CHEVROLET UNVEILS ITS SEMA LINEUP

By Damon Lowney, Autoblog.com - Hype surrounding this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show next month started months ago, and automakers and aftermarket companies alike have been previewing the vehicles that attendees will be able to see on the show floor.  Chevrolet can now officially be added to that list, as it recently announced seven "performance-oriented concepts" its bringing to the show.

Three Sonic concepts will bow.  The Chevrolet Performance Sonic RS is faster and handles and stops better than the stock car.  A cold-air intake and high-flow exhaust system gives it a bit more power, a track-tuned suspension lowers the car, which rides on 18-inch wheels, and endows it with better handling, and the Wilwood front brake calipers improve braking performance.  Visual enhancements round out the package.

 

The Personalization Sonic is an exercise in how Chevy can accessorize.

The Ricky Carmichael All-Activity Sonic has all of the upgrades of the Sonic RS, but adds turbocharger upgrades to increase its output.  The other enhancements are mostly cosmetic, such as boardshort material used for the seat inserts, but it also gets an upgraded sound system and Thule roof rack. 

The Personalization Sonic is an exercise in how Chevy can accessorize the little hatch.  It will start out as a somewhat unassuming Sonic with some cosmetic upgrades and a Kicker 200-Watt amp and 200-Watt powered subwoofer.  But over the course of the show, it will receive performance upgrades including a Borla exhaust system, the aforementioned sport suspension and Wilwood brakes, and an 18-inch wheel-and-tire package.

The Spark EV concept has been advertised as a budget car with smile-inducing performance (hey, with 400 pound-feet of torque, it has more torque than a certain Italian exotic, the Ferrari 458 Italia), but Chevy intends to up the ante with the Spark EV Tech Performance.  It builds on the stock car's performance with a "unique power-delivery algorithm that enhances acceleration.  "Stronger axles are equipped to cope with the high amount of torque, which is put to the ground through tires wrapped around billet aluminum wheels.

Rounding out Chevy's showing are the Urban Cool Impala concept, Malibu LTZ concept and Personalization Cruze Diesel concept.  The Impala concept gets custom-painted grille accents and "performance-style" ground effects and 20-inch wheels in the same color as the grille accents.  The Malibu concept is equipped with performance-style ground effects, too, and 19-inch wheels, though it also gets a cold-air intake and a Borla exhaust system.  The Personalization Cruze Diesel has a ground-effects package by 3dCarbon and revised front fascia and chin spoiler; a Kicker sound system and ambient lighting spruce up the interior.

Chevrolet Previews Performance-Oriented SEMA Concepts

DETROIT - Chevrolet today previewed several performance-oriented concepts of some of the brand's most popular passenger cars, including the Sonic and all-new Impala.  The cars will debut at the SEMA Show, Nov. 5-8, in Las Vegas.  It's the world's largest convention of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories.

Chevrolet also showed a personalized version of the Malibu, which features new and enhanced technologies for 2014 that improve efficiency and personal connectivity.  Stop/start engine technology contributes to 14-percent greater estimated city fuel economy (25 mpg), and new Siri with Eyes Free Mode and Text-to-Voice features allow hands-free texting via the available MyLink system.

"Chevrolet's 2014 passenger car lineup is the strongest and most competitive in the brand's history, offering customers a wide range of great-looking, great-driving and well-connected choices," said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing.  "A five-year plan to completely remake Chevy's car lineup is resonating with customers, who are finding value in the performance, quality and technologies that complement their lifestyles."

The SEMA concepts feature accessories designed to allow personalization while maintaining excellent refinement and ride characteristics.  General Motors' engineers developed most of the accessories shown on the concept vehicles.  Some of the accessories are available from Chevrolet dealers.  Others are being evaluated for production.

The enhancements are designed, engineered, tested and backed by Chevrolet to be installed by a Chevrolet dealer, which maintains the vehicle warranty - a claim aftermarket manufacturers cannot make.

A pair of "super" Sonics leads the charge into SEMA, each packing enhancements for their respective 1.4L turbo engines, along with suspension, exterior and interior accessories - and distinctive color-and-graphic packages.

Chevrolet Performance Sonic RS concept

This performance-oriented Sonic RS concept draws on the legacy of Chevrolet's high-performance vehicles yet reimagined for a new generation.  It features engine performance, suspension/brakes and appearance upgrades developed by Chevrolet Performance engineers and designed to be installed by Chevrolet dealers.

• A Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allow the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power for a more exciting driving experience
• The engine enhancements are complemented by a track-tuned suspension system and higher-performance brake upgrade kit, featuring Wilwood front calipers
• The suspension kit lowers the ride height for a sportier stance
• Chevrolet Performance 18-inch, split-five-spoke wheels complement the lowered look with aggressive style
• Lemon Peel Yellow exterior with blue graphics; tinted headlamps and fog lamps; blue-accented window moldings and rear hatch trim
• Additional exterior accessories, including color-tinted grille trim, headlamp rings and mirror caps are available from Chevrolet dealers and complement custom graphics and other accents that can be easily duplicated by creative owners
• Re-trimmed seats in black leather, with Lark Yellow contrast stitching

Ricky Carmichael All-Activity Sonic concept

The All-Activity Sonic concept returns for the 2013 SEMA Show - this time, it adds something the American Motorcycle Association champion, X-Games gold medalist and NASCAR racer Ricky Carmichael can truly appreciate: An all-new performance package with parts from Chevrolet Performance.  Highlights include:

• Chevrolet Performance 1.4L Turbo Stage Kit with high-flow exhaust
• Chevrolet Performance cold-air induction
• Chevrolet Performance suspension kit with lowered ride height
• Chevrolet Performance brake package with Wilwood front calipers
• Chevrolet Performance 18-inch wheel-and-tire package featuring custom gloss black with green lip

The exterior is painted satin black that is pearlized with blue, along with custom graphics.  The Sonic's body is accented with a concept rear wing spoiler, smoked lamp housings, ground effects package and a unique grille.  It also wears a THULE roof rack.

Inside, FOX Racing boardshort material is used on the seat inserts, which complements dark green and black leather instrument panel trim and door trim with lime green piping.  A matching, green/black-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel continues the theme.  Additional interior features include an upgraded sound system, a Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit and a custom aluminum shift knob.

Personalization Sonic concept

Equipped with several performance enhancements, this Victory Red concept represents an undeniably fun take on Sonic - with a larger emphasis on personalization.  Highlights include:

• Body-color door handles with chrome stripe
• Chrome liftgate and mirror cap trim
• Chevrolet Accessory exterior graphics package
• Chevrolet Accessory door sill plates and all-weather floor mats
• Chevrolet Accessory footwell lighting package and pedal covers
• Kicker 200-Watt DSP amp with 200-Watt powered subwoofer (also available with Chevrolet MyLink).

Some exterior details will be changed during the SEMA Show, giving the car a different appearance throughout the weeklong convention.  It also features:

• Borla performance exhaust
• Chevrolet Performance suspension kit (with lowered ride height)
• Chevrolet Performance brake package with Wilwood front calipers
• Chevrolet Performance 18-inch wheel-and-tire package
• Spark EV Tech Performance concept

A pure-electric urban mini-car designed for fun driving, easy ownership and head-turning style, the Spark EV uses no gasoline, but its GM-built motor and drive unit deliver 400 lb-ft of instant torque - more than the classic 1969 Camaro SS muscle car with a 350 V-8 - for exhilarating acceleration.  It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

The Tech Performance concept builds on Spark EV's performance with a unique power-delivery algorithm that enhances acceleration.  Stronger axles support the greater power - helping transform this electric mini car into a mini-muscle car.  Additional features:

• Custom exterior color and graphics, a unique backlit Chevrolet "bowtie" emblem in the grille and performance billet aluminum wheels
• Chevrolet Accessory sill plates, floor mats and pedal covers
• Body-color trim plates and green stitching on the shifter boot and steering wheel
• A military-style flip-up "activation switch" on the instrument panel adds a fun, high-performance-oriented touch of style to this plug-in performer
• Lightweight features that enhance performance

Urban Cool Impala concept

All-new for 2014, the Impala's aggressive good looks contributed to a 64-perent rise in retail sales in September.  The Urban Cool concept builds on the Impala LTZ with custom-painted grille accents, Chevrolet Accessories concept ground effects and Chevrolet Accessories concept 20-inch wheels painted to match the grille accents.

A lowered stance further accents the sporty style while the LTZ's high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode, or LED, daytime running lamps lend a more sophisticated appearance.  Inside, the trim is painted high-gloss piano black and anodized low-gloss black, contrasting with Sky Cool Gray leather-trimmed seats that also feature perforated leather inserts and orange stitching.

The Urban Cool concept rocks with the Impala's available 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System, which connects to the Chevrolet MyLink system via an eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen.

Malibu LTZ concept

With a raft of technology, comfort and refinement enhancements, as well as a new front-end design, the 2014 Malibu takes on one of the industry's most competitive segments with greater roominess, greater efficiency and greater connectivity.  The Malibu LTZ SEMA concept delivers greater style, too, with performance-style ground effects and Chevrolet Accessories 19-inch wheels with a Sterling Silver finish.  A Borla exhaust system lends a throatier note to the 259-hp, 2.0L turbocharged engine.  A concept Stage Kit and cold-air induction system support greater performance, too, from an engine that already delivers 295 lb-ft of torque, the most in its class.

Personalization Cruze Diesel concept

A distinctive ground effects package by 3dCarbon, as well as an updated front fascia and chin spoiler give this Cruze Diesel concept a fresh, athletic aesthetic that supports its 258 lb-ft of torque (35 Nm) - and 0-60 capability of 8.6 seconds.  Inside, the sound system is upgraded with Kicker Audio components and an ambient lighting package has been added.  With its 2.0L clean turbo-diesel engine, the Cruze Diesel offers EPA-estimated 46 mpg on the highway - better than any non-hybrid or gasoline-powered passenger car in America.  It can travel 717 miles on a single tank, or about 10 hours of highway driving.

 

GM AIMS TO GRAB ATTENTION WITH REVAMPED CHEVROLET MALIBU

By Nathan Bomey, Detroit Free Press - Chassis and suspension updates contribute to the 2014 Malibu's more refined driving experience, including rebound springs that are internal to the struts.  They enable more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride, while also improving body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning.

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu arriving in dealerships the fall of 2013, will be the first midsize sedan sold in the U.S. to offer fuel-saving stop/start technology standard on its 2.5L base model. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu's redesigned center console has a longer armrest, providing greater comfort and storage room for two cell phones and a pair of cup holders. 

Chevrolet Stop/Start technology helps customers conserve fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop, such as at stoplights.  The engine seamlessly restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.  EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25 mpg city / 36 mpg highway.

Chevrolet chassis and suspension updates contribute to the 2014 Malibu's more refined driving experience, including rebound springs that are internal to the struts.  They enable more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride, while also improving body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning.

New start/stop technology shuts down the 2.5L engine to save fuel when the Malibu stops momentarily, such as stoplights, contributing to an estimated five-percent increase in city fuel economy.  An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has a revised front-end appearance, more backseat knee room, and a new 2.5L engine that delivers as estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway.  Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are also available.

2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT ... SMALL ENGINE, BIG VALUE

Four cylinders, five passenger comfort and a full complement
of on-board features add up to a full-size car that would
surprise drivers of the original Impala

By Glen Woodcock, Autonet - When the first Impalas arrived in 1958 as a trim line in the Bel Air series of full-size Chevrolets, the smallest engine on the Chevy roster was a 3.9L inline six.  People would have laughed if the Bowtie brand had said it was going to sell a full-size car powered by a four-cylinder engine.

Indeed, Chevrolet had not had a four-cylinder in its lineup since 1928 and wouldn't have another until the base Chevy Nova in 1962.

The fact the new 2014 Impala can be ordered with a four-cylinder engine shows how much our thinking has changed in 55 years.  And the fact four cylinders are all you need -- even in a car weighing 1,670 kg -- tells you how far engine technology has come in that same time period.

In 1958 the Impala was offered with a choice of inline six or V8 engines producing from 136 to 250 hp.

Today's 2.5L Ecotec 4 with direct injection makes 196 hp and is much more efficient in putting power to the pavement.  Its acceleration would have been outstanding in 1958 -- 0-100 km/h in less than 9.0 seconds -- but is modest by today's standards.

The 16-valve engine is mated to GM's proven six-speed automatic and fuel economy is aided by intake-valve lift control that can switch between two cam profiles, providing low lift for light driving and high lift at greater engine speeds and loads.

When the new 2014 Impala first went on sale earlier this year, the car was not available with the aluminum 2.5L engine.  I kind of feel sorry for all those customers who rushed out and bought the 3.6L six.  They should have waited.  The four-cylinder costs less, delivers better fuel economy and really is all the engine you need.

My First Drive of the new 3.6L Impala back in January showed just how far GM has come in making cars that handle, deliver good fuel economy and provide pleasant, spacious interiors.

GM says this is the quietest Chevrolet ever thanks to noise-reducing laminated glass in windshield and front side windows, triple-sealed doors, acoustic perimeter water deflectors, body cavities that are filled with foam baffles and sound deadener that's applied to the floor pan and trunk.  The four-cylinder models may be the quietest of all because they get active noise cancellation as standard equipment.  (Ceiling-mounted microphones detect engine noise frequencies, which are then processed by a computer that directs counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers and subwoofer.)

With the original 1958 Impala, getting full carpeting and an AM radio was a big deal, but the 2014 version comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, automatic headlamps, heated power front seats, MyLink media connectivity, automatic dual zone climate control, OnStar with turn by turn navigation, etc.

This is the essence of a family car -- a big back seat with lots of legroom and a monster 532L trunk.  Unlike back in 1958, the 60/40 split rear seat folds forward for handling longer items.

Impala has attractive new exterior styling that's light years ahead of the previous generation, which was a big lump with no personality.  None.  Not a scrap.

Impala also has an attractive interior, but I'm wondering about the soil resistance of the suede inserts in the leather seats and the cleaning problems that will be caused by the busy multi-layered dashboard with its mix of materials.  But those are minor worries.

The annual Car of the Year competition conducted by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada is almost upon us.  I don't need to drive any of the other eligible vehicles to predict that Impala will be a serious contender for 2014 Canadian Car of the Year.

The new Impalas are assembled by GM of Canada in Oshawa, Ontario.

CHEVROLET SHOWS APOCALYPTIC BLACK OPS SILVERADO

By Chris Woodyard, USA Today - The Black Ops concept, based on the Chevrolet Crew Cab 4x4, has plenty of cargo space -- and is loaded up.  It comes loaded with a winch, armor, gas masks, food and water.  But what?  No gun rack?

As if most big pickups weren't intimidating enough, along comes the Black Ops concept version of the Chevrolet Silverado.

The truck, apparently designed to show the new 2014 Silverado at its macho best, is "a survival kit on four wheels," says Chevrolet design manager Dave Ross in a statement.  Its headed for display at the big SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas.

With the survivalist craze sweeping reality TV, this truck is yet another attempt at showing what a rugged vehicle in a post-meltdown world might look like.  Of course, there are little issues like availability of gasoline as the world devolves into chaos, but let's put that aside for the moment.

The custom truck has body armor -- since you're almost sure to be attacked by those with lesser trucks.  The lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage until holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military first-aid kit, a folding shovel and a rope.  There's also a winch on the front, generator, fuel can and water tank and crate stocked with food.

What?  No gun rack?

If you have to get to those supplies -- or your rifle -- in a hurry, Black Ops has the Silverado's available CornerStep bumper.

Inside Chevy has packed the truck with enough luxury touches that you might forget the world is coming to an end.  There are custom-trimmed black seats with yellow piping.  The MyLink system makes it easy to upload songs -- lots of country music, we suspect -- from a smartphone.  We're not sure smartphones will still be working in the chaos, so drivers had better bring along a few pre-loaded thumb drives.

2014 NORTH AMERICAN CAR AND TRUCK/UTILITY OF THE YEAR AWARD SHORT LIST RELEASED

By Chris Paukert, Autoblog.com - Although the domestic auto season is not yet upon us, the picture for the 2014 model year is well established, with many models already on sale at dealerships.  Likewise, the jurors of the North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year awards are already in the thick of their new vehicle evaluations, and they've culled down their "long list" of nominees down to a tighter list of candidates.  Whereas the long list essentially represents all new vehicles that are expected to launch in a given year, the "short list" above is a move focused look at what the self-funded, independent, non-profit jury of 50 North American auto writers feel is worth closer consideration.

This year's NACTOY short list is composed of 12 cars and 12 truck and utility vehicles, with the latter category once again including crossovers.  The list of Car of the Year candidates covers a broad bandwidth of segments, from sporty coupes (BMW 4 Series, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray) and convertibles (Jaguar F-Type) to bread-and-butter offerings like the Chevrolet Impala, Mazda3, Mazda6 and Toyota Corolla.  Vying for the Truck/Utility award is everything from the tiny Buick Encore to honking full-size pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, along with luxury CUVs like the BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

Overall, General Motors enjoys a particularly robust showing this go-round, with three vehicles up for consideration in each category, and Toyota has notched a vehicle on both the car and truck lists, along with a model from its Lexus brand.  Mazda has landed both of its new-for-2014 offerings on the short list, BMW and Kia both have two entries, and Nissan has a pair of vehicles including their premium Infiniti marquee.

The next step in the process will see the jurors training their gaze on these short-listed vehicles before another round of voting leaves just three finalists in each category.  Another round of evaluation and voting follows that, with the eventual winners announced at a press conference on the first press day of the Detroit Auto Show in January.

2014 North American Car of the Year short list:

• BMW 4 Series
• Cadillac CTS
• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
• Chevrolet Impala
• Infiniti Q50
• Jaguar F-Type
• Kia Cadenza
• Lexus IS
• Mazda3
• Mazda6
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Toyota Corolla

2014 North American Truck/Utility of the Year short list:

• Acura MDX
• BMW X5
• Buick Encore
• Chevrolet Silverado
• GMC Sierra
• Hyundai Sante Fe LWB
• Jeep Cherokee
• Kia Sorento
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• Nissan Rogue
• Subaru Forester
• Toyota Tundra

CALLAWAY CORVETTE STINGRAY AEROWAGON CONCEPT TO SEE PRODUCTION

By Jeffrey N. Ross, Autoblog.com - The 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray is shipping to dealers now, but if that's too common for you, it sounds like you'll be able to upgrade to the Callaway AeroWagon starting next year.  GTSpirit is reporting that Callaway has given this car the go-ahead, and it will be available starting January 1 only in North America.

When the idea was first floated back in March, the proposed conversion price was US$15,000, but as it turns out, if you want a cargo-friendlier Corvette, it will cost you US$22,995 on top of the price you pay for the car itself.  As for the "aero" part of the AeroWagon, Callaway has previously stated that it hopes to give its mechanically modified version of the C7 the best fuel economy in the supercar segment while allowing the car to still hit speeds of more than 320 km/h (200 miles per hour).