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Dec 26

GM to differentiate SUV and truck designs with 2014 models

If you know anything about SUVs and trucks from General Motors, you’ll know that the company has largely been replicating their designs so that certain SUVs and trucks match each other. However, starting with their 2014 models, GM will be giving each of its vehicles a unique look to separate them from the pack.

GM_Exterior

The company has announced that they’re dropping the cookie-cutter approach to the interiors and exteriors of its full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, beginning with the redesigned 2014 models. We already took a look at the 2014 Silverado and Sierra from Chevrolet and GMC, respectively, but it looks like 2014 SUVs, like the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon, will look a bit different this time around.

Chris Hilts, creative manager of interior design at General Motors, says that in the past, the company has “shared SUV and truck interiors. That is not the case going forward.” When the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Suburban, the GMC Yukons, and the Cadillac Escalades get their redesigns for 2014, they’ll be getting their own instrument panels, consoles, instrumentation, knobs, materials, and other design elements.

Previously, the Escalades and Yukons shared similar door panels, but since these two vehicles have different prices ranges that cater towards different types of people, GM thought it was necessary to finally give each of their SUVs a unique look that differentiated from one another. Essentially, GM says that a 2014 Silverado and a 2014 Tahoe will look completely different, and won’t have similar qualities that the two vehicles have shared for so long.

[via Car and Driver]

GM to differentiate SUV and truck designs with 2014 models is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Nov 29

2014 Corvette trailer teases digital instrument panel

Posted in: Today's Chili

Chevrolet released a new trailer today that teases our senses even more about Chevrolet’s upcoming 2014 Corvette. The video focuses on “calibration” and that the car “is a new level of electronic integration.” However, what got us mostly intrigued were the split-second glimpses at the new Corvette’s digital instrument panel.

We mostly just see the Corvette’s tachometer in the picture, which maxes out at a little over 7,000 RPM, although the video showed the Corvette revving up to about 6,250 RPM with little effort. The panel seems to be all digital, and in the middle of display is a 3D layout of the Corvette that most likely displays information such as tire pressure and other status info about the exterior of the car, although, some of that info is displayed to the right of the tachometer as well. Also, in one of the shots, we get a very vague look at the speedometer, which tops out at 200 MPH.

What’s perhaps most entertaining is that Chevrolet used a current-gen Corvette for the 3D layout of the car, so as to not reveal what the 2014 Corvette actually looks like. Overall, we’re not too surprised by car manufacturers going all digital for their instrument panels. A lot of newer cars already have them installed, so it’ll be a welcomed addition to the Corvette come next year.

The 2014 Corvette will be officially unveiled on January 13th at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI — Motor City, as it’s nicknamed. Until then, we get to wait in anticipation for what Corvette fans will soon get to drive off the dealer lots come mid-2013. We’re pretty excited to say the least.

2014 Corvette trailer teases digital instrument panel is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Nov 28

Chevy Spark guts revealed, we go eyes-on

Posted in: Today's Chili

Chevy Spark guts revealed, we go eyeson

Details of Chevy’s first all-electric car, the Spark EV, hit the web yesterday, and today the diminutive car got its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show. Since we’re here in SoCal, we figured we’d bring you some shots of GM’s latest electrical offering, and Chevrolet was kind enough to cut apart a Spark for us to see its innards. Head on down to our gallery below, where you’ll find the 130hp electron-powered motor, 20kWH battery pack, and MyLink-equipped infotainment system displayed in all their glory.

Gallery: Chevy Spark EV eyes-on

Mark Hearn contributed to this post.

Filed under: Transportation

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Nov 27

Chevy details 2014 Spark EV: under $25,000, 0-60 in 8 seconds and a 20-minute fast charge

Posted in: Today's Chili

News of Siri integration isn’t the only tool in Chevy’s belt today, as it’s also unveiling key details of the 2014 Spark EV. The all-electric subcompact won’t reach dealers until the summer, but it may be worth waiting for given a surprising emphasis on speed. Its 130HP motor puts out 400lb-ft of torque, or enough to reach 60MPH in under 8 seconds — quite a bit of pep for any stock compact car, let alone one with green credentials. Drivers who don’t always mash the throttle will still get a dose of speed through industry-first support for SAE Combo DC Fast Charging, which delivers an 80 percent charge in 20 minutes. The cabin technology parallels developments in the powertrain through its two customizable, 7-inch screens and the expected smartphone tie-ins for MyLink and Siri. Combining the tarted up performance and interior tech makes the Spark EV’s sub-$25,000 price (after EV tax breaks) seem like a better value than usual for lower-cost electric vehicles — and with Chevy’s expanded plans to sell in Oregon, Canada and elsewhere, more of us can actually take the plunge.

Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

Continue reading Chevy details 2014 Spark EV: under $25,000, 0-60 in 8 seconds and a 20-minute fast charge

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Oct 26

Chevrolet Sonic Dusk officially starting production

Posted in: Today's Chili

Chevrolet is looking to shake up the compact car market with the announcement of the Sonic Dusk. It will officially be announced at next week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, NV on October 30. There, the company will unveil a new, production-ready version of the Sonic sedan.

The Sonic Dusk appeared at last year’s SEMA show as a concept car, and now Chevrolet is looking to turn the vehicle from a concept into a reality. Chevrolet’s vice president of marketing, Chris Perry, said that “the reaction to the Sonic Dusk concept last year was overwhelmingly positive and proved customers are interested in a more-refined subcompact. We’re moving quickly to bring Sonic Dusk to Chevrolet showrooms.”

The production model of Sonic Dusk comes with some cosmetic changes compared to last year’s concept model. For example, there’s the ashen grey paint job, the rear spoiler, and 18-inch aluminum wheels finished in pearl nickel. There’s also bits of matte on the grilles, as well as on the door handle inserts and trim around the license plate frame.

On the inside, the Dusk features leather-trimmed seats with suede accents and mojave tan inserts. There’s also mojave accent stitching and tan-colored accents on the door panels and instrument panels, which enhance the interior’s ambience. It’s also equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink “infotainment” system, which can integrate a smartphone with the stereo system either via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB.

The Sonic Dusk has a Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged engine rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound feet of torque. 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available. Chevrolet is hoping for a late-2012 release of the car, and should have a performance-focused RS model out at the same time as well.

Chevrolet Sonic Dusk officially starting production is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Oct 24

Chevrolet unveils 2014 Corvette 450HP V8 motor

Posted in: Today's Chili

Just a few days ago, we told you that Chevrolet was going to be officially unveiling their 2014 Corvette on January 13 at the North American International Auto Show in Detriot, MI. They were sparse on details, but it seems they were just too excited to leave everything behind closed doors. Today, the company dropped the curtains on the car’s new motor.

The next-generation Corvette engine is called the Gen V LT1, and it’s a direct-injected eight-cylinder motor with a cool 450 horsepower. GM confirmed this morning that the new motor will be 6.2 liters, despite earlier reports saying that it would be a 5.5-liter engine, similar to that of the C6R.

The new engine comes with some advanced technology too. It has cylinder deactivation to increase fuel mileage (similar to what a lot of newer vehicles have). This reportedly will give the 2014 Corvette over 26 MPG on the highway. The new motor also has dry sump lubrication and variable valve timing.

Compared to the previous LS3 engine, the LT1 has 20 more horsepower and 26 more pound feet of torque (426 pound feet of torque in total). The engine also has a slightly better power curve than the LS7 currently powering the Corvette Z06, and engineers expect a 0-60mph time of under four seconds. The 2014 Corvette will sell for around $50,000.

[via Jalopnik]

Chevrolet unveils 2014 Corvette 450HP V8 motor is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Oct 23

2013 Chevy Volt receives update after reports of shutdowns

Posted in: Today's Chili

We’ve reached this strange moment in time when updates are released for our cars in the same manner they’re released for our gadgets. Thus is the case with the 2013 Chevy Volt, which GM has pushed a software update out for after reports of shutdowns. The manufacturer is not issuing a recall, however.

The problem cropped up on the GM-Volt forum, where users were reporting that the Volt would randomly shut down. According to the users, the powertrain would shutdown, but the brakes and steering would continue to work. It would take several minutes of sitting before the car restarted properly.

In response, GM has issued an update for the car’s software that should solve the problem. Owners who want the update will need to head over to their local dealer, which will update the vehicle’s software. The process is said to take about an hour. Thus far, no reports of accidents caused by this issue have been reported.

The Chevy Volt is an extended-range hybrid vehicle that’s currently enjoying high sales, which jumped twice in August and September. The Volt features a lithium-ion battery and the Voltec electric drive system with a 1.4L gasoline powered range extender. The MSRP is $39,145.

[via Auto Blog]

2013 Chevy Volt receives update after reports of shutdowns is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Oct 05

Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they pay to charge, goads them into staying green (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

GM’s OnStar team would really like us to stay on the electric side of the Chevy Volt’s powertrain as much as possible. That’s the selling point, after all. Rather than simply preach green driving and hope for the best, the division is testing a new EcoHub app that reminds Volt drivers just how miserly their plug-in hybrids can be. Qualifying owners who opt in or subscribe to OnStar have the Volt’s energy usage costs compared to their home’s total electricity bill, showing how much cheaper it can be to avoid the gas pump. There’s more if money isn’t enough of a motivator — the app also builds in a counter that estimates how much gas Volt drivers are saving nationwide. The eco-friendly ego boost is currently limited to Android users participating in Pecan Street’s smart grid project in Austin, but long-term plans have the app reaching iOS and all Volt fans eager to justify their ride.

Continue reading Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they pay to charge, goads them into staying green (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Mobile

Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they pay to charge, goads them into staying green (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 23:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 15

Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO

Posted in: Today's Chili

Fisker hasn’t had what you’d call the best year so far, but it may have found the ticket to turning its hybrid vehicle business around. Meet Tony Posawatz, Fisker’s new CEO — and, until just weeks ago, GM’s Vehicle Line Director. Despite being the second new chief executive at Fisker since Tom LaSorda arrived in February, Posawatz needs little explanation for his sudden rise to power. He’s an original member of the Chevy Volt leadership structure and could very well know a thing or two about developing a hybrid car from start to finish. His influence might only be keenly felt when the Atlantic wheels its way towards driveways in 2014, but there’s no doubt he’s onboard to right the good ship Karma and improve Fisker’s reputation in the short term. We wouldn’t want to be in GM’s shoes as it watches one of its EV-friendly veterans so publicly jump ship, however.

Continue reading Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO

Filed under: Transportation

Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source Autoblog | Email this | Comments

Jul 17

OnStar seals partnership with RelayRides, makes renting out your car even easier (hands-on video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

Remember that partnership between OnStar and RelayRides we wrote about last March? Well it’s finally coming to fruition today, with the peer-to-peer car sharing service launching support for remote door unlocking via OnStar’s proprietary API. As a result, RelayRides members with OnStar-enabled vehicles no longer have to exchange keys in person if they so choose. Another benefit is that participants can list their automobile on RelayRides directly from their OnStar account — renters then benefit from the added safety and security that comes with OnStar.

We had the chance to test an early version of the functionality on a Chevy Volt at SXSW a few months ago and it worked pretty much as advertised. There was a bit of a delay between the time we sent the unlock command from RelayRides’ website on the demo iPad and the moment the doors actually unlocked on the car, but we’re told this has been significantly improved since our hands-on. Of course, RelayRides also supports remote unlocking via text message. Take a look at the galleries below then hit the break for our hands-on video, RelayRides’ video and OnStar’s PR.

Gallery: RelayRides with OnStar hands-on