EPA RATES CHEVY VOLT 'ALL-ELECTRIC' MPG AT 93, RANGE AT 35 MILES

By Automotive News - The 2011 Chevrolet Volt, an innovative plug-in hybrid, received not one but three different mileage ratings from the U.S. EPA today.

On electricity alone, the Volt achieves the equivalent of 93 mpg. Powered solely by the gasoline engine, the Volt gets 37 mpg. Running on a combination of electricity and gasoline, the Volt generates the equivalent of 60 mpg, the EPA determined.

General Motors Co. has been touting the Volt for four years now and often refers to it as a technological showcase. The four-passenger car can travel on battery power alone and offers additional driving range when assisted by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine. The car has already received numerous awards, including Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year. The EPA said the Volt has a 35-mile range on electricity alone and a range of 379 miles with gasoline and electricity. GM had been saying that the Volt had a range of 35-50 miles on one full battery charge.

"We have said that the range is variable on how you drive," Doug Parks, GM's vehicle line executive in charge of the Volt, said during a conference call today with the press.

The Volt falls into the EPA compact vehicle segment, which includes such vehicles as the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Corolla. The Volt's mpg rating was rated as best in the compact class by the EPA.

Since the Volt is using technology that no other automaker currently offers, a new mileage label was created by the EPA with input from GM.

"The label helps customers understand the uniqueness of the Volt and how it applies to their routine," said Scott Miller, vehicle performance manager for the Volt.

Label unique to Volt

The Volt is the only 2011 vehicle that will use this label. However, although it has not been determined by the EPA, the label is expected to be used by other automakers that offer similar powertrains, Parks said. The label is not expected to be used for just one model year, discarded and replaced with something different for 2012.

"We are quite pleased with the numbers and the label," Parks said. "If there was a simpler way, we would have done it."

The label lists what it calls "charging routines," essentially estimates for the cost of electricity and gasoline based on the number of miles driven between charges. For example, a Volt owner living in an urban area who travels 30 miles between charges, would use no gasoline, the EPA estimates. The vehicle would consume 10.9 killowatts of electricity for an estimated cost of four cents per mile.

That contrasts with a Volt owner who travels 75 miles between a charge and uses gasoline. The EPA estimates 12.9 kilowatts of electricity would be used, in addition to gasoline, for a combined estimated cost of 7 cents per mile. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 69 miles per gallon.

Earlier this month, Tom Stephens, GM's global product chief, said Chevrolet would begin shipping the Volt to dealers as soon as the EPA issued a mileage lable for the vehicle. Parks declined to say when shipments would begin, however.

GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant has built Volts for shipment since early November.

The car will go on sale initially in Michigan, California; metropolitan New York; Austin, Texas; and Washington, D.C. before it is available in the rest of the country by 2012. It has a base price of $41,000, including shipping, before a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The Volt is the most aerodynamic vehicle GM has produced, Stephens said. GM has said the Volt can travel 25 to 50 miles on battery power alone and offer additional driving range of 310 miles when assisted by a 1.4-liter engine with a full tank of gasoline.

Limited production

"The Volt does everything we said it was going to do the very first day we announced it - and more," Stephens said earlier this month. "If you recall back then how many people were saying that they don't even have a battery, they don't have motors or any of this, can this be real?

"The fact is it is real and you can drive it now."

Stephens said GM is maintaining its plan to produce 10,000 Volts through 2011 and 45,000 in 2012. However, that number could change depending on customer demand and the ability of suppliers to provide parts for the vehicle, he said. But there are early signs the car will see widespread demand. General Electric Co., for example, has committed to purchase the Volt for fleet use.

Earlier this month, the EPA announced the fuel economy rating for the Nissan Leaf, an electric-powered four-seat vehicle.

The EPA label on the Leaf will display a fuel economy rating for the Nissan Leaf, and electric-powered four-seat vehicle.

The EPA label on the Leaf will display a fuel economy equivalent of 99 mpg when it goes on sale next month. The battery-powered Leaf uses no gasoline or oil, and has no combustion engine or fuel tank. The Leaf received a "best in class" ranking for mid-sized vehicles.

Nissan has said that the Leaf would get up to 100 miles of driving on a full charge. However, the EPA put the range at 73 miles. The Leaf goes on sale next month in five states.

NEW CAMARO CONVERTIBLE BLENDS TOP-DOWN DRIVING FUN WITH PRECISE ENGINEERING

• On sales in February 2011
• Canadian pricing begins at $33,995 and is proudly built in Canada
• Well-tailored fabric top
• Acoustical headliner for quietness and easy-to-use single latch
• Robust, reinforced structure supports a sports coupe-like driving experience
• Better torsional stiffness than BMW 3-Series convertible

By General Motors of Canada - The popular Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter as the 2011 Camaro convertible recently premiered at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new convertible begins production in January in Oshawa, ON, and goes on sale in February. It includes an enhanced body structure and well-tailored top mechanism - a combination designed to deliver sports coupe-like driving fun and precise quality.

"The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers," said Marc Comeau, vice president of Chevrolet marketing in Canada. "The 21st century revival of Camaro has been tremendously popular, and that is testament to the top-quality work being done at our Oshawa Assembly Plant."

The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 6.9 L/100km highway fuel consumption. The SS model will feature the 6.2L v-8engine producing 426-horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

The right to purchase one of the first convertibles was recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to charity. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition (US only) Camaro convertibles, a group of 100 exclusive cars with custom-designed elements and priced at $75,000 each, sold out in only three minutes.

The Camaro convertible delivers great refinement, along with uncompromising, coupe-like driving dynamics. Its enhanced body structure helps prevent cowl or steering wheel shake, for a strong, confident feel in all driving conditions. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.

Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $33,995 MSRP. Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan. Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models.

Strong structure

The Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible mode which means customers enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:

• A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
• A transmission support reinforcement brace
• Underbody tunnel brace
• Front and rear underbody "V" braces

"Our goal in development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

A telling example of the Camaro convertible's strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning - specifically, the lack of changes between the convertible and coupe models.

"To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser," said Oppenheiser. "Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe."

The result is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.

Additional safety structural reinforcements are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake. They include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.

The structural changes to the Camaro convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.

Exceptional top refinement

At the outset, designers and engineers sought to eliminate the common appearance of convertible top support ribs and they succeeded, using composite knuckles rather than aluminum ones, as well as extending the top material below the belt line and revising the top's stitch lines. The result is a top that has a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that also retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.

The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top. The car doesn't have to be parked for the top to be activated, allowing for spur-of-the-moment lowering while stopped at a stoplight.

The top is made of thick, durable canvas and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.

A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS. It covers the folded top for a finished appearance. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers. It installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting when driving with the top down.

Additional Details

A myriad of fine details distinguish Camaro convertible models including:

• The OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna moves to the deck lid on LT models without the RS package
• The radio antenna is embedded in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models
• The trunk lock cylinder is moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner exterior appearance
• A new subwoofer design is located in the trunk between the rear seats

Because the combined OnStar/SM/AM-FM radio antenna is mounted on the roof of coupe models, it had to be relocated on the convertible. On RS-equipped LT models and SS models, which include a rear spoiler, a small "shark fin" ONStar/XM antenna is mounted on the deck lid, while the AM/FM radio antenna is hidden inside the rear spoiler. This patent-pending design creates a sleeker appearance. For LT models without a rear spoiler (without the RS package), the combined antenna is located in the center of the deck lid.

The relocation of the trunk lock cylinder also cleans up the Camaro convertible's appearance, moving from the panel between the taillamps to a discreet area between the rear seat back cushion and driver's side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the trunk, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy trunk access.

Finally, the subwoofer-either an eight-inch unit with the base sound system or a 10-inch subwoofer with the available Boston Acoustics system - is relocated from the trunk to an area between the rear seat cushions.

Performance

Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 that delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions - including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It is rated at 312 horsepower (232 kW) and 278 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm).

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).

The L99 features the fuel saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine's cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.

All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional. A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.

CHEVROLET VOLT NAMED ONE OF CAR AND DRIVER'S 10BEST

GM the Only North American Automaker

to Earn Two Spots on Prestigious List

By General Motors - Car and Driver editors today named the Chevrolet Volt to their annual 10Best list.

"To put it simply, the Volt was far and away the biggest surprise to every editor at this year's 10Best event," Car and Driver editors wrote in their January 2011 issue. "None of us imagined that nestling into the glass cockpit would bring the words 'automotive bliss' and 'electric vehicle' together in the same sentence.

"Best of all, its efficiency is unmatched, as long as interstate travel is omitted," Car and Driver concluded. "One editor drove the Volt 101 miles in 18 hours (including a 10.5-hour charge) and only used one gallon of gas. That's some seriously eye-popping arithmetic."

As the world's first electric vehicle with extended range capability, the Chevrolet Volt has a total driving range of about 550 kilometers. For the first 40 to 80 kilometers, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range up to 500km on a full tank.

"Being named to Car and Driver's 10Best list is a great testament to the innovation of the Volt," said Teri Quigly, plant manager at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly. "It also supports what our team at Detroit-Hamtramck already knows. We are making history, building a car that will impact how people drive, as well as change how we build cars in the future."

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant has received $336 million in new investment to help prepare for Volt production. In total, GM has invested more than $700 million in eight Michigan facilities to support Volt production since 2008. This includes a battery systems lab in Warren; a battery pack assembly facility in Brownstown Township; and supporting engine and stamping operations in Grand Blanc, Bay City, and three plants in Flint.

The Volt has also spurred additional supplier employment and investment. Earlier this year, battery cell supplier LG Chem/Compact Power Inc. broke ground on a $300 million, 650,000 square-foot plant in Holland, Mich., to support Volt production, creation 400 jobs.

The Michigan-built Cadillac CTS also was named to the 2011 Car and Driver 10Best list. GM is the only North American automaker to earn two spots, and is tied with Honda for the most vehicles from any manufacturer, on the prestigious list.

CHEVROLET VOLT NAMED 2011 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR

First Electric Vehicle to Win Top Prize in Award's Seventh Year

By GM Canada - The 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability was name Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year. The Volt is the first electric vehicle to win the award.

"This has been a long time coming," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "The electric vehicles that were test marketed in the 1990s tantalized us, but were without a solid business case. What a difference a decade makes."

The Volt runs purely on electricity for 40 to 80 km's on a single charge before a 1.4-liter gasoline engine/generator seamlessly engages to create electricity to drive the wheels for an additional 500 km's on a full tank of gas. The Volt's extended-range capability addresses the range anxiety concerns associated with battery-only electric vehicles.

"The Green Car of the Year award validates the Chevrolet team's promise to deliver a practical electric vehicle," said Joel Ewanick, General Motors vice president, U.S. Marketing, who drove a Volt 2,394 miles from Detroit to the Los Angeles International Auto Show, where he accepted the award Thursday. "The Volt's a transformational technology that will lead our industry into a new age of vehicle electrification."

Other finalists for Green Car honors were: the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and Nissan LEAF. The Green Car of the Year jury was comprised of six environmental and automotive experts along with Green Car Journal editors.

The Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid is a previous winner of the Green Car award.

CHEVROLET VOLT NAMED AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE 2011 AUTOMOBILE OF THE YEAR

Editors call Volt 'the most sophisticated, most

important vehicle on the road today'

By General Motors of Canada - The Chevrolet Volt is the AUTOMOBILE Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year. The award will be presented to Joel Ewanick, GM U.S. Marketing Vice President, on Wednesday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

In naming the Volt their Automobile of the Year, AUTOMOBILE Magazine editors wrote:

"This is the most sophisticated, most important vehicle on the road today. It won't just change what we drive, but also how we drive. Owners will plug in at night, heat or cool their cabin before they leave the garage, and adopt new driving styles to maximize their electric range. Then, when the battery is depleted, they'll mindlessly motor on; free of the limitations that accompanies pure electric vehicles."

As the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle with extended range, the Volt has a total driving range of over 500 kilometers. For the first 40 to 80 kilometers, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gasoline-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range up to 500 kilometers on a full tank.

"We are very grateful for this prestigious recognition form AUTOMOBILE Magazine," said Ewanick, who drove a Volt 2,394 miles from Detroit to Los Angeles for the show. "Automobile of the Year is a testament to the pioneering technology of the Volt, as well as the talent, intelligence and hard work of everyone at GM who made it a reality."

The Volt was first shown as a concept in January, 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In June of that year, GM's Board of Directors approved the start of product development for the Volt and the Voltec electric propulsion system.

In September, 2008, the production version of the Volt debuted during GM's Centennial celebration. This month, retail production of the Chevrolet begins at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, with the first retail customer deliveries in December.

The full report from AUTOMOBILE Magazine appears in the January issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early-December).

Chevrolet last received the AUTOMOBILE Magazine Automobile of the Year in 2001 for the Chevrolet Corvette ZO6. The Chevrolet Volt will be available in Canada beginning in the third quarter of 2011.

CHEVROLET VOLT NAMED MOTOR TREND 2011 CAR OF THE YEAR

Magazine recognizes Volt as a "fully functional", no-compromise

compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits

in terms of lower running costs"

By General Motors Corp - Motor Trend magazine, one of the world's premier automotive authorities, today named the Chevrolet Volt the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"We expected a science experiment, but this is a moon shot," Motor Trend editors wrote for the January 2011 issue. "The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine. It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs."

Many of those benefits are due to the Volt's groundbreaking propulsion system. As the world's first electric vehicle with extended range capability, the Chevrolet Volt has a total driving range of about 350 miles. For the first 25 to 50 miles, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range more than 300 miles on a full tank.

The Motor Trend Car of the Year award was presented to Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for Global Product Operations, at the General Motors wind tunnel in Warren, Mich.

Aero dynamics engineers there helped develop an equally revolutionary design: With a drag coefficient of .28, the Volt is also the most aerodynamic sedan in Chevrolet's history. Lowering the drag coefficient increases the vehicle's efficiency, as less energy is used to overcome air pressure. As an example, aerodynamics contributes up to eight miles of electric range, and 40 miles of extended range.

"Chevrolet is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," said Stephens. "The Volt team has worked under extraordinary circumstances to produce this breakthrough vehicle."

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the January issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early-December).

General Motors last received the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2008, for the Cadillac CTS.

2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE

By The Ottawa Sun - The Cruze replaces the Cobalt as Chevrolet's compact conveyance. It doesn't stray too far from the Cobalt's overall dimensions, but a five-centimetre gain in wheelbase combines with an eight-centimetre increase in width for a nine-per-cent bump in passenger room as well as a slightly larger trunk.

Space gains aside, the Cruze's design closely emulates that of other Chevy sedans, especially the mid-size Malibu's horizontally split front grille and short rear deck. Fortunately, some extra creases along each side plus more pronounced fender flares provide a welcome dose of character that distinguishes the Cruze from the rest of the stable.

A check of the interior reveals a highly attractive seating area that wouldn't look out of place in a more expensive sedan. There are plastic pieces to be sure, but they're more than offset by plenty of soft-touch coverings for the wrap-around dashboard and silvery painted trim for the steering column, door-mounted speaker surrounds, steering wheel and shifter.

Given the added size and fancier seating area, it's surprising that the Cruze's standard and optional powerplants are so diminutive. The base LS is equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. Move up to the LT and LTZ you'll get a diminutive 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that's also rated at 138 horsepower with with 25 lb-ft more torque. The 1.8 offers a choice of six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic, while the 1.4 turbo is only available with the automatic.

The Cruze features a class-leading total of 10 airbags, including driver and passenger-side knee airbags plus rear side-impact airbags. In addition, the standard stability control includes a rollover sensing program that will deploy the airbags if it detects the car is about to tip over.

Notable options include a premium Pioneer-brand sound package, Bluetooth short-range wireless networking, navigation system, leather-covered seats (heated in front) and 17- or 18-inch wheels (16-inchers are standard).

And you rear it here first: a hatchback version of the Cruze should make an appearance for the 2012 model year.

FACT FILE 2011 CHEVY CRUZE:

MSRP Range (pre-taxes): $14,995-$24,780
Type: Four-door sedan
Base engine (hp): 1.8-litre DOHC I4 (138)
Optional engine (hp): 1.4-litre DOHC I4, turbocharged (138)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic
L/100km (city/hwy): 8.5/5.5(1.8 MT)
Safety: Front airbags, side-impct airbags, front-knee airbags; rear-side airbags, side-curtain airbags

2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

By Ottawa Sun - Chevrolet delivered a real winner with its second-generation Equinox, thanks to its neatly creased sheet-metal and generous passenger space. But, curiously, style won over substance as storage space with either the rear seat in place or folded flat decreased by close to 10% compared with the outgoing 2009 model. Clever touches abound, like the integrated rocker panels in the doors that reduce entry step-over height. (They also help keep pant legs from brushing up against the vehicle's lower body area.)

The interior is likely the Equinox's best asset. It's simply gorgeous and includes dual glove boxes, easy-to-read twin gauge pds and plenty of handy storage bins. There's also a versatile split folding rear seat that can be adjusted fore and aft over an eight-inch range to optimize legroom or cargo capacity.

A 182-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder reigns as a base engine, with its 9.2/6.1 L/100km city/highway fuel economy that embarrasses most of the competition. Optional is a 3.0-litre V6 with 255 horsepower that earns a 12.4/8.1 L/100km rating and is now Flex Fuel capable, meaning it can burn E85 gasoline/ethanol blend. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with either engine as is all-wheel-drive.

A wide assortment of standard equipment (air conditioning, cruise control, keyless remote entry and power windows/locks/mirrors, etc.) is included on base versions; moving up into the top-line models adds climate control, heated leather seats, 18-inch wheels, extra trim, and premium audio. With its new colour choices for 2011, friendly interior and thriftier power options, the Equinox projects a more fashionable presence and one that appears eager to pack up the gang and tackle the tasks at hand.

Fact File 2011 Equinox:

MSRP range (pre-taxes): $25,995-$35,260
Type: Four door sport utility
Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (182)
Optional engine (hp): 3.0-litre DOHC V6 (255)
Layout: Front-engine, front or all-wheel drive
Transmission: Six speed automatic
L/100km (city/hwy): 9.2/6.1 (2.4 FWD)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control

FROM CHEVY, A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO CRUZE

The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze possesses a level of refinement not seen in previous compacts from GM. Judging by a test drive, great pains were taken by the division to make sure this car could complete with the Japanese offerings.

By Steph Willems, EMC - The fanfare surrounding the launch of the all-new compact entry from Chevrolet is warranted, according to GM, because at last the division has a viable, competitive entry to challenge the Japanese vehicles that have long worn the compact crown.

So bold is GM that they're asking the driving public to forget about the previously unloved Cobalt and its predecessor the Cavalier; as part of their nation-wide launch of the Cruze, Chevrolet dealers are inviting the public to get behind the wheel to see for themselves the advancements in comfort and refinement that have gone into the new model.

Having followed the lengthy buildup to the Canadian launch (GM cites six million kilometres of all-climate testing as the reason for the delay in introducing the Cruze to this side of the Atlantic), I was curious to see how this car stacked up.

Two summers ago, I rented a Cobalt sedan for a western road trip. It was a basic, competent but overall underwhelming car, saddled with a sluggish 4-speed automatic that I cursed as the roads turned mountainous.

After driving a new Cruze (donated by Jim Tubman Chevrolet) on a loop of southern Ottawa, I can officially report that the new model is light years ahead of the Cobalt. The tester was a mid-level LT model, which comes equipped with GM's new 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (its first North American application) and a 6-speed automatic transmission, something rarely seen in a compact car. The engine -- certainly the smallest displacement seen in a domestic car in some time - produces 138 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque at a very low 1,850 RPM (thanks to the turbo).

Settling in behind the wheel, I found the front buckets to be supportive for both the back and legs. The seat is adjustable six ways, and goes back far enough to accommodate this 6'4" driver; couple that with a narrow console that doesn't intrude into leg space and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and you've got a car that will accommodate a wide range of driver physiques. No need to lean forward to grasp the wheel when the seat is in the rearmost position.

Once settled into that seat, the driver of a Cruze has good visibility all around; the car has a generous greenhouse with few of the blind spots that have been creeping into drivers' vision in recent domestic models.

Interior materials and fit and finish are vastly improved over previous compact Chevy's as well; fabric inserts in the dash breaks up the expanse of plastic while adding some visual flair to the interior. Depending on what seat fabric one orders, that dash can become two-tone as well, making the cabin a visually stimulating place to spend time.

Controls for the radio and stereo are intuitive, not hard to figure out, and the same goes for controls like the power window switches, lights and wipers.

Getting underway, acceleration in the Cruze LT turbo is brisk and effortless; the transmission has an extra-low first gear that gets the car moving and then upshifts almost instantly, while the engine -- like all turbos -- has plenty of low-end torque to bring the vehicle up to speed. The small-displacement engine emits very little noise, making the trip to highway speeds not only quick, but free of noise and drama. With so many gears to choose from, it doesn't take a flooring of the accelerator in order to get the transmission to down-shift for a boost of power. Because of the turbo, more torque is available at low RPM's, aiding acceleration.

Passing (accelerating from 60 to, ahem, just above the highway speed limit) brings the tachometer to 5500 RPM -- the quick to downshift transmission and good mid-range torque makes this easy. Even at this high rpm, engine noise is muted, as is other noises originating from outside the vehicle.

The test was performed south of the airport, past open fields on a windy day. During the test, very little road noise penetrated the cabin, and the wind gusts were heard more than the noise generated by the car's airlfow. Nor was the car blown around the road by these crosswinds. The Cruze stayed planted and went where it was aimed.

This was helped by the steering, which was on-centre and precise, with no need for constant correction. No play in this wheel. Steering effort seemed to be designed for comfort -- moderately soft at low speed and moderately firm at high speed.

The 6-speed automatic featured a manual shift gate to allow the driver to choose his or her own gears. While this feature in a conventional automatic will never match the instantaneous shifts of a dual-clutch transmission, it would certainly be useful for holding gears on hills and passing or decelerating. Without a twisty or hilly course to navigate during the test, this feature wasn't used much. Certainly I would have been glad for it if the Cruze had been my Rocky Mountain rental.

In the automotive landscape, the Cruze is classified as a compact car, but it occupies the larger end of this spectrum. At 3,146 pounds the Cruze LT turbo is no lightweight, but that weight is an asset when it comes to rough roads and high winds. Leitrim, Bowesville and Rideau Roads are definitely the roughest roads you'll find in south Ottawa, and that weight, plus a solid (but not overly stiff) suspension kept those harsh bumps in check.

Trunk space in the Cruze, at 15 cubic feet, is spacious.

The efficiency (and strength) of the diminutive turbo engine, coupled with the 6-speed transmission, means that the weight and size of the car isn't something that could concern prospective drivers worried about economy.

An 'Eco' model of the Cruze, which will begin production at the time of this publication, will boost the already excellent fuel economy of the 1.4-litre with the aid of weight-saving measures, aerodynamic improvements and a tweaking of the gear ratios of the standard 6-speed manual transmission.

First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet

Just in case 426 horsepower from a Camaro SS is not enough, SLP

Performance Parts will perform engine mods to crank it up to 585 horses

By Graeme Fletcher, National Post Drive - There's an old refrain that goes: "Anything you can do, I can do better." Welcome to the Camaro ZL585, a vehicle produced by SLP Performance Parts Inc. of Quebec. This company starts with a Camaro SS, which is no slouch in the first place, and imbues it with mega-horsepower. It is a wicked car in a very pleasant way.

The tweaking starts under the hood with the addition of a cold air intake and a monster Eaton 2300-series high-output supercharger that's similar to the one found in the Corvette ZR1. Ramming the air into the Camaro SS's 6.2-litre V8 engine bumps the horsepower for the manual transmission model to 585 hp from 426. However, that tells only part of the power story -- the torque figure jumps to a stump-pulling 597 pound-feet at 4,164 rpm from 420 lb-ft! Now that is enough to grab the driver's attention in a hurry.

Obviously, peeling rubber is something the ZL585 does only too easily. Pull away in first gear, short shift to second, get on the power and the tail twitches as the electronic stability control system works overtime to prevent the P295/35ZR20 rear tires from melting in a blue haze -- too many of these smoke-inducing romps will put a serious crimp in the life expectancy of the rubber!

To state the obvious, the Camaro ZL585 is one seriously fast machine. It runs to 100 kilometres an hour in less than four seconds and has a claimed quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds with a terminal speed of 195.6 km/h! These numbers make it appreciably quicker than the Ford Shelby GT500. The exhaust (an aptly named axle-back Loud Mouth II add-on) is both a boon and a bane. The boon is the glorious sound it makes whenever the engine is doing its thing, even just idling. The bane is, likewise, noise. In this instance, it's the annoying drone that surfaces at 1,750 rpm, which is right at highway cruising speeds (120 km/h). This makes it a monotonous companion on a long drive. I ended up either puttering along at 100 km/h or stepping it up to around 130 km/h to get away from the resonance.

The suspension has also been reworked to improve the Camaro's already tight-handling characteristics. The Eibach springs drop the ride height by 25.4 millimetres. This lowers the centre of gravity and improves the overall balance. The P255/40ZR20 front and P295/35/ZR20 rear Michelin PS2s then add tremendous lateral grip. The combination gives the ZL585 a remarkably dialled-in feel, even when driven toward the limit.

The other key option on the tester, on loan from Automobiles Paille Inc. in Berthierville, Que., was the Brembo GT brake package (the six-piston front calipers clamp down on 5-inch cross-drilled two-piece rotors). The extra stopping power, and the fact it is basically fade-free, should be considered a must given the power at play. Stopping a heavy 1,749-kilogram car takes some doing at the best of times. Impromptu testing pegged the stopping distances from 100 km/h at a short 39.6 metres.

Cosmetically, the ZL585 earns a functional rear deck lid spoiler, some very nice 20-inch Red Line rims and a composite hood complete with the requisite go-faster stripes. The discreet scoop at the front hood is functional -- the cold air that's forced in through the slit displaces the hot air in the engine bay, which lowers the under-hood temperature. Finally, there is a curb-killing front air dam. It really is over-kill as the car sits so low to the ground that a tall speed bump becomes a challenge. It is the one thing in the ZL585's make-up I could live without.

Inside, the seats are covered in an attractive houndstooth fabric. There are ZL585 logos on the headrests and floor mats, the shifter has a short-throw kit, which is great when rowing through the gears quickly, and a badge on the dash identifies each car -- in this case, Pilot Car #1. The rest of it is all Camaro, meaning everything is oversized and a bit mechanical in nature.

The nits are fairly minor. First, the seats could do with more base and backrest bolstering. Second, there's no boost gauge. True, it would be difficult to integrate the gauge into the Camaro's dash as well as the rest of the components, but it would cap things off nicely.

The Camaro ZL585 is an impressive car that oozes machismo. It has the right handling and stopping power needed to harness those stampeding stallions. The ability to out-brake a supposedly sportier car heading into a corner and then leaving it for dead when powering out of it proved to be a real giggle -- so many dismissed the ZL585 as just another Camaro.

All of this ability does come at a price. The base Camaro SS starts at $38,515 (including freight). The ZL585 pckage adds another $24,995, plus $5,995 for the Brembo brakes. A number of other items brought the as-tested price of the ZL585 to just less than $73,000.

Only 500 of these limited-edition Camaro ZLs (the upgrades are offered on both the manual and automatic versions of the coupe and convertible) will be built, 55 of which have already found homes.

CHEVY ON CRUZE CONTROL

By Annette McLeod, Autonet.ca - The compact car segment in Canada accounts for more than 20% of the market, so a strong player is key. In recent years, Mazda's Mazda3 and Honda's Civic have had a lock on it, but General Motors is hoping its brand new Chevrolet Cruze changes all that.

Out goes Cobalt and in comes a car the company is pitching as having the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car with the fuel economy of a compact. It's on value for dollar and fuel economy that GM is hoping the Korean-designed global Cruze can pry away market share.

There aren't any technological breakthroughs here, but as new design direction for the brand, it's looking good: well proportioned with a powerful-looking front end and wide rear stance (although that's its weakest angle). Engineered for strength and with a low centre of gravity, it offers good fit and finish and a rigid body that shows up in creditable and quiet handling, and good feedback for a compact car.

The model I tried comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-litre inline four-cylinder turbo, but the turbo is hard to detect.

The cabin is roomy and pretty, with a unique cloth dash (unless you pay for leather) that may prove impractical depending on the colour. Headroom and legroom aren't a problem, and the front seat pushes way the heck back for a cavernous footwell should your inseam require such a thing.

It's competing on safety, too, with the most airbags in the segment (10) including front, side air curtains, side impact front and rear, and front knee airbags.

Another plus is infotainment, with OnStar, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation available.

With its major competitors starting around $16,000 and the base (LS) Cruze at just shy of $15,000 (well less than Corolla and Elantra, too), it's still reasonably equipped with Stabilitrak, traction control and ABS, power windows and lock, and remote keyless entry.

Optional on LS are OnStar and a six-speed automatic transmission. The LS+ adds $1,755 and XM radio, air, and an up-level radio display, with an optional connectivity package, floor mats and the automatic transmission.

Both come with a 1.8-litre engine and 16-inch steel wheels. The LT Turbo (starting at $19,495) comes standard with the 1.4-litre turbo engine and auto transmission, body-colour power heated outside mirrors, cruise and floor mats, with optional connectivity and convenience packages, Pioneer audio, sunroof and remote start.

The LT Turbo+ adds the connectivity package, leather-wrapped steering wheels and $1,375 to the LT price. It also switches out the steel wheels for 16-inch alloys that make its handling much more competitive with Mazda3 and Civic. Options include an RS appearance package, convenience package, Pioneer audio, navigation, sunroof and remote start.

At the top of the line is the LTZ Turbo for $24,780 with four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport chassis, chrome door handles, heated leather seats, convenience package, Pioneer audio, LTZ cluster with compass, rear park assist, remote start and automatic climate control. It's a shame you have to go up that high to get the heated seats, but it's still pretty reasonable with the RS appearance package, navigation and sunroof as options.

There's also a Cruze Eco trim for the LT Turbo price ($19,495) with a six-speed manual transmission, ultra-low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, and aerodynamic enhancement including an air shutter system that senses wind conditions and activates electric motors that open and close shutters to reduce drag at high speed and improve cooling at lower speeds.

GM expects highway fuel consumption as low as 5.0L/100km, a figure that's competitive with small hybrids.

Initially, GM is giving a choice of incentives: no-charge winter tires or a CruzeConnect package with a 16-GB iPad with OnStar MyLink mobile app.

BEST NEW VEHICLES FOR 2011 CHOSEN

11 categories in annual testfest. GM, Ford and Volkswagen

big winners as automotive journalists name top picks

By Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News - After a week of back-to-back testing, the 2011 Best New Vehicle awards covering 11 categories were announced November 1 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) during its annual TestFest.

Only model-year 2011 and those that are new or substantially redesigned for the model year are eligible in the program that, this year, saw 70 auto writers from across the country participate. Over several days the previous week, the writers evaluated 48 new models in 11 categories, ranging from the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder to the Ford Fiesta.

General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen were the big winners, with three, two and two wins, respectively. General Motors won for its Chevrolet Cruze in the small car over $21,000 category, as well as the Buick Regal in the family car category; the Cadillac CTS-V took the sports performance class.

Ford won for its Europeandesigned Fiesta in the small car under $21,000 class, and it also took the trophy for best new SUV under $50,000 for the Oakville, ON built Ford Edge.

Volkswagen went home with wins in the family car under $30,000 group for the new Jetta TDI clean diesel in addition to the best new SUV over $50,000 for the Touareg.

All the winners are now entered into AJAC's competition for Canadian Car of the Year, as well as Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Those winners will be announced in February at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.

Here are the winners of the categories:

Small Car, under $21,000 winner: Ford Fiesta
Competed against: Mazda2, Scion xB, Scion xD, Volkswagen Jetta

Small Car, over $21,000 winner: Chevrolet Cruze
Competed against: Honda CR-Z, Kia Forte 5, Nissan Juke, Scion tC

Family Car, under $30,000 winner: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel
Competed against: Hyundai Sonata Limited, Suzuki Kizashi

Family Car, over $30,000 winner: Buick Regal
Competed against: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, Toyota Avalon

Luxury Car, over $50,000 winner: BMW 5 Series Sedan
Competed against: Audi A8, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Hyundai Equus, Infiniti M Lexus IS350, Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC Sedan, Volvo S60

Prestige, over $75,000 winner: Porsche 911 Turbo S
Competed against: Audi R8 Spyder, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Jaguar XJ Supercharged, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Sports Performance, over $50,000 winner: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Competed against: Ford Mustang Shelby, Mercedes-Benz E550, Cabriolet

Minivan winner: Toyota Sienna
Competed against: Honda Odyssey

SUV/CUV, under $35,000 winner: Hyundai Tucson
Competed against: Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi RVR

SUV/CUV, under $50,000 winner: Ford Edge
Competed against: Honda Accord Crosstour, Hyundai Sante Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander Hybrid

SUV/CUV, over $50,000 winner: Volkswagen Touareg
Competed against: Ford Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC, Porsche Cayenne

CAMARO NAMED 'HOTTEST CAR' IN INAUGURAL SEMA AWARD

By General Motors of Canada - The Chevrolet Camaro has been named the "hottest car" at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The inaugural SEMA Award recognizes the most accessory-friendly new models, based on the number of vehicles exhibited at the show.

"A booth space is a ballot, and the models these exhibitors have selected represent their vote," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

According to SEMA, exhibitors manufacture thousands of products that improve performance, convenience, appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model vehicle, exhibitors are investing more into the Chevrolet Camaro than any other car. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find more options for personalizing their Camaro.

"More than any other venue, the cars exhibitors and attendees bring to SEMA embody the passion and excitement of car enthusiasts everywhere," said John Fitzpatrick, Chevrolet Performance Cars marketing manager. "Based on the sheer number of Camaros displayed on the floor, and parked in the adjacent lots, the Camaro is clearly the hottest car of the show."