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Test drive: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:39:57 +0000

The ZR1 is Chevrolet’s newest super-Vette — 638 supercharged horsepower, lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber construction, and a six-figure price tag. So when Chevrolet called and offered me a chance to drive it at their Milford Proving Grounds in Detroit, I was thrilled beyond belief.

How was it? Man, oh, man — driving the ZR1 was one of the most memorable experiences of my career as an auto hack. I even got to take a quick spin — slowly and carefully — in the first customer-ready ZR1, VIN 00001 (picture of the car here and the VIN plate here. GM plans to add this car to their Heritage Collection.)

I went back and forth as to how to write this review — should I relate all the fascinating technical details (this car really is an engineering masterpiece), or should I try to describe what it’s like to pilot this beast? I tried to do a bit of both, but as always, I leaned towards the latter. Check out my 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 test drive and review.

I went a little snap-happy with the ol’ Pentax, so along with my review you’ll find a couple dozen more photos in my 2009 Corvette ZR1 photo gallery. Be sure to check out the tire smoking sequence (shortcut to the pics here, here and here). — Aaron Gold

Chevrolet Beat may come to USA car news and reviews

admin — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:13:12 +0000

With the gas prices lately SUVs and pick-ups are going down and mini car sales are going up. GM is considering a new Chevrolet mini car for the United States as it reworks its product lineup to cope with a dramatic shift from trucks to cars linked to high gas prices.

Chevrolet Beat will be about the size of a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris mini car. “It is certainly one of the things that is being looked at from a portfolio perspective,” GM spokesman Dee Allen said.

The Beat, to be built in South Korea, will be rolled out in other global markets faster than it would be in the U.S., Allen said. He did not know when the car might be sold elsewhere or in the U.S.

GM unveiled the Beat with two other ultra-small cars as concepts at auto shows last year, saying the trio was designed to attract young buyers in urban markets around the globe.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited is Limited to Japan car news and reviews

admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:26:39 +0000

GM may have a host of activities planned in the U.S. to celebrate its centennial, but we like how the company is marking the milestone in Japan: with the special-edition 2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited.

Essentially nothing more than a trim package, the S-Limited adds a few unique touches for the Japanese market, including split five-spoke alloy wheels clad in an aluminum gray finish, a rear decklid spoiler evocative of that on the ZR1, and chromed mesh inserts for the front grille, rear exhaust port, and side vents. Color choices for the S-Limited are, appropriately enough, limited; customers can choose either an arctic white or black exterior. Arctic white cars come with a white-on-black two-tone interior, while the black cars sport interior highlights in sienna.

Also limited are the S-Limited’s production figures. Only 30 examples are slated for assembly - 15 in each color combination. Buyers interested in purchasing an S-Limited will have to plunk down ¥7,980,000 ($75,240). Considering basic Corvettes sticker at ¥7,130,000 ($67,226) in Japan, style and exclusivity apparently don’t come cheap.

Read more from the source here

2009 - Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Laps Nurburgring in 7:26

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:21:37 +0000

After hearing of the scorching lap time set by the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at the Nurburgring, we were anxiously waiting to see what the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 could throw down.

We wait no longer: the 638-hp ZR1 makes its way around the 17.6-mile course in a scant 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds.

The Corvette development team has been in Germany over the past few weeks, but engineer Jim Mero piloted the ZR1 to the new time early this morning. Mero’s car was reportedly bone-stock, equipped only with radio and safety equipment required to run the ‘Ring. Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter noted the car even ran on pump fuel, which - given the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 underhood - was likely high-octane.

That 7:26 time shatters the time set by a likely ZR1 competitor, Nissan’s GT-R, which lapped the ‘Ring earlier this year in 7 minutes 29 seconds.

Although Juechter downplays the importance of Nurburgring times, we’re betting Nissan’s folks are working dilligently to best the ZR1’s time with an upcoming GT-R V-spec.

Read more from the source here

2009 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $28,990

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:16:47 +0000

Chevrolet’s 2009 Traverse slides in $370 cheaper than the Saturn Outlook, and packs a more advanced version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine that utilizes direct injection and produces a little more power than its Saturn cousin. Direct-injection engine and aerodynamic improvements help the Traverse post a city fuel economy rating of 17 mpg, a touch better than Outlook’s 16 mpg rating.

The crossover’s price can quickly escalate by adding options like 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, power liftgate, navigation system, Bose stereo, rearview camera, sunroof, and rear-seat entertainment system. Exact prices for these options are still unknown, but it’s more than likely the Traverse will be able to nip at the heels of GM’s more expensive crossovers by the time you load it up. Buyers looking to option out their crossover might want to consider the Buick Enclave and take advantage of its quieter ride.

Available trim levels include Chevy’s typical LT, LS, and LTZ offerings. Sadly, Chevrolet hasn’t announced the surcharge for more luxurious trim levels. Expect to pay a few thousand more than the Traverse’s $28,990 base (including the required $735 destination charge) for the privilege of more standard equipment.

Read more from the source here

2009 Chevrolet Traverse - pricing announced , car news and reviews.

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:08:43 +0000

Chevrolet announced the 2009 Traverse crossover will carry a MSRP of $28,990, including a $735 destination charge, for the 2WD LS model. It goes on sale this fall.

“With its great styling, leading fuel economy and comprehensive roster of equipment, the Traverse is a great expression of Chevrolet value,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that delivers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Read more from the source here