Car Blog

Chevrolet announced pricing for the 2011 Silverado HD, highlighted by carryover pricing on the improved Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission. This means best-in-class horsepower and torque at 397 HP and 765 lb-ft of torque, respectively, for the same option price as 2010 models.

“Heavy duty pickup customers are some of the most knowledgeable out there, and we heard them loud and clear. They want maximum power and capability at the best value possible,” said Product Director Maria Rohrer. “We delivered huge increases in power and capability while actually improving our fuel economy with the Duramax diesel engine – all while maintaining current pricing.”

Silverado HD base pricing starts at $27,965, which excludes a $995 destination charge. An upgrade to the proven Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission combination runs $8,395 – the same amount as in 2010, despite the significant improvements in fuel economy – including a highway cruising range of up to 680 miles; aforementioned increases in performance; and new B20 biodiesel capability.

The 2011 Silverado HD also offers the latest technology in driver confidence and control features such as trailer sway control, smart exhaust braking, hill start assist and more. An all-new chassis, featuring a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame combines with the aforementioned engine improvements to increase trailering capacity to 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg), and payload capacity to 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg).

The Silverado HD will be offered in work truck, LT and LTZ trim levels, and will begin production in May. Delivery to dealers is expected in early June. All models come with a segment-best five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Hyundai, Kia and Ford Accelerate on Cars.com as Longtime Market Leaders See Declining Interest

Amidst concerns over the Toyota recall, interest in several of the brand’s popular models declined sharply in February on Cars.com. According to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index, which tracks the fluctuation of consumer contact with dealers originating from the site, 6 of the top 10 decreases were for Toyota models including Rav4, Corolla, Camry, Highlander, Prius and FJ Cruiser. GM rounded out the top ten decreases, with four models experiencing sharp declines in consumer interest – Sierra 1500, Corvette, Tahoe and Equinox.

The Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia benefited directly from Toyota’s troubles. Interest in the new Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sorento skyrocketed in the month of February according to Cars.com. In addition to the two Korean manufacturers, Ford continued its strong performance on the site which has helped propel the manufacturer past GM in terms of total sales for the first time since 1998.

The Hyundai Sonata topped Cars.com’s list of new cars experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers, with a whopping 106 percent increase. The Sonata was followed by the Hyundai Tucson at 83 percent and the Kia Sorento at 69 percent. Ford also had three cars in the top 10. The new Fusion, Escape and F-150 ranked 6th, 7th and 8th respectively.

The Toyota Sienna, which wasn’t part of the recall and received positive reviews on Cars.com for its recent redesign, surprisingly bucked the trend and ranked 4th out of the 10 vehicles experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers.

“The aggressive marketing efforts on the part of Hyundai and Kia are working when it comes to generating interest among car shoppers,” said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen. “It’s nothing short of surprising to see the activity that the new Toyota Sienna has generated, considering all the turmoil surrounding the automaker’s recalls.”

Cars.com Consumer Search Index – February 2010:

February Movers// % Increase in Consumer Contacts to   Dealers
Hyundai Sonata 106%
Hyundai Tucson 83%
Kia Sorento 69%
Toyota Sienna 30%
Honda Odyssey 19%
Ford Fusion 15%
Ford Escape 11%
Ford F150 10%
Honda Civic 9%
Chevrolet Camaro 7%

February Losers// % Decrease in Consumer Contacts to   Dealers
GMC Sierra 1500 51%
Toyota RAV4 50%
Toyota Camry 38%
Toyota Corolla 37%
Toyota Highlander 37%
Chevrolet Corvette 35%
Toyota Prius 34%
Chevrolet Tahoe 33%
Chevrolet Equinox 28%
Toyota FJ Cruiser 25%

Chevrolet introduced the 2011 Silverado HD truck lineup, with an all-new chassis that helps deliver segment-best towing and payload capability, as well as an available new Duramax 6.6L diesel engine and Allison 1000 transmission combination expected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy. The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks go on sale this summer.

“We reached out to our customers during the development of the 2011 Silverado HD and considered their input to produce a truck that offers class-leading strength and capability with more power, quicker acceleration and lower emissions,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup offers all-new, fully-boxed frame assemblies; stronger independent and new asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspensions; a strengthened 6.0L Vortec 6L90 standard powertrain; a new, exclusive exhaust brake system; larger brakes; improved ride, handling and steering; and comprehensive safety and functional technologies such as 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models and state-of-the art connectivity.

The Silverado heavy-duty lineup grows to 11 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered and popular features, including the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system, return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Depending on the model the Silverado HD offers:

• On the available Duramax 6.6L diesel, horsepower and torque are expected to top the previous model, along with expected segment-best fuel economy and B20 biodiesel capability
• Segment-best fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
• Segment-best conventional towing capacity increases up to 23 percent, with a maximum of 16,000 pounds (7,272 kg)
• Segment-best payload capability of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) with a complete vehicle
• Segment-best Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings increases up to 17 percent to 13,000 pounds (5,909 kg)
• Front Axle Weight Rating increases by up to 25 percent to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
• Exhaust brake system designed to extend brake pad life and help avoid overheating on long descents
• Snow plow capability enabled for all 4WD cab configurations

“Along with all their heavy-duty equipment, these trucks are designed to be stylish and refined, inside and out,” said Campbell. “We paid close attention to all the details, giving them a distinctive, muscular appearance on the exterior and a well-appointed interior with the comfort, convenience and safety features customers appreciate.”

On the outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too (20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels available on 2500HD).

Chevrolet Suburban turns 75 with special-edition model

When the first Chevrolet Suburban went on sale in 1935, America had not yet put a man in space, the microwave oven did not exist and there was no Internet. While times have changed, the Suburban – the industry’s longest-running model – is still serving families and businesses that need maximum passenger and cargo space and truck-like towing capability.

To commemorate this milestone, Chevrolet introduced the 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban in Chicago. Limited to 2,570 units (including 350 for Canada and other markets), it seats up to nine; features premium LTZ content; a White Diamond Tricoat exterior color and Cashmere interior; unique 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and new roof rack rails. Special badging adorns the C-pillar sail panel and steering wheel center cap, while “Diamond Edition” lettering is used on the sill plates and embroidered on the front headrests.

“We are grateful for the 75 years of support our customers have shown for the Chevrolet Suburban, and we look forward to many more years of being their vehicle of choice,” said Campbell.

The 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban goes on sale this summer.

Chevrolet Volt

Production of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range begins later this year in Hamtramck, Mich. Chevrolet has announced that sales will start simultaneously in California, Michigan and Washington D.C. with other markets to follow. In addition, Chevrolet is partnering with utility providers in each lead market and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) on development and demonstration programs designed to introduce customers to electric vehicles.

Chevrolet will deliver more than 100 Volts to 10 utilities across the U.S. as part of the extended demonstration program. The overall program includes 500 charging stations that will be installed for residential, business and public use. They will be used to learn more about the installation process, vehicle charging and to gauge customer feedback.

The program is made possible with a grant of more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range about 300 miles before needing to refuel or plug in to recharge the battery.

Chevrolet grows its family of small and compact cars

Chevrolet’s plans for fuel-efficient small and compact cars are highlighted with the Spark five-door mini car, Aveo RS show car and Cruze compact sedan. Revealed last month in Detroit, the Aveo RS show car features a European-inspired hot hatch design that strongly hints at the upcoming Aveo production car.

Here’s a deeper look at the cars:

Chevrolet Spark: The five-door Chevrolet Spark, the smallest member of Chevrolet’s family of cars, brings style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars. Spark will provide great fuel economy, and its trim size makes it very agile in all kinds of driving conditions while still feeling substantial on the open road. The U.S. production version of the Spark will go on sale in early 2012.

“This small vehicle makes a big statement,” said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars. “With its fresh, youthful approach, we believe Spark will appeal to customers who want excellent fuel economy, functionality and style at an affordable price.”

More details on the U.S. version of the Spark will be announced at a later date.

Chevrolet Aveo RS show car: The Aveo RS show car provides a glimpse of what designers have in mind for the future production car. Its electric Boracay Blue finish, motorcycle-inspired exposed headlamps and taillamps, low roofline, fender flares, large wheels and tires, and dual-cockpit interior hint at the next-generation Aveo.

“The current Aveo is a major player in Chevrolet’s global small-car portfolio,” said Campbell. “Our intent with the Aveo RS show car is to demonstrate Chevrolet’s vision and design potential for a small car we think will resonate well with customers in the U.S.”

Focusing on Aveo’s target audience of young buyers, Chevrolet gave the show car a sporty appearance inside and out. An aggressive front fascia; clean, uninterrupted body side lines; an integrated rear roof spoiler; wide stance; and large, 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with a gun metal metallic Chevrolet logo and Boracay Blue brake calipers suggest upscale style and dynamic handling.

The Boracay Blue continues inside, with accent stitching in the instrument panel dual cockpit, front and rear door panels, gear shift boot, parking brake and seat bolster.

The Aveo RS show car features the same small-displacement 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Delivering 138 horsepower (103 kW), it performs like two powerplants in one, with the fuel economy of a small engine and the performance of a larger one. In the Aveo RS show car, the 1.4L turbo is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Plant retooling is scheduled to begin later this year.

Chevrolet Cruze: The North American version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan makes its first visit to Chicago show-goers. Already on sale in Asia and Europe with strong market acceptance, the Cruze has been refined for America, bringing a midsize car presence to the compact sedan segment.

Cruze will deliver many segment-leading features, more interior room and more cargo capacity than the competition, as well as upscale amenities such as Bluetooth, USB and navigation. It offers midsize roominess, safety and amenities with the fuel economy and expected price of a compact car. Cruze features 10 standard air bags and has achieved five-star safety ratings in every market where it is sold.

Cruze is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model. The all-new Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio beginning in the third quarter.

Source: General Motors

GM announced that its new lineup of heavy-duty diesel pickups will have B20 biodiesel capability. B20 fuel is a blend of 20-percent biodiesel and 80-percent conventional diesel, which helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessens dependence on petroleum. The announcement was made at the National Biodiesel Conference.

GM’s new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine has been substantially revised to include B20 capability, as well as meet strict new emissions standards effective this year. The new Duramax will power the redesigned 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. Chevrolet will unveil the 2011 Silverado heavy-duty trucks at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 10.

“B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors,” said Mike Robinson, vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum.”

GM already leads in the marketing of FlexFuel vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol with more than 4 million vehicles on the road today. Like ethanol, biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel made primarily of plant matter – mostly soybean oil. In pure form, biodiesel lowers carbon dioxide emissions.

“The 2007 federal energy bill mandates increased biodiesel production and more states and municipalities are requiring it,” said Robinson. “Biodiesel production is growing and GM is excited and ready to satisfy demand with our new B20 capable Duramax 6.6L engine.”

Estimates by National Biodiesel Board indicate about 700 million gallons of the fuel were produced in 2008 – up from about 500,000 gallons in 1999. Market fluctuations caused production to decrease in 2009, but it is expected to rise with more mandates and the availability of approved vehicles, such as the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty trucks.

Validated and approved fuel

Extensive testing and validation was performed on the Duramax 6.6L using B20 that meets ASTM International’s standard D7467, which covers biodiesel blends between B6 and B20.

“True biodiesel is created through transesterfication and that’s what the Duramax 6.6L is designed to use,” said Coleman Jones, GM biofuels implementation manager. “Strict testing and validation was performed to ensure the new engine is B20-capable, however approved biodiesel is the only way to guarantee engine performance and longevity.”

The Duramax diesel is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

To make the Duramax 6.6L and its fuel system compatible with B20, GM upgraded some seals and gasket materials to withstand the ester content of biodiesel and included an upgraded fuel filter that includes a coalescing element. It improves the separation of water that may be present in the fuel, because biodiesel can attract and absorb water. Also, additional heating of the fuel circuit was added to reduce the chance of fuel gelling or waxing that could plug filters.

The Duramax 6.6L’s diesel particulate regeneration system features a downstream injector that supplies fuel for the regeneration process. This greatly reduces potential oil dilution, important with using biodiesel. Downstream injection saves fuel and works better with B20 than in-cylinder post injection.

Source: General Motors

Chevrolet Releases Cold Weather Feature’s Popularity Figures

With winter weather coming to much of the country, the scrunch, scrunch, scrunch sound of scraping ice from the windshield leaves most people cold – literally and figuratively. So it makes sense that more and more customers are making remote start a popular feature on Chevrolet vehicles. Chevrolet announced that for the 2010 model year, 80 percent of the Tahoes and Suburbans have the factory-installed feature that lets customers start their vehicles with the touch of a button.

The remote start feature, available since the 2004 model year, is also popular on other Chevrolet cars and trucks:

– Traverse – 72 percent
– Impala – 70 percent
– Malibu – 40 percent

The feature costs $300 or less, depending on the model.

“Chevrolet customers tell us they love this feature, because it makes their lives a little easier,” said Chuck Bongiorno, GM’s engineering group manager for vehicle access, starting and security. “On a cold winter morning, a customer’s Malibu or Equinox can be toasty inside and the windows defrosted before they get in their car to head off to work.”

Remote start also can reduce overall emissions versus a cold-start drive-away because as the idling engine warms, it activates the catalyst that traps unburned hydrocarbons.

And no need to worry about a car thief jumping in and driving off. The vehicle doors are locked while remote start is running. Remote start runs for 10 minutes and then shuts off, unless the driver extends the time up to 20 minutes.

The Chevrolet remote start system makes sure the vehicle is operating properly every time it is started. The system checks to be sure the hood is closed, via a hood switch and conducts a host of vehicle diagnostics.

Using the remote start system is easy. First, the driver presses the “LOCK” button on their key fob, locking the doors. Then the driver presses and holds the remote start button on the fob for one and a half seconds. This two-step process helps prevent inadvertent activation and assures the vehicle is locked. To signify the remote start system received the signal, the vehicle’s signal lamps flash once. When the engine begins running, the parking lamps illuminate.

“The system in the Chevrolet lineup is superior to any on the market because it is integrated into the vehicle’s electrical, theft and safety systems,” said Scott McCullough, the GM lead subsystem engineer on the system. “A fully integrated system enhances vehicle quality and reliability while offering customers a more price competitive option.”

Ford currently offers a dealer-installed, after market system that costs nearly $400. Toyota’s remote start system costs more than $500.

Introduced in 2003, the Chevrolet remote start system is offered on the 2010 Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban, Traverse, Impala, Malibu, Cobalt, HHR, Camaro, Equinox and Express models.

Source: General Motors

Chevrolet, General Motors and the National Federation of the Blind are cooperating to identify a safe level of sound to alert the blind and other pedestrians to the presence of near silent-running electric and hybrid vehicles.

“We are confident electric vehicles can produce a safe and acceptable level of sound to alert blind pedestrians to their presence,” said John Pare, NFB executive director of strategic initiatives. “We look forward to working with Chevrolet and GM to identify an appropriate sound that will alert pedestrians in the most effective and least disruptive way possible.”

Members of the National Federation of the Blind and engineers from GM began meeting earlier this year to understand the safety needs of pedestrians with respect to quiet vehicles, and to work on solutions for the benefit of pedestrians, cyclists, runners, children and other members of the public.

Several NFB members recently experienced a demonstration of the pedestrian warning alert on a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle driven at various speeds by chief engineer Andrew Farah. While visiting GM’s Milford Proving Ground, they also evaluated the alert from the front, sides and rear of the car.

“We have significant background in the area of pedestrian alerts dating to our work on our first electric car, the EV1,” Farah said, “The most important thing is to listen to the people who will interact with these vehicles in everyday life.”

Deborah Kent Stein, who chairs the NFB’s Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety, said, “A recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrated that the silent operation of hybrid vehicles is an issue for all pedestrians, not just the blind. In certain situations, electric or hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in collisions with pedestrians. The NFB looks forward to working with the safety agency in the crafting of appropriate standards establishing an acceptable level of minimum vehicle sound.”

“The National Federation of the Blind appreciates the opportunity to work with General Motors on this problem,” said Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind. “We urge all automobile manufacturers to work with the blind in designing vehicle sounds to alert us to the approach, speed and direction of vehicles so that both drivers and pedestrians can safely use America’s roadways.”

Source: General Motors