GM plans to present an all-new compact SUV/Crossover based on an extended Opel Corsa platform in 2009/2010, offered both, in Opel and Chevrolet flavours and built in GM’s The news comes about month after GM announced that the next generation Opel Astra, due in 2010, wouldn’t be built at the
There are no details to as why Chevrolet decided to release a new set of images featuring the Camaro Convertible Concept that debuted at this year’s NAIAS Show, but we were more than happy to grab the opportunity and refresh our desktop wallpaper. -Follow the jump to see all the high-res pictures
Technorati: Chevrolet+Camaro+Convertible, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Just in case you missed it, we dug this video of MTV’s special Earth Day episode of “Pimp My Ride” that aired on April 22, 2007. Xzibit and the GAS crew transformed a beat-up 1965 Chevy Impala SS into an environmental-friendly “bling-bling” mobile. The Bio-Rocket is fitted with a new PPE supercharged GM Duramax diesel engine that runs on B-100 biodiesel “pimping” out 800Hp and 1.400 lb-ft of torque allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3,5sec. Yeah I know, a car as large –and probably as heavy, as a small boat with a 800Hp engine isn’t exactly the epitome of ecology but whatev. Das video also includes a word or two, or three… from Gov. Schwarzenegger plus a 1/4 mile race with a Gallardo.
Technorati Tags: Pimp+My+Ride, Chevrolet+Impala, MTV, Tuning, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Chevy’s marketing love for Transformers is moving up a level with the launch of a new website dedicated to Autobots. You can choose from a series of Chevy models (Avalanche, Aveo, Cobalt, Equinox, HHR, Impala & Silverado, but unfortunately, not the Camaro…) and customize them; theoretically speaking cause, to be honest, we got quickly bored and let it go. As for our Jalop friend’s quest for the perfect Decepticon, we wouldn’t look towards the Mustang but to Technorati: Transformers, Autobots, Decepticons, Chevrolet, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Chevy might have refined several components of the Corvette & Corvette Z06 models promising quicker shift times on paddle-shift six-speed automatic and improved steering feel but the big news here is the all new 6.2L LS3 small-block V8 which replaces the 6.0L LS2 V8 in the base Vette. The LS3 is rated at 430Hp and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system while with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm.Comparatively, the LS2 delivered 400Hp @ 6,000 rpm and 400 lb.ft./ 542 Nm @ 4,400 rpm. With the 6speed paddle-shift automatic, the Corvette LS3 takes 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) while maximum speed tops at 190mph (306 km/h). -Full Press Release & Images after the jump
CHEVROLET CORVETTE & CORVETTE Z06
New for 2008
2008 CORVETTE: ICONIC SPORTS CAR RECEIVES LARGER, MORE POWERFUL LS3 6.2L V-8 AND HOST OF DRIVING, INTERIOR REFINEMENTS
Get comfortable. There’s so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you’ll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screen and absorb all the details.
The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvette’s position as the pre-eminent American sports car – and further the argument that it is one of the world’s best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette’s luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
Also back again for ’08 is the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, an American super car that has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily-driving civility and value. Here’s a look at the new and enhanced features for ’08 Corvette models:
Engine – A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.
This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L’s 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06’s LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine’s stroke remains at 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.
Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They’re based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine’s 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.
To accommodate the engine’s large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.
Exhaust system – Optional on ’08 Coupe and Convertible models is a new, two-mode performance exhaust system. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system; the Coupe/Convertible uses a 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.
With the new, dual-mode performance exhaust, power output for Coupe/Convertible rises from 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). This system gives the Corvette a more aggressive exhaust sound character that will appeal to performance enthusiasts.
Transmissions and axle ratios – The shifting efforts for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been improved in ’08 Corvette models. The manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.
The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on Coupe and Convertible is improved with new hardware and a new controller calibration that deliver quicker shifts. This change bolsters the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.
Also new for ’08 models is the availability of the 2.73 performance axle ratio with the automatic transmission. It is included with the Z51 package.
Steering system – The Corvette’s precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system’s internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
Wheels – Corvette Coupe and Convertible models come with a new split-spoke wheel design for ’08. The design was introduced on the limited-edition ’07 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replicas with a Sterling Silver finish. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional.
Also new is a distinctive, performance-oriented forged aluminum wheel for Coupe and Convertible. It comes in a polished finish.
Exterior colors – There are two new premium exterior colors available with 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat; they replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat.
Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package – Available on Coupe, Convertible and Z06 models, the new Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the feeling of Corvette’s craftsmanship. Details include:
Interior enhancements – All models feature a new wrapped instrument panel center trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greet passengers as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lighted control knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
Feature changes and enhancements – All Corvette models now come standard with features that were previously optional or part of equipment packages. They include:
The ’08 Corvettes also come with a new Keyless Access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.
Corvette design and interior details
Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity for the Corvette, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust. The fixed Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps provide superior lighting performance. With a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the Coupe models are the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever.
The 2008 Corvette Convertible features a power-operated soft top with the 3LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car’s excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.
Corvette’s interior is inspired by the car’s dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.
An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard. An optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer adds to the choices available to the audiophile owner. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls – introduced in ’07 – are included with the Bose premium system.
A full-function OnStar system is standard and an onboard navigation system with voice recognition is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of
Driving dynamics
Corvette Coupe and Convertible have a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.
Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.
The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. Cross-dilled brake rotors are included when this feature is selected, allowing customers to combine the larger brakes from the Z51 performance package with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
The Z51 Performance Package brings Coupe and Convertible performance very close to the widely admired previous generation Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches / 340 mm in front and 13 inches / 330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortable ride.
With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems – anti-lock braking, traction control and Active Handling – operate in concert. In all, the dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette.
As the fastest, most powerful and most technologically advanced production model in Corvette’s history, the Corvette Z06 offers an unprecedented level of capability and technology, making it one of the best performance values on the market.
Design – The Z06 has an unmistakable and aggressive appearance, with design cues that include:
The aerodynamics of the Z06’s exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the race cars use large rear wings, the Z06’s elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. The Z06’s Cd is 0.34.
For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily-driveable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter are standard.
The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer and has a readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces, with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.
Z06 options include a Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, polished, Competition Gray or chrome wheels, a telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, side-impact air bags, a navigation system with GPS and universal home remote.
LS7 engine – The Z06’s LS7 7.0L engine delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW) in a 3,132-pound (1,421 kg) package – a combination that delivers 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph (as recorded on Germany’s Autobahn). It also provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and 60-0 braking in 111.3 feet; it also circuited
The LS7 reintroduced the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup. It is easily identified under the hood by red engine covers with black lettering. The LS7 shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as the Corvette’s 6.0-liter LS2, but it uses a different cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine’s larger diameter, 4.125-inch (104.8 mm) cylinder bores.
Internally, the LS7’s reciprocating components make use of racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability. The rpm fuel shut-off limit is 7,100 rpm. The LS7’s details include:
--Dry-sump oiling system
--Unique cylinder block casting with large, 104.8-mm bores and pressed-in cylinder liners
--Forged steel main bearing caps
--Forged steel crankshaft
--Titanium connecting rods with 101.6-mm stroke
--Cast aluminum flat-top pistons
--11.0:1 compression
--High-lift camshaft
--Racing-derived CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves
--Low-restriction air intake system
--Hydroformed exhaust headers with unique “quad flow” collector flanges.
One of the clearest examples of the LS7’s race-bred technology is its use of titanium connecting rods. They weigh just 464 grams apiece and besides being lightweight, which enhances high-rpm performance and rpm range, titanium makes the rods extremely durable.
The LS7’s CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads are designed to meet the high airflow demands of the engine’s 7.0-liter displacement. A hydraulic roller camshaft with 0.588/0.593-inch valve lift is used to allow plenty of air to circulate in and out of the engine. To ensure optimal, uninterrupted airflow, the LS7’s heads have straight, tunnel-like intake runners. Very large by production-vehicle standards – even racing standards – they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm. The heads feature 70-cc combustion chambers that are fed by huge, 56-mm-diameter titanium intake valves. They are complemented by 41-mm sodium-filled exhaust valves.
To accommodate the large valve face diameters, the heads’ valve seats are siamesed; and, taken from experience with the engines of C6.R racecars, the LS7’s valve angles are held at 12 degrees – vs. 15 degrees for the LS2 – to enhance airflow through the ports.
The LS7 has a dry-sump oiling system designed to keep the engine fully lubricated during the high cornering loads the Corvette Z06 is capable of producing. An engine compartment-mounted 8-quart reservoir delivers oil at a constant pressure to a conventional-style oil pump pick-up at the bottom of the engine. The pressurized oil feed keeps the oil pick-up continually immersed in oil at cornering loads exceeding 1 g.
Oil circulates through the engine and down to the oil pan, where it is sent back to the reservoir via a scavenge pump. The large-capacity reservoir, combined with a high efficiency air-to-oil cooler, provides necessary engine oil cooling under the demands of the engine’s power output. With the dry-sump system, oil is added to the engine via the reservoir tank – which includes the oil level dipstick.
Drivetrain – The Corvette Z06’s powertrain and drivetrain systems are matched to the LS7’s performance capability. The light, four-into-one headers discharge into close-coupled catalytic converters and through two-mode mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power.
At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7’s increased torque load. The transmission includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.
Structure – The Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof bodystyle. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Other castings, stampings and extrusions are combined into the innovative structure with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
Advanced structural composites featuring carbon fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
The Z06 has a new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.
The mass reductions are offset by some added performance enablers, including dry-sump lubrication, exhaust system with outlet valves, larger wheels and tires, larger brakes and larger roll stabilizers.
Suspension and brakes – The Z06 retains the 105.7-inch (2686-mm) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse leaf spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires, brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer.
The firmer suspension works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear – the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette. The tires use the latest extended-mobility technology from Goodyear to provide a satisfactory ride, but still allow the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tires eliminate the need – and weight – for a spare tire and jack or inflator kit, while also reducing the chance of a sudden loss of handling capability.
Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355 mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340 mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.
The front rotors are acted upon by large, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used. A
* Horsepower and torque are SAE certified.
Technorati: Chevrolet+Corvette, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
Signs of the times or just a mere trick to for some short lived publicity? I’d definitely place my money on the second but I have to admit that in any case it gave me a chuckle or two. In a nutshell this “wanna-be-greener than grass” blogger named Mark Miller posted a message on his site pimby.org asking Chevrolet to follow the example of Microsoft that sent a brand new computer fully loaded with their Miller continues below saying that although his site doesn’t have enough followers to justify the move, by the time the Volt goes into production his blog will have gathered the necessary following to ensure inclusion. But Miller kept the best for the end. Here’s the extract: “I am a renter and may change addresses before you release the Volt. I will be happy to provide you with my address or take delivery at a dealership near me”.
Technorati: Blogs, Chevrolet, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
While I’m pretty sure that across the pond this will ring like a joke to the ears of most Europeans for the folks at MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” it’s a step forward to being “green” without loosing their “bling-bling”. As part of a very special Earth Day episode that’ll air on April 22nd at 1 pm ET/PT, the Galpin Auto Sports (G.A.S.) crew will return in the fifth season of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” transforming a 1965 Chevy Impala into a biodiesel vehicle nicknamed the “Bio Rocket.The green-pimped Impala will be fitted with a new PPE supercharged GM Duramax diesel engine that runs on B-100 biodiesel which, according to G.A.S., reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent –they don’t say compared with what though.... The Bio Rocket’s engine power was boosted from 350 horsepower to 800 horsepower with 1400 lb-ft of torque and according to the team the Bio Rocket can go from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in roughly 3.5 seconds. Via: Autoblog.com , Info: GAS
Press Release after the jump (click “Read More”).
PRESS RELEASE: GALPIN GOES GREEN FOR EARTH DAY WITH MONSTER BIODIESEL MUSCLE CAR
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Helps Galpin Auto Sports Launch 800-HP “Bio Rocket” Giving Serious Muscle To The Green Movement
VAN NUYS, CA (April 9, 2007) – In celebration of Earth Day, the Galpin Auto Sports (G.A.S.) crew returns in the fifth season of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” and shows that alternative fuel vehicles can be fast and fun by transforming a 1965 Chevy Impala into a biodiesel vehicle nicknamed the “Bio Rocket.” As if the event needed any more muscle, the Bio Rocket will be unveiled by special guest Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during a ground-breaking Earth Day episode of “Pimp My Ride” scheduled to air on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 1pm ET/PT. The episode will also serve as the kick-off of a “Pimp My Ride” Sneak Peek marathon featuring brand new episodes from the fifth season.
Galpin Auto Sports, the garage of “Pimp My Ride,” takes going green to an all new level in this special episode. Galpin Motors’ dedication to protecting our Earth dates back to 1979 when they began converting fleets of gasoline engine vehicles to run on methanol and even opened the nation’s first methanol service station. Additionally, Galpin Motors was one of the first dealers to sell Ford flexible fuel vehicles, Ford’s TH!NK Neighbors and other electric vehicles, for which they even built on-site charging stations.
“With the increasing amount of traffic on the roads, protecting the environment is a major concern for automotive manufacturers and dealers,” said Beau Boeckmann, president of Galpin Auto Sports, Vice President of Galpin Motors and consulting producer and on-air talent for “Pimp My Ride.” “By installing a monster 800 horsepower diesel engine to run on biodiesel in the ’65 Impala, we demonstrated that you don’t have to sacrifice power to go green.”
The Bio Rocket is loaded with a new PPE supercharged GM Duramax diesel engine that runs on B-100 biodiesel which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent. Switching the Bio Rocket to alternative fuel consumption did not compromise its performance and speed. In fact, it improved it significantly. The Bio Rocket’s engine power was boosted from 350 horsepower to 800 horsepower with 1400 lb-ft of torque allowing the Bio Rocket to jet from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds.
Making the inside green counts too, so the G.A.S. crew made the seats from a material comprised of 100 percent recycled fibers. The Bio Rocket’s trunk is lined with biodegradable, all natural hemp and reclaimed wood that was recovered from quarries and pre-existing wooden structures. Finally, eco-friendly meets convenience with a built-in GPS that shows the driver where to find the nearest biodiesel station.
“Galpin’s customizing innovation began in the late ‘50’s and produced national trends in the automotive aftermarket,” said Boeckmann. “50 years later, the aftermarket and tuner world has become a much greater part of the mainstream. We see Galpin’s move to green, ground-shaking horsepower as the ripple that can start a sea of change and we are proud to start that right here, right now.”
Technorati: Chevrolet+Impala, Pimp+My+Ride, MTV, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Out of 399 numbered units of which 33 where destined for Europe, the PRESS RELEASE: EXCLUSIVE ‘RON FELLOWS EDITION’ CORVETTE AVAILABLE IN
Corvette racing legend Fellows is celebrated with a specially prepared limited edition Corvette Z06
The Corvette Z06 ‘Ron Fellows edition’ has been introduced to mark the contribution of the Canadian racer to the success of the Corvette racing program and is available in strictly limited numbers in the UK. Just 399 are planned for production, with 33 destined for
The ‘Ron Fellows edition’ is based on the Corvette Z06, which boasts the LS7 V8 engine, generating 512 hp (377kW) at 6300 rpm, and is matched to a rear-mounted six-speed transaxle to provide optimum weight distribution. In first gear, the Z06 delivers a 0-62 mph performance of 3.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 199 mph.
The exclusive edition is distinguished by unique interior and exterior appointments. The model is only available in Arctic White. The front fender graphics are reminiscent of the identifying detail of the Corvette GT1 race car, which feature double Monterey Red Metallic stripes with Machine Silver borders and Ron Fellows’ autograph in a contrasting Victory Red shade. In recognition of Fellows’ Canadian heritage, a red maple leaf logo motif is incorporated with the graphics. Other exterior cues include a unique windscreen header band.
Special interior equipment includes red seats, console, door trims and instrument panel. The red leather armrest, featuring the Corvette crossed flags logo, is signed and numbered inside by hand. A final refinement is a carbon-fibre “tech” pattern interior trim plate.
Fellows is regarded as a key component in the team’s 51 victories since its creation in 1999. He scored Corvette Racing’s first win in 2000 and went on to become a three-time American Le Mans Series GT1 champion, a 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and an overall winner in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Corvette Racing. In 2005 and 2006, his efforts supported team-mates Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta on their way to successive ALMS titles.
“Ron Fellows is part of Corvette’s racing heritage and he has been instrumental in the remarkable success of the Corvette Racing team in the American Le Mans Series,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The special signature-series Z06 model that bears his name will forever link him to one of the greatest eras in factory racing, which has produced six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers’ championships, and counting.”
Technorati: Chevrolet+Corvette+Z06, Ron+Fellows, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
GM’s giving you the chance to vote on one of these three Korean designed concepts by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com so that you can assist Chevrolet determine which design/capability package resonates best with potential US buyers. So we have the sporty green-color 3door Beat equipped with a 1.2 Turbo engine, the dark grey-color Scion-HHR half-bread Groove that wears a 1-liter diesel engine and finally the crossover look-alike that we first saw a few days ago, the Trax equipped with a 1-liter petrol motor. -Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and a high-res image gallery 
Press Release: Size Doesn't Matter: Three Chevrolet Global Minicar Concepts Pack A
Democracy lovers will even get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and casting their vote for the Beat, Groove or Trax. The results will help Chevrolet determine
All three concepts were designed at GM’s Design Studio in
Built on GM’s global mini architecture, these concepts demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in
“The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design.
"The design team was so enthused about being given the assignment to develop the perfect small car for urban commuters that they created not one, but three interpretations of how this car may be developed for Chevrolet customers around the world."
Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette. The concepts revealed in
“The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts have the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet – already a beloved brand around the world – even further, connecting with young buyers on multiple continents who desire fun-yet-efficient transportation,” said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper. “These are the same brand attributes that made Chevrolet a household name in the
Here’s a look at Chevrolet’s three minicar concepts:
Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It’s loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.
Chevrolet Groove: A “funkastalgia”-themed vehicle too tough-looking to be “cute,” the Groove concept is a retro-inspired vehicle with bodacious fender flares and an upright windshield. It looks much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. The front-drive Groove is powered by a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine.
Chevrolet Trax: An urban crossover concept that’s equally at home on the trails or in traffic, it gets a low-cost all-wheel-drive system and looks the part of a rugged SUV many times its size, thanks to a voluminous one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine.
GM’s Global Product Development process
The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts were designed and built leveraging GM’s Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.
As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world.
Chevrolet’s global footprint
Chevrolet is one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, with a sales increase of 158 percent outside
The Chevrolet Aveo sedan and five-door subcompact, engineered and built in
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