Chevrolet Plans for SEMA 2011

50 MPG Chevy Cruze Diesel to be Sold and Build in America

 

"Chevrolet’s commitment to a fuel-efficient future – and support for U.S. manufacturing – were both in the news recently when GM announced it would build the 2013 Chevy Cruze diesel, expected to achieve about 50 mpg highway, at its plant in Lordstown, Ohio. The automaker also will invest $5.5 million in the facility to prepare for the new vehicle; it’s a necessary expense, since the team at Lordstown is currently running at near full capacity to keep up with demand of the gas-engined Cruze.

The popular compact was the best-selling vehicle in its segment in September, as well as through September, and has sold more than 212,000 units in its first 12 months in the U.S. marketplace. The diesel variant is slated to build on that success by representing yet another boost to Chevy’s ongoing efforts to improve the fuel economy of the Cruze lineup." [Continue reading...]

Chevy Spark and Spark EV Ready to Ignite City-car Segment

 

"For a small car, the new Chevy Spark is set to attract a large range of drivers: First-time buyers, city dwellers and electric-vehicle supporters—and consumers who are all of the above—should all be flocking to Chevrolet dealerships when the brand’s new city car makes its debut beginning next year.

The four-seat, five-door hatchback is just a few inches longer than the Fiat 500, but it will be packed with features and content, including, in key markets, an available all-electric powertrain. And notably, that propulsion system will boast an advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack from the proven EV-battery experts at A123 Systems.

“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. “It complements Chevrolet’s growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology.

“The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet’s plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world.”

But the gas-only Spark will be plenty efficient, too, thanks to a peppy 1.2-liter I4 engine that makes 83 hp in its North American configuration, mated to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available automatic. Also in the mix will be standard peace-of-mind features like an extensive powertrain warranty and GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system, as well as available upscale amenities such as a color touch-screen audio setup, Chevrolet’s MyLink connectivity system with Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio, Bluetooth functionality, chrome exterior accented, alloy wheels and heated “leatherette” seats." [Continue reading...]

First All-New Chevrolet Malibu Produced in Korea

 

"GM Korea today celebrated the production of the first all-new Chevrolet Malibu at its Bupyeong #2 plant in Incheon. Sales of Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan will start next month in Korea, the product’s initial market.

GM Korea’s Bupyeong plant is the first in the world to build the eighth-generation Malibu, which will form a cornerstone of Chevrolet’s growth as the brand’s new top-of-the-range offering in global markets.

Today’s celebration was attended by GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone, Labor Union Chairman Ki Min and company employees.

“The new Malibu is our most important product introduction of the year,” Arcamone said. ”It will play a significant role in enabling us to attain our goals in the domestic market while ensuring that GM Korea becomes an important part of Chevrolet’s success in its second century.”

The Bupyeong #2 plant is GM Korea’s center for the production of midsize passenger cars. With the start of production of the new Malibu, it will join the company’s Gunsan, Changwon and Bupyeong #1 plants in operating at full capacity.

The exterior design of the Malibu carries DNA from the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, bringing a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment. The new Malibu offers the quietest ride in its segment. Components such as noise-reducing outside rearview mirrors, acoustic laminated front glass and noise-absorption pads are strategically placed to prevent tire, wind and road noise from entering the cabin and improve the overall quality inside." [Continue reading...]

Camaro ZL1 Convertible Ready to Power up the Top-down Fun

 

"Fresh from posting a Nurburgring lap time of just 7:41.27—nearly 40 seconds faster than the modern-day Camaro SS and quicker than supercars like the Porsche 911 GT3 and Nissan GT-R—the high-performance Camaro ZL1 will soon set another benchmark: Already the most powerful production Camaro ever, the ZL1 is now slated to launch as the most powerful Chevrolet convertible ever. In fact, with the same supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 as the coupe, rated at 580 hp and 556 lb.-ft. of torque, the ZL1 convertible will deliver more power than exotic drop-tops from a lot of manufacturers, including entries like the 2012 Aston Martin DB9 Volante and Mercedes SL63 AMG, as well as the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ford Shelby GT500.

Simply put, according to Al Oppenheiser, the Camaro’s chief engineer: “The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable convertibles available at any price. This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top—or hit the gas.”

That’s partly because Oppenheiser and his team specifically designed the current Camaro’s body structure to provide superior convertible performance right from the start, then added significant bracing and reinforcements to up the ante even further. But not only do these improvements reduce the unwanted body motions that plague many other open-air cars, they also reduce noise and vibration in the ZL1 convertible to create a more satisfying driving experience." [Continue reading...]

Chevy Sonic to Launch ‘Let’s Do This’ Digital Campaign

 

"Donating blood in a vampire costume and working out in a grocery store are two of the offbeat ways Chevrolet is trying to get its 18- to 30-year-old target audience to play along in the launch of the all-new 2012 Chevy Sonic.

 “Let’s Do This,” a multi-phased advertising campaign begins digitally in mid-October emphasizing attention-grabbing Sonic adventures and a “Let’s Do This” social game that will live online as well as on a mobile app.

To play the game and possibly win a Sonic, users will document themselves completing various challenges, from participating in a sporting event for a good cause to working out in a grocery store.  Players share their accomplishments on the “Let’s Do This” site or app, compete to earn badges, and accumulate points. Users are also encouraged to share videos and photos on their personal social media pages.

The second phase of the campaign will include a more traditional television, print and digital advertising approach highlighting the Sonic’s features and incorporating content from the vehicle’s adventures." [Continue reading...]

Chevy Volt Update: Drivers Top 1 Million All-Electric Miles

 

"As demand for the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt continues to grow, so does the number of owners who are letting Chevy know just how far they can go on a gallon of gas—or no gas at all. In fact, just part way through this summer, Volt owners had already covered more than 1.2 million miles on electricity alone.

They include Kory Levoy, a manufacturing manager from Yorba Linda, Calif., who had been spending $50-$60 every week putting gasoline in his Audi TT roadster. But since buying his new Volt, he has covered 7,500 miles and had to fill up the tank just three times. Today, Levoy—like many other Volt drivers—is averaging 40 miles of driving range on a single charge, allowing him to cover his 25-mile round-trip commute entirely on electricity.

“I was tired of spending roughly $200 plus a month on gas,” said Levoy. “The ability to not even consider finding a gas station or worry about fuel pricing is a phenomenal experience.”

Big-time fuel savings are part of the package for Volt owner Carey Bailer, too. An electrical engineer in Cottage Grove, Ore., Bailey has a 75-mile daily commute that used to cost him about $500 a month in gasoline. Now, driving his new Volt, Bailey has sliced that to just $100 per month—and he expects his fuel costs to come down even further." [Continue reading...]