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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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]

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

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

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]

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.

Chicago 2010: Chevrolet rolls out Caprice Police Car

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.

Chicago 2010: 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.

Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty

Identified by its new power dome hood, a styling throwback, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD arrived at the Chicago Auto Show riding on an all-new ladder frame, suspension, and axles – about the only carry-over part is the front stabilizer bar link that connects the stabilizer bar to the lower control arm. Maximum towing capacity is up to 20,000 pounds with the DRW Duramax diesel and fifth wheel combo (yes, that trumps the Ford F-Series Super Duty F-350 apples to apples). The gasoline-fed SRW 6.0-liter V-8 engine will pull 14,500 pounds with a fifth wheel.

In addition to the beefy hood, the front bumper has been revised with a larger emblem and a more gaping intake – designed to improve transmission cooling. Other improvements include 17-inch wheels (standard) or optional new 18- or 20-inch alloys. The dual rear-wheel tires are still 17-inch, but they now accommodate taller aspect ratio tires. The improvements for 2011 are all good news for heavy duty truck buyers with the exception of the wheel bolt pattern – the eight-lug hub has a slightly different measurement meaning 2007-10 wheels simply won't fit.

Detroit 2010: Chevrolet Aveo RS concept

We lost track of the number of times the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept was dubbed a "euro hot hatch" during The Bowtie brand's press conference, and judging by the number of times the word "tuner" was used, Chevy's desperate to rebrand its econobox.

The other reoccurring word: "Concept." This isn't the next Aveo – at least not yet. We expect a more pedestrian, near production version of the RS to be unveiled in the very near future (Geneva?), guaranteed to ditch its lighted brake cooling ducts, 19-inch wheels, slotted rotors and center-mounted dual exhausts. Even the C-pillar's awkwardly integrated door handles aren't likely to make it to production, but we hope the black-on-black interior, contrasting blue stitching and "motorcycle-inspired" dash all get the green light.

The drivetrain is destined to carry over unchanged, with the Cruze's turbocharged 1.4-liter four cylinder sending 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque to a six-speed manual transmission. All of this will surely improve the breed, but it leaves us wondering something...

Jim Campbell, Chevy's general manager, announced that production of the Chevrolet Spark for the U.S. will begin late next year. With the Spark supposedly on the way, how does GM plan to market two economical runabouts in a market that's remained luke warm to the original Aveo? We'll find out next year.

Detroit 2010: LaHood says Volt "obviously the kind of green car Americans are looking for"

The 2010 Detroit Auto Show kicked off this morning with a positive little speech by United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Speaking about the coming electrification of the automobile, he said that "this is what the American people want." When asked how much money the government would pay over the next decade for a plug-in vehicle infrastructure, all he would say is that the costs would be shared between industry and government.

LaHood also praised the assistance that Obama gave to the domestic automakers, especially General Motors and Chrysler, calling it a lifeline that was very much needed. When LaHood visited Detroit last October, he spend half-days with each of the Big Three, and came away from GM with the impression that the Chevrolet "Volt is obviously the kind of green car Americans are looking for." So says the guy who works for the government that owns 60 percent of the company that will sell the Volt.

The new CAFE standards were a major achievement for the Obama Administration, especially since they came so early in the administration. LaHood said he doesn't expect any push back from the automakers on higher standards in the future, since they were present with Obama when he made the announcement and worked together on the details. That initial agreement also began what LaHood called a "special relationship" between the government and the auto industry, one that he promised would be "long lasting."

2009 Chevrolet Traverse AWD

2009 Chevrolet Traverse AWD

2009 Chevrolet Traverse AWD

2009 Chevrolet Traverse AWD Dashboard

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Pictures

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevrolet Equinox