California Highway Patrol switching to SUVs

When you think of a highway patrol car, you instantly think Ford Crown Victoria. And usually in California Highway Patrol black n' white trim. Since the Crown Vic went out of production last year, you see a few older models out on the roads that have been slowly replaced by the Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, or the Chevrolet Caprice (I know we haven't seen one yet either). But Ford also produces the new Explorer in a police package, and that's what the California Highway Patrol is leaning towards to replace their fleet and to keep it in the Ford family. The CHP maintains a fleet of 4,000 vehciles (give or take a few) and each year, they replace 1/3rd of that fleet with new vehicles.

Due to the ammount of gear that a trooper has to car with him or her on any given day is always increasing. And now with gear mandated by the Department of Homeland Security, the smaller patrol cars offered by the big three just won't cut it.

Of course they'll still be black and white....


Source: California Highway Patrol.

Picks from the Pittsburgh World of Wheels: Round 2

Fritz Holzer from RPM Hot Rods showed his 1954 GMC pickup which made its debut at the show. It's refreshing to see a GMC as opposed to the more common Chevrolet trucks of this vintage. This truck oozes cool.

Your fearless editor, Albert Heiles showed his 1959 VW Herbie the Love Bug. A rarity at any show, this car is car number 6 and was used in the filming of The Love Bug and its sequel Herbie Rides Again.

No ISCA show is complete without at least one 1970s show car. This big block 1968 Corvette is a former championship winning car from 1972. Aside from one repaint a few years ago, this car is exactly how it was built. Complete with the fat McCreary tires, black and white Sony TV, and the wild flip nose front end. This one was originally built by show car builder Jerry Roman. 

Picks from the Pittsburgh World of Wheels: Round 1

This past weekend saw the 51st annual Pittsburgh World of Wheels come to town. I spent the weekend at the show as I had a car entered so I had the opportunity to spend a LOT of time looking at all the eye candy on display. Here's some of my choices of cars and trucks that were on display.

This 1965 Corvette was shown by Ron Champe. This car was a retirement project that took over two years to complete.

Bob Liberatore brought out this awesome 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 light weight replica. Gotta love the old factory racers and this one had all the looks, plus the punch thanks to a motor from Ford Racing. Bob had the 64 hooked up via a tow bar to his equally nice 64 Galaxie convertible. 

Atomic Orange is one of my favorite recent GM colors, it's also a favorite of Jim McGruder from Ohio. He brought his mildly customized 2007 Corvette which is themed around Orange Crush soda.

Here's another food themed entry. This 1955 Chevy Pickup owned by Gary & Flo Garman of Mt. Wolf, PA. Called Home Grown. The color theme of this tasty ride is watermelon. And interesting touch is the slight patina purposely placed on a few raised edges and the tail gate. And you have to love the watermelon shaped and painted air cleaner cover. 

Tammy Rayof Dahlonega, GA brought the 2011 Ridler Award winning 1933 Ford Phaeton to Pittsburgh. It's hard to hide that this is a Chip Foose designed hot rod. This one will be back in Detroit in a few weeks to defend it's title.

Dennis Mascari, owner of Mascari Auto Body brought two cars from his collection to the show. This 1957 Chevy Nomad carries factory fuel injection and genuine Corvette knockoff wheels.

An anniversary with a bang! Chevy announces 60th Anniversary Corvette

2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette, America's most loved sports car. Since 1978, Chevrolet has marked significant milestones for the Corvette. And for 2013, a new special edition will join those ranks. The 2013 Corvette 427 collector edition convertible will hit showrooms later this year when the 2013 model and final year of the "C6" Corvette goes in to production. However all 2013 Corvettes will be marked and badged as 60th Anniversary Corvettes, but there will be a separate 60th Anniversary Edition.

If you can't wait until then, you can head out to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ next weekend and bid for your chance to own the first one when the car makes it's public debut.

For the 427 collector edition, Chevrolet is blending elements of the Z06 and ZR1 in to one car and it will also mark the fastest convertible in Corvette history. It hasn't been announced exactly how many Chevy plans to build, but it will likely be a couple thousand.

Outside, the car will receive a carbon fiber hood, fenders, and floor boards as well as a carbon fiber front splitter. Several wheel choices will be available in 19 inch front and 20 inch rears.  

Performance wise, the car will carry the 7 liter, 427 cubic inch LS7 used in the Z06. This motor will have 505 horse power with 470 lb. ft. of torque and will be backed by a 6 speed manual transmission. No automatic trans will be available, even as an option. All anniversary edition cars will be painted Arctic White  with a Blue Diamond leather interior featuring suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top. And  anniversary edition cars will have special badging and embroidery and a special stripe package.

Pricing for the 2013 Corvettes has not been announced yet, but the first 427 Collector Edition can be yours when it rolls across the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Saturday, January 21st with all proceeds from the sale going to Drive to End Hunger food relief program.


Source & Photos: General Motors/Chevrolet.

Official press release:

DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.

“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.”
The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.

Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:

• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package

The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s better than:

• Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90
• Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58
• Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82
• Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31

The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top.

Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.

For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.

Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation.

The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger.

A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.

The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30” version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.

The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435” cars, these ’67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars.

The “L88” delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.

In 1969, a special “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers.

By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance

Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models
Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn’t begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model – also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette – was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well.

Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year – and available on the same car.

Scottsdale 2012: Russo & Steele 1953 Corvette

The 1953 Corvette might not have been a performance power house, but it laid the ground work for what would become one of Chevrolet's  longest running nameplates. The 1953 Corvette pictured here, may just be the finest example in the world of a first year vette. This car, #284 of 300 is owned by famed Corvette collector and researcher Noland Adams. He purchased this Corvette used in 1955 and under his ownership, treated the car to a 10 year long frame off restoration that was completed in 1999. Documenting every step of the process. And his efforts awarded him also Adams' 53 earned the Bloomington Gold Award, NCRS Top Flight, NCRS Performance Verification Awards, and the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award with a score of 99.8%, very impressive. Adams' 53 was also the basis for the U.S. Postal Service's Corvette stamp issued in 2003 for the Corvette's 50th anniversary.

Now in time for the Corvette's 60th anniversary in 2013 you can have the world's best 1953 Corvette in your collection. This car will be auctioned by Russo and Steel in Scottsdale, Az  January 18th through the 22nd.


Source & Photos: Russo and Steele

What's the Best Chevrolet of all time?

As part of Chevy's centennial this year, the fine folks over at GM created an online contest to pick the best car out of Chevrolet's 100 year line up. Cars like the 53 and 63 Corvettes, 57 Bel Air, 69 Camaro, 70 Chevelle SS, the 1912 Classic Six, 09 ZR1, and even the 2011 Volt and a handful of others were all up for voting over the last few weeks with the winners heading to next round. By the time it was all said and done, the Chevy fans, chose the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is the Best Chevrolet of all time. The Camaro won with an astounding 25,000+ votes. 2nd place was the 1970 Chevelle SS with only 18,000 votes.

Source: Chevrolet, General Motors

Little known history of the Chevrolet Bowtie.

Some automotive brands are pretty clear about how their corporate logos have come about. Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Porsche and Ferrari all come to mind. One that's not well known, but also shrouded with a bit of mystery is the bowtie logo of GM's Chevrolet division.

Several stories have emerged as to how the now famous logo originated. One from Billy Durant's daughter who says that it originated from her father's imagination one night at dinner. Another from Durant's widow saying that her husband found a similar logo while reading a newspaper while on vacation in 1912. Others say it is a stylized version of the Swiss flag cross as Louis Chevrolet was born in Sweeden.

The official origin from General Motors is that Billy Durant saw the logo as part of the pattern on some wallpaper in a Paris hotel that he would tear down and return to Detroit with in 1908. The earliest known use of the the bowtie logo dates to 1913. So who's to say which one is the true meaning behind the bowtie? Durant passed away in 1947, so the answer has certainly gone to the grave at this point. But there is no denying that it ended up being the right choice as now, 100 years later the Chevrolet brand is still in business making cars.

Press Release:

DETROIT, Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally recognized today, the Chevrolet bowtie logo was introduced by company co-founder William C. Durant in late 1913. But how it came to be synonymous with the brand is open to wide interpretation.

Durant's version of how the logo came into existence is well known. The long-accepted story, confirmed by Durant himself, was that it was inspired by the wallpaper design in a Parisian hotel.

According to The Chevrolet Story of 1961, an official company publication issued in celebration of Chevrolet's 50th anniversary:

"It originated in Durant's imagination when, as a world traveler in 1908, he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on wallpaper in a French hotel. He tore off a piece of the wallpaper and kept it to show friends, with the thought that it would make a good nameplate for a car."

However, conflicting accounts have emerged, each of which is plausible enough to deepen the mystery and suggest it may never be solved. Two of the alternate origins come from within the Durant family itself.

In 1929, Durant's daughter, Margery, published a book entitled, My Father. In it, she told how Durant sometimes doodled nameplate designs on pieces of paper at the dinner table. "I think it was between the soup and the fried chicken one night that he sketched out the design that is used on the Chevrolet car to this day," she wrote.

More than half a century later, another Bowtie origin was recounted in a 1986 issue of Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine based on a 13-year-old interview with Durant's widow, Catherine. She recalled how she and her husband were on holiday in Hot Springs, Va., in 1912. While reading a newspaper in their hotel room, Durant spotted a design and exclaimed, "I think this would be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet." Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Durant didn't clarify what the motif was or how it was used.

That nugget of information inspired Ken Kaufmann, historian and editor of The Chevrolet Review, to search out its validity. In a Nov. 12, 1911 edition of The Constitution newspaper, published in Atlanta, an advertisement appeared from by the Southern Compressed Coal Company for "Coalettes," a refined fuel product for fires. The Coalettes logo, as published in the ad, had a slanted bowtie form, very similar to the shape that would soon become the Chevrolet icon. Did Durant and his wife see the same ad – or one similar – the following year a few states to the north? The date of the paper was just nine days after the incorporation of the Chevrolet Motor Co.

One other explanation attributes the design to a stylized version of the cross of the Swiss flag. Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchatel, to French parents, on Christmas Day 1878.

Whichever origin is true, within a few years, the bowtie would emerge as the definitive Chevrolet logo. An October 2, 1913 edition of The Washington Post seems, so far, to be the earliest known example of the symbol being used to advertise the brand. "Look for this nameplate" the ad proclaims above the emblem. Customers the world over have been doing so ever since.

Many variations in coloring and detail of the Chevrolet bowtie have come and gone over the decades since its introduction in late 1913, but the essential shape has never changed. In 2004, Chevrolet began to phase in the gold bowtie that today serves as the brand identity for all of its cars and trucks marketed globally. The move reinforced the strength of what was already one of the most-recognized automotive emblems in the world. More than 4.25 million Chevrolets were sold in more than 120 countries and regions during 2010.

About Chevrolet -- Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Source: GM

Remember the bookmobile?

I remember visiting a book mobile at least a couple times in my early childhood. Sort of like rolling libraries, they would be stocked with a collection of books that you could checkout and return just like in a library, only it would be in the parking lot of the local strip mall. Now-a-days you don't see a bookmobile too often, if ever. Recently, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Library and Research Center was donated a vintage bookmobile. The 1955 Chevrolet 3600 proudly served Anderson County, South Carolina. Dave Bowman (left) and Tom Gibson of Crossroads Restorations in nearby Anderson presented the bookmobile to the AACA at its recent regional meet in Charlotte. Looking very solid with it's nicely aged patina, the AACA is now accepting donations to fund a restoration.

This looks like a very cool restoration project. I can see this thing restored in its original livery with some AACA Library logos added for good measure criss-crossing the major car show circuit with a load of vintage auto books and magazines in tow to help promote the AACA and their museum in Hershey, PA and even their meets.


Source: Hemmings

As official as it is going to get. General Motors files for bankruptcy

We're experiencing history folks. General Motors, the largest auto manufacturer and one of the worlds largest corporations has officially filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court.

We are awaiting a press conference from President Barak Obama regarding GM, and we will bring updates as they become available.

We do know that Chairman Fritz Henderson WILL continue to lead GM through bankruptcy. The fate of Saturn, Hummer and Saab is still up in the air at this point. Going through bankruptcy, GM will carry Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC Truck. Hummer, Saturn, Saab and Pontiac will be either phased out or sold.

The New York Stock Exchange was showing GM stock valued at $.75 cents late last night with morning trading showin $.70, though it has steadily gone back up all morning. Currently it is trading at $.98 cents per share.

General Motors to declare bankruptcy tomorrow

Tomorrow will be a truly sad day for the automobile industry. General Motors, the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, bankrupt. It just doesn't make sense saying it, even though we've been talking about it for months now.

General Motors was once THE company to watch in the industry. You could have said, what General Motors wants is what America wants. Unfortunately that isn't the case any more. Poor management decissions and the inability to keep up with market trends led to yearly losses in the billions of dollars. Couple that with legacy costs, the UAW, and the failure to restructure after government loans to the tune of $20 billion and we're left with the smoldering pile of goo that was once General Motors.

The saddest part is the loss of some great GM brands. We lost Oldsmobile in 2004. Hummer and Saab had been up in the air for the last 6 or so months, Saturn was poisoned by GM management over the last 15 + years. Opel is being divided up. And the biggest blow, Pontiac. Finally when Pontiac is making some great, fun cars they get the rug pulled out from under them.

This leaves GM with just Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC truck. I doubt we'll see the giant of GM that once was in the 1950s and 60s.

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

Pick your poison. 2009 Camaro Color Chart

Now first off, these are not official from GM. A diligent reader of autoblog.com, who just happens to work in the body shop of a Chevy dealer found these. So a Thank You goes out to this anonymous reader. Known only as Chris.

What we have is a list of 8 "possible" colors and the names of two others, sans the color chip. Those colors are Switchblade Silver Metallic and Aqua blue Metallic. We did notice that there is also a lack of white or green shades for the Camaro. I don't know about green, but it would look good in white. So we'll take this for what it is, and hope to hear something from Chevrolet soon. Here is the list.

*Victory Red

*Yellow

*Red Jewel Metallic

*Imperial Blue Metallic

*Ink Slate Metallic

*Mocha Bronze Metallic

*Black

*Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic

*Switchblade Silver Metallic

*Aqua Blue Metallic

We'll take ours in Mocha Bronze Metallic wit silver stripes.

Source: autoblog.com

The King returns! The 2009 Corvette ZR1

The Myth, The Legend, The History. It all returns with the new C6 Corvette ZR1. Formerly known as the Blue Devil and the Corvette SS. What we are looking at here is the fastest production Corvette of all time.

The aluminum and magnesium from the Z06 is the basis for the ZR1. At the front, you'll find a C6-R inspired splitter in carbon fiber. Flared front fenders with large air outlets to quickly move hot air out of the engine compartment. Also for the first time on a production Corvette, the hood has a clear lexan window to show off the new LS9 V8 engine. Which is oh so cool to look at. Oh, did we also mention that all the front sheet metal is carbon fiber rather than fiberglass?

A major styling change is the carbon fiber roof. GM really pulled out all the stops for the carbon fiber. GM materials engineers put a lot effort into developing an additive for the clear coat that could be applied to the carbon to preserve it for the life of the car. The ZR1 is the first car ever to have a carbon fiber clear coat that will last the life of the car. The chemical additive costs $60,000 a gallon and the clear coat with the additive mixed in comes to $2,000 a gallon. With out this the resins in the carbon fiber will break down over time, causing the appearance to yellow and become brittle.

When the original ZR1 was let lose in 1990, it was powered by a dual overhead cam, 5.7 liter V8 with 405 horsepower. Seems like nothing when compared with the super cars of today, but for 1990 this was earth shattering. The new LS9 supercharged 6.2 liter V8 in the 2009 ZR1 is rumored to have somewhere between 620 and 650 horsepower. That's well over the 505 hp on the current Z06 with it's 7.0 liter V8.

With the Z06, GM received many complaints about how hard the car was to drive on the street. Yeah it did great at the track, but in an everyday setting. It was just too much. In the ZR1, there are softer springs than the Z06 but GM added the same magneto-rheological dampers as the Ferrari 599. The fluid in these units is filled with iron particles and the viscosity can be instantly changed by varying an electric current passing through it. Sensors in the car take measurements every 0.001 seconds and adjust the dampers every 0.002 seconds.

15 inch Brembo brake rotors are placed in the rear wheels, while 15.5 inch rotors are used up front. Capped with bright blue 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers, also from Brembo. The brakes are topped with Michelin Pilot Sport

285/30ZR19s front tires while traction goes through 335/25ZR20s at the rear.

Will the new ZR1 be King of the Hill like the C4 ZR1? Only time will tell, and the numbers will be proven once GM sends a few out for testing. Look for more details as we get closer to the Detroit auto show next month.

Source: GM.

Toyota Tundra 2008 Motor Trend Tuck of the Year?

In a shocking surprise today. Motor Trend has announced the Toyota Tundra pickup as their 2008 Truck of the Year winner. Using the same system used to calculate the Car of the Year. The Tundra was judged in three categories. Euperiority, value and significance. And scored highly in all three. Competition was tough this year. The Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD and Ford's F-250, 350 and 450 Super Duty trucks.

Despite recalls, poor IHS ratings and poor build quality. Not to mention the huge rebates and incentives. The Tundra pulled it off. Toyota has been striving for 200,000 Tundras sold this year, and with this announcement the push will pick up steam to close out the year.

For the record. Our vote was for Ford. Don't get us wrong. The Tundra is a cool truck and all. But how can anyone ignore the fact that the rest of the line up offers Diesle powerplants?

Source: Motor Trend

2008 Chevrolet Impala 50th Anniversary Edition

The Chevrolet Impala has long been a favorite of ours. For 2008, not only will General Motors be marking their 100th anniversary, but Chevrolet will be marking the 50th anniversary of the Impala. Now before we get all excited and start dreaming of the return of the ever popular 94-96 Impala SS. We have to pop out balloon and come back to earth.

What we have for a special 50th anniversary edition is a dressed up Impala LT. Nothing too special, but for a paint and badge option. You will get an Impala that is a little different from the rest. The LT comes as an already well equipped grocery getter, though here are some of the major items you'll get with the 50th.

*Sports Suspension

*18 inch wheels

*Rear Spoiler

*2 Tone leather interior

*Special 50th Anniversary badges, doorsills & embroidery

*Choice of Black Granite Metallic or Red Jewel Tintcoat paint

Otherwise, the rest of the car is a pretty much standard affair. 3.5 liter V6 pushing 211Hp with 214 lb. ft. of torque. And will be a FlexFuel car. Able to run on both gasoline and E85 Ethanol. OnStar will of course, also be standard.

Now if I worked and GM(and I wish I did). I would have based the 50th anniversary Impala on the Impala SS. But that's just me. That would have given the just that extra bit to make it a really special car. I would also make maybe two or three thousand of them. After all, isn't that what makes a special edition a special edition? We'll take ours in black at any rate.

Source: GM.

PRESS RELEASE:

CHEVROLET MARKS 50 YEARS OF THE IMPALA WITH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

DETROIT – An iconic brand of America's automotive market for half a century, Chevrolet's venerable Impala celebrates its golden anniversary in 2008. Chevy is recognizing the milestone with a commemorative model.

Like the original 1958 edition, the 2008 Impala 50 th Anniversary Edition is distinguished with unique trim and amenities, giving customers a special product infused with the fun-to-drive spirit that has characterized the Impala for half a century.

"Chevrolet is thrilled to mark 50 years of the Impala," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Few brands can claim such a heritage and throughout the decades, Impala has always stood for the value, performance and style that has made Chevrolet America's car."

The Impala 50 th Anniversary Edition goes on sale in spring 2008. It is based on the popular and well-equipped Impala LT, with the following unique and standard features:

* FE3 Sport Suspension (replaces the FE1 Touring Suspension)

* Four-wheel ABS

* Eighteen-inch alloy wheels (replaces 16-inch wheels)

* Rear spoiler

* "50 th Anniversary" Impala badge on the C-pillar

* Two-tone, leather-trimmed seats and "50 th" logo embroidered on the front headrests
* Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (replaces six-way adjustability)

* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent-color thread (includes audio controls)

* Ebony carpet

* Ebony floor mats with accent threading

* "50 th" Anniversary emblem on the sill plates

* Two premium exterior colors: Black Granite Metallic or Red Jewel Tintcoat

The 50 th Anniversary Impala also includes a one-year upgrade to the OnStar Directions and Connections package, including Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Also standard is the Impala's convenient flip-and-fold rear seats, the cushions of which flip forward to reveal a storage tub that serves as a covered storage area beneath the seat and offers convenient grocery bag hooks. A generous pass-through from the trunk can be created by flipping the seat bottoms forward and the seat backs flat – an exclusive feature in the midsize segment.

The 50 th Anniversary Impala is powered by a refined and efficient 3.5L V-6, rated at 211 horsepower (157 kW)* and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm)* of torque. Vehicles with federal emissions systems in the United States are equipped with the 3.5L engine, which is compatible with E85 ethanol fuel, allowing the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85.

When using gasoline only, the 3.5L-equipped Impala is EPA-rated at 29 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet to return to ALMS with Corvette C6.R in 2008

There had been some speculation that Chevrolet was not going to continue to participate in the American LeMans Series(ALMS) after the 2007 season due to lack of competition inf the GT1 class. Though today Chevrolet has announced that they will participate in the full 12 race 2008 schedule. So expect to see the familiar images of the competition yellow C6.R Corvettes thundering down the straights next year.

Competing in the series for 2008 will be an important part of General Motors 100th anniversary celebration in 2008.

Since the teams debut in 1999. Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships in ALMS. The team also holds the series' records for class victories (57) and 1-2 finishes (40).

Source: GM.

Press Release:

Chevrolet Factory Team to Run Entire ALMS Schedule and 24 Hours of Le Mans

DETROIT – Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series, will compete in the GT1 class in all 12 events on the ALMS schedule in 2008. Chevrolet's two-car factory road racing team will also return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in pursuit of a sixth GT1 title in the world's most famous sports car race.

"Corvette Racing was conceived as a long-term program to showcase the performance, technology, and value of Chevrolet's world-class sports car," said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. "Since the team's competition debut in 1999, Corvette Racing's success in top-tier road racing has produced a strong return on our investment, paying dividends in marketing, engineering, technology transfer, personnel development and other areas of our business. Corvette is now a performance icon that's recognized around the world, and Corvette Racing's continued participation in the ALMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be an important element in the global celebration of GM's 100th anniversary in 2008."

Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships in ALMS competition. The team holds the series' records for class victories (57) and 1-2 finishes (40).

"Our decision to compete in all 12 rounds of the ALMS schedule in 2008 reflects our commitment to our sponsors, our suppliers, and to Corvette enthusiasts worldwide," said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing Group manager. "There is a reason why thousands of Corvette owners attend Corvette Corrals at ALMS events and why the autograph line at Corvette Racing is the longest in the ALMS paddock: Racing is an integral part of Corvette's history and heritage, and we are continuing that tradition.

"Experience teaches us that motorsports is cyclical, and the GT1 category is currently in transition," Wesoloski observed. "Would we like to see more competition in GT1 in the ALMS? Absolutely! But in the absence of season-long competition, we are absolutely committed to controlling our own destiny. We are pushing hard to develop our chassis and powertrain, to refine our race strategy, and to continuously improve every element of the program. We know that the competition at Le Mans will be intense, and we will use the ALMS series to hone the race cars, the drivers, and the team to prepare for it."

Corvette Racing will test two new Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars in February in preparation for the season-opening round of the ALMS series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, on March 15, 2008.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

New Camaro spy picture sans camo

Well zebra stripes at least. Here's a fresh off the net spy pic of the 2010 Camaro. We like what we're seeing so far. It looks very close to the concept Camaro. Looks like the side air scoops are just stamped in the sheet metal, rather than functional. Though that was to be expected. The grille looks as though it has changed also. We should see a production version of the Camaro in Detroit next month. So more info should be on the way soon.

Source. Camaro5.com

Camo'd Camaro spotted in Australia

Looks like the General is doing some down under testing of the 2009 Camaro. Why they have the car camouflaged is anyone's guess though. Chevrolet vowed to keep the car as close as possible to the concept car as they could. You can make out the roof line is the same and the rear end looks to be pretty similar to the concept. No good shots of the front end though. Enjoy the pics.

Source: Straightline via Autoblog.com.

Chevy Volt Teaser Shot

Here's a teaser shot out of General Motors today. Gives you an idea of what the Volt production car will look like, but without giving too much away.

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz vowed at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the Volt project is working at full steam ahead. This is all in order to have the Volt in production by the end of the decade. He also announced that we will start seeing driveable prototypes on the road as early as spring of 08.

I like what I'm seeing from this teaser shot. The styling follows along the lines of Chevrolet's current line up. The grille work reminds me of the new Malibu. You can also make out the low sleek roofline carried over from the concept Volt.

More info as it becomes available.

Source: GM

Super Bowl ads. Ford, Chrysler, & VW oddly missing

We got word that there will be four automakers with ads during the Super Bowl this year. General Motors will have a Chevrolet 60 second spot during the second quarter and Cadillac will be sponsor for the pre and post game shows.

Hyundai and Toyota will both have two spots each. Also announced is a spot from Audi. This marks their first time advertising during a Super Bowl in 20 years. Theirs will be a two minute long spot featuring the Audi R8.

Toyota's ad will more than likely pump up the new Sequoia and Tundra pickup. Though I highly doubt that it will do anything to help the Tundra's image right now.

Cars.com will also have a 30 second spot this year.

Strangely though is the lack of an announcement that Ford or Chrysler will be having spots. There is still time for them to jump on the band wagon, so we'll see where it goes.

I watch the Super Bowl just for the car ads. General Motors has always topped our list of favorites. So as a bonus, we're including our favorite GM spot from the Super Bowl in 06.


Source: Automotive News, Audi.

GM to halt production at three factories

GM has plans in place to cut production in the first quarter of 08 to help dealers control their excess inventories. Though today, The Detroit News announced that GM will halt production at three factories for two weeks. Production is limited to just the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as of right now. The factories effected are, Pontiac, Michigan, Fort Wayne, Indiana and Oshawa, Ontario Canada. The factories will stop production effective December 31st.

Source: The Detroit News.