Concept: Chevrolet Camaro Black

It's hard to go unnoticed in a 2010 Camaro, but the Chevrolet Camaro Black Concept suggests a stealthy approach to street style. From its matte black-finished hood and ground effects to its dark wheels and red-glowing HID headlamp halo rings, the Camaro Black Concept is a sinister-looking urban tuner vehicle.

The Chevrolet Camaro Black Concept prowls the streets with the following equipment:

• Chevy Accessories ground effects package and rear diffuser
• High-intensity discharge headlamps with unique red "halo ring" color
• Revised, darker grille finish
• RS tail lamps with dark-tinted lenses
• Color-matched exterior badging
• SS-model spoiler
• Matte black hood finish
• Tinted glass
• Chevy Accessories 21-inch wheels with darkened finish
• Brembo four-wheel disc brake package

The interior also carries a slightly sinister ambience, with:

• Red LED instrument lighting and red footwell ambient lighting
• Black chrome trim accents
• Dark-finished accents, including the shift knob, radio face, steering wheel ring, gauge trim and door handles
• Custom sill plates
• Leather-covered seats with grey accent stitching

The Chevrolet Camaro Black Concept also features Chevy Accessories' premium audio upgrade package, along with MTX speakers.

Under the hood is the production 3.6L V-6 that produces 300 horsepower. A Chevy Accessories engine cover provides a suitable accent.

Concept: Chevrolet Orlando

The Chevrolet Orlando Concept is a clear indication that Chevrolet is considering an expansion to its portfolio with a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with distinctive sport-utility-like design, adaptable seating and impressive interior space.

Based on the recently announced all-new Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando carries Chevrolet's signature design language into a new vehicle segment. It explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon in a single execution.

Chevrolet Orlando cuts a distinctive silhouette, replacing conventional monocab proportions with a more defined contrast between the hood and windshield lines. With flared fenders instead of a flat side-body, Chevrolet Orlando Concept has a muscular stance that gives it the appearance of a sport utility vehicle, yet it offers dynamic ride and handling, excellent fuel efficiency and easy entry thanks to its car-based architecture.

Inside, the five-door Chevrolet Orlando Concept is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants. Whenever load carrying becomes a priority, the spacious cabin can be quickly transformed into a large cargo area. A generous 2,760 mm wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks provide Orlando with outstanding interior roominess.

Chevrolet's latest-generation, 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/110 kW and 320 Nm of torque, provides a powerful and efficient powertrain.

Strong Design Statement

Orlando takes Chevrolet's design into the multi-purpose vehicle segment. The front features the brand's signature twin-port grille and the large, sweeping headlamp housings seen on the Cruze. It also incorporates a concave shoulder line that extends along the body into the wraparound tail lights, another design feature from the Cruze that will distinguish future-generation Chevrolet products.

This distinctive look is complemented by the flared fender lines, defining a 'wheels-out/body-in' stance that visually lowers the higher roof line. The ice-blue theme for instrument illumination is also used on the exterior of Chevrolet Orlando Concept in the laser-etched surfacing of the headlamps, tail lights and full-length glass roof.

Inside, Orlando features Chevrolet's 'dual cockpit' design theme, with grained, dark grey accents extending outwards either side of the center stack.

The cabin is designed to meet the demands of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with infotainment options and navigation. Overhead, a storage compartment extends along the center of the roof, providing useful stowage space for rear passengers. Design details include a center stack recess to hold a personal device/MP3 player when it is connected to the USB or Aux ports. Further storage space is provided inside the floor console, the second row center arm-rest and under the floor in the rear.

The raised roof enables a theater-style seating layout. It provides all occupants, particularly children, with an improved view inside and outside the vehicle, while enabling conversation between all those on board.

Adaptable Interior

A generous 2,760 mm wheelbase, 75 mm longer than that of the new Cruze sedan, and front and rear tracks 40 mm and 30 mm wider, provide Chevrolet Orlando Concept with seating and cargo-carrying space that is among best-in-class for compact MPVs.

It is a true seven-seater, with second and third row legroom of 950 mm and 753 mm, respectively. The reverse faces of these seat backs are covered in a tough, metal finish and can be folded completely flat for easy loading. A range of occupant and load-carrying configurations is provided by 60/40 second-row and 50/50 third-row split folding seating.

"We focused on giving Chevrolet Orlando Concept a strong, robust appearance," says Designer Seungwoo Kim. "It draws on Chevrolet's tradition for honest, simple design, while at the same time extending our new design language into the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment."

The New Chevrolet Volt

General Motors launched its next 100 years by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.

"Revealing the production version of the Chevrolet Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Chevrolet Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."

New era in automotive transportation

The Chevrolet Volt is leading a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV.

The Chevrolet Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Chevrolet Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Chevrolet Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Chevrolet Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.

The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Chevrolet Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Chevrolet Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Chevrolet Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home's refrigerator and freezer units.

Charge out of driving

The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Chevrolet Volt's battery pack provide ample power. The Chevrolet Volt's electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.

GM estimates that the Chevrolet Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevrolet Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.

The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States.

Technical Specifications

• Vehicle type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive sedan
• Category: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV)
• Chassis: independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
• Seating capacity: four
• Tire and wheel size: specially developed low rolling-resistance tires on 17-inch forged aluminum wheels
• Performance
  • Top speed: 100 mph / 160 km/h
  • EV range, city (miles): 40 (based on EPA city cycle)
• Dimensions
  • Wheelbase: 105.7" / 2685 mm
  • Length: 177" / 4404 mm
  • Width: 70.8" / 1798 mm
  • Height: 56.3" / 1430 mm
  • Cargo volume: 10.6 cu ft / 301 l
• Battery system
  • Type: lithium-ion
  • Energy: 16 kWh
• Electric drive unit
  • Power: 111 kW / 150 hp
  • Torque: 273 lb-ft / 370 Nm

The New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

"Chevrolet's goal with the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much - and does so with exceptional driveability," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's basic stats:

• All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
• Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
• New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
• Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
• Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
• Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear - developed specifically for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors - 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
• Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
• Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
• Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-specific dual vents
• Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window - offering a view of the intercooler below it
• Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
• ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
• Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
• Only two options: chrome wheels and a "luxury" package
• Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)

Transmission and axle

The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear - a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.

The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates, corresponding to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06's 290-mm single-disc system.

The rear axle also is stronger in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.

Ride and handling

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The system's ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.

From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.

Brakes, wheels and tires

Commensurate with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.

The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear - making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.

Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each painted a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design - double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.

The brakes are visible through the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.

Exclusive exterior

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

The New Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet Announces the All-New 2009 Traverse

Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs.

With styling cues inspired by the acclaimed ’08 Chevy Malibu, the Traverse delivers refined details with strong proportions and the bold front-end appearance found on all new Chevrolets. Traverse will start production in the third quarter of 2008 at GM’s Spring Hill, Tenn. manufacturing facility.

“We think the Traverse is the right vehicle at the right time,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It has great looks, utility and safety, with a driving experience typically found in smaller vehicles. But it delivers this with three rows of seating – including a third row that fits adults – and class-leading cargo space. The Traverse is following the formula that is bringing Chevy back to a new generation of consumers – great styling, loads of class-leading features and tremendous value.”

The ’09 Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Product highlights include:

• Distinctive design that highlights the new face of Chevrolet
• Optimized aerodynamics that enhance fuel economy and reduce wind noise
• Four-wheel independent suspension system
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
• Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats
• Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls
• Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows
• OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation and Direction Download (with navigation system)
• XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong build quality
• Sleek, sophisticated design

The Traverse casts a unique profile with a sleek, smooth and flowing design that characterizes the new, global face of Chevrolet. Elements such as chrome-ringed grille inserts, available projector-beam headlamps and large wheel-and-tire combinations highlight the vehicle’s finely honed attention to detail.

Taut body lines and minimal overhangs convey the image of a smaller vehicle, reinforcing the Traverse’s feeling of a large vehicle that drives smaller, while tight tolerances between body components – enhanced by the vehicle’s unitized body structure, which enables wraparound, single-piece fascias – emphasize a highly precise build quality.

“The Traverse delivers a design that is unexpected from Chevrolet,” said Michael Burton, director of design for the exterior. “Many of the details are typical on higher-priced vehicles, but the Traverse brings them to a level that is accessible to more customers.”

Some of the upscale design details include:

• Deep-set grille inserts with chrome-ringed trim
• Turn signals integrated in the outside mirrors
• Expressive taillamps
• Rear spoiler integrated over the tailgate window
• Roof rails designed to enhance the sleek appearance when a roof rack is not in place
• 20-inch Ultra-Bright aluminum wheels (standard on LTZ models)
• Dual, bright exhaust outlets
• Panoramic, power-operated sunroof

“The headlamps, for example, are more than merely projector beam units; they are integrated in stylized housings that are rich and detailed, reinforcing the high-tech features found throughout the Traverse,” said Burton.

Like the exterior, the Traverse’s interior is a confluence of refined styling, technology and attention to detail. The instrument panel has a dual-cockpit design that is a hallmark of Chevrolet’s heritage; it flows into the door panels, creating a sleek, highly detailed appearance. The instrument panel is mounted in a “low and away” position that enhances outward visibility.

The instrument panel houses a pair of large gauge binnacles that are accented with bright trim rings; and for so-equipped vehicles, the available navigation system screen is integrated prominently at the upper-center of the instrument panel.

The Traverse’s interior can be configured for seven or eight adults, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain’s chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Perforated leather seats and second-row captain’s chairs are available. The third-row seat is capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing best-in-class storage space behind it.

Great amenities

Complementing the Traverse’s exterior and interior designs is a comprehensive roster of standard and available amenities that enhances the driving experience for the driver and passengers alike. They include:

• Rear ultrasonic parking assist
• Rear-view camera
• Outside mirrors with spotter mirrors
• Power liftgate
• Extended-range remote vehicle start
• Heated windshield fluid
• DVD entertainment system
• DVD navigation system (with OnStar Destination Download and XM traffic routing)
• Heated and cooled front seats
• XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTrafic, a real-time traffic feature
• Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors with blind-spot mirrors
• Power folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals
• OnStar (with one year of Directions & Connections service) with Turn by Turn Navigation and, with the navigation system, Direction Download.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at Detroit

Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The ZR1’s basic stats:

• All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
• Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
• New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
• Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
• Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
• Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1
• Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
• Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
• Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
• Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
• Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it
• Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
• ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
• Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
• Only two options: chrome wheels and a “luxury” package
• Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle’s summer 2008 launch.

“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed,” said Peper. “It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”