Chevrolet Blog
2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas?Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Electric 
As we're sure you've noticed by now, General Motors has been making lots of waves over the past few days with the pricing announcement (finally!) of its 2011 Chevrolet Volt. And, as you're surely aware, GM's plug-in hybrid is capable of traveling at least 40 miles per charge without using a single drop of gasoline. But what happens when the time comes to pump some good ol' crude into the tank? You'll be using premium.
Yes, you read that right. Premium gasoline only in GM's mostly gasoline-free automobile. It seems a bit odd that The General would force its customers into using higher-priced gasoline if there wasn't a good reason for it, but it certainly wouldn't seem that the engine is highly stressed - 80 horsepower from 1.4 liters isn't exactly bleeding edge.
There is a possibility, however, that the car's engineers were able to wrestle a bit more efficiency from its constant-load engine/generator setup by using higher octane fuel. In any case, the automaker has not offered up any specific explanations on why premium is required or, for that matter, what kind of fuel mileage the Volt will attain when the gasoline-powered engine is in operation.
We feel compelled to point out that it probably doesn't matter much that the Volt requires premium fuel considering how little gasoline the average user is likely to go through any given month. But naturally, your mileage will vary.
[Source: The Truth About Cars]2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsPoll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan LeafFiled under: Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Electric 
Proving once again the old adage that there's more than one way to skin a cat battery, Chevrolet and Nissan have each designed new eco-friendly vehicles that are set to go head-to-head for sales supremacy starting at the end of this year. Though both automakers arrive at the same basic anti-gasoline (at least to a large extent) result, the Volt and the Leaf differ in more ways than they are alike.
We'll start with the drivetrain. While the Volt and Leaf are both technically electric cars, Chevrolet's solution to the range problem includes the addition of a small gasoline-fueled engine capable of recharging the Volt's onboard battery pack. There's enough battery capacity to travel at least 40 miles before the generator kicks in, but there's no limit to the range after the engine takes over.
Nissan's Leaf, on the other hand, has a somewhat larger battery that the automaker claims will allow for 100 miles of range per charge. After that, there is simply no more forward progress to be had until the Leaf is plugged into an outlet for a few hours - at least. But if going 100-percent gasoline free is your goal, this is your ride.
And then we have the body styles and shapes. Both cars spent plenty of time in the wind tunnel, with extremely different results. The Volt sports a more traditional sedan-like shape and offers seating for four. The Leaf, on the other hand, has a bit of an out-there look to its basic hatchback design and boasts seating for five.
Pricing too is a bit divergent. Nissan has affixed a $32,780 sticker to its electric car, before federal or state incentives. That price will drop to the mid-$20s when a $7,500 tax credit is applied. The General is making its Volt a bit more dear with a $41,000 asking price that drops to $33,500 after the credit. Interestingly, both automakers will offer leases for $350 per month for 36 months.
So, the big question is: Which electric car do you think is the better buy? Make yourself heard in our (totally unscientific) poll below.
View Poll Poll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year leaseFiled under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Electric 
Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery
General Motors' recently hired vice-president for sales and marketing Joel Ewanick took the stage at the Plug-In 2010 conference in San Jose, CA today and finally revealed that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have a base price of $41,000 (including a $720 destination charge) before federal and state tax incentives. While GM hasn't gone as aggressive as most people had hoped on the sticker price, the real deal appears to be the $350 per month for 36 months lease. That matches the monthly payment that Nissan is charging for the Leaf EV.
The effective purchase price of the Volt will be cut to $33,500 with a $7,500 federal tax credit (hence the asterisk in the title), but buyers will have to finance the $41,000 and get the credit back on their next tax return. Lease customers will have the credit factored in to their payment. The Volt lease requires a $2,500 down payment (vs $2,000 for the Leaf), but GM is including a clause in the lease contract that allows leasers to buy the car at the end of their term so that the automaker don't have another standoff with customers like it did with the all-electric EV1. Follow the jump to learn more about the Volt's price and how the order process will go, but first take our informal poll below.
View Poll
Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease 2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsChevrolet Caprice police car to patrol America's streets beginning April, 2011 [w/video]Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Police/Emergency 
Chevrolet Caprice PPV -- Click above for high-res image gallery
Attention perps: You'll have a new patrol vehicle roaming the streets come next April. That's the month General Motors says its Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle will finally hit the local precinct. Those models will apparently all be of the detective package variety; Chevy's police package will officially go on sale in June of 2011. Ordering for the detective cars will commence in October of this year, while those officers looking forward to the police package will need to wait until next January to place their orders.
For those unaware, the new Caprice will feature a rather traditional layout, with seating for two officers in the cushy front seats and two less lucky individuals in the rear behind a full-width prisoner partition. Motivation comes from a 355-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 engine sending those ponies to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
We've wrangled up a full gallery of high-res images below and pasted a video along with the press release after the break.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Chevrolet Caprice police car to patrol America's streets beginning April, 2011 [w/video] Chevrolet Caprice police car to patrol America's streets beginning April, 2011 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll]Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials, Electric 
2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery
The three-year-long wait for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt's official U.S. price tag will finally be over in less than 24 hours. At the Plug-In 2010 Conference in San Jose, California on Tuesday, GM VP of Marketing Joel Ewanick will announce pricing details and the ordering process for the Volt. Following the announcement, there will be a live online webchat with Volt Marketing Director Tony DiSalle.
While we're waiting for the official announcement, you can through to the jump for a brief press release and then take our poll below.
View Poll
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading BREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll] BREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Corvette Racing Episode 7 - Le Mans pre-race activitiesFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet 
Corvette Racing drivers in the Le Mans parade - Click above to watch video after the jump
After reviewing this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans in the previous episode of the Corvette Racing video series, the latest installment looks at the off-track activities that preceded the race. Once the cars and drivers have established their place on the starting grid, they're able to take a short break from competition to interact with the fans - especially the rabid Danish crowd that showed up to cheer on Jan Magnussen. Judging from the narration, you'd think that eight overall victories at the Circuit de la Sarthe aren't enough for Tom Kristensen to gain any attention from his countrymen. (If you've seen Truth in 24, however, you know full well that the Danes treat TK like a rock star, too.)
Apparently the narrator missed the memo from the marketing department about referring to Chevrolet as Chevy. Rather than vuvuzelas, Le Mans fans prefer to express their enthusiasm using air horns, so the Corvette crew brought a very special one of their own this year. Wanna see? Then check out video after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Episode 7 - Le Mans pre-race activities Video: Corvette Racing Episode 7 - Le Mans pre-race activities originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 556-hp Supercharged 2012 Camaro Z28Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet  It's been rumored for far too long, and now it's finally coming into focus. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 has been caught by the long lens of Priddy & Co., complete with ultra-wide tires, a revised exhaust, intimidating hood bulge and a sizable front splitter. But how do we know what's under the hood?
The shooters caught the high-po Camaro with its passenger door open, and stuck on the plastic dash is a piece of paper that reads "2012 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.2L SC V8, 6AT." Break that down and it means the Z/28 is packing the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 LSA fitted to the 556-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V, mated to a six-speed automatic. Naturally, a proper manual will be available as well when the Z/28 goes on sale sometime next year.
[Source: Camaro5]Spy Shots: 556-hp Supercharged 2012 Camaro Z28 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Are you the next Chevrolet Aveo sedan?Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet 
Chevrolet Aveo Sedan? - Click above for high-res image gallery
Now here's a curiosity. Our legion of spy photographers managed to lay their lenses on a small sedan testing with a bevy of 2011 Chevrolet Aveo hatchbacks. We aren't exactly positive, but our best guess is this little guy is the four-door version of the bottom of the Bow Tie line. If true, this is the best look we've had at the Aveo sedan - save a few patent drawings - but there are a few complications with the theory.
For starters, very little of this car dovetails with what we've seen of the five-door. We could gloss over inconsistencies like vastly different doors, complete with incongruous handles and side view mirrors, but things get murkier when we have a look at the two cars' lug pattern.
This new creation clearly rocks four lugs, while every other camo'd Aveo we've seen uses five. Chances are General Motors probably isn't interested in using completely different spindles, rotors, wheels, etc. just for a different body style of the same vehicle. So what is it? Your guess is as good as ours.
Spy Shots: Are you the next Chevrolet Aveo sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Fifth Gear rips it up in Chevrolet Camaro SSFiled under: Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet, UK
Fifth Gear hangs out with the Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above to watch after the jump
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has been in U.S. dealerships for over a year now, and demand for Chevy's newest pony car has been strong from the get-go. And though the Camaro is based off the Australian Zeta platform and built in Oshawa, Canada, it still rocks a Bowtie badge and carries a 6.2-liter small block V8 under the hood. That makes the Camaro an American pony car in our book; one that will (finally) officially go on sale in England early next year.
But before our allies to the east get a chance to pick up a Camaro of their own, Fifth Gear host Jason Plato took the reins of a Bumblebee-flavored Camaro out on the track. Hit the jump to watch Plato show no mercy to the 3,860-pound coupe. In typical UK-reviewer-on-American-car-ese, we definitely hear words like "lazy" and "heavy," but Plato still looks like a very happy man behind the wheel. If you like smoking tires, oversteer and burnouts you'll definitely like this video.
[Source: Fifth Gear via Camaro5]Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear rips it up in Chevrolet Camaro SS Video: Fifth Gear rips it up in Chevrolet Camaro SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentseBay Find of the Day: Darth Vader's Z28 proves there's still good in himFiled under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, UK, Celebrities 
1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.0 H.O. - Click above for image gallery
There's a disturbance in The Force. Darth Vader owned a blue Z28. Tell us the truth...you thought all of Vader's vehicles were black, right? Well, this particular vehicle of his shows that he has, or had, a bit of a sunnier, more playful side as well. This teal 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.0 H.O. proves that the Dark Lord of the Sith must have had at least a smidgen of good left in him. How can you be pure evil and still drive an aqua Chevrolet Camaro? Can't be done.
Up for sale right now on eBay Motors UK with no reserve and a low £650 starting bid (about $1,000), this British offering would make a fun project for someone who has progressed beyond building X-Wing LEGO kits and 1/250 scale Millennium Falcons. The rare car (well, rare for Blighty, anyway) is said to have been owned by British actor David Prowse, the man inside Darth Vader's getup in the original trilogy, and it has 250,000 miles on its tired 5.0-liter H.O. V8 and will need to be towed. There's a bit of rust, but the body looks relatively straight and although it needs a tractor beam to move right now, it has a newer differential and should need just a carburetor to get back to running condition. Check out the listing on eBay Motors and the gallery of pics below. Thanks for the tip, Leo!
[Source: eBay Motors UK]eBay Find of the Day: Darth Vader's Z28 proves there's still good in him originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsJay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm... not so muchFiled under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities, Electric 
2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery
As America's most recognizable celebrity car guy, you might expect that Jay Leno is anxious to put what might be America's most recognizable and highly anticipated game-changing new car in decades in his Big Dog Garage. Apparently, you'd be wrong. The late night comedian spoke with The Detroit News about the upcoming extended-range electric car and, surprisingly enough, said he doesn't plan to be one of the first in line to drive away in a 2011 Chevrolet Volt:
"If you didn't know, you might think it's a Cobalt or a Camry... I don't think there's a lot of cachet in having the first one. It's meant to be a people mover, not a people impresser."
If we're all being honest with ourselves, Leno makes a fine point. For the generation of Americans who grew up on hot rods and muscle cars, the Chevrolet Volt is something of an appliance meant to be safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. Those aren't exactly the kind of attributed that stir up the emotions of petrolheads. But that's kinda the point.
As Leno himself points out of the Chevy Volt, "I think it's great technology." And it clearly is. In fact, it's the likely future of automotive transportation. "There is a particular audience that is all about advanced technology and green transportation," responded GM spokesperson Rob Peterson. "For people like that, the Volt has that cachet. It's kind of like an iPhone. An iPhone is still a cell phone with a lot of capability in it."
Perhaps that's an apt comparison. Telephones and even mobile phones started out as appliances meant only to perform a basic function. Just as the iPhone revolutionized what the general public thought could be done with a phone, the Volt has the potential to revolutionize the kind of efficiency Americans have come to expect from their daily drivers... and it will certainly attract plenty of attention. With or without a glowing recommendation from Jay Leno.
Oh, and for what it's worth, Leno says he's excited about the Volt's launch later this year and may in fact buy one. Just maybe not from the first batch, we surmise.
[Source: The Detroit News]Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm... not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM discovers flaw with HD pickup hill-hold assist, fast-tracks fixFiled under: Truck, Safety, Technology, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC 
Last week, PickupTrucks.com held one of its periodic load lugger shootouts where it brings together the heavy haulers from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler to see which pickup truck is the top dog. After running acceleration tests at Milan dragway, editor Mike Levine and the crew moved the fleet of nine trucks to the GM Proving Ground in Milford, MI. During towing evaluations on the 7.2 percent hill, Levine discovered an issue on the Chevy Silverado 2500 while the gas-engined 3/4 ton truck was towing 10,000 pound trailers up the hill.
The GM trucks incorporate a hill-hold feature into the stability control system. Hill-hold is supposed to detect when the vehicle is on an incline with the brakes applied. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the valves in the stability control unit retain the pressure in the brake lines for up to 1.5 seconds. Once the timer expires or the driver applies the accelerator, the valves release the brake pressure.
During testing, Levine discovered that the system was not holding the pressure on the 7.2 percent hill for any of the GM trucks and notified the engineers on hand. Oddly, a later test found that the system was working properly on the steeper 16 percent grade. GM engineers investigated the issue with engineers from system supplier TRW and found an incorrect calibration value in the control software for the accelerometer used to detect inclines. This prevented the system from correctly detecting the smaller hill.
The code was corrected and updated software began rolling out to the production line this past Monday, July 19. The same software update is also going out to dealers so that trucks in stock on lots and in for service can also be updated. GM is still considering whether to issue a recall or a technical service bulletin for trucks that have already been delivered to customers.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com, TRW]GM discovers flaw with HD pickup hill-hold assist, fast-tracks fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Chevrolet slaps first incentives on ZR1 amidst swelling inventoryFiled under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet 
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
While overall auto sales have recovered somewhat from the depths of early 2009, things are still pretty slow compared to their peaks. General Motors has done a decent job of avoiding too many customer rebates since it emerged from bankruptcy a year ago by controlling inventories. However, that's a lot harder to do with low volume cars like the Corvette and especially the ZR1. Balancing adequate dealer stock and too many cars is tough when the numbers are so modest to begin with.
With the 2010 model year winding down, GM reportedly still has about 500 ZR1s in stock and is now offering $3,000 cash back or zero percent financing on 2010 models. If you look hard, you may even find one of a dozen or so 2009 models left over which will get you $5,000 off the sticker price. Unfortunately the 2009s aren't equipped the very effective and easy-to-use launch control system that became standard on the '10s, but it's still a deal if you can get one.
Update: General Motors spokesman David Caldwell let us know that the incentives are not just for the ZR1. GM simply removed the previous exclusion of the ZR1 so that existing Corvette rebates now apply to the supercharged model.
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid and Max Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Report: Chevrolet slaps first incentives on ZR1 amidst swelling inventory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGet A Grip: Chevy UK sponsors research to find perfect handshakeFiled under: Etc., Chevrolet, UK 
Just like Toyota Australia does things differently than "our" Toyota, Chevrolet Europe does things that make us go, "That's not the Chevy we know..." The latest example is a handshake study, headed by a professor of psychological sciences at the University of Manchester, that seeks the formula for the perfect handshake. And what is the driving force behind such obscure academia? Creation of a "handshake training guide for [Chevy] staff to prepare them ahead of the launch of the new 5 Year Promise offer, which aims to offer peace of mind and reassurance to its customers."
Alrighty then. This is the formula:
PH = (e 2 + ve 2)(d 2) + (cg + dr) 2 + π{(4<s>2)(4<p>2)} 2 + (vi + t + te) 2 + {(4<c>2 )(4<du>2)} 2 If you need more help figuring out how to apply it - hint: pay close attention to the 'dr' part - follow the jump for the press release, which explains the formula's gobbledygook in detail, lists useless related facts like the Top 10 Handshake Turn-Offs, and somehow manages to work in a Frankie Valli reference.
Note that the Top 10 Handshake Turn-Offs rundown doesn't include, "Absurd and contrived scientific formulas on how to correctly shake hands." Maybe it ought to be a Top 11.
[Source: Chevrolet UK]Continue reading Get A Grip: Chevy UK sponsors research to find perfect handshake Get A Grip: Chevy UK sponsors research to find perfect handshake originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA Preview: CGS prepping custom 2011 Chevy CamaroFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet 
CGS Camaro for SEMA 2010 - Click above for high-res image
CGS is a lock to bring something unique to the annual SEMA show, and after the ReFlex and FlatBack Mustang of the last two years, the tuner has left the Ford family for GM. This year, a 2011 Chevy Camaro will step into the modification chamber, getting a body kit that includes a ZR1-style hood. Under the window you might get a glimpse of the Whipple twin-screw blower that helps boost output to 500 horsepower. 22-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber bands help complete the look. Follow the jump to read the press release, and check out the high-res image below.
[Source: CGS Motorsports]Continue reading SEMA Preview: CGS prepping custom 2011 Chevy Camaro SEMA Preview: CGS prepping custom 2011 Chevy Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recapFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing 
Episode six of the Corvette Racing Track to Street series went up this week and as expected, it's a recap of what went down at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. 2010 marked the 50th anniversary or the American sports car's first appearance at the French endurance race and a parade of 50 'Vettes took to the track prior to the race.
The first French appearance of the works Corvettes in the GT2 class started off well, with the cars starting first and second in class after the Risi Ferrari F430 time was disallowed. The Corvettes ran strong for the first 16 hours before both eventually succumbed to engine failures. Team manager Doug Fehan promises the C6.Rs will be back for blood in 2011. Check out the video after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge provides spills, chills and WTFsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet 
The Grand-Am Cup has changed names more times than Prince, but the series remains largely the same. Two classes run in the Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge - Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) - the former comprised of Porsche 911s, Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros (among others), with the latter covering everything from Honda Civics to Mini Coopers and Subaru Imprezas.
Depending on the event, both classes run at the same time, which can make for some entertaining action. Such was the case at last month's race at Mid-Ohio, where Joey Atterbury and his Camaro fought tooth-and-nail in the GS class. The on-track antics had us screaming expletives for the better part of three minutes. Find out why by clicking on the jump.
[Source: Atterbury Racing via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge provides spills, chills and WTFs Video: Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge provides spills, chills and WTFs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDomestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL studyFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Click above for gallery of the graphics from J.D. Power and Associates
Porsche once again grabs the top spot (for the sixth time in a row) in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. This year's study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars "how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive." The answer, for the first time since 1997, was that the domestic brands were more "appealing" as a whole than the imports (the domestics earned a score of 787 on a 1,000-point scale - 13 points greater than the imports).
When it comes down to specific awards (as shown in the segment-level graphics), Ford leads with five. The automaker earned one each for the Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Fusion and Taurus. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen each garner two awards. The Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Avalanche, both segment leaders, are the only two models that ranked highest in the 2010 APEAL study and in the 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) announced in June. Suzuki is credited with the greatest improvement this year, while Jeep drops one slot from last year's 2009 APEAL Study and falls to the bottom of the list for 2010. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.
[Source: JDPower.com]Continue reading Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is all swing, all missFiled under: Hybrid, Truck, Chevrolet, GM, Reviews 
2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
For every engineering stroke of genius out there, there are a million duds - projects that someone slaved over in good faith, only to realize that someone else had already come to market with a superior and/or more viable alternative. Both the electronic and automotive industries are awash with tales of second-place finishes in two-man races. Blu-ray vs. HD DVD, VHS vs. Betamax and Oldsmobile vs. Edsel are all stories of outright champions and also-rans. It's rarer, however, to see a company build and sell an ugly duckling right alongside the varsity all-stars of the family, which is exactly what General Motors has done with its 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid.
It's clear that GM desperately wants to mix the seemingly unblendable worlds of full-size pickup trucks and hybrids with its electrified Silverado, and to some degree, they've succeeded. Yes, our tester has a bed, four-wheel drive and a meaty V8 up front. And yes, it packs an electric motor and a mammoth battery pack. But the finished product feels like the road-going equivalent of a spork - a utensil to be used as a last resort. The only problem is, there are far better alternatives, many of which are available from The General's stable.
Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is all swing, all miss Review: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is all swing, all miss originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsChevy turns to crowdsourcing for next commercial ideaFiled under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet 
Chevrolet's Spark Some Fun commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump
Chevrolet Europe has posted a call for commercial ideas at Idea Bounty. You, in the role of Creative Agency, are tasked with composing a brief for the Bowtie brand's next spot that will "communicate that Chevrolet is both passionate and practical." If your idea is chosen, Chevrolet has enlisted the services of MoFilm.com and producer John Landau to turn that idea "into a consumer facing TV ad."
There's quite a bit of background for you to get through first, making sure that you know Chevrolet "cars inspire passion in our customers lives everyday" and that the company believes people "buy our cars because they want a trusted partner to stand behind them, doing the everyday things with a little more flair and enjoyment." Once you get that locked in, your job is to write a 30- to 60-second script that shows "that the Chevrolet brand and it's vehicles are both passionate and practical."
You need to register at Idea Bounty for the complete specs, but you'll find samples of the kind of creativity Chevrolet wants after the jump. You have until August 9 to prove you're one of the best Mad Men out there. Thanks for the tip, Stacey!
[Source: Idea Bounty]Continue reading Chevy turns to crowdsourcing for next commercial idea Chevy turns to crowdsourcing for next commercial idea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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