2013 Camaro 1LE Puts New Twist on Performance

 

"The current Chevrolet Camaro already has a strong hold on the modern-day muscle-car segment, and come this fall, it will have an equally tight grip on the pavement: That’s because Chevy is unleashing a new 1LE performance package that draws its inspiration from the Camaro’s past involvement in Pro-Am road racing—and will enable more than 1 g of lateral acceleration.

“The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR [Virginia International Raceway] puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer.” 

To help the car live up to Oppenheiser’s high praise, Chevy engineers equipped the Camaro 1LE with a wide range of goodies, including:

• A 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 426 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque
• Exclusive monotube rear dampers to optimize body control and ride quality
• Larger front (28-mm) and rear (27-mm) stabilizer bars for improved control
• Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts that were designed specifically to manage the LE1’s improved levels of traction
• A strut tower brace that heightens steering feel and response
• The same wheel bearings, toe links, rear shock mounts, and high-capacity fuel pump found in the Camaro ZL1
• Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires (the same ones used on the front of the ZL1)
• An exclusive Tremec six-speed manual transmission with a higher final-drive ratio than on the Camaro SS and a standard air-to-liquid cooling system

The Camaro 1LE also gains a dynamic and expressive appearance upgrade as well, with a matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler, along with black-finished 10-spoke 20-inch wheels. In the cabin, the ZL1 contributes its flat-bottomed racing-style steering wheel and short-throw shifter, too." [Read more]

SXSW 2012 Wrap Up

Chevrolet Spark, Sonic Get a New App for Maps

 

" Its in-your-face colors already make the 2013 Chevrolet Spark hard to lose in a crowd. Now it will be even harder to get lost while driving the Spark and the Sonic, thanks to available GogoLink.

GogoLink is an embedded smartphone application that delivers full-function navigation – including live traffic updates – through the vehicles’ MyLink infotainment system. It was introduced today and is expected to be available in the fall. Consumers can test-drive GogoLink for themselves at a special kiosk in the Chevrolet exhibit the New York International Auto Show.

“GogoLink gives Spark and Sonic customers cloud-based navigation and live traffic alerts projected on the vehicle’s seven-inch, high-resolution touch screen for a great value,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars.

About 90 percent of expected Spark and Sonic buyers own smartphones, Landy said. “This technology is typically found on cars costing far more, but next-gen customers are accustomed to being connected. By using a smartphone app, Chevrolet found a smart and safe way to provide navigation.”

GogoLink navigation includes:

• Emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest hospital
• Thousands of points of interest
• Local Search via Google
• Where am I? locator
• Live traffic functionality provides crash reports and lane closures, and with alternative routes
• 3-D maps
• Ability to store native maps to the customer’s smartphone, giving them access to locations and turn-by-turn directions even when phone signal quality is poor. Many GPS-enabled apps do not do this.

Because GogoLink navigation will become available after Spark goes on sale, the first Spark models sold will require a simple update at the dealer to accommodate the app. GogoLink pricing will be announced later.

MyLink is standard on 1LT and 2LT versions of the Spark, as well as the Sonic LTZ and upcoming Sonic RS model. MyLink is available on Sonic LS and LT models. On Spark and Sonic, MyLink operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio. This lets owners enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is safely stowed." [Read more]

Chevy Sonic Turbo Now Available with Six-Speed Automatic

"The Chevrolet Sonic’s fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission, bringing the increased torque of turbocharging to drivers of automatics.

“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”

Sonic’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission achieved a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, according to independent AMCI testing – faster than the comparable 2012 Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent. The Sonic with the turbo-automatic combination went from 0 to 60 in about eight seconds.

“Traditionally, turbocharging was used to enhance the performance of engines, but today it is as much about fuel economy as a 0-to-60 time,” said Bob Benedict, assistant chief engineer for the Ecotec 1.4L engine. “The turbocharger provides high-pressure airflow for high torque to boost the vehicle and give the driver a fun driving experience with improved fuel efficiency.”

The 2012 Chevy Sonic Ecotec 1.4L turbo six-speed automatic delivers an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg in the city, while the manual gets 40 mpg on the highway and 29 in the city." [Read more]

Volt Leads Industry in 2012 Total Value Index

"It’s another breakthrough for the Chevrolet Volt: According to detailed research by Strategic Vision, the Volt provides more value to its customers than any other vehicle in the country. That’s the bottom line from the 2012 Total Value Index, based on input from nearly 70,000 individuals who responded to Strategic Vision’s highly detailed annual survey. The Volt also won the Mid-Size Car segment in the study.

“Even though the median price of a Chevy Volt was $43,000, owners believe that for every dollar spent, they got more than did buyers of other vehicles. Customers had tremendous value appreciation for Volt’s technical innovation, warranty, standard equipment and certainly fuel economy,” said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision.

Remember, too, that consumers can slice some $7,500 off the top of that median price thanks to federal tax incentives, with a growing number of states and local communities pitching in with even more. In fact, the net starting price of the 2012 Volt is actually less than it was for the 2011 model. The current Volt then extends its value proposition with additional standard features like Chevrolet MyLink. The new system leverages the latest Bluetooth technologies and allows Volt owners to enjoy streaming audio, access to Pandora and Stitcher, connections to the Gracenote artist and album art database, and voice control for the phone, music and audio systems." [Read more]

Silverado Among Least-Expensive to Insure

  

"Already touting plenty of efficiency and capability advantages against America’s other full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado can now showcase another major benefit. It’s one of the least-expensive pickups in the U.S. to insure, trailing only its GM sibling, the GMC Sierra. And while the six-cylinder Sierra Regular Cab finished fifth overall on Insure.com’s rankings of low-cost insurance choices, the Silverado distinguished itself with two models in the top 10: The Regular Cab V6 was right behind the Sierra, in sixth place, and the Silverado Extended Cab V6 grabbed the 10th spot. 

The Silverado light-duty family also offers:[Read more] "

Cruze, Sonic Among Forbes’ Safest under $20,000

  

"Chevrolet was the best-selling passenger-car brand in the country last year, and one look at its lineup helps explain why: The brand is in the midst of introducing a new generation of vehicles that offer high value, dynamic style, an engaging driving experience and award-winning safety. In fact, two of the newest cars in the Chevrolet stable—the new Chevy Sonic and Chevy Cruze—recently added to that roll call of honors when they were named to the list of “Safest Small Cars for under $20,000” by Forbes magazine.

It’s an important recognition because, as the publication points out, “a vehicle-related fatality occurs an average of once every 16 minutes” in this country. 

But both the Sonic and Cruze help protect their occupants with a wealth of standard safety features, such as electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, body structures that incorporate plenty of high-strength steel, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat attachment system, and 10 airbags, including side-curtain airbags designed to help keep outboard passengers safe in rollover crashes. Each also comes with GM’s OnStar service, which can leverage GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically reach first responders in case of an emergency—even if the vehicle occupants are unable to activate the system themselves." [Read more]

Candles | Corvette 427 Convertible | Chevrolet

Dodge Brand Identity Returns in NASCAR with 2013 Dodge Charger

"Fans asked for it. NASCAR agreed. SRT Motorsports and Dodge delivered. SRT Motorsports unveiled the 2013 Dodge Charger that will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway today in front of the people that asked for the change -- the fans. Just as they did with the Dodge Challenger when it was introduced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series two years ago, SRT Motorsports designers and engineers created a race car fans will have no problem identifying on the race track. The defining features of the street Charger have been expertly incorporated into the racing version.

“From the start, it’s been a collaborative effort with NASCAR,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports. “NASCAR provided the manufacturers with basic specifications, but offered encouragement to venture beyond the look of the current race car. Our design and engineering group, working with Penske Racing, seized the opportunity. We had a fantastic benchmark – the Dodge Challenger – introduced in 2009. This endeavor goes beyond the trend the Nationwide Series Challenger started with a Dodge Charger that amazingly embodies many of the design features of the street version into the race car. We’re extremely proud that the Dodge Charger street car is the only rear-wheel-drive model in Sprint Cup competition that is available with a V-8 engine.”

NASCAR eased rules on where manufacturers could put glass and solid body pieces. That freed designers and engineers to make the “greenhouse,” the area above the doors, hood and truck lid, more closely resemble production cars. Rules were also eased for the front and rear, and especially the sides, allowing the character lines that come directly from the street car.

"We know NASCAR fans are passionate about cars,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “We're excited about the results of the collective efforts of NASCAR, Dodge and the other manufacturers to create the 2013 Sprint Cup cars. The 2013 Dodge Charger race car design is a great example of what we look forward to seeing on the race track next season. We thank Dodge and all the manufacturers for their efforts, as we see the results here today with the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Dodge Charger."

The relationship between the Dodge Charger street car and the Dodge Charger race car is unmistakable." [Read more]

Chrysler Under the Pentastar 3-10-12

The Jeep® Brand Partners With the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy

"The Jeep® brand has partnered up with the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA), an open enrollment public charter high school in Detroit, to develop a multi phased development program to expose students to programs and events designed to enrich and develop their educational path.

Elements of the partnership include a mentoring program between Jeep brand employees and students, field trips to several Chrysler Group facilities, including the Jefferson North Assembly Plant and the Jeep Design Studio, development of a marketing project and sponsorship of the academy’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.

“The Jeep brand is honored to partner with the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy and build a relationship within our community. This program is an authentic, hands-on approach that will fuel leadership, provide educational empowerment and develop life skills for the students,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With this program, we hope to help students reach their fullest potential.”

“A philanthropic project of this nature requires support from the entire community, and it is a privilege to have the Jeep brand join our team,” said Jalen Rose, JRLA Founder. “We will work together to have a positive influence on our future leaders.”

The program kicked off in February and will continue for the next seven months. The Jeep brand also will award $100,000 in college scholarships to the first graduating class of the academy." [Read more]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar

New Chrysler 300 Named One of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com “10 Best Family Cars of 2012”

"Just days after earning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest 5-star safety rating, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 flagship sedan is chalking up another accolade, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com “10 Best Family Cars of 2012” award. For the last five years, the expert editors at kbb.com have awarded the 10 Best Family Cars that cater to unique family specifications and situations.

“Well-equipped at its starting price under $30,000, the Chrysler 300 qualifies as a screaming deal for those who favor a full-size sedan with outstanding comfort, loads of premium standard features and a distinctive sense of style,” said Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director and Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Redesigned for 2011, the Chrysler 300 gets even better for 2012 thanks to a new economy-enhancing V-6 engine and segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission.”

The 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list consists of new vehicles that are family-approved in a big way, offering safety, comfort, child-friendliness, strong consumer ratings and impressive Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Ownership statistics.

Transportation costs during the ownership period are important for families trying to get by on tight budgets. A vital part of kbb.com’s selection process was identifying new vehicles that have low cost of ownership in the initial five-year ownership period. Available on kbb.com, Total Cost of Ownership information examines depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees for new models.

“At a time when the nation is regaining confidence and that fighting American ‘can-do’ spirit, the new Chrysler 300 series sedans reward these hard working folks with the world-class engineering, craftsmanship, safety and technology features that were once only found on high end sedans costing two or even three times the price,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “We’re honored that Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com editors scrutinized our Chrysler 300 flagship sedan and recognized it for its quality and precision engineering that were once limited to the privileged few. This recognition goes to further demonstrate that Chrysler brand is now a top choice for the most demanding consumers.”

Kbb.com’s 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list can be found at http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-family-cars-of-2012 – and includes the kbb.com editors’ rankings and commentary about the finalists. " [Read more]

Chrysler Group LLC Builds Momentum in California

"Chrysler Group LLC’s renewed focus on the California market is paying dividends as retail registrations increase, new dealers open their doors, and new products resonate with consumers in the Golden State.

In California, where Chrysler Group opened its new California Business Center last year, retail registrations shot up 55 percent in 2011, according to R. L. Polk & Co. data. Chrysler Group’s share of the California market, based on retail registrations, was 4.8 percent in 2011, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from a 3.5 percent share in 2010.

Chrysler Group volume increased 55 percent to 50,759 registrations in California in 2011, up from 32,768 registrations in 2010. In comparison, the industry sales in California last year grew by only 13 percent.

“We’re no longer ‘California Dreamin’,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “We understand the importance of this market and we’re going after it vigorously with new and improved products, a growing dealer network, and consumer advertising and incentives tailored for this unique consumer and marketplace.”

Several factors are contributing to Chrysler Group’s building momentum in the state, but none more vital than the launch of 16 all-new and significantly-refreshed models in 2010 and 2011, vehicles like the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible, and the Jeep® Grand Cherokee SUV that California consumers are warmly accepting. Complementing this aggressive product wave, Chrysler Group has added 17 new dealers in the state in just the last 18 months, has opened 20 FIAT studios in the last year, and has created a California Business Center that focuses almost exclusively on what is considered the most important car market in the world.

The 17 new Chrysler Group dealers that have opened throughout the state during the last 18 months are welcomed additions to the dealer network, especially as Chrysler Group prepares to launch its all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan. The Dart blends Alfa Romeo DNA with the Dodge brand’s passion for performance and style, resulting in a groundbreaking compact sedan that will compete in California’s largest segment.

“We have rebuilt our dealer network in California, and more new dealers are coming this year,” said Peter Grady, Chrysler Group’s Vice President of Network Development and Fleet. “We must equip our dealers with the product that California consumers desire, vehicles with both fuel efficiency and style. We now have those vehicles and more are on the way.”

In addition to the 17 new Chrysler Group dealers, the 20th new FIAT studio just opened in San Jose, Calif. With 20 open studios, California is the FIAT brand’s largest market in the U.S. for the Fiat 500 hatchback, Cabrio, and soon to arrive Abarth, the ultimate high-performance small car." [Read more]