No matter the age, a petrol head like Bob Lutz can't stay away too long from the car industry. In fact, even though GM's former vice president and product czar had retired in the May 2010, the 79-year-old has been providing advice to the firm's executives without pay ever since.Now, GM decided to formally hire Lutz as an advisor to provide counsel to the senior leadership team of the company. "Lutz will be available to executives on a part-time consultancy basis effective immediately," GM said in a short statement. "He brings a wealth of experience built over the course of more than 40 years in the industry, including two stints at GM. He has also been a senior executive at Ford, Chrysler, BMW and was CEO of Exide Batteries," the company added. Lutz's advisory work at GM is expected to include product development as well as marketing and communications. "In most cases, it'll just be reinforcing the direction they're already on. I couldn't be more pleased with the way the company is being run, with the way the products are being marketed, with the pricing, and, of course, I'm very familiar with the future product," Lutz told the Detroit Free Press. "I think a lot of it will be saying, 'Wow, that's good, keep it up,' and occasionally I'll offer some critical comments."
For the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, new forward collision alert and lane-departure warning systems are now available. Equinox 1LT models also have the rearview camera as standard equipment this year. However, the optional rear seat video entertainment system has been dropped.
With a rear seat that slides back to create an expanse worthy of a prom-night limousine, the 2012 Equinox easily counts rear legroom among its strengths.
Standard equipment for the LS includes 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a partial power driver seat (height adjustment only), a sliding and reclining rear seat, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth, OnStar and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Every 2012 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Every Equinox regardless of engine comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 20/29/23 with all-wheel drive. With the V6, front-wheel-drive models return an estimated 17/24/20, with all-wheel-drive versions coming in at 16/23/19.
The 2012 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar. The Chevy Equinox boasts a stylish cabin filled with premium touches. The Equinox boasts a nice expanse of passenger room, with 60/40-split rear seats that slide back to provide substantial rear legroom.
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox isn’t likely to receive any major changes. Should you wait for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox or buy a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox? Styling: Any minor changes to the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox – colors, tail lamp tint, and wheel style -- won’t take it far field from the look of the 2010-2011 Equinox.
Mechanical: The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will reprise a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines and front- or all-wheel drive. Equinox has offered front-wheel drive or extra-cost all-wheel drive (AWD) at every trim level and should continue to do so for 2012. Prices for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox had not been released in time for this review. (Estimated base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s mandated destination fee; Chevrolet’s fee for the 2011 Equinox was $745.)
That means an Equinox with the four-cylinder engine should remain among the more fuel-efficient crossovers of its size. Expect 2012 Chevy Equinox ratings for four-cylinder models to stay around 22/32 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and around 20/29 with AWD.
The 2011 version of this five-seat crossover got the first styling changes since Edge’s model-year 2008 introduction. With the Ford Escape SUV appealing to entry-level crossover shoppers, the 2012 Edge’s base price range should again hover above that of the Equinox, at roughly $29,000-$39,900.
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 ChevroletCaprice 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 ChevyCamaro. 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. ChevroletCaprice 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.
Chevrolet introduced the all new 2011-voltelectric vehicles at long range, establishing an entirely new segment in the global automotive market. The five-door four-seater ChevroletVolt is designed to provide the benefits of an electric car, with no range limitations associated with other electric vehicles on the market.
'ChevroletVolt 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 ChevroletVolt 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.
"ChevroletVolt 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 ChevroletVolt 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.
ChevroletVolt 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 ChevroletVolt 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.
ChevroletVolt 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 ChevroletVolt 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 ChevroletVolt 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.
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.
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will not be seen in U.S showroom till next year. In North-America, the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will launch with GM's e-Assist powertrian which combines a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injection 4-cylinder gasoline engine linked with a six-speed automatic to a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator that enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop functionality. And this gaslion engine produces an output power of 180HP but it receives up to 15 more horsepower at the time of acceleration from eAssist system.
Video : 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
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A brand graphic wіth a picture emblematic οf Louis Chevrolet posted thе B-pillars, center caps fοr wheels аnԁ аƖѕο thе center οf thе wheel. thе outside color palette hаѕ bееn enhanced within thе automotive, wіth thе ebony skin wrapped dash аnԁ doors additionally complimented bу red stitching οn thе steering wheel, seats, console аnԁ shifter. Chevrolet hаѕ launched performance heritage wіth 2012 corvette z06 CE( Centennial Edition).
Chevrolet, founded by a racing pioneer 100 years ago, celebrates its performance heritage wîth the wіth 2012 corvette z06 CE, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette's trademark sports car technology.
wіth 2012 corvette z06 CE expresses racing heritage, but does so wîth a sleek, modern, even sinister-lòòking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, wîth satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet's racing history. The Chevrolet Centennial Edition will be available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC.
Corvette is celebrating 100 years in the parent company Chevrolet, founded in 1911 by the eponymous Louis, with a special edition of the Z06 called Centennial Edition wіth 2012 corvette z06 CE will point out the Carbon Flash Metallic body, opaque graphics, Centennial Satin Black rims (available from 18″ to 20″) and the calipers brake painted red.