New Corvette Stingray Debuts at Detroit Auto Show

Touted "Best Corvette Ever" By GM

It has been touted the “King of American sports cars”  and after much anticipation, on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, during a special preview at the city's Russell Industrial Center, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was unveiled. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the first all-new version in nine years. It’s expected to arrive in showrooms this fall.

Through the Corvette’s long history, only three models have ever bore the “Stingray” name: the mid-'60s second-generation model, the third-generation model '70s and into the '80s and now the seventh-generation (C7) 2014 model. Chevrolet states that it decided to revive the Stingray name for the 2014 model year because it is, quite simply, the best Corvette ever.

The first thing you will notice is that the new Corvette looks smaller, lighter and faster than previous models. That is because the new 2014 C7 is equipped with lightweight materials designed to help keep the sports car light.

The chassis is made out of an aluminum frame that is 57 percent stiffer and about 99 pounds lighter than the previous generation. Also, the seats are with magnesium frames, and the hood and roof are made of carbon fiber, shifting the center of mass lower and rearward. The body is now more aerodynamic.

While the new exterior design definitely adds a lot of zing to the new Corvette, under the hood will give you goose bumps! For the 7^th generation Vette, this bad boy is now equipped with the new 6.2-liter, direct-injected V-8 which will be capable of producing an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet estimatied that the new Stingray will be able to go from a 0-60 time under 4 seconds and has over 1G of cornering grip. Thanks to the new cylinder deactivation technology, Chevrolet is also claiming better fuel economy than any generation of Corvette before it.

The 2014 Corvette is mated to a seven-speed manual transmission that uses an Active Rev Matching technology very similar to that of the Nissan 370Z's. As the driver moves the shift lever into a gear, the cars internal computer adjusts the throttle to match the wheel speed for a smooth ratio change when the driver releases the clutch.

One fantastic upgrade to the next generation Corvette comes in the form of the new technology features. The C7 is equipped with a five-position drive selector that allows the drive to adjust 12 different vehicle systems including: throttle control, exhaust sound, magnetic adaptive suspension, economy, comfort, sport, track, and poor weather driving. Changing driving modes makes the Corvette's 8-inch LCD instrument cluster display information relevant to the driving style.

While GM didn’t go into detail as to what kind of infotainment system the new Corvette would feature, we're expecting some version of Chevrolet's MyLink system to come along with the 8-inch color touchscreen that occupies the center of the dashboard.

To make things even better, GM announced a Z51 package that adds an electronic limited-slip differential, an upgraded cooling systems for the differential and transmission, an upgraded aero package for high-speed stability, and more.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will arrive at dealerships during the third quarter of 2013. Pricing and packaging have not yet been finalized or announced. 

Chevrolet Test Track to open at Walt Disney World Dec. 6

Redesigned ride replaces GM Test Track attraction

Boy I absolutely love theme parks!

I have to say that after years of being a theme park geek, I can finally admit that I am, and have always been, “that guy” at the adventure park.

So who exactly is “that guy”? You know the one: It is the first person into the park and the last person out, the guy who needs to get a million souvenirs and try all the food places available. The guy who must ride every single ride in the park (yes, even the kiddie ones) just because he doesn’t want to waste any possibility of fun available to him, and the guy who will not hesitate to jump in the water park, despite several hygiene warnings from family and friends alike. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, as much as I hate to admit it, I am “that guy”.

However, just like there are people like myself who can’t get enough of what a theme park has to offer, there are people who absolutely loathe them, and if you were at least a car fan in Disney World, GM had you covered.

Since 1999, car nuts stranded at Walt Disney World knew they could find relief from the Small Worlds and Magic Kingdoms at Epcot's GM Test Track. Sadly for those people however, the sanctuary protecting them from magical happy people disappeared when the ride was shut down this past April.

Fortunately, GM and Disney have revealed that the attraction is making a grand comeback, and that a team of GM designers and Disney Imagineers (Imagination + Engineer, you get the idea) have been laboring to redesign and rebuild the ride as the new Chevrolet Test Track. The new and improved Chevrolet Test Track is set to open on December 6^th.

As you could have guessed by the name change, the new Test Track will focus exclusively on Chevrolet vehicles.

Under the new concept, ride goers will be able to create their own virtual concept car that will then come along for the ride. Users can customize and tweak their concept car as they wish by choosing between 4 different performance attributes to give specific strengths to the vehicle: capability, efficiency, responsiveness and speed.

After designing a rough version your own vehicle, the use of special software and a little “Disney magic” fills in the gaps and turn your design into a brand new Chevrolet concept car.

Fans of the original GM Test Track will be happy to find out that the ride remains mostly unchanged, taking guests up to speeds of 65 mph. The scenery, however, has received a substantial makeover, upgrading their old ‘Crash Dummy’ style carts to vehicles decorated with fluorescent paint and a prominent Chevy logo. The ride will also feature glowing panels around the track, giving it a futuristic, virtual-reality feel.

Once the track portion ends, guests will see how their virtual car performed in a series of equally virtual tests that occurred during the ride. Attendees can pit their concepts against each other on video game-like simulation tables and create digital advertisements for their fantasy rides.

Those curious about the revamped attraction or eager to try their hand as a car designer will have to wait until the Chevrolet Test Track grand reopening on Dec. 6. Details can be found at the Walt Disney World Web site (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/test-track/)

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Production Chevrolet Spark EV to debut in LA

It's been a little over a year since General Motors announce that an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark would be heading to the United States. Fast forward to present time and GM has given confirmation that EV version of the Chevy Spark will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.

When speaking of the EV Spark, Chevrolet officials said the car "will offer consumers the same package that has made the gasoline-powered model so popular while delivering the technology and performance of pure electric power."

Chevrolet says the Spark EV has an oil-cooled electric motor that is able to produce 130 horsepower, an astonishing increase from the 84 horsepower produced by the gas-powered version. The Spark EV will also see its torque skyrocket to 400 pound-feet, which is more than a Porsche 911, and which according to Chevrolet, will help the car go from zero to 60 in less than eight seconds.

The Spark EV’s increase in power comes from a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, which will be covered by an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and is produced by A123 Systems.

Although Chevy didn’t say much about the Spark EVs range, it did say it would be among the best in its class, rivaling competitors such as the Fiat 500 EV, Mitsubishi i, and Scion iQ EV.

Spark EV owners can expect to charge their battery up to 80% capacity in about 20 minutes by using DC fast charging. The Spark EV can be fully charged in less than seven hours by using a 240-volt outlet, and it uses a standard 120-volt charge cord as standard equipment.

One awesome feature for Spark Ev owners is that you Spark owners will be able to track the car's charging via a smartphone app that works in conjunction with OnStar.

Chevy announced that the new Spark EV will be available for sale or lease in California next summer (summer 2013), with Chevrolet to announce other U.S. markets in the near future.

Also at the Los Angeles Auto Show GM will be showing off an updated version of the Chevrolet MyLink system that will offer higher levels of personalization and improved smartphone integration. The refreshed MyLink system will debut in the 2014 Impala.

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2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Vehicle Preview

Introduction

With the rise in demand for smaller cars, full-size SUVs are becoming a rare sight in showrooms. On top of rising costs at the pump, many car buyers are better served by more space- and fuel-efficient crossovers.

However, for those of you that need towing capabilities and a powerful off-roading vehicle, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe makes perfect sense.

A smaller sibling to the massive Suburban, the Tahoe manages to combine power with comfort, making it perfect for those who take long road trips with their boat/trailer/etc in tow. However, even in every day use, the Tahoe offers a pleasant and comfortable ride, offering drivers a high seating position, excellent outward visibility and a quiet cabin. The 2013 Tahoe can seat up to nine passengers.

What's New for 2013

The Chevy monster SUV, The Chevrolet Tahoe, is back for 2013. Expect the Tahoe to remain mostly unchanged from the previous model year.

Under the Hood

All 2013 Chevrolet Tahoes come standard equipped with a 5.3-liter V8, capable of generating 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, and that comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that transmits power through the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models.

Those who opt to buy the 4WD Tahoe will be able to chose from either a traditional two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit without low-range gearing (not available on LTZ).

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ.

The standard seating configuration on the 2013 Tahoe seats 8 however there are two other available seating arrangements: a second-row captain's chairs drop the seating count to seven and an available 40/20/40 front bench seat increases it to nine.

The base Tahoe LS comes standard with tri-zone manual climate control, six-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 60/40-split second-row seat and 50/50-split removable third-row seat. Other standard features include Bluetooth, OnStar, satellite radio,, a CD player with a six-speaker sound system with, rear audio controls, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio connectivity. The LS model also offers an optional Convenience package which adds on remote ignition, power-adjustable pedals, a rear view camera and rear parking assist.

Those who opt for the LT model will get  most of the above features as well as fog lamps, driver memory functions, tri-zone automatic climate control, a locking rear differential, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker Bose sound system. The LT trim also has a few available options such as a second-row captain's chairs and a Luxury package with heated front and second-row seats, power-folding mirrors and a power rear liftgate. If you want to take this bad boy to the extreme, the LT trim also offers an optional Z71 Off-Road package which adds unique front and rear fascias, specially tuned springs and shocks, skid plates and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

For the 2013 model the LTZ Chevy Tahoe will include the LT Luxury package as standard equipment. Going even further the LTZ model will add an upgraded air suspension, 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats, power flip-and-fold second-row seats, a navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with digital music storage. The second-row split bench seat is still optional. LTZ options include power-retractable assist steps and a blind-spot warning system.

Vehicle Preview: 2013 Chevrolet Volt

Chevy adds more Voltage for 2013

For 2013 the Chevrolet Volt has received some updates. The new model year the Chevy Volt has a bigger battery that makes it able to drive three extra miles when driven solely on electrical power.

3 miles…So What?

Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah said the reason that the main focus for the 2013 Volt was improving the car's all-electric range was simply because it was the number one request from customers.

While three miles added on doesn’t seem like much, those miles add up and allow more people to go entirely gas free in their daily commute.

Bigger Battery?

The extra range on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt comes from different battery chemistry as well as a slightly bigger battery (16.5 kWh over 16). Now this battery is not physically any bigger, just electrically more capable.

The .5-kWh growth seems small, but from GM has hinted that they expect incremental increases in battery power as the Volt evolves.

Other Changes

Aside from a more capable battery the 2013 Chevrolet Volt gets a few other changes.It now offers new interior and exterior colors: pebble beige and silver topaz metallic and It also comes with sport alloy wheels.

The 2013 Chevy Volt also offers an optional arm rest between the two back seats, as well as a new power gauge in the dash that shows more information about where the energy used to move the car is coming from, how much is from the battery and how much is from the gas tank.

The 2013 Volt also offers collision alert and lane departure warnings as well as the new standard EV-hold mode, which forces the Volt into using its gas generator which allows drivers to save the battery life of the Volt for city driving. Reserving the battery will allow Volt drivers see more efficient driving, as the Volt’s EV mode gets the most range in low-speed city driving.

The 2013 Volt goes on sale in August. GM said there has been no change in pricing or destination fees compared to 2012 model.

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