2012 Chevrolet Cruze Facelift Spied & Compared

Chevrolet Cruze has been GM’s most successful model in India since its launch in mid-2009. But competition has been getting stronger with the launch of all-new VW Jetta, a refreshed Toyota Corolla and the upcoming debut of next generation 2012 Honda Civic this year. So with the heat rising in this segment Chevy can’t just sit back and enjoy its success. For quite sometime now we have been hearing about how GM intends to improve back seat comfort in Cruse and may launch facelift version this year. What you see here is the first clear photo of the new face of Cruze, thanks to our reader Mohitu who mailed it to us.

So going by this spy pic we can expect the facelift version to come with significant modifications to the front bumper design. The most obvious change is seen in the grille that no longer adopt the honeycomb model but horizontal lines that reinforce its character. Lower grille has been replaced with a single integrated slat. The fog light surrounds have a triangular shape, a bit like a Camry and includes LED daytime running lights.

Now all these changes are expected in the 2012 American version of Cruze facelift but how much will get filtered down to Indian spec is yet to be seen.

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Spy Photos: 2012-2013 Chevrolet Cruze Facelift Comparison

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GM's 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Official Photos

General Motors has revealed these low-res pictures of the new Chevy Camaro convertible pre-production model without camouflage. According to GM's blog , "As a reward for your interest – and your patience – here’s a sneak peak of the convertible version of the Camaro, which is also undergoing a similar evaluation as we ready it for full production later next year. (Preproduction models shown. Actual production models may vary.)"

While nothing new has been revealed about Camaro from these convertible model photos, it does give us some food for thought. There are a number of changes that have been made to the car since we first saw the prototype spy shots. GM has done away with the odd looking lights going for the standard, much better, light unit. The car also comes with what appears to be twin exhausts and the strong lines of the coupe have not been sacrificed by the retractable soft roof.

The Chevy Camaro is expected to make its debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Source: GM Blogs
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2010 Chevrolet Camaro: The Story Till Now

There are very few instances in history of automobile testing and development where an automaker does not try to hide or camouflage his protoype vehicle while its being tested at public place. Chevrolet is one of them and the car undergoing testing under the sharp eyes of all who can see is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. It will be more accurate or appropriate to give the credit for this brave effort to GM's Australian brand Holden which is responsible for the development process of the new Camaro.

Spy Video: 2010 Chevy Camaro testing on the track.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro should arrive in first quarter of 2009 looking almost like what you saw in the spy video above with only some minor changes to the sheet metal details. The convertible version of next-generation Camaro is also expected to hit the market a year later in 2010. Few things that sandout while watching the car race on track are the brightly-colored 4-piston Brembo brakes at all four corners, non-functional louvers ahead of the rear wheels plus the existence of an air intake just before the hood.

The reported current unofficial lap time is about 9-minutes but it is being said that production model Camaro will significantly close-up the time gap with Corvette ZR1 which stand at 7.4 minutes.

2010 Chevy Camaro is expected to be offered in three versions, LS, LT and SS, with a choice of 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions. Power for its base models LS & LT will most likely come from one of GM's DOHC V6s, while the higher spec SS variant will get a monstrous 6.0-liter LS3 V8 engine currently doing duty in the Corvette ZR1. Indications are that LS will get horsed upto 230 hp, with LT making 300 hp plus and SS would be tuned to produce about 400 hp horsepower.

The Chevy Camaro will make its official debut in August this year at the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise. OMG that's still few months away.

Spy Video: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro - testing at the Ring.


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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Photo Picture Gallery

Related Posts: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Comparison: ZR1 Vs Z06 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Specifications

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Comparison: ZR1 Vs Z06

The three year old Corvette Z06 and the latest 09 Corvette ZR1 are both fast sports cars but the new ZR1 is in a league of its own. Z06 comes with 7.0L engine which produces 72hp/L while the LS9 in ZR1 comes at 6.2L and gives 103hp/L. There are many other specification differences. Here we are more concerened about the visual differences between the two.

From the outside there aren't any drastic design changes that differentiate Z06 from ZR1. But if you look closely you will definately find many subtle changes. Allow us to help you out here. On the inside the one change that we immediately noted was the replacement of the 200 mph speedometer in the Z06 with a new unit that goes up to 220 mph in the ZR1.

Related Posts:
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Pictures
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Specifications

Exterior changes that differentiate ZR1 from Z06 include the new carbon fiber splitter at the front end of ZR1. Also the single fender vent on the sides of Z06 is changed for ZR1 to a pair of larger vertically stacked vents. Further, ZR1 comes with a raised hood that provides adequate clearance for the LS9, while a polycarbonate window in the hood provides a view of the engine beneath it. The roof of the ZR1 is also made of visible carbon fiber which Z06 can't boost off. Also the entire front clip on new Corvette is made of the carbon fiber, although those parts are painted. If you have an eye for detail you won't miss the bright blue Brembo brake calipers on ZR1 which come in red color on Z06.
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 V8 Specifications(specs)

GM has announced today the official specs for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powerplant. ZR1 will be powered by GM's latest and most powerful engine ever, the hand-built 6.2 liter LS9 supercharged V8. It will produce 638-hp of horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. Now that means the LS9 puts out nearly 103 horses per liter. Amazing stuff. Corvette ZR1 is expected to have a top-speed of more than 200mph (322 km/h) and will wear Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30ZR19s at front and 335/25ZR20s at the rear axle.


Quick Facts & Expectations from new 09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

• LS9 V8 is the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors.
  
• It is hand-built and tested GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.
  
• LS9 is SAE Certified at 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.
  
• It puts out nearly 103 horses per liter.
  
• GM expects the LS9 to be the most fuel efficient 600+hp engine in the world.
  
• ZR1 designation revived after 13 years.
  
• ZR1 gets a six-speed manual transmission with race-hardened gears and dual-disc clutch technology which is not offered in any other model.
  
• The aluminum and magnesium frame of the current generation Z06 forms the basis of the new ZR1 model.
  
• Corvette Z06 & ZR1 use the same Tremec 6060 gearbox with unique ratios.
  
• Expected top-speed of more than 200mph (322 km/h).
  
• ZR1 comes with a price tag of little less than $100,000.
  
• Sale will start in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model.

Video: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Review by Cars.com.


Related Posts:
2009 Chevrolet Corvette Comparison: ZR1 Vs Z06
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Photos

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS For 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
Drivetrain layout	Front engine, RWD
Engine type	Supercharged 90 V-8 alum block/heads
Valvetrain	OHV, 2 valves/cylinder
Displacement	376 cu in/6162 cc
Compression ratio	9.1:1
Power (SAE NET)	620 hp (est)
Torque (SAE NET)	595 lb-ft (est)
Weight to power	5.4 lb/hp (est)
Transmission	6-speed manual
Final drive ratio	3.42:1
Suspension, front; rear	Control arms, transverse leaf spring, anti-roll bar; control arms, transverse leaf spring, anti-roll bar
Brakes, front; rear	15.5-in vented, drilled, disc; 15.0-in vented, drilled disc, ABS
Wheels, front; rear	10x19; 12x20 in, cast aluminum
Tires, front; rear	285/30ZR19, 335/25ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2

DIMENSIONS For 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
Wheelbase	105.7 in
Length x width x height	176.2 x 75.9 x 49.0 in
Curb weight	3350 lb (est)
Weight dist., f/r	52/48%
Seating capacity	2
Headroom, f	38 in
Legroom, f	43 in
Shoulder room, f	55 in
Cargo volume	22 cu ft

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Photo Gallery


Detailed Specs for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 6.2L SUPERCHARGED V-8 Engine.

Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Block material: cast aluminum.
Cylinder head material: A356-T6 rotocast aluminum.
Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel delivery: SFI (sequential fuel injection).
Compression ratio: 9.1:1
Horsepower / kW: 638 / 476 @ 6500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 604 / 819 @ 3800 rpm
Fuel shut-off (rpm): 6600
Recommended fuel: premium required.
Exhaust manifolds: stainless steel.
Main bearing caps: forged steel.
Crankshaft: forged steel.
Camshaft: hollow steel; 0.555-in (14.1 mm) lift.
Connecting rods: forged titanium.
Valves: intake: titanium, exhaust: hollow steel.
Valve lifters: hydraulic roller.
Supercharger: R2300, four-lobe "Roots" type (2.3L).
Additional features: piston oil-spray cooling; direct-mount ignition coils; 11-rib accessory drive.

Video Update 25April08: Corvette ZR1 posts 205 mph top speed

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2011-2012 Chevrolet(Chevy) Volt Price & Spy Photos

General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz addressed some of issue staring down the Detroit-based automaker's plug-in hybrid plans. While GM's plug-in hybrid vehicles might still be on track for a 2010 or 2011 launch, their prices will likely be much higher than originally anticipated.

The Chevrolet Volt will be much more expensive than originally planned when it launches in November 2010. "I gave up on $30,000, but I haven't given up on $40,000," Lutz said. Lutz cited higher-than-expected battery prices for pushing the Volt's price up by $10,000. However, Lutz is still optimistic that consumers could still see a price closer to $30,000. "GM will see $40,000, but it's possible that the consumer could see a price closer to $30,000," thanks to government incentives.
But when it comes down to it, GM is more concerned about getting the Volt to market on time, rather than its price. "We're not worried about [price], we just want to get it to market," Lutz said in closing.

Upcoming 2011-2012 Chevy Volt Latest Spy Photos
source autoblog



Full spy report from Brenda Priddy's spy photographers, Chris Doane, below.

The Chevy Volt (test mule)
Today we have the first rock solid evidence that the Chevy Volt has begun development. Hiding under a previous generation Malibu body, we saw GM starting to run the E-Flex powertrain through it paces on the track.

The General will hope to have the Volt on sale in late 2010 as a 2011MY car. However that timing will depend on how well the Lithium Ion batteries development progresses. A task given to Continental Automotive Systems and A123 Systems. It could very well be a 2012MY car by the time Volt's start rolling down the production line.

One thing we do know for sure if that the Volt will be riding on the next gen Delta chassis. This next gen chassis is also know as GM's "Global Compact Car Architecture." According UAW documents, GM seems set to build the Volt at their Hamtramck plant once the G-body Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS cease production.
Price wise, GM was hoping for an MSRP of around $30,000. It now seems that number may be closer to $35,000.
Photo Credit: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.

Spy Shots: Chevy Volt caught testing for the first time
What we do know is that the E-Flex powertrain will be paired with the next-generation Delta chassis. Two suppliers, Continental Automotive Systems and A123 Systems, are tasked with developing the Volt's all-important lithium-ion battery pack that has to achieve the difficult mark of allowing the Volt to operate for 40 miles on electric power alone. There's still a lot of work to do and not a lot of time left to do it, so it's good seeing GM finally driving the Volt around.
source autoblog
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2011-2012 Chevy Volt Spy Photos Videos

VIDEO: Chevy Volt model undergoing wind-tunnel testing at the GM Tech Center.
Filmed and narrated Jeff Gilbert, a radio reporter for Detroit's WWJ (950 on your AM dial), it a offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain into the electric lab and wind tunnel at the GM Technical Center. In addition to action shots of aerodynamics testing, we see the battery packs and a Chevy Malibu being transformed into a Volt powertrain mule.....Above all else, it's the aerodynamic testing that gets our attention. It featured a one-third-size Volt with the actual final production styling (pictured above).
source autobloggreen

Radio Reporter Sneaks Out First Video Of Chevy Volt Electric Car.
UPDATE: The Chevy Volt Forum's got pictures from inside the design studio of the interior and a GM artists render of the front.....we'd just seen both the first test mule of the Chevy Volt electric car (dressed up in the skin of a late model Chevy Malibu) and a scale model of what the actual Volt will look like when it hits the road in two years.
source jalopnik

2011-2012 Chevy Volt Spy Photo-Pictures Gallery



Video: Chevy Volt Laboratory

Video Duration 03:57
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