Clunker: Chevrolet Vega

I do not know how Motor Trend picks its car of the year awards. I have questioned several of its picks. I do not think that the Chevrolet Volt deserved the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year Award. Yet, this is not the worst car to be named Motor Trend Car of the Year. In 1971, Motor Trend named the Chevorlet Vega its Car of the Year. Motor Trend also awarded the Vega the 1973 Car of the Year in the Economic Class. Car and Driver readers voted the Vega the best economic van in 1971, 1972, and 1973. In 1971, American Iron and Steel  gave the Vega an award for excellence in design in transportation equipment. My question is WHY? The Vega is one of the worst cars ever made. It was a rust bucket. This car suffered from several recalls and just was an overall terrible car. The cost for this miserable excuse for a car was $2,093. There is reason why this car is so cheap.

The Chevrolet Vega was in production from 1970 to 1977 and came in two-door notchback sedan, two-door hatchback, two-door wagon, and two-door panel delivery wagon. 2,154,434 Vegas were sold over its production run. It was one of many miserable subcompact cars built for the Chevrolet brand. It was built while GM Vice President John Delorean was general manager of Chevrolet. Delorean was responsible for promoting the car and he over saw the launch of the car. The Vega was just plagued with issues, Problems for the Chevrolet Vega start at its rust prevention. The Elpo process used by the Fisher Body Division did not work. The solutions used in the process did not flow into every recess or reach every panel of the car. This caused the car to rust where the Elpo solutions did not reach. Two recalls of the Vega were a result of issues with the 140 cubic inch engine used in early Vegas. There were concerns of backfire caused by the two-barrel carburetor and 130,000 Vegas fitted with the L-11 option were recalled for this issue. The second recall involved 350,000 Vegas that used the standard engine. There was a perceived risk that a component in the emission control system might fall into the throttle linkage, jamming it open. Also the car suffered from oil burning, the engine overheating, and the fuel tank leaking. The Vega was just a dreadful car.

The Chevrolet Vega was powered by three engine. The single barrel carburetor 2.3L (140 cubic inch) I4 engine produced 90 hp. The double barrel carburetor 2.3L I4 engine produced 115 hp. The Cosworth Vega was powered by a 2.0L I4 that produced 110 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. The Cosworth Vega went from 0 to 60 mph in 12.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 112 mph. A normal Vega reached atop speed of 92 mph. The Vega was slow, sluggish and just a cheap rust bucket.

The Vega was just an automotive disaster. It was severely rust-prone. It had engine issues. It was slow and sluggish. The Vega was worth less than its retail price of $2,091. I still ask why it was Motor Trend's 1971 Car of the Year. The was cheap and was easy on the eye. A Motor Trend writer wrote that the Vega looked hot. The Chevrolet Vega just outright sucked and Chevrolet still has not made a decent subcompact car since the Vega. The current Chevrolet subcompact, the Aveo, is one of the worst cars currently built by an American automotive company. I guess Chevrolet has not learned how to make a proper subcompact car. The Vega has gone down as one of the ten worst cars ever made.

CarJunkie

Photo taken from the Chevrolet Vega Wikipedia Page

It Came From eBay Hell: Triumph TR3 with an Italian Body and an American Heart

Much like Christine in the Stephen King novel of the same name, this 1957 Triumph TR3 Special began life as nothing more than a…car. Since then it’s mutated into this thing that sports a faux-Ferrari body and a Chevy 350 V8 under the hood.

All that remains of its British donor car are the number and chassis plates, front suspension, windshield wiper motor, tail lights and fuel filler cap. The “coachbuilt body”, as the eBay Motors seller describes it, is a combination of hand-worked aluminium and glass fibre.

There’s also an Edelbrock manifold and carburettor, TH350 transmission and a Ford 9” limited slip differential. There’s also an integral roll bar, four-link rear suspension and wide 275/50R15 rubber.

The seller would like us all to, “Please note the superb quality of the craftsmanship this car has been constructed with, particularly the very high quality of the wiring.” That’s his emphasis, not ours.

Still, if you would like to buy this, “authentic piece of American Vintage Motor Sports History” you can for the low, low asking price of US$19,500.

Though to be honest a car that’s spent twenty-five years in a shed gathering rust dust with a wannabe Ferrari 250 GTO body affixed to it isn’t my idea of a good investment. You can check out our full gallery bellow.

The Hot Car in

The Hot Car in  - Chevrolet.

A car is one of the main needs for almost every people and family. You will be able to transport and move from one place to another by using a car. You can spend extra time in transporting than using the public transportation or motorcycle by using a car. If you do, a car is a must for your shopping budget this month. Or you need to improve your car with the newest type of car that will give you the best satisfaction and comfort in riding a car.

If you do, you should start to browse the newest car model and type that will be your best consideration and choice. In the beginning of 2010, there are some car manufacturer that are released some hot series of their car. They come with various features and specification that will be met with your requirements. In the following article, you can start to read some new product that will be a good guidance in finding the best car for your needs.

Chevrolet Cruze comes as your first consideration of the best deal of good and comfortable car that you can afford in reasonable price. Chevrolet is one of the world leader manufacturers that have been well-know as the best car manufacturer in the world compared than any other brand manufacturer. This car is build under the license of general motors that have been developing some ultimate product of car in the world car market. This car is equipped with good engine cylinder that is hoped as the best car than any other that is produced by Chevrolet.

You also can choose the other variant of Chevrolet, there is the Chevrolet Volt. Similar to the previous types of car, this car will be released in the Christmas day and Thanksgiving Day in 2010. This car will be only released on certain country in America and Europe. By using this car, you will be able to get the high power of car for your family that will be able to travel 64 miles without gasoline.

The other types of car that you can choose as your best deal of car in 2010 are Buick Regal. This is the new series of Regal that as a stylish body than the previous series. You will be able to travel and drive fast that is considered as the slowest ones. This series is equipped with four-cylinder engine features Turbo-charge that has 220 horsepower that can travel 48 kilometers by one gallon of fuel will be present in the summer of 2010. This car will be your best deal of family car that will ensure your comfort and best satisfaction of driving a car.

First Impression: Chevrolet Aveo

The subcompact car is a hard car to make right. A subcompact car is small and generally has a small engine. Good subcompact cars include the Ford Fiesta, Alfa Romeo MiTo, and the Mini Cooper. However, Chevrolet has never made a quality subcompact car. The Chevrolet Vega, made from 1970 to 1977, is one of the worst cars of all times. In 2002, Chevrolet started production on the Chevrolet Aveo, the brand's latest attempt to make a decent subcompact car. Whether it is the four-door sedan or the Aveo5 five-door hatchback, the Chevrolet Aveo is just another car in the long line of bad Chevrolet subcompacts.

The Chevrolet Aveo is a common sight on the roads and was present at the 2011 Houston Auto Show. No matter what body type the Aveo has, it is ugly. Chevrolet went with cheap materials when designing the Aveo. The standard wheels come with plastic hubcaps. Most cars use alloys for wheels and hubcaps.

The Aveo comes with two I4 engines. The 1.4L turbocharged I4, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The Aveo goes from 0 to 60 mph in 13.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 105 mph. Prices start at $11,965 for the four-door sedan and $12,115 for the Aveo5 hatchback. The Aveo is one of the cheapest cars on the road, but it is also one of the slowest cars on the road.

Top Gear featured the Chevrolet Aveo during Series 13, Episode 3, where the boys were trying to find a cheap and cheerful small car. The Aveo was ridiculed by the Top Gear presenters for have cheap wheels, cheap interior, and that rubber door sealers that kept falling off. The Chevrolet Aveo is playable in GT Racing: Motor Academy and Forza Motorsport 3.

Final Thoughts: This is one of the worst cars currently made. It is slow, ugly, cheap, and cheaply made. Forbes put the Chevrolet Aveo on its list of seven clunkers made by U.S. car companies in 2010. Forbes says that the Aveo is unreliable, dangerous, and having one of the lower JD Power dependability ratings. I don't think Chevrolet has taken the subcompact class seriously. Ford puts quality materials and efforts in the Fiesta. Fiat is using the 500 to mark the brand's return to the United States. I think Chevrolet just puts a bunch of cheap parts and materials into their subcompact cars. The price for the Aveo is low because the Chevrolet went with cheapness over quality. The Aveo sucks and should be avoided at all cost. Shell out extra money for a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Fiesta.

CarJunkie
Photos were found online. The Aveo is not worthy of being taken by my cameras.

First Impression: Chevrolet Camaro

During the Muscle Car Wars of the 1960s and 1970s, American car brands had a muscle cars and pony cars. Pony cars were affordable, compact, highly stylish, and high performing cars. In 1964 Ford launched the Mustang, the car that started the pony car. In 1966, Chevrolet revealed the Camaro. In 2002, Chevrolet ceased production of the Camaro. In 2009, Chevrolet revived the Camaro name and released the fifth-generation of the Camaro which was based on the 1969 Camaro. The new Camaro gives Chevrolet and GM a muscle car that can compete with the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. In 2011, the Camaro was available with a retractable softtop. Like the Camaros of the past, the current generation comes with  3.6L V6 and 6.2L V8 engines with different power outputs.

I see several fifth-generation Camaros at Houston Cars and Coffee events and on the roads. This is a very popular car. I love the styling of the new Camaro. The angle of the windshield could hinder the visibility of Camaro drivers and has been a major criticism of the Camaro. I sat in one at the 2011 Houston Auto Show and had no problem looking through the windshield. It is comfortable to sit in the front, but there is not much leg room for passengers sitting in the back.

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is powered by 2 different 3.6L V6 engines and 6.2L V8 engines. The Camaro uses either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engines produce either 312 hp or 323 hp. The V8 engines produce between 400 hp and 550 hp. 0-60 times for the Camaro range from 4.6 seconds to 6.1 seconds. The top speed for the Camaro ranges from 150 mph to over 180 mph. Prices for the Camaro start between $22,000 and $40,000, depending on the trim level. The price is very low for a high performing muscle car.

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro can be seen in all three Transformers films. It is the vehicle form of the Autobot Bumblebee. It has been reviewed on Motorweek and has been featured on Jay Leno's Garage. Richard Hammond reviewed the Camaro SS during Series 15, Episode 3, where Hammond compared the Camaro to a Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG. The fifth-generation Camaro is playable in almost every major racing game. It is playable in the Burnout games, Need For Speed Games, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Gran Turismo 5, Blur, Split/Second, Dirt 3, Transformers movie games, Project Gotham Racing 4, ModNation Racers, Forza Motorsport 3, and many other video games.

Final Thought: The fifth-generation Camaro is a very stylish muscle car with good performance. It continues the Camaro tradition of offering several options so there is a Camaro for all types of drivers. I did not like that the first Transformers movie was just a 2-hour commercial for the new Camaro. I already know that the Camaro is a good car. I don't need to waste money on a film that is just a long car commercial.

Hennessey Camaro Convertible

Hennessey is also offering different tuning packages for the new Camaro. Prices start at $4,950 for 475 hp package and go to $69,950 of the 1000 hp package. John Hennessey stop by Jay Leno's Garage to show off one of his tuned version of the Camaro, called the Hennessey Camaro HPE600. I saw the Hennessey Camaro at the April 2011 edition of Houston Cars and Coffee. The Hennessey Camaro is for those who want a little bit more performance out of their stock Camaros.

CarJunkie
Photos taken from a camera phone

First Impression: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet Corvette has been an American icon since its introduction in 1952. Over the years there have been six generations of this iconic car. A defining characteristic of the Corvette is that its body panels are made out of fiberglass and plastic to save weight. The latest generation, C6, has been around since 2005. The best performing variant of the C6 is the Corvette ZR1. The ZR1 is a race car that can be driven on the road. Since it is a grand tourer, it has a trunk. The ZR1 can compete and outperform supercars from Europe. It combines speed, power, and handling. It is the total package. The engine that powers the ZR1 also powers the Hennessey Venom GT, a hyper car that can reach speeds over 260 mph.

I first saw the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at the 2011 Houston Auto Show. It was one of the best cars I saw there. While looking at it, I talked with a stranger about seeing this car in an episode of Top Gear. I like the small exterior details of the ZR1. I like that you can see part of the engine through a small piece of glass on the hood. I like its aggressive styling.

Powering the ZR1 is by a LS9 engine, a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine that produces 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 mph. It is faster than a Ferrari 458, Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and an Aston Martin DBS.  With prices start a $110,300, it is cheaper than the competition. Compared to the competition, it is a bargain.

Motorweek named the Corvette ZR1 one of its 2009 Driver's Choice Best Dream Machines, along with the Ferrari California. Motorweek also reviewed this car in 2009. Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson drove one during a road trip from California to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He went 176 mph in a standing mile, a record for the Salt Flats. Jay Leno featured a 2009 Corvette ZR1 on his website, www.jaylenosgarage.com. The ZR1 is playable in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, available for both the police and racer factions, Grand Turismo 5, and Forza Motorsport 3, just to name a few games.

Final Thoughts: WHAT A CAR! It is fast, handles well, has a trunk, and is a great value for its price. Then the competion cost $150,000 and up and cannot perform like the ZR1, it shows that the ZR1 is a great buy for a car that costs $110,300. It can be used on the track and on everyday roads. It looks aggressive. It is a great alternative to Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone

First Impression: Chevrolet Volt

A popular trend in modern day motoring is going with a hybrid.  With the high gas prices, people are trading in their old vehicles for cars that get better gas mileage.  The hybrid is powered by both a gas engine and an electric motor. The heat from the engine charges the battery.  The most popular hybrid is the Toyota Prius.  Chevrolet decided to enter the hybrid market when it first revealed the  Volt in 2008.  The Volt would be a plug-in hybrid, in which the battery could be charged by an external source.  In Mid-December 2010, the Volt was released.  Chevrolet classifies the Volt as an extended range electric vehicle, but I consider it a plug-in hybrid because the car can be propelled by a gas engine.

I first saw the Chevrolet volt at the 2011 Houston Auto Show and I was not impressed.  Chevrolet is promoting the wrong car.  Chevrolet showed off the Corvette Stingray concept, which I hope goes into production, a Camaro convertible, and another Camaro powered by a 7.0L engine.  All those I would rather have than the Volt.  I think the Volt is slow, overrated, and overpriced.

The Volt is powered by 16 kW-h lithium-ion battery that powers a 149 hp, 273 lb-ft torque electric motor and 1.4L gas engine that uses premium gas and generates 74 hp.  The gas engine never charges the battery, it turns a generator that powers the electric motor.  The car can go for 40 miles on its batteries before the gas engine kicks in and give the Volt an additional 310 miles.  It takes 3.5 hours to recharge the battery with a 240 VAC outlet.  The Volt goes from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds and has a top speed of 100 mph.  To offset the cost of R & D on the Volt, it costs $41,000 dollars, but with th $7,500 tax incentives, it costs $33,500 to the owner.

The Volt can be seen in Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen as the Autobot Jolt.  Motorweek reviewed the Volt, praising the car so much that the Volt was Motorweeks's 2011 Driver's Choice Car of the Year.  Motortrend Magazine named the Volt its 2011 Car of the Year.  

Final Thoughts:  I don't think the Volt deserves the praise it is getting.  The Volt gets poor mileage, slow, and overpriced.  I was with my family at a wedding in Dallas.  We were in a V6 Toyota Camry and got over 400 miles on less than a tank of  regular gas.  The Volt uses premium gas, which is more expensive than regular gas.  The Volt gets about 350 miles before running out of gas and juice.  I could name several cars that are more deserving of 2011 Car of the Year.  Better cars include the Camaro, Mustang, Corvette, Infiniti G and M sedans, BMW M3, BMW M5, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, and any diesel powered vehicle.  At the $33,500 price after the tax incentives, you could instead get a V8 mustang or a V8 Camaro.  Porsche will be releasing a plug-in hybrid that gets 78 mpg and can reach speeds of 200 mph, the 918, first announced in 2009 and costs $630,000 when it will be released.  Since the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, you need to have a place to charge the car over night.  The technology for electric and hybrid vehicles is still not there.  Most hybrids are slow and electric vehicles get poor mileage.  Wait for improvements in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.  I would pass on the Volt.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2010

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2010

 

 

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

The Grand Sport history
The original Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea that led to the production of five special prototypes in 1963. The project was later shelved, following GM's agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.

The five prototypes were based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette and were hand-assembled under Duntov's watchful eye. But while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built race cars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 with side-draft carburetors.

Chevrolet Camaro Transformers, 2010

Chevrolet Camaro Transformers, 2010

 

 

Fans of the new Chevrolet Camaro and the blockbuster Transformers movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition announced today at Comic-Con in San Diego.

Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Chevrolet Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with Transformers design cues add to the car's status as a 21st century sports car.
While the aggressive styling of the Chevrolet Camaro is unmistakable, true Transformers fans will notice some of the unique, but subtle features of the Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition.
Chevrolet Camaro Transformers

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition includes the following:
    * Autobot® shield on the driver and passenger side panels
    * Autobot® shield on each of the four wheel's center cap
    * Autobot® shield embroidered on interior center console
    * "Transformers" logo on driver and passenger doors' sill plates
    * "Transformers" logo embedded into the hood rally stripes
    * High-gloss black center rally stripe package
    * Manufacturer's suggested retail price of package: $995

Dealers are now taking orders for this car. Customers can order the Transformers Special Edition as either a Rally Yellow LT or SS model. The optional RS appearance package can also be added.

The V6-powered Chevrolet Camaro uses a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is SAE-certified at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.

The high-performance Chevrolet Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, SAE-certified at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is SAE-certified at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet Camaro SS Indy 500 Pace Car, 2010

Chevrolet Camaro SS Indy 500 Pace Car, 2010

 

 

The 2010 Chevy Camaro Indianapolis 500 pace car is a 21st century sports car that looks to the future with a nod to both the car's and the race's heritage. The first year for Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500 was in 1967, the year the Camaro made its debut. Camaro has since paced the race in 1969, 1982, 1993 and 2009.

2010 pace car features an Inferno Orange Metallic paint scheme with White Diamond rally stripes that travel from the front to the rear over the top of the body, as well as extending to the instrument panel. The design is a modern interpretation of the original rally stripe that debuted on the 1969 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.

The 2010 pace car is equipped with a stock 400 hp 6.2L V-8, an RS appearance package and leather interior with Inferno Orange interior accents. The pace car also features unique design cues that further enhance the Camaro's head-turning design. Features unique to the pace car include:

    * 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo painted on doors and embroidered on driver and passenger headrests
    * 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo badges on front fenders
    * All-new front grille insert that Chevrolet plans to offer as a future Camaro accessory
    * Amber lens tail lamps
    * Complete safety strobe light system with custom interior light bar in the rear window (no rooftop light bar)
    * All-new GM Accessory floor mats with red and orange accent stitching

Chevrolet Camaro SS, 2010

Chevrolet Camaro SS, 2010

 

 

The Design features
With a design that is very close to the original concept, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro acknowledges its heritage from the first-generation Camaro, produced from 1967 through 1969. The two-door sports coupe features classic proportions over a 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase. The overall length of the Chevrolet Camaro is 190.4 inches (4,836 mm); width and height are 75.5 inches (1,918 mm) and 54.2 inches (1,376 mm), respectively.
The long hood and short deck are pushed to the far corners of the muscular fender forms and a fast, 67-degree rake windshield contributes to aerodynamic performance that includes a 0.37 coefficient of drag (Cd) on V-6 models and a slightly sleeker 0.35 Cd on the V-8-powered SS model.

The Interior details
Inside the four-passenger cabin, a well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail conveys simplicity and refinement with contemporary details in the cluster, switches, dials and lighting.

The Safety
The Chevrolet Camaro offers a comprehensive system of safety features - starting with a robust body structure and integral safety cage around the passenger compartment. High-strength steel and ultra high-strength steels are used in key areas throughout the structure.

The Powertrains
When it comes to performance, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro delivers in unexpected ways. An advanced 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing is standard on LS and LT models. It offers power and efficiency, with 304 horsepower (227 kW) and EPA-rated 29 mpg in highway driving.
The performance-oriented Chevrolet Camaro SS offers a pair of 6.2L V-8s, including one with Active Fuel Management that helps improve fuel economy by shutting down four cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions. That model delivers 25 mpg in EPA-rated highway fuel economy.

3.6L direct injection V-6
Chevrolet Camaro's 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions - including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Direct injection optimizes fuel delivery to the combustion chamber by introducing fuel closer to the combustion chamber. The fuel injectors are located beneath the intake ports and fuel is injected directly into the cylinder. The result is better efficiency in the combustion process leading to increased fuel efficiency at part and full throttle.

The 3.6L DI engine produces 304 horsepower (227 kW) at 5,900 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm) at 5,200 rpm. Its 60-degree cylinder block and cylinder heads are cast aluminum to help reduce mass. A forged steel crankshaft provides optimal strength in the bottom end. The cylinder heads include four valves per cylinder, with a dual overhead camshaft design incorporating infinitely variable cam phasing.
A full dual exhaust system, with dual catalytic converters, helps reduce back pressure for optimum power. It also helps the engine reach operating temperature quicker to help burn off cold-start emissions. And despite a compression ratio of 11.3:1, the 3.6L DI engine is designed to run on regular gas.

The Brakes
Front brakes for LS and LT models include single-piston calipers with 321 mm x 30 mm rotors. For long life, performance and consistent feel, organic, non-asbestos compounds are used with FE2 brakes. At the rear are vented rear discs measuring 315 mm x 30 mm, with a single-piston aluminum caliper.
The SS front brake package includes Brembo 355 mm x 32 mm vented rotors with four-piston aluminum calipers. Semi-metallic brake linings are used at all four corners on FE3 models for superior fade resistance and pedal feel. The rear brakes are vented Brembos measuring 365 mm x 28 mm, with aluminum four-piston calipers.

GM Recalling 2,100 Chevrolet Cruze sedans after Steering Wheel Comes Loose in one Car

Following a single incident on March 1, 2011, when a GM was notified of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze that had been brought to one of its dealerships with a steering wheel that had come loose from the steering column, the Detroit automaker decided to issue a voluntary recall on certain Cruze vehicles. According to GM, during manufacturing, the steering wheel might have been improperly fastened and could detach from the steering column.

In a filing to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, General Motors noted that the affected assembly plant help shipment of 2,021 Cruze vehicles until they were inspected for the potential default, adding that the inspection found no additional problems with the steering wheels on these cars. The company also issued a notice to dealers to inspect all unsold vehicles prior to sale. GM said that no additional steering wheel fastener abnormalities have been found to date.

As a precautionary measure, the company will recall a total of 2,100 Chevrolet Cruze sedans from the 2011MY to inspect the steering wheel. The safety recall is expected to begin in April. Concerned owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at the owner center

GM President Says Chevrolet will Debut Two New Models at Chicago Including a Camaro-Based Car

Speaking at a J.D. Power forum in Detroit, General Motors North American President Mark Reuss announced that Chevrolet will unveil two new models at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which kicks off on February 9. Mr. Reuss said one of the models will be a new vehicle based on the Camaro-platform, however, he declined to divulge further details about the car.

"It will be fun," Mr. Reuss told reporters in regards to the Camaro-based model. "I'm not going to give you guys any product information other than what I gave (in the presentation.) I'd ruin the whole show."

Now, the inevitable question that arises is, what are the two models Chevy is planning to introduce in Chicago?

This 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Packs a Big-Block 454 / 7.4-liter Chevy V8

Let us introduce you to our find of the day; a 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Coupe retrofitted with a big brawny classic American V8 powerplant. This wolf in sheep's clothing was once powered by a small four-cylinder engine but now comes with a 454 cubic inch (equal to 7.4-liters) big block Chevrolet V8 powerhouse that drives the wheels through GM's Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission.

According to the eBay seller, "with 13 inch tires it only goes about 65 [we'll assume he's talking about mph here] at 4000 rpms, but it gets there in about 4 seconds" and while driveable, the car needs some TLC to be road-worthy. The current bid on eBay is $3,251 but the reserve has not been met yet.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: Production Model to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

Chevrolet today announced that the production version of the Cruze hatchback will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Considered to be a critical model for Chevrolet in Europe, the 5-door Cruze was first teased at last year’s Paris Motor Show with a pre-production study.

“Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume”, said Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe. “The new Cruze hatchback cements that Chevrolet's claim for a place among the mainstream brands in Europe, and it's a vehicle that will bring new levels of value against some of the more established competition”.

With its sweeping lines, short overhangs and, in our opinion, better looking rear quarter compared to the sedan, the hatchback is said to be “particularly well suited to European driver tastes”. To achieve this, it uses the same body-frame integral system (BFI) chassis complemented by some fine-tuning and the four-door model’s engine range, plus new additions, such as the Orlando MPV’s 163HP 2.0-liter diesel powerplant.

From a practical standpoint, the new model loses 50 liters of cargo space for a total of 400 liters, but the large liftgate and 60/40 split rear seating should compensate in terms of practicality.

The Cruze hatchback is due in Europe in mid 2011 and prices will be announced closer to the launch date. It will also be available as a Holden in Australia.

Poll: Should GM give in and call the Volt a hybrid?

Apart from the humorous articles and the plethora of eBay finds we come up with, Carscoop’s bread and butter is automotive news straight from the manufacturer. And as such, we read a lot of press releases. In all the ones I’ve read, General Motors refuses to call the Chevrolet Volt a hybrid. It’s a range extended electric vehicle.

I speculate that it might have something to do with hybrids being uncool (so sayeth GM CEO Dan Akerson) or to avoid comparisons with that other hybrid. You know, the one made by the world’s other biggest car manufacturer.

So let’s hear the cases for and against:

Yes, GM should call the Volt a hybrid and here’s why:

A hybrid, by definition, is a vehicle that has two or more powerplants. In most cases, one is an electric motor and the other is a gasoline engine. There’s no requirement that these run in tandem, or be connected to one another in any way. More than one powerplant and you have a hybrid. And let’s face it: GM isn’t trying to lure buyers away from the Nissan Leaf or the Mitsubishi iMiev; their target is and always has been the Toyota Prius. And what’s the Prius, children? “A hybrid!” In a dumbed down worldview, nobody wanted to buy a Saturn Green Line so this was Option B. The Volt looks like a hybrid, is mechanically like a hybrid and was designed to compete with hybrids. For this, the Volt is one and the same.

No, GM should call the Volt a range extended electric vehicle and here’s why:

The Prius uses its electric motor at low speeds, when idling and when overtaking. The rest of the time it’s running on its gasoline engine alone. On the other hand, the Volt engages its gasoline engine only when its electric motor has run out of juice. Like a WWII submarine limping home on its diesel engines after its batteries have run dry. So if anything, the Volt is like a Nissan Leaf with the added security of a gasoline engine making sure you don’t end up on the hard shoulder, waiting for the AAA man to come along with a very long extension cord. For this, the Volt is a range extended electric vehicle.

So where do you stand? Do you buy GM’s marketing buzz or do you side with the cynics? Cast your vote and leave us a comment.

1955 Ford "Beatnik" Bubbletop Custom Concept going up for Auction

Making its way down to Florida for RM Auction's annual Amelia Island even on March 2, is this 1955 Ford "Beatnink" Bubbletop custom concept inspired by futuristic design studies from the 1950s. Despite its name, the Beatnik is a fairly new creation built by Gary “Chopit” Fioto. It is based on the body of a 1955 Ford model but rides on a modifies chassis of a 1988 Lincoln Town Car and is powered by a Chevrolet 350-cubic inch small-block V8 engine.

The brand mixing doesn't stop there as Fioto used a variety of components from Cadillac, Chrysler and Lincoln, including the canted quad headlights. The front bumper was adapted from a '59 Cadillac, while the rear bumper was fashioned from the front bumper of a '58 Cadillac. In addition, the finned taillights are sourced from a 1960 Chrysler. However, the front and rear fenders, the door skins and the entire rear section of the car were all hand formed.

The one-of-a-kind model, which took four years of hard work to create, also features a bespoke interior complete with an aircraft control yoke-inspired steering wheel and a rounded dash pod as a tribute to the late 1950s and early 1960s concept cars from Detroit.

EV Owners in California to Feel the Shock of Higher Electricity Rates

Woe betide the electric car. Outpaced by their petrol-powered cousins in the 1900s, saddled with heavy and potentially dangerous batteries in the 1970s and crushed in the name of the Almighty Dollar in the 1990s, it’s been a rough road from there to here.

And now, on the dawn of a new age where electric cars seem poised to take their rightful place alongside gasoline cars, the electricity companies are about to throw a wrench into the works. If you live in California and intend to buy a plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius or Chevrolet Volt or an all-electric Nissan Leaf, you could be in for a...shock.

If the energy giants have their way, the Chevy Cobalt, which would have to rate on my list as one of the least desirable cars built by GM, is more economical to own or operate than any of the above. The reason?

Essentially, The California government has approved its energy providers to impose higher rates on customers who exceed, “typical household levels” of energy use all in the name of conservation. So if, for example, you spend eight hours a night recharging your electric car, you’ll find yourself classed as one of these excess customers.

Wham, bam, the electricity companies charge you more than Mr. Joe Public next door who drives a Toyota Sienna and still has to pay for the good oil. And contrary to what you may of heard, it doesn’t matter if you recharge your car at night when the rates are lower; you’re still gonna take a hit to your hip pocket.

And it’s not like the California legislature is rushing to correct this oversight.

Wally Tyner, the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics, said that to make the Volt more economical than the Prius or the Cobalt, oil prices would have rise to between $171 and $254 per barrel, depending on which electricity pricing system is being used. Californians for example, pay an average of 14.42 cents per kilowatt hour, which is about 35 percent higher than the national average.

"People who view the Volt as green will pay $10,000 more over the lifetime of the car because it's green," Tyner said. "Most consumers will look at the numbers and won't pay that.

So until you’ve taken a pen and paper and worked out the real cost of owning an EV in California, maybe keep that Geo Metro for a while longer.

SPESIFIKASI Chevrolet Aveo Terbaru | Tampil Agresif di Paris

SPESIFIKASI Chevrolet Aveo Terbaru | Tampil Agresif di ParisGeneral Motors to ensure the appearance of the latest generation of the Chevrolet Aveo at the Paris Motor Show 2010. This will accompany a small hatchback MPV seven-passenger hatchback Orlando and the Cruze as a star exhibit at the Wine Country.Most of the new design similar to the display Aveo Aveo RS concept is present at the Detroit

SPESIFIKASI Chevrolet Aveo Terbaru | Tampil Agresif di Paris

SPESIFIKASI Chevrolet Aveo Terbaru | Tampil Agresif di ParisGeneral Motors to ensure the appearance of the latest generation of the Chevrolet Aveo at the Paris Motor Show 2010. This will accompany a small hatchback MPV seven-passenger hatchback Orlando and the Cruze as a star exhibit at the Wine Country.Most of the new design similar to the display Aveo Aveo RS concept is present at the Detroit