THIS IS YOUR BEST LOOK YET AT CHEVY'S C7 CORVETTE

 

By Autoblog.com - We've seen the new C7 Corvette performingt some cold-weather tests, had sneak peeks of digital body parts and even watched speculative animated video.  Thanks to our hard-working spy photographers that chased down this group of Corvette test mules, we can see most of these reports were on the right track.

Chevy is still doing a great job camouflaging its upcoming Corvette, but these new photos show us some new details about the C7 'Vette.  The biggest news with these new pictures is our first glimpse inside the new Corvette, which reveals some stylish and sporty bucket seats that appear to be all ready for a set of five-point harnesses.  Better yet, a glimpse of the new steering wheel would seem to show the angular, edgy direction of the interior styling.  Like the exterior, though, the rest of the cabin is cleverly camo'd up, and there is still no definitive word as to what will be found under that long, vented hood.

One of the more unique shots of this bunch shows the new Corvette sitting next to a Camaro ZL1.  We're not sure if this is for a performance comparison, but it gives us a great look at the size difference between the two cars.

As we start to piece together all of the images for the C7 Corvette, we're eagerly anticipating its official arrival which is said to be at the 2013 Detroit auto show. 

TRANSPORT CANADA ISSUES RECALL -- CHEVROLET MALIBU, SATURN AURA AND PONTIAC G6

By Ronnie Fung, Autoblog.com - Transport Canada has released a recall today that potentially affects 40,000 units.  This recall affects 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibus and Pontiac G6s as well as 2007-2010 Saturn Auras.

The safety recall is associated to a potential problem in the automatic transmission.  It has been warned that the 'shift cable locking tabs' may potentially break.  If the tabs break the tranny may not lock into the 'Park' position and may not correlate with what the gear indicator shows.

Several problems may arise from this.  While the driver may still remove the key from the ignition, the automatic locks may not function as desired and the 'park' illuminator will not be illuminated.  More importantly, the driver may not even be able to restart the vehicle upon re-entry.

Dealers will install a shift cable retainer clip or replace the entire shift cable assembly if necessary.

GENERAL MOTORS AND VOLKSWAGEN MAY BENEFIT FROM ANIT-JAPAN PROTESTS IN CHINA

By Zach Bowman, Autoblog.com - The unrest in China may have positive consequences for automakers like Volkswagen and General Motors, according to Automotive News.  As protesters continue their streak of violence, many owners of Japanese vehicles are leaving them home for fear of damage.  Protesters have vandalized Japanese businesses and those that sell Japanese goods, including car dealerships, as well as personal property.  Reports indicate some owners are swapping their Toyota badges for those of Chinese automaker BYD in hopes of fooling vandalism-minded mobs.

Nissan, Toyota and Honda have all reported attacks on their dealerships, and China's Passenger Car Association has predicted Japanese automakers may lose their market lead to those based in the U.S. and Germany.  General Motors sold a total of 1.84 million vehicles in China under a total of three brand names, while Volkswagen moved 1.49 million units this year.  By comparison, Nissan has sold just 485,000 vehicles.

The protests mark the 81st anniversary of the Manchurian incident, which saw Japanese forces invade China.

GM IS BUILDING A BETTER CRASH-TEST DUMMY

By Jonathon Ramsey, Autoblog.com - Anyone can be an ordinary dummy, whereas being a good crash-test dummy takes work.  A few things you probably didn't know: the official name for a crash-test dummy is "anthropomorphic test device" (ATD), General Motors "has a long history" designing ATDs, and the process is so specialized that there's even a Rear Impact Dummy Task Group.

GM is working with five other OEMs on the dummies that help ensure humans stay as safe as possible in car crashes.  The latest advance is the second generation of the Biofidelic Rear Impact Dummy, or BioRID II, designed by engineers at Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden.  It has a backbone with 24 simulated vertebrae (the same number we have in our real vertebral columns) to recreate natural seating positions and back and neck movement in rear collisions.  The challenge now is to make sure that the BioRID II can "deliver repeatable, reproducible test results" from which the next advances in safety can be engineered.

That's just where GM comes in.  One of its award-winning engineers produced a rear-impact sled just for the purpose. 

BATTLE OVER OWNERSHIP OF FINAL CUNNINGHAM CORVETTE

By George Kennedy, Autoblog.com - Remember that recently-discovered Briggs Cunningham Corvette?  The last of three to be found that raced at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans?  Well, as is customary in matters such as these, a tense legal battle has broiled, with many players to follow, so lets just get into it ...

Here's how the story goes: After more than 50 years in hiding, the rare Le Mans racer surfaced in the garage of Pamela Carr, widow of Florida Judge Richard Carr.  Richard's son, Rick, had known of the car for years, but only recently checked the VIN, which led him to reach out to Cunningham historian Larry Berman.  Through Berman, the Carr family was put in touch with Lance Miller.  Lance is the son of the late Chip Miller, founder of Carlisle Events, and Corvette's at Carlisle.

Chip Miller, along with Corvette restorer Kevin Mackay, had gone to great lengths to find the Cunningham Corvette having hired a private investigator in the 1990s to locate the cars.  Mackay found and restored Corvette No. 3, which was given to Miller.  Their efforts were chronicled in the 2000 documentary The Quest.  It was Miller's dying wish that if the last Cuningham 'Vette were ever found (No. 2 is owned by noted collector Bruce Meyer), it would end up in Mackay's hands.  If found, the car could be worth over $1 million USD.

On July 23 of this year, Chip's son Lance purchased the No. 1 car from the Carr family for just $75,000 USD and three days later, sold it to Mackay.  Though it appeared that the journey had come to an end, trouble had just begun for Mackay.

While the Corvette had been in the hands of the late Carr for years, the title was claimed by another man.  Jerry Moore says that the Cunningham was titled to him in 1974, and he owned the car during the 70's.  Moore then issued the title to one Dan Mathis Jr. of Tampa, Fla, who claims the car was stolen from his father in the late 70's.  No police report was ever found.

With the car set to be shown at the Corvette's at Carlisle event in late August, Mathis arrived in Carlisle and sought to have the car seized with police assistance.  The car was shown at a private event on August 23, then the car was pulled from the show.  Mathis, with title in hand and police in tow, arrived at the show to seize the car, but it was nowhere to be found and its whereabouts are currently unknown.

Mathis claims the Carlisle police department has hidden the car, and on September 7, the Floridian brought a lawsuit against the Borough of Carlisle, Mackay, Lance Miller, Miller's mother, Miller's business partners, and Carlisle Events.  Before Mathis filed, Mackay and Miller brought a suit against Mathis, Moore, as well as collector Domenico Idoni, who is said to have formed a partnership with Mathis.

With both parties filing against each other, the legal battle has moved to the U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania, and the first hearing is set for September 26.  Who will be awarded the Corvette?  Only time will tell, but when a decision is reached, we will be sure to report on it.

CHEVY PLANS HIGH-STICKER LUXURY PICKUPS

Dealers told the High Country trim line will have Western flair, lots of leather

 

By Mike Colias, Automotive News - General Motors plans a luxury trim level for its next-generation Chevrolet Silverado pickup, its answer to the leather-swathed top offerings of its rivals.

GM will name the model the High Country, according to dealers briefed on the plans during a national Chevy dealer meeting this month in Las Vegas.

It's a response to the proliferation of high-end pickup models, such as Ford's F-150 King Ranch and Limited and Ram's Laramie Longhorn, which have sticker prices that can top $50,000.  Ford, for example, now offers five luxury F-150 trims that account for nearly one-third of the nameplate's sales.

GM executives didn't describe the new model's content in detail or discuss price, dealers said.  A GM spokesman declined to comment on the plans.

"They said it would have a Western flair and unique leather," says one dealer who attended the meeting.  "They basically said, 'If it's on the King Ranch, we're going to have it.'" 

The planned High Country model underscores the seemingly insatiable appetite for luxury full-sized pickups, as automakers continue to test the price ceiling of the truck market.

In coming weeks, Ford will up the ante with its most luxurious F-150, the Limited, which has a sticker price of $53,450, including shipping, and has a moonroof, heated and cooled seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels.  It will join our four other F-150 luxury trims: King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor and Lariat.

The 2009 launch of the Platinum, which was the priciest F-150 before the Limited, emboldened Ford to go even further up the premium ladder.  Despite hitting the market during a severe recession, the Platinum's sales hit 6 percent of overall F-150 sales -- double Ford's expectation, a spokesman says.

Today, Chevy's priciest pickup is the Silverado 1500 crew cab LTZ, which stickers for $43,435, including shipping, and features standard remote start and dual-zone climate control.  That's nearly $4,000 below the Ram 1500's most expensive model, the Laramie Longhorn crew cab, and about $10,000 below the forthcoming F-150 Limited.

Chevy dealers long have clamored for a top-level trim with more bling and a catchy name, says Tom Durant, owner of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, Texas, one of the nation's largest Chevy dealers.  He also owns a Ford dealership.

"It's something we've been asking for for a long time.  We don't have a distinctive premium pickup," Durant says.  "Customers will walk into my Ford store and say, 'I want to buy a King Ranch.'  But when you say 'Silverado', it could be any number of things."

GM's decision to offer a luxury-level trim for Chevrolet has been complicated by the fact that GMC is the company's premium truck brand.  GM execs have been trying for years to create more separation between the two brands.

GMC has had success with its Denali up-level trim on its Sierra 1500, the Silverado's platform mate.  The Silverado's High Country model likely would compete in the same price range.

Still, there should be room for luxury offerings from both brands, says Dave Sullivan, a product analyst at research firm AutoPacific Inc.  Despite the shared platforms and powertrains of the Silverado and Sierra, the staunch allegiances ingrained in pickup buyers would prevent many from switching between the two, he says.

"A higher-end Chevy gives GMC the ability to move up.  And Chevy can also move up," Sullivan says.  "There's no reason GM's volume pickup brand shouldn't have something to go up against" the premium offerings of Ford and Ram.

Sullivan adds that the price of the Denali version on the next-generation Sierra 1500 could jump partly because of the expected discontinuation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup, which shares the same platform and is priced at $64,055, including shipping.

EXT production is likely to end after the redesigned Escalade hits the market by late next year.  The redesigned Silverado and Sierra are expected to arrive in showrooms in the summer.

High Country resurrects the name of a package on the Chevy Blazer that GM offered in the 1980s.  The High Country Blazer had gold wheels and badges with shiny paint on the upper exterior that faded into gold on the lower body.

FIT TO BE DYED: CHEVROLET SPARK SUITS UP FOR THE COLOR RUN

Multicolor version of brand's first U.S.
mini car will pace urban 5K races nationally

By General Motors, United States - The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a city car offered in bold hues such as Jalapeno, Salsa Red, Lemonade, Denim Blue and Techno Pink, will pace nearly 10,000 runners in The Color Run this Saturday and Sunday at the Aviator Sports Center in Brooklyn, the first of numerous Spark-paced races across the country.

Chevrolet and The Color Run today announced a sponsorship deal that makes the Spark -- Chevrolet's first mini car for the U.S. and Canadian markets -- the official vehicle and pace car for The Color Run through 2013.

The Color Run is a popular, nationwide series of urban 5K races in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors for each kilometer. Participation in and buzz for The Color Run have exploded since its debut last year, with hearly half-million "likes" on Facebook.

"The Spark and The Color Run are perfect running mates because both appeal to style-conscious, high-energy urbanites who don't live life in neutral," said Cristi Landy, marketing director, Chevrolet Spark. "We hope Color Runners will like what they see when they meet the Spark."

Pacing The Color Run events in New York is a specially designed Chevrolet Spark with a multicolor paint scheme over a white base that replicates the look of a color-saturated runner at the finish line. The theme continues inside with splashes of bright color throughout an already-color-coordinated interior.

"Our team wanted The Color Run Spark to look like an authentic race participant, and we believe this pace car will energize and inspire the crowd to take a closer look," said Kathy Sirvio, the General Motors senior design manager who worked on the production version of the Spark.

Race organizers also partner with a charity in each city; this weekend, The Color Run will team up with the Police Unity Tour and Tuesday's Children. Tuesday's Children has made a long-term commitment to meet the needs of individuals impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

"We created the tag line 'The happiest 5K on the planet' when we saw how happy The Color Run made people; now the Chevrolet Spark's involvement is going to help us bring more happiness to runners and charity partners in more cities," said Travis Snyder, executive director for The Color Run. "We also love the fact that our events lead people to have a more healthy and active lifestyle.

NEW PICKUP TRUCK PRICES SLASHED BY BLOATED SUPPLY

By Luke Vandezande, Autoguide.com - A special set of circumstances has the planets aligned just right to cause North American's biggest pickup truck suppliers to bludgeon each other's prices through the floor this fall.

Customers can get as much as $3,500 cash on the hood for a new GMC or Chevrolet pickup truck or up to $4,500 on a trade in, all during a sales event that's been extended from its usual one month run to two. Naturally, the push prompted Ford, Dodge and Toyota all to respond in kind by offering competing incentives.

Why the fire sale? It's really very simple. General Motors ramped up its pickup truck production in anticipation of having to retool three of its truck plants to produce upcoming models. Much like tuning an old truck's carburator, sales won't run smoothly if the supply ends up being too lean or rich. That tightrope gets a lot trickier to walk when the supply is predetermined.

GM has strong motivation to move units while faced with the possibility of having too many 2012 and 2013 units congesting its inventory, hence the purchase incentives. What's more, the automaker is also offering $1,500 per truck to dealerships that surpass their sales targets.

Meanwhile, Ford is in the midst of its annual F-series promotion running from September through October and there's cash on the hood for customers buying a 2012 RAM pickup as the re-engineered 2013 model draws near. Despite not having made changes to its truck since 2007, Toyota is offering competitive incentives on the Tundra as well.

GM FILES TRADEMARK APPLICATION FOR 'Z28'

By George Kennedy, Autoblog.com - This should raise the eyebrows of a few Camaro enthusiasts. GM Authority is reporting that General Motors has filed with the United States Patent Office for a trademark of the 'Z28' moniker. Oh, do we have your attention?

Many GM performance fans were surprised when Chevrolet did not use the Z28 nameplate for its range-topping, supercharged ZL1 Camaro. There were rumors afoot that Chevrolet may still employ the Z28 name at some point, but some of the air went out of that balloon when a trim debuted between the SS and the ZL1 wearing the 1LE designation. And potentially furthering this speculation is an April tidbit from Camaro5, where a forum member discovered that his Camaro ZL1 diffuser bracket had the designation 'Z28' on it.

Yet while many such patent filings are to be taken with a grain of salt (often it's just a brand looking to protect a dormant or lapsed patent), a development like this only stokes the rumormongers' flames.

The ZL1 is, without a doubt, the top of the Camaro performance ladder, so where would a Z28 fit? GM Authority offers some speculation, suggesting that a production Z28 could "even out-muscle the ZL1." Another interesting theory they offer is that the Z28 appellation could replace the Camaro SS designation, as Chevy has the Zeta-based SS sedan range coming in next year, and GM officials could be worried about confusion in the marketplace.

When the first-generation Camaro came out in 1976, Z28 was merely the option code designation for a race-ready package (SS models were option code Z27). It was not mentioned in any literature and many customers did not know about it at first. Since then, the Z/28 has become an iconic name in the world of muscle cars.

CORVETTE MUSEUM HIRES ARCHITECT FOR UPCOMING MOTORSPORTS PARK, SEEKS SPONSORS

By Autoblog.com - The pride and joy of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is about to get a lot bigger.

The Corvette Museum is planning to build a motorsports park and has already hired Steve Crawford, the architect behind Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California, and The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington.

But the museum hasn't raised enough money yet to pay for the multimillion dollar facility, which it hopes to have running by 2014. It has $3 million USD cash for the land and another million for the facility. But it is currently seeking sponsors for the track, up to a $750,000 USD annual commitment to service the debt on a $10 million USD debt.

The park, complete with racetrack if all goes as planned, will serve a number of purposes including "education, recreation and training for Corvette enthusiasts," according to Corvetteblogger.com.

2013 CHEVROLET SPARK REVIEW

By Aaron Gold, About.com Guide - Small cars -- I mean really small cars -- are a rarity in America market, and most of the ones you can buy (Fiat 500, MINI Cooper, Scion iQ, Smart ForTwo) sell on their novelty value rather than practicality. That makes the Chevrolet Spark something unique -- a five-door mini-hatch designed to be used, and not just admired. Is the new Spark right for America? Read on.

First Glance: A new face

Mini-hatchbacks like the Spark are popular in Europe and Asia, but we don't find them often in the States. One could argue that we don't really need them: Our streets are wide, our towns are far apart, and even in big cities, where parking is at a premium, spots are generally of a uniform size. And when it comes to fuel economy, there's a law of diminishing returns: Larger, more aerodynamic sedans are often more fuel efficient on the open road than small, stubby hatchbacks.

Still, some small cars -- most notably the Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper -- have made quite a splash. So Chevy is dipping their toe in the water by offering the Chevrolet Spark here in the home market. Think of this as a trial run, with better things to come if Americans take the Spark to heart.

Like the Fiat and the MINI, the Spark is stylish, with its cute bug-eye face and a selection of bright colors including green, yellow, red and pink. The Spark is about the same size as the 500 and the Cooper, but it has something they lack: Back doors. It's also a lot less expensive -- prices start at US$12,995, including air conditioning, power windows and alloy wheels, and top out just shy of seventeen grand with cruise control, heated fake-leather seats, and a 7" touch-screen display stereo.

In the Driver's Seat: Color is good, glare is bad

Inside, the Spark has all the trappings of a great small car: Excellent visibility, simple controls, and a lot of character, with jazzy trim on the seats and gauges in a pod atop the steering wheel. The plastics, fabrics and carpets are better than expected given the price tag, and while the body-color trim helps to break up the monotony of the grey dash, it reflects annoyingly in the side windows -- in the green Spark I drove, the reflection was strong enough that I couldn't see the left-side mirror.

Space up front is a non-issue for all but the freakishly tall, and while the seats are a little short on thigh support, they are basically comfortable. The two-place back seat also has a lot of leg- and headroom, but gets downright claustrophobic when you close the door; the hard plastic door panel and stingy armrest don't help. Cargo space is 11.4 cubic feet, more than enough for groceries and gym bags, and the split-flip-fold back seat opens up a 31.2 cubic feet.

All but the base-model Spark get a 7" touch-screen stereo with a USB port. Plug in a USB drive and you can watch movies; plug in your smart phone, buy the BringGo app (US$50), and the stereo and phone work together to give you a touch-screen navigation system. No smart phone? No problem: The Spark also comes with OnStar, a subscription-based system that provides turn-by-turn directions and calls for help in the event of a crash. And speaking of crashes, the Spark's interior is home to ten airbags -- a fantastic level of protection for such a small car.

On the Road: Living for the city

Opening the Spark's tiny little hood reveals a tiny little engine -- a 1.25 liter four-cylinder. (You know it's a small engine when the displacement goes to a second decimal place.) Output is 84 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque, which, as it turns out, is more than enough to motivate a 2,300 lb car. Spark buyers can choose from a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Fuel economy is good, but not great: 32 MPG city/38 MPG highway for the manual and 28/37 for the automatic. I blame the old-tech trannies and the Spark's less-than-aerodynamic rear end.

I had low expectations for ride and handling, and was plasantly surprised by both: The Spark turns in responsively, grips well, and rides comfortably, though it crashes noisily (and cheaply) over the largest bumps. The whole package comes into its own in town, as the Spark adeptly squeezes into gaps that SUVs can only dream about. You'll recall auto writer LJK Setright's oft-repeated adage that "It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow." The Spark isn't exactly slow, but it illustrates what the ol' man was talking about -- I had a great time ripping around Los Angeles in the Spark, and all while (mostly) obeying the posted limits.

Journey's End: We might not need it, but we will want it

There are all sorts of arguments for and against cars as small as the Chevrolet Spark. For: Reduced traffic congestion, easier parking, lower costs. Against: Bigger cars don't cost much more and are close (or better) on fuel economy. My take: Who the hell cares? The Spark is cheap, cute, and charming, and that's reason enough to buy one.

Obvious competitors are the aforementioned Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper; the former is arguably more stylish, the latter more fun, but neither are quite as useful and both are quite a bit more expensive.

There's also the Scion iQ, which is a bit less practical, and the Smart ForTwo, which is a lot less practical. Frankly, I think the stiffest competition comes from the next-biggest Chevy, the Sonic, which has more back seat space and only costs a couple of grand more. (Of course, if you want maximum fun, you'll have to pump for the 1.4 liter turbo engine.) The Sonic has the same ten airbags as the Spark -- er, not the same air bags, each car does get its own -- and unlike the Korean-built Spark, the Sonic is made in the USA.

Still, I think the Spark will prove to be very popular. Does America need a car this small? Probably not. Will we buy it anyway? Yes, I think we will.

HANDS ON WITH CHEVY SPARK'S MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

By Stephanie Miot, PCmag.com - Chevrolet is bringing the car to the smartphone, since people already bring the smartphone to the car.

The 2013 Chevy Spark is the company's first foray into the U.S. and Canadian mini-car arena, equipping drivers with a new infotainment system that provides big technology in a minuscule car.

Tuesday's "Spark Your Senses" press tour dropped journalists at various trendy locations around the city (Bond No. 9, Momofuku Milk Bar, Pete's Candy Store) to prove that the Chevy Spark is a young, hip, infotainment-capable car into which millennials will be clamoring to the climb.

To do that, the car maker tapped into the need of every 16- to 31-year old's greatest fear: detachment from their smartphone.

Being forced to disconnect from your phone and keep both hands on the wheel can cause more anxiety for some people than maneuvering through crowded city streets, Chevy communications team member Annalisa Bluhm said Tuesday, following the test drive. So integrating the widely popular device directly into the Spark was critical, she said.

"Drivers can bring their digital life with them" Bluhm said, citing the ability to stream your personal library directly from your phone, or through radio apps built into the car's system. Without a built-in CD player, the Spark relies heavily on the driver to supply the tunes.

Chevrolet MyLink does carry AM and FM channels, as well as SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with a three-month trial service, before you have to start paying an annual fee), all of which run smoothly, as far as I could tell from the driver's seat. Radio seek and stereo volume buttons attached to the steering wheel -- what seems like standard procedure in modern cars -- carry over the hands-on-the-wheel concept that MyLink preaches. The system also includes a digital clock, Bluetooth connection for certain operating systems, and voice-recognition capabilities.

By connecting your smartphone -- via USB for iOS handsets or Bluetooth on Android -- the driver can follow GPS commands, audibly direct their music selections, and make or answer phone calls, presumably without losing too much focus on the road.

I was too knuckled down during my first time behind the wheel in New York City to test all of the MyLink features, aside from the occasional flick of the system's "home" button or a tug on the volume key.

But from the perspective of one of Chevy's demographic millennials, the system is just what any tech-savvy driver could hope for in a reasonably priced vehicle. Otherwise, its casual buttons and bright screen should prove easy for even the most uninitiated infotainment user to navigate.

'Just bring your phone and you're good to go'

Already filled with audio, pictures and movies, and telephone applications, Chevy's team didn't conspire to build just whatever apps the company deemed appropriate, MyLink global program manager Sara LeBlanc said Tuesday.

"We are listening to customers," she said, incorporating options like Pandora and Stitcher radio, and BringGo, an embedded smartphone map application that will work seamlessly with the Spark's MyLink system.

The BringGo app will be available in the Apple App Store and Google Play store sometime in the fourth quarter, though Bluhm could not specify a date. It is expected to land with a price tag around $50.

"Just bring your phone and you're good to go," said Cristi Landy, Chevy's small cars product marketing director.

Different than opening Google Maps and clumsily navigating a road trip through a 3-inch smartphone, BringGo turns the Spark's touch screen into a turn-by-turn global positioning system, which I found no need to test as my driving partner patiently read detailed directions to me from the provided navigation packet.

For convenience sake, the MyLink system and BringGo app will likely provide an update every six months to a year, Bluhm said. A simple but occasional trip to the Chevy dealer to upgrade will set drivers on their way toward the newest in-car technology.

Below the 7-inch, full-color touch screen is a USB port for connecting a smartphone to the MyLink system, or simply charging a device while the car is running. Engineers built a sort of cubby hole into the center of the front panel, where a smartphone, or even a small tablet, can sit comfortably, within voice-recognition distance but out of the way of the driver's sight, and therefore out of mind.

Are BringGo, Pandora, and Stitcher all Chevy has up its sleeve in terms of app development?

"I can't tell you everything today," LeBlanc joked, saying that the company is planning for future additions to its application stash, though remained mum on what users can expect.

Chevy Spark specs

Don't let the small classification fool you -- tiny as it may seem, the four-door vehicle has room to spare, though it does add to the ease of traveling in a crowded city. A whirl in the Spark feels comfortable, nothing a sedan-loving motorist wouldn't enjoy. From the driver's seat, the car feels spacious, not at all claustrophobic, and rather smooth, aside from a slow acceleration boost.

Selling in the U.S. market for three weeks already, the Spark comes in three flavors, beginning with the stripped down LS model for US$12,995.

For a MyLink-equipped vehicle, you will have to upgrade to the Spark 1LT or 2LT, both of which come standard with the infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, a USB port, and Sirius XM Radio. The cars cost US$13,495 and US$15,795, respectively.

Landy said that the Chevy Spark is being marketed toward "younger, more affluent, educated buyers," who want the up-to-date technology rolled into a slick vehicle, preferably for less than US$25,000, Landy said.

The Spark touts a 9.2-gallon gas tank, with EPA fuel economy of 32 mpg in the city, and 38 mpg on highways. It comes in a range of seven color options, including the classic black, white and silver, as well as chic Salsa red, Denim blue, Lemonade yellow and Techno pink.

Chevy compares its mini automobile to other vehicle-class cars like the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo, and the Scion iQ, boasting more passenger and cargo room in the Spark. Front to back, the new Chevy mini stands 12.05 feet (144.7 inches) long, and 5.24 feet (55.7 inches) wide, complete with 10 standard air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and OnStar access.

GM EUROPE TEASES NEW VAUXHALL CASCADA CONVERTIBLE, COULD BECOME BUICK DROPTOP

By Autoblog.com - It seems like every couple of years or so, some rumor emerges speculating that Buick will be getting a convertible, and the Tri-Shield brand has even helped out the rumormill with various topless concepts. We wonder if Buick might finally be able to get its first convertible since 1985 following the introduction of the Vauxhall Cascada later this month.

Debuting at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Vauxhall gave us a sneak peek at its all-new Cascada convertible by showing a couple partial images of the car with its top up and down. The press release says that the Cascada is a midsize convertible that can seat four passengers and is sized slightly above the Audi A5. With those kind of descriptors, we can't help but imagine how well Buick could possibly do against the Chrysler 200 Convertible. Regardless of whether this car would carry the Verano, Regal or some other name, we say bring it over.

Most of the styling cues of the Cascada are cropped out of these pictures, but what we do see is a stylish, Mercedes-like profile with the roof up, sharp body lines and a sporty rear end with the short decklid and integrated spoiler.

The Cascada will be on display in Paris, and it will go on sale early next year. If -- and that is a hopeful yet purely speculative "if" -- Buick does manage to add this car into its lineup, it would be the first for the brand since the 1985 Buick Riviera.

TAKING BETS ON WHAT GM HAS PLANNED FOR GEN V SMALL-BLOCK V8

By Jonathon Ramsey, Autoblog.com - A picture of a fuel injector (above), a few facts and a lot of supposition is all we know about the fifth-generation small-block engine on its way from General Motors. It is expected to debut sometime shortly in the C7 Chevrolet Corvette and be rolled out with the next-generation full-size pickup trucks, but no one is exactly sure what it will be.

What we do know is that it will have a cast aluminum block, direct injection, variable valve timing, a higher compression ratio and 4.4-inch bore centers, flex-fuel capability and it will be more fuel efficient. From there, the site EngineLabs.com runs through the rest of the rumors and the odds of them becoming reality. In the "Sure Bet" column, EL figures a more aggressive system of Active Fuel Management will be introduced for even greater efficiencies.

A surprising prediction to which EL gives a 98-per cent chance regards displacement: several outlets have talked of a "base" 5.5-litre model with 440 horsepower that mimicked the numbers of the 2010 Corvette Racing C6.R, but EL expects a 6.2-litre and 5.3-litre V8 and a 4.3-litre small block that it hinks could be a V6. Engineers have already said that the 5.5-litre (or 5.3-litre if EL is correct) will not go into the Corvette. The site also thinks the C7 will be introduced with at least 450 hp. Lower down in the 90th percentile odds are innovations like a raised camshaft tunnel, dry-sump oiling for performance variants and eAssist.

After that, things get rather cloudy. A concentric camshaft only gets even odds, there's just a 20-per cent chance of three valves per cylinder, and a mere 10-per cent chance of an active intake manifold. As for that "advanced combustion system" that we know is coming, EL wonders if it will be genuinely all new, or a new variation on the Otto cycle.

ELECTRIC MINI HUMMER TEMPTS MOTORING IRONISTS

By Zach Bowman, Autoblog.com - There's good news for you if you're still lamenting the loss of Hummer. UK-basec customizer Prindiville will gladly whip up a new officially-licensed, pint-sized version of General Motors' fuel-thirsty off roader.

This machine doesn't get its power from a heady V8, though. Instead, the company built the baby hummer as a plug-in hybrid with a 96 kilometre range. Using a 72-volt driveline coupled to an as-yet named internal combustion engine and a set of lithium-ion batteries, the Electric Hummer can whir around town on the buyer's choice of either 15 or 18-inch wheels. The driver gets to enjoy a set of full-LCD gauges to help keep an eye on remaining power, and a Pioneer head unit supplies passengers with tunes.

Prindiville currently plans to turn out 25 examples of the Electric Hummer, each with a price tag of roughly CAD$40,000. Still, something tells us that if the machines turn out to be wildly popular, there won't be anything stopping the company from turning out a few more.

SOFTWARE GLITCH HALTS SALE OF 8 GM VEHICLES

By Mike Colias, Automotive News - General Motors last week stopped the sale of several of its most popular 2013 vehicles because of a software glitch that affects their OnStar communication systems.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said late Friday, September 7, that GM was working to fix the problem on 60,000 vehicles. Affected vehicles are the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt; Cadillac XTS and ATS; Buick Verano; and GMC Terrain. The 2012 Cadillac SRX is also affected.

"This should be wrapped up in days, maybe into next week," Adler said on Friday.

Adler said a software problem prevents onStar's crash notification system from sending an alert to the OnStar call center in accidents that do not trigger an airbag deployment, such as a rear-end collision.

The software glitch does not affect the crash notification system in accidents that set off the airbags, Adler said, nor does it prevent the airbags from deploying. Operation of the OnStar emergency button is unaffected and should connect the driver to an emergency adviser as it does normally.

Some vehicles already are cleared for sale, after GM fixed them through a software upgrade installed remotely through the OnStar system. But because that method hasn't worked on all of the affected vehicles, GM is having dealers fix the remainder through a manual upgrade on their lots.

On Wednesday, September 5, GM notified dealers in a memo to "stop the delivery" of the vehicles until they were fixed. That memo said the fix "will be completed by late September."

Owners of the affected vehicles were notified of the problem in late August. Some of those vehicles have been fixed remotely, too, Adler said, though he could not say how many.

PREVIEW: 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU QUIET HIGHWAY CRUISER

By Gabriel Gelinas in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Special to National Post - Chevrolet is betting that it's new 2013 Malibu, the nameplate's first major redesign since 2007, will become a key player in the brand's lineup.

The Malibu represents Chevrolet's first global mid-sized car to be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Indeed, the car's first official appearance did not take place at a North American car show as the Malibu was first revealed in Shanghai.

For the Canadian market, six variants will be on offer, two of which will carry the Eco designation. These are powered by the combination of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor-generator producing 11 kilowatts (15 horsepower) for a total output of 197 hp. Also available is an all-new 2.5L four-cylinder, sans electric assist, also rated at 197 hp.

Styling-wise, the new Malibu does not break any new ground, despite the borrowed-from-the-Camaro taillights. But the car is very aerodynamic, with a drag co-efficient that is almost equal to that of the Corvette or Volt. The Eco models feature an aluminum hood, smooth underbody panels and an active shutter system in the lower grille to reduce drag. This aerodynamic efficiency coupled with an acoustic-laminated windshield also enables the Malibu to stand out as one of the quietest cars in its class at highway cruising speeds.

One would expect the slippery shape to pay off dividends in fuel consumption, but our fuel economy in the Malibu Eco was 8.7 litres per 100 kilometers in mostly highway driving, far from stellar given the car's mission statement. The Malibu Eco is also equipped with an automatic start/stop system that shuts the engine off when the car is stopped, only to re-start it when the driver releases the brake pedal. However, it only actually stopped the engine once during our test drive and that was when I turned off the air conditioner to see if I could get the stop/start system to work.

Driving Nova Scotia's scenic Cabot Trail, one thing quickly became clear: This is not a driver's car. The steering feel is uncommunicative and the low-rolling-resistance Goodyear tires don't provide a lot of feedback. Also, the regenerative brakes -- braking action effectively recharges the lithium-ion battery pack that feeds the electric motor -- means it is difficult to effectively modulate the brakes because the pedal feel is nonlinear. The suspension does soak up bumps reasonably well, but the car does not encourage you to drive it quickly through corners. This is a Point A to Point B in a straight line highway cruiser that is very quiet most of the time -- except when you floor the throttle. At this point, the four-cylinder engine will remind you of its presence as it soars toward its redline.

Also, as the car is fairly heavy, passing manoeuvres on two-lane roads must be taken with care. Drive the 2013 Malibu smoothly, steady and straight and all will be well. Ask it to perform briskly, and it will want you to return to the regularly scheduled programming as soon as possible.

The new Malibu is shorter overall. It also makes do with a shorter wheelbase, which effectively reduces the amount of rear-seat legroom and the comfort level of rear-seat occupants, even if hip and shoulder room are marginally better. Up front, the driver and front passenger are effectiely separated by the twin-cockpit design, but the new Malibu will feel roomier than the outgoing model. The car feels more upscale thanks to higher-grade interior materials and an ice blue ambient lighting system for the cockpit.

The 2013 Chevrolet malibu is presently hitting Canadian dealer showrooms. The 259-horsepower turbocharged and fully loaded LTZ model priced at $32,540 will follow in mid-September. Pricing will vary between $24,995 for the LS model and $29,160 for the 2LT Eco model.

GM RESPONSE TO REUTERS STORY ON CHEVROLET VOLT DEVELOPMENT COSTS

By General Motors, Detroit - Reuters' estimate of the current loss per unit for each Volt sold is grossly wrong, in part because the reporters allocated product development costs across the number of Volts sold instead of allocating across the lifetime volume of the program, which is how business operates. The Reuters' numbers become more wrong with each Volt sold.

In addition, our core research into battery cells, battery packs, controls, electric motors, regenerative braking and other technologies has applications across multiple current and future products, which will help spread costs over a much higher volume, thereby reducing manufacturing and purchasing costs. This will eventually lead to profitability for the Volt and future electricified vehicles.

Every instrument in technology that GM makes is designed to have a payoff for our customers, to meet future regulatory requirements and add to the bottom line. The Volt is no different, even if it takes longer to become profitable.

GM is at the forefront of the electrification of the automobile because we are developing innovative technologies and building an enthusiastic -- and growing -- customer base for vehicles like the Volt.

REUTERS ANALYZES "UGLY MATH" OF CHEVY VOLT SALES, COSTS -- GM RESPONDS

By Erick Ayapana, Automobilemag.com - General Motors has issued a rare response to an article critiquing its highly controversial Chevy Volt. The article, titled "GM's Volt: The Ugly Math of Low Sales, High Costs," analyzes the true costs of developing, producing, and selling the Volt.

GM's main issue with the article is a claim that the automaker loses as much as $49,000 on every Volt produced. After performing its own analysis and interviewing a number of automotive consultancies, Reuters added estimated development costs of at least $1.2 billion. Finally, the reporters factored in the Volt's production costs (estimated in the article fo be $20,000 to $32,000 per vehicle), its $39,995 base price, and the 21,500 units GM has sold thus far before completing its "ugly math." In August GM reported the Chevrolet Volt had its best-ever monthly sales, at 2831 units sold.

"Reuters' estimate of the current loss per unit for each Volt sold is grossly wrong, in part because the reporters allocated product development costs across the number of Volts sold instead of allocating across the lifetime volume of the program, which is how business operates," GM states in its statement. "The Reuters' numbers become more wrong with each Volt sold."

It's still unknown when GM will start to make a profit on the Volt, but the automaker points out its long-term plan includes new products like second-generation Volt as well as the upcoming 2014 Cadillac ELR coupe. The new products "will help spread costs over a much higher volume, thereby reducing manufacturing and purchasing costs," GM says in its statement.

Reuters does point out that the Toyota Prius, which could now be considered a sales success, took a similar path when it arrived over a decade ago. Same goes for the all-electric Leaf, on which Nissan has spent over $5 billion in development costs (the Prius family has cost Toyota twice that amount over the past decade). Furthermore, the Volt year-to-date sales of 13,500 units is almost three times more than those of the Leaf (4,228), though Reuters does point out GM has recently employed profit-eating incentives and lease specials to boost sales.

BATEY STEERS GM THROUGH MARKETING FLUX

Sales boss leads transition
to the post-Ewanick era

By Mike Colias, Automotive News - Alan Batey isn't getting comfy in his role as General Motors' interim chief marketing officer.

"Longer term, I don't think you're going to see me as the CMO," Batey told Automotive News. He is also GM's vice president of U.S. sales and service.

GM's top brass turned to the high-energy Brit to steer its marketing enterprise through the turmoil created by the late-July dismissal of former top marketer Joel Ewanick. Batey confirms that his role is transitional and that GM has yet to choose a marketing leader.

"We're looking at various alternatives," he says. "There are a lot of different ways of doing this."

The selection of Batey, 49, underscores the trust he has earned inside the company for galvanizing Chevrolet's sales force and dealer network after GM's 2009 bankruptcy. He was Chevy's U.S. sales boss from March 2010 until June, when GM North America President Mark Reuss elevated him to sales chief across GM's four brands.

Batey says there have been no major changes to GM's marketing strategy since Ewanick's departure. He reiterated the company's support for a recent overhaul of its outside advertising agencies, which consolidated GM's media-buying duties and Chevy's creative ad work from more than a hundred small firms to just two big ones.

Batey is noncommital about "Chevy Runs Deep", the tag line that has been the target of ample criticism since its fall 2010 debut. In March, Ewanick said that the theme was being reviewed and its fate would be decided over the summer.

"The timing of that was perfect for our 100-year centennial" in 2011, Batey says, because it allowed GM to "talk about the nostalgia of the Chevrolet brand."

But its time may have passed.

"I don't see Chevy Runs Deep as being an overpowering statement," he says. "It is something that supports our brand and gets people talking."

Batey is a third-generation GM employee. His grandfather worked on a GM assembly line when it was converted to produce British tanks during World War II. His father was a GM engineer for more than 25 years.

Batey has spent nearly all of his 33-year GM career overseas, having worked in sales and marketing positions in Korea, Germany and many other countries. He has emerged as a top lieutenant of Reuss, having served as sales and marketing chief when Reuss ran GM's Holden Australian unit in 2008-09.

Reuss now is leaning on Batey to oversee the sales strategies across Chevy, Cadillac and Buick-GMC as GM plans a major rollout of new and redesigned vehicles.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING: PUTTING 5 YEARS WORTH OF THE BEST ON THE CLOCK

By Ron Kiino, Automotive News - In the five years we've been holding our "Best" events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca -- Best Handling Car in 2007 and '08 and Best Driver's Car in '09, '11, and '12 -- we've acquired lap times on 50 of the planet's ultimate performance cars, be they front, rear, or all-wheel drive; front, mid or rear engine; coupe, sedan or hatchback; cheap, moderate, or out-of-this-world pricey. Yet, given the variety, 20.6 seconds is all that separates the fastest and slowest cars around the famed 2.3-mile track. Interestingly, the slowest car had 30 more horsepower than the next slowest, while the fastest had 87 fewer horsepower than the next fastest. With that in mind, and given this issue's amazing lineup of Best metal, I thought I'd take a quick run through those 50 hot laps. A few intriguing tidbits.

The fastest, at 1:34.4, was 2011's Corvette Z06 with Z07 Package. With only 505 hp -- 186 fewer horses than the most powerful Best car to date, the 691-hp Lamborghini Aventador (1:35.4) -- the Z06 possessed the benefits of R-compound Michelins and huge ceramic brakes (to be fair, the Lambo had R-compound Pirellis and ceramics). Translation? A standard Z06 in '07 (1:40.9) and a 638-hp ZR1 in '09 (1:35.8) were no match for the Z07's tires and brakes (but mostly the tires), which gave the hairy Chevy an eye-popping edge. The slowest car? A Honda Civic Si in '07 (1:55.0) that was 2.8 ticks behind the Mazda Miata from '09 (1:52.2) -- proof that chassis balance, not power, is key.

Speaking of balance over power, we've flogged seven Porsches at Laguna. The quickest was last year's 450-hp 911 GT3 RS (1:36.8), a hard-core track toy with ceramic brakes, R-compound tires, and a rear wing the size of a park bench. This year's 400-hp 991 Carrera S (1:39.3) proved 2.5 seconds slower, but also 0.2 quicker than the non-RS 415-hp GT3 from '07 (1:39.5). Either way, the 991's damn impressive. The slowest of the 911s was -- surprise -- the 480-hp Turbo from '08 (1:42.5), which was no brisker than last year's Lotus Evora S. As for Caymans, 2011's R put down a 1:41.6, speedier than a pair of Ss (1:43.0 in '09, 1:47.6 in '07), not to mention that 911 Turbo.

We've had the privilege of lapping three GT-Rs, with this year's 545-hp Black Edition (1:36.3) bringing home our seventh-quickest time ever and placing itself cozily between the Ferrari 458 Italia (1:36.2) and Audi R8 GT (1:36.4). Last year's non-Black 530-hp GT-R delivered a 1:36.4, while the 480-hp '08 mustered a sluglike 1:40.5, though that's still less sluggy than a pair of V-8 R8s (1:40.8 in '09, 1:40.9 in '08) -- try saying those two Audis' names and times five times quickly.

Some noteworthy coincidences: The 232-hp rear-drive Mazda RX-8 R3, and 263-hp front-drive Mazdaspeed3 delivered identical 1:50.4s one year apart, in '07 and '08, respectively. Two Mitsubishi Evo MRs -- a X in '08 (1:47.7) and a IX in '07 (1:47.9) -- were split perfectly by a Chevy Cobalt SS (1:47.8). Which begs the question: Where's the coveted Cruze SS? Can't come quick enough. This year's 200-hp, 2754-lb Subaru BRZ (1:51.3), a nod to the old-school formula of light weight, rear drive, and tidy size, beat the more powerful (214 hp), lighter (2607 lb), and stubbier Mini Cooper S JCW GP from '07 (1:51.7). Go figure. Of the two 6.2-liter AMGs we've run, the SLS from last year (1:38.8) finished just ahead of the C63 Black (1:38.9) from this year, meaning a $100,000 premium netted 0.1 second. Well, timing is all about the numbers.

2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.5

Hardly Transformative, But More THan Meets The Eye

By Jeff Sabatini, Autoblog.com - When we last left our hero, Malibu Man was struggling mightingly. Beset by meddlesome marketers and ineffective engineers, allies who had inexplicably trapped him in the dull green glow of an Eco ray, Malibu Man was about to face off against new and stronger nemeses than ever before, foes intent on dispatching both our hero and the Middle American Way he represents to car buyers across the globe. Would Malibu Man fight back? Could he stand a chance when Aston Fusion, Camrybot and Dr. Altima came to battle?

Well it's time for the next esciting episode of Malibu Man. Against the Midsize Marauders, and -- spoiler alert -- this one has a happier ending than the last. We finally had the opportunity to drive the mainstream version of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder and did in fact, come away with our expectations firmly met. If you want a Malibu, this is the one to buy.

Make no mistake, an overwhelming majority will be buying this one, which will make up some 75 per cent of sales, according to Chevrolet. The Eco model, fitted with GM's underwhelming eAssist mild-hybrid system, is expected to shake out to only 10 per cent, a lower number than even the forthcoming top-of-the-line, 259-horsepower turbo model.

CHEVY TO UNVEIL UPDATED SPARK, MALIBU DIESEL AND ORLANDO TURBO IN PARIS

By Jonathon Ramsey, Autoblog.com - The Chevrolet Trax will be joined at the Paris Motor Show by four other Chevrolet reveals on their ways to the European market. The 2013 Spark gets styling updates inside and out, starting with a nipped-and-tucked front fascia and headlight covers, moving to to new 14- and 15-inch wheels, and ending out back with a new placement for third brake light to improve driver visibility. The interior will get the obligatory vaguely identified "new decor elements" and "enhanced storage" in the center console.

The Malibu diesel will take a bow powered by a turbo-charged 2.0 liter oil burner with 160 horsepower and 258 pound-feet and be paired to either an automatic or manual transmission.

The Orlando people-mover adds a new gasoline engine, a 1.4-liter turbo putting out 140 hp and 147 lb-ft paired with a six-speed manual, plus stop/start and electric power steering for improved efficiency. The result is 37.94 miles per gallon combined on the European cycle.

Finally, the Cruze wagon completes the showcase of the new, bringing with it the fascinatingly named navigation app Engis Bringo.

GM CANCELS NEXT-GEN HYBRID TRUCKS/SUV PROGRAM

By Steven J. Ewing, Autoblog - According to a report from GMInsideNews.com, General Motors has shut down its hybrid program for company's next-generation of full-size pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Currently, the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Yukon and Cadillac Escalade all use the two-mode hybrid technology.

Historically, the two-mode hybrid models have not sold well, and only yield minor improvements in overall fuel economy. In most applications, the two-mode hybrid system is rated at 11.7L/100km (20 mpg) in the city and 10.2L/100km (23 mpg) highway.

GMI reports that it's unusual for programs like this to be shut down so close to the launch of a new vehicle -- the next-generation trucks/SUVs are scheduled to debut for the 2014 model year -- but that many sources within GM are not surprised about the move. These new full-size hybrids were reportedly supposed to use an updated two-mode system, featuring a smaller displacement V8 engine, upgraded battery storage (using a more modern lithium-ion pack) and revamped electric motors, according to GMI.

When contacted by Autoblog, a GM spokesperson only stated that the automaker could "not comment on future products or related technologies."

CHEVY UNVEILS PINK CAMARO PACE CAR TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER

By Autoblog.com - Ahead of this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chevrolet is once again introducing an official pace car that will do more than just lead the field under cautions. Just like last year, Chevy is fielding a bright pink Camaro SS for the AdvoCare 500, and it will also help raise money for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program.

During the Sprint Cup race, Chevrolet will donate US$200 for every lap run under caution. In the 2011 Atlanta race, it had a similar donation that ended up totaling US$12,800 after 64 caution laps. As a bonus, this Camaro pace car spent Friday at the track as Chevrolet Racing hosted 30 breast cancer survivors who got rides around the track from Jamie McMurray and Ron Hornaday, Jr. as well as having the chance to meet Danica Patrick.

The car includes the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer logo, and the pink ribbon symbolizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month prominently featured on the hood.