new area of ​​technology for peak performance. Is expected to launch in early 2012.

Motivates the supercharged V8 engine develops approximately 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Camaro is the fastest ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, ZL1 features technologically advanced and sophisticated chassis and suspension,

which will enable it to deliver balanced, ready-track handling and braking performance to complement its high performance engine. Development of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 rigorous is ongoing, and official estimates of the characteristics of the car will be published later in 2011, as the test nears the end.

"ZL1 Camaro is in the high technology and design, and is a type of car that no one has brought this segment before," said Rick Scheidt, Chevrolet marketing vice president. "This is the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we chose a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."

Name is ZL1 all-aluminum, racing engine has the same name, which was developed in late 1960 and installed a handful of regular production 1969 Camaro. Only 69 were built in the engine, but reached the status of legend among fans, because they represented the pinnacle of performance Camaro - until now.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 model is designed for a great leap forward in the Camaro, which brings a new level of performance of the segments.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2011, with simultaneous introductions in the United States and China - two of the nearly 100 countries on six continents, where it is sold. Chevrolet first global-size sedan will allow customers to Shanghai to New York and Sydney to Sao Paulo with an expressive design, advanced technology, performance riding and fuel efficient powertrains.

"The current Malibu has left the impression of an award-winning and changed the way we think about the Chevrolet. Redefined the American mid-size car could be," said Rick Scheidt, vice president, marketing, Chevrolet. "This is a totally new Chevrolet Malibu is immaterial in Malibu today, but to give our customers more:. More style, fuel efficiency, the content and features, crafts, and meet the dynamic properties of high-end sedans "

Expressive and efficient foreign

"The exterior design of the new Chevrolet Malibu is the DNA of his sister vehicle, the Camaro and Corvette, bringing a sensitivity to the sport sedan class family," says Bryan Nesbitt, executive director of GM's exterior design and Champion Chevrolet.

A more broad, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler providing athletic new Malibu and make it look more aggressive. The new Chevrolet Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62 inches (1574 mm) front and rear tracks, which is more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces .

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

The clusters are constantly reacting ECO driving indicator, encouraging the guidance of fuel, while the tachometer auto stop indicator informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode.

"Chevrolet Malibu ECO illustrates drive to use technology that offers high value, gas-friendly performance," said Scheidt. "The Book really ECO fuel economy of a compact car Malibu in a midsize sedan."

eAssist details

Chevrolet Malibu eAssist Eco system is coupled with a 2.4l Ecotec four-cylinder direct injection of new-generation six-speed automatic. 2.4l engine is a powerful and lightweight, with dual overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic speed control, as well as lightweight aluminum block and cylinder head. It is rated at 180 hp (134 kW) and is a variant of the engine itself, which is known as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines for 2010.

Together with Ecotec 2.4-liter and six-speed transmission uses the power of the system eAssist stored in air-cooled, lithium-ion batteries required to provide lifting power in different driving conditions, engine optimization and operation transmission. An advanced lithium-ion battery 115V and the latest generation of 15 kilowatts motor-generator unit to help fuel economy by increasing:

Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kilowatts of electricity to recharge the battery

With up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric assist when accelerating heavier

Using electricity rather than gas when it is stopped, an engine and smooth automatic start-stop function

Fuel cutoff during deceleration aggressive zero mph for added fuel savings

Intelligent charging / discharging of the high-voltage battery.

Chevrolet Corvette C7 2013

If the Corvette Stingray concept foreshadows the next-generation Corvette C7, then what might the production car look like?
Given the concept’s massive wheels, exaggerated exterior, and extremely low roofline, there’s almost no way the production Corvette C7 will look exactly like it. The Corvette C7 will retain its front-engine layout, forgoing a more costly – and complex – mid-engine setup.
One speculated engine option would be a twin-turbo 3.6-liter DOHC V6 capable of 400 horsepower.

For example, when the Corvette’s most recent major update came along for model year 2005, purporting to mark the transition from generation five (C5) to generation six, we characterized the sum of the changes as Corvette C5 and 11/16ths.

The members of  the Corvette tribe don’t refer to their baby in alphanumerics. The Corvette’s looks haven’t changed much in the last two generations, covering 13 years, but we anticipate change in the Corvette C7 will be apparent at a glance, even to casual observers.

According to insider folklore, CEO Dan Akerson—GM’s fourth CEO since March 2009—attended a Corvette styling review and told design chief Ed Welburn that he thought the C6’s posterior was way too wide. Chevrolet first signaled its interest in reviving the split window by outfitting the Stingray concept vehicle with one. The C6 Vette has long been a respected member of the serious sports-car community, but its interior has been subpar for ¬¬just as long. There will be changes under the hood, too. Also, fuel-economy ratings may show a slight uptick. We look for the base Corvette coupe to start at roughly $52,000, ranging up to about $115,000 for the ZR1.
The future for America’s sports car sees the Corvette becoming lighter, slicker and moderately more compact, powered by an equally powerful but smaller V-8. A list of priorities from the average Corvette owner puts perform¬ance at the top, with fuel efficiency somewhere just above the desire for rear seats and a better tow rating.

In the meantime, the new Corvette C7 will retain a front-engine design, but the car will lose weight while its engine will become more effective at extracting energy from fuel. Improved aerodynamics will also help the Vette punch a smaller hole through the air, aiding acceleration, top speed and mpg.

Opel and Chevrolet too close for Comfort?

Sibling rivalry: every family faces it, at one point or another. And what are automotive groups such as General Motors if not one, big (and bailout-happy) family? Platform and parts sharing is the name of the game in order to reduce costs and maximize profit margins. But what happens when two brands, like Opel and Chevrolet start to overlap each other?

Having introduced five new cars in the past 18 months and on the verge of launching a major TV, print and digital campaign this summer to celebrate its centennial anniversary, Chevrolet is trying to become more premium.
However, as it becomes more attractive, while also retaining its value for money position, it starts to tiptoe on Opel's shoes. And that, according to Opel’s CEO Nick Reilly, is a problem they need to work out.
Reilly suggests that, even though research shows only 1.5% of Opel buyers would consider a Chevy, Opel still needs to move more upmarket in order to differentiate itself
“Undoubtedly Chevrolet will move up the pecking order with the quality of new products that have been launched and which are planned for launch,” Reilly told British magazine Autocar. “Therefore it’s logical that we’d like to see the Opel/Vauxhall product range and company image move up accordingly to keep them separated.”
Wayne Brannon, President of Chevrolet Europe, thinks that what sets his brand apart is its American identity: "If you ask 100 Europeans what they know about Chevrolet, research shows that 85 of them think of 'Chevy' as a brand with American roots and values. No other volume brand in this marketplace can say that".
Reilly agrees stating, “Chevrolet is an American brand with its own reputation and a goal of always being priced below the mainstream. In contrast, Opel and Vauxhall are very European brands. Cars such as the Meriva and Ampera show that we can lead in areas of technology in a way that Chevrolet won’t”.
Right. Like Chevrolet would ever have the technology to develop and build something called the Volt, start selling it in the US and then let Opel rebadge it as the Ampera for Europe…

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