CAMARO VS MUSTANG: ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S BEST RIVALIRIES

By General Motors, New York - Ever since the days of the Hatfields and the McCoys, rivalries have been a cornerstone of our culture.  Some become endlessly bitter feuds.  Others, like the healthy competition between the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, become a driving force for constant improvement.

"For five decades, the Camaro and the Mustang have been battling it out in every possible setting," said Mark Reuss, executivew vice president, GM Global Product Development.  "These two cars have been striving to beat each other on the track, on the drag strip and on the streets.  That competition is a big part of why both cars are so amazing, and so popular today."

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang, industry experts offer perspectives on four iconic American rivalries:

Camaro vs Mustang

The Ford Mustang was introduced 50 years ago this week, creating a new class of transportation, the pony car.  Three years later, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro as a direct competitor to the Mustang, and created one of the most enduring rivalries in the automotive industry.

"The new Camaro hit the ground running, and it's been a battle royale ever since with the bowtie vs. the blue oval," said Ken Gross, an automotive journalist for 40 years whose pieces have appeared in AutoWeek and The Robb Report."  "Chevy readily admits its Camaro is constantly getting better, thanks to intense competition from Ford, and I'd agree."

Coca-Cola vs Pepsi

The rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi has driven more than a century of innovation, according to beverage industry expert Jeff Cioletti, editor in chief of Beverage World magazine.

"Few rivalries have anything on the greatest face-off in consumer packaged goods history: Coke vs Pepsi," Cioletti said.  "Both companies are better for the rivalry.  And it's ultimately the consumers who have won."

The rivalry began in 1898, when Pepsi entered the soft drink industry 13 years after Coca-Cola was invented.  The two immediately took aim at each other, and an entire industry was created in their wake.  Soda sold in cans, diet cola, and the Pepsi Challenge are milestones arising from the rivalry. 

Jay Leno vs. David Letterman

Arguably, the late-night television rivalry between Jay Leno and David Letterman was the most-public square-off in entertainment history.  The rivalry began when both men were vying to replace Johnny Carson as host of "The Tonight Show," with both filling in as guest hosts when Carson was unavailable.

When Carson named Leno as his successor, it surprised many, including Letterman, according to television industry expert Dade Hayes, executive editor at Broadcasting & Cable magazine.  "Letterman idiolized Carson and always expressed gratitude for having been discovered by Johnny," Hayes said.  "He believed he had verbally agreed to take over the show, but never formalized it in writing -- never a recommended approach in show business."

Famously, CBS seized the opportunity, and debuted "The Late Show with David Letterman" in 1993.  The show was placed in the same time slot as "The Tonight Show," and was a direct competitor from the start -- something completely new in late night at that time.  The two famously strived to outperform the other in ratings and joked about each other on the air.  But the rivalry drove each host to improve his show, and the ratings followed, dominating the late-night slot for almost two decades.  Even nearing retirement, the two are intertwined.  When Leno retired in February this year, Letterman announced his retirement mere months later.

Nike vs Reebok

A footwear industry rivalry flared in the 1970s as Nike brought its Cortez running shoe to market, taking the athletic footwear market by storm.  Reebok countered toward the end of the decade with its similarly named Aztec, touching off a competition that would endure for years.

"The Nike vs Reebok rivalry definitely ran deep," said Brendan Dunne, editor of Sneaker News.  "The 1990s saw them battling it out regularly.  For example, Reebok was crushing the outdoor basketball market geared more towards street play with their Blacktop Pump series, so Nike higher-ups put out an immediate call for a response.  The next day they got top designer Tinker Hatfield on a trip to New York City to do research for their own streetball shoe, which would eventually become the Nike Air Raid.  The Nike/Reebok back and forth played out like a sneaker-centric espionage thriller and pushed each of the companies to create pinnacle products."

As Ken Gross, the veteran automotive journalist puts it:  "Competition always improves the breed.  I'll bet these two legendary nameplates will still be competing 50 years from now."

CHEVROLET CRUZE DIESEL NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR

By General Motors of Canada, Oshawa - Diesel enthusiasts around the world have determined the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is the top diesel car of the year and Chevrolet is the top diesel manufacturer of 2014.

"The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, with a market-leading 4.2 L/100 km, is clearly setting the pace for diesel-powered cars in North America," said Jonathan Spira, editorial director of The Diesel Driver.  "The message from our readers is clear.  Diesels are back and Chevrolet is in the forefront."

The Cruze finished with 59.3 percent of the 11,030 votes cast.  Competitors included the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5 and !7; BMW 328, 535 and X5; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, ML350 and GL350; Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswager Beetle and Beetle Convertible, Golf, Jetta, Jetta Sportswagen, Passat and Touareg.

"The Cruze Diesel is really showing the world what diesel can do," said Cristi Landry, Chevrolet senior marketing manager.  "It combines fuel efficiency and performance into a fun-to-drive vehicle that really offers compact car drivers an option that speaks to their lifestyle and personality."

Chevrolet received 45 percent of the 11,161 votes cast for top diesel manufacturer.  The ballot included Audi, BMW, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen.

For the 2014 model year, Chevrolet built on Cruze's value with an all-new, 2.0L clean turbo-diesel-powered model that achieves a fuel consumption rating of 4.2 L/100 km highway -- better than any non-hybrid or gasoline passenger car in North America.

Chevrolet recently revealed the 2015 Cruze at the New York International Auto Show with revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity -- including new Text Message Alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available Wi-Fi hotspot.  All of this, including a diesel powertrain option, will be available as the vehicle retains the leading fuel efficiency drivers expect.

The Cruze Diesel features a globally designed powertrain.  Engineers at GM's diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy worked daily with their counterparts in Pontiac, Mich., to develop a world-class engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride.  In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.

The engine is built in Kaiserslautern, Germany and the vehicle is assembled in Lordstown, Ohio.

Earlier this year the Cruze 2.0L diesel engine was recognized by Wards Auto as one of the 2014 Ward's 10 Best Engines.

 

About The Diesel Driver

 

The Diesel Driver is the world's leading publication geared toward automotive enthusiasts interested in diesel-powered automobiles.  The Diesel Driver offers in-depth road tests and reviews, diesel-oriented travel features, and features that focus on the latest in diesel technology.

CHEVROLET RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN THIS SUMMER IN MICHAEL BAY'S "TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION"



By General Motors, Detroit - Chevrolet and a Camaro that converts into the iconic Bumblebee will once again turn heads when the Transformers movie franchise returns to screens around the globe in the upcoming "Transformers: Age of Extinction" from director Michael Bay, in theaters June 27.

The latest film also features Chevrolets sold around the world including a Corvette Stingray that converts to Autobot Crosshairs, a Trax and a Sonic outfitted as a Rally Car.

The fifth-generation Camaro converted into Bumblebee in the 2007 film "Transformers" the 2009 film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and the 2011 film "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."  The latest edition features two Camaros specifically built for the film, one a heavily modified vintage 1967 Camaro SS and the other a futuristic concept Camaro.

"The Transformers movies have been a great partnership for Chevrolet by allowing us to introduce our vehicles to new fans, young and old, around the world," said Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer, Global Chevrolet.  "Now for the fourth time, you'll see a Camaro as a heroic Autobot, a fitting role for one of the stars of Chevrolet's lineup."

Said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships for Paramount Pictures: "The Chevrolet partnership with this iconic Michael Bay movie franchise has become one of the longest-running and most innovative movie-brand relationships in film history.  This new Chevy campaign will definitely bring new and exciting elements to a global audience of Transformers movie fans around the world."

In addition to providing vehicles for production, General Motors' locations for filming included GM Design at the Warren Technical Center, the Milford Proving Ground and the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant.

FIRST DRIVE: 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU

 

Mid-sized sedan goes upscale with
flashy new upgrades

By Graeme Fletcher, Driving.ca - The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, a namplate that's been around since 1964, takes Chevy's mid-sized sedan upmarket yet again.  Following on from its total revamp in 2013, the '14 model receives upgrades including a new front fascia, improved handling and a revised engine lineup to go along with a neat new interior feature.  All are as a direct result of customer feedback.

While the stylistic change up front is modest (it brings the Malibu more in line with the Impala's look fascia-wise), the bigger changes are found beneath the skin.

As before, the Malibu is offered with two engines.  The base 2.5-litre, our-cylinder has been reworked so that it now uses both cam phasing and variable intake valve lift along with direct injection.  The combination produces 196 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque (both down very slightly from last year).  This engine also benefits greatly from the addition of a sophisticatyed start/stop system.  As with all such systems, it shuts the engine down when the car comes to a rest and restarts it the instant the driver begins to lift off the brake pedal.  However, the system employed in the Malibu is a little different from the norm.

Inside the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, there's a reworked centre console with two new cellphone cubbies, and the backside of the front seats have been scooped out, which gives the rear riders 32-millimetres more legroom.

It uses a new dual-battery system -- the primary battery sits under the hood with the secondary unit in the trunk.  The latter powers the 12-volt items when the engine is stopping, leaving the primary battery at its best and ready to restart the engine.  Both batteries are absorbent glass mat (AGM) types.  GM says the advantage is the life cycle of an AGM battery is up to four times that of a lead-acid battery -- continually starting/stopping the engine and the long-term effect it has on the battery has been a bone of contention.  This system also uses a hydraulic pump to keep the fluid in the transmission primed and ready to move the car.  During the drive, I was surprised by how well it came together.  The restart was less jarring than many systems and the takeoff after the restart was smoother -- there was less of a jerk as the transmission came back on line.

How much gasoline the start-stop system will save is open for debate.  For someone who lives close to the highway and commutes to a workplace beside said highway, the savings will likely be small.  However, for an urban commuter the potential savings should be significant, which is reflected in the revised fuel consumption numbers.  The 2014 Malibu and its 2.5L engine is now rated at 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 5.3 L/100 km on the highway, which is an improvement of 14% and 6%, respectively.

The top-line 2.0L turbocharged engine has also seen some work.  It puts forth 259 hp, which is the same as last year, but it gets a 14% increase in torque -- up to 295 lb.-ft.  This gave the Malibu 2LZ noticeably more hop off the line during the drive and a sub-six second run to 100 kilometres an hour.

The chassis has also been returned to improve ride comfort.  In a nutshell, the base car adopts the dampers from last year's turbo model.  Driving it proved the revision reduced body roll through a corner while lending a more refined feel on the highway.  Ditto the reworked brake pedal -- it now has a crisper feel.  Chevrolet has also upped the safety quotient in the advanced safety package.  It now includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a sonar-based back-up warning system as well as rear cross-traffic alert.

The top-line 2.0L turbocharged engine now puts out 259 hp, which is the same as last year, but it gets a 14% increase in torque -- up to 295 lb-ft.

Inside, there's a reworked centre console with two new cellphone cubbies, and the backside of the front seats have been scooped out, which gives the rear riders 32-millimetres more legroom.  So far, nothing earth shattering.

However, one of the neat features is Chevy's MyLink infotainment system and the new extension it earns.  As before, it features a large touchscreen (with a cubby behind it) that integrates the entertainment/media, phone and, if equipped, navigation functions.  However, it now comes with a new text-to-voice feature that's compatible with most smartphones.  It converts incoming messages to speech and relays them through the audio speakers.  It also allows the driver to reply with a preset message.  The driver can create his/her own menu of responses (when parked) or pick one of the canned messages like, "I'm driving and will contact you later."

For iPhone users, MyLink goes one further by allowing Siri, the iPhone's built-in concierge/information guru, to perform many of the tasks.  This minimizes distracted driving -- I have long wondered what the difference is between using a car-mounted touchscreen to type in the numbers to place a call versus doing it on the phone's screen.  To my mind, there is no difference, as the driver is equally distracted.  This makes the ability to tap into Siri a valuable extension -- I paired my phone quickly and easily, and I also used Siri to place a call from my contact list.

The improvements do make for a better Malibu -- 2014 pricing runs from $24,995 for the LS to $34,715 for the full-zoot LTZ with the 2LZ package.  It's all pretty heady stuff for a company that is only now beginning to move away from the push-rod V8 engine it introduced in the '50s.  Likewise, the abaility to react to customer observations within a single model year is something previously unheard of at General Motors -- unless one counts the Pontiac Aztek!

CHEVY EQUINOX, GMC TERRAIN EARN TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATINGS

By General Motors Oshawa, Ontario - The Canadian built Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain with available forward collision alert technology, earned 2014 Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States, the only midsize SUVs of nine evaluated to earn Good ratings in the Institute's small overlap front crash test.

The Equinox and Terrain join the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan, with similar technology, in earning the institute's highest safety rating.

The test, in which 25 percent of a vehicle's front end on the driver side strikes a 1.524 m (5-foot) high rigid barrier at 64 km/h (40 mph), is designed to replicate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or an object like a tree or a utility pole.

"Having the only two midsize SUVs that earned the Top Safety Pick Plus designation speaks to GM's focus on improving our vehicles by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies that can help avoid a crash, and by enhancing vehile structure and occupant protection if a crash occurs," said Gay Kent, director of General Motors Global Safety Strategy and Vehicle Programs.

"We are very pleased that the IIHS has recognized the safety of both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain with this prestigious rating."

Equinox and Terrain previously were named Top Safety Picks.  The criteria for 2014 Top Safety Pick+ status was revised to include vehicles offering a frontal crash protection system meeting IIHS requirements, as well as achieving a Good rating - IIHS' highest classification -- in four of five crash tests, and no less than an Acceptable rating in the fifth test.  The 2014 Equinox and Terrain received Good ratings in all five crash tests.

The available forward collision alert technology on Equinox and Terrain uses a camera to detect when a driver is at risk of hitting the vehicle ahead, and delivers visual and audible alerts.  It is part of a safety package that also includes lane departure warning and rear park assist.  The package is availble on Equinox 2LT trim and standard on the LTZ model.  On Terrain, it is available on SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims, and standard on SLT-2 and Terrain Denali models.

Along with forward collision alert, Equinox and Terrain are equipped with six standard air bags, including dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvis/thorax seat-mounted side air bags; as well as an available rear-vision camera that helps drivers identify objects behind the vehicle.