TWO AMERICAN ICONS, ONE SPECIAL EVENT:
CORVETTE FUNFEST 2011 TO HOST THE OSCAR MAYER WIENERMOBILE VEHICLE

Mid America Motorworks Celebrates All Things Corvette, Chevrolet’s 100th Anniversary and a
Unique Piece of Rolling Americana that Turns 75 in 2011

Effingham, Ill. (September 7, 2011)-Two beloved examples of American culture, Corvettes
and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, are coming together for the first time at Mid America
Motorworks’ 18th Annual Corvette Funfest Sept. 15-18 in Effingham, Ill.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the American icon in the shape of a hot dog and
bun. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be on display throughout the weekend. The display
will give guests the chance to visit the hot dog on wheels and learn more about the legendary
vehicle from the brand representatives, affectionately called Hotdoggers.

“The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is about as American as you can get along with the Corvette,”
said Mike Yager, Chief Cheerleader and Founder of Mid America Motorworks. “I am beyond
thrilled that we will be able to host it this year and have it be a part of our Corvette Party.” Read more!

At 27 feet long and 11 feet tall, outward appearances suggest the Wienermobile and Corvettes
are quite different, but it’s what’s on the inside that actually makes these distinctive vehicles
automotive cousins.

Just like a Corvette, the Wienermobile rides on a GM built chassis – a tradition since 1969 when
it was actually sourced from Chevrolet. Additionally, the Wienermobile is powered by a 6.0-
liter Vortec V8, which is also built by GM and shares many characteristics with modern Corvette
engines.

Registration for Corvette Funfest is up nearly 40 percent over last year, easily confirming its
status as the largest Corvette Party in the world. This year’s theme is “America’s Star Spangled
Corvette Party.” There’s no better way to celebrate America’s Sportscar than with a red, white
and blue theme. A patriotic premium parking display will greet enthusiasts with red, white and
blue Corvettes as they enter the show field.

Corvette Funfest is scheduled for Sept. 15-18, 2011. Register and find the latest event details
online.

Musclevehicles.com – The Ultimate Blog for American Muscle Cars and Muscle Vehicles

Camaro ZL1 Delivers 580 Horsepower and Exclusive Technologies

- Supercharged, 6.2L LSA V-8 delivers 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm)
- ZL1 power complemented by exclusive Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management
- Track-capable standard equipment includes high-performance fuel system, as well as engine, transmission and differential coolers

DETROIT – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1′s supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.

The ZL1′s outstanding power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including exclusive Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.

“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

“The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies,” Oppenheiser said, “to offer the best of all worlds – including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip, and the comfort of a daily driver.” Read more!

The most-powerful production Camaro ever

The 2012 Camaro ZL1′s surpasses the advertised power of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1′s 427 cubic-inch big block by more than 150 horsepower (112 kW) – while meeting modern emissions requirements. And, the new ZL1 is backed by General Motors’ five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

“The torque is going to make the ZL1 a car you won’t want to get out of,” said John Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for small block engines. “Not only will the ZL1 have more power and torque than the competition, we’re making it available with an optional automatic transmission, to appeal to a wider group of sports car enthusiasts.”

The all-aluminum LSA supercharged V-8 is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family. For a solid foundation, the engine’s lower end uses six-bolt main bearing caps that clamp and lock in the forged steel crankshaft to the deep-skirt block. Its 1.9L Roots-style blower uses an efficient four-lob rotor set and compact intercooler to deliver boosted air into the high-flow cylinder heads.

For the Camaro ZL1, the LSA features a unique induction system, with a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths, and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. Other changes include a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering system, which consumes less engine power than hydraulic-steering systems.

The ZL1 will be offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Tremec TR-6060 “MG9″ manual features 30 percent more torque capacity than in the Camaro SS. The higher torque capacity results from a strengthened output shaft, high-strength rear housing, and additional roller bearing. The MG9 has also been tuned for improved shift feel, with a dual-mass flywheel, twin-disc clutch, and triple synchros for smooth, precise shifts.

Similarly, the Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic has been strengthened to handle the torque and horsepower produced by the 6.2L supercharged small block. The 6L90 features a strengthened input gearset with two additional pinion gears, additional clutch plate, and a strengthened output shaft and gearset. To make the ZL1 perform equally well on street and track, the 6L90 features three distinct drive modes:

Drive: The shift pattern is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, including second-gear starts, while the shift feel is tuned for a smooth driving experience. Engaging the tap-shift feature on the steering wheel or shift lever engages temporary manual mode.
Sport: The shift pattern is calibrated for more aggressing driving, including first-gear starts for maximum performance. The shift feel is also more aggressive, with a performance algorithm that holds the transmission in lower gears during aggressive driving.
Manual: Here, the 6L90 offers the driver true manual control, with no automatic up shifts, and staged upshifts for incredibly fast shifts and maximum performance.
Other track-ready features of the ZL1 include:

An engine-oil cooler, identical to the system on the Corvette ZR1. The integral liquid-to-liquid system is so effective that both the manual and automatic transmissions are deemed to be fully track-capable with the standard factory-installed cooling package.

A rear-differential cooler, which pumps transmission fluid to a heat exchanger, reduces temperatures in the differential by more than 100 F.

A high-performance fuel system delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any performance driving condition. For example, the system features additional fuel pickups on the primary side, and the secondary fuel pickup is moved outboard for continuous fuel access during high-g cornering under low fuel conditions.

Magnetic Ride Control 3.0 adjusts damping 1,000 times per second

The Camaro ZL1 will feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC).

MRC employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology. MR fluid is a suspension of iron particles in a synthetic fluid. When the system is activated, the particles are magnetized and aligned into fibrous structures, changing flow resistance. By controlling the current to an electromagnetic coil inside the piston of the damper, the system varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions.

“Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.”

For the third-generation, MRC uses new twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners. The smaller dual-coil system – with one coil at either end of the damper – replaces the larger single-core design of the previous generation.

The new design allows even more precise control of the electrical current (and magnetic flux), allowing greater range between the softest setting for ride comfort and the firmest setting for track driving. The new dual-coil design also enables faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1,000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 60 mph – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.

There are three settings for MRC in the ZL1: Tour, Sport, and Track.

Exclusive Performance Traction Management for the race course, and the drag strip

The Camaro ZL1 will also offer Performance Traction Management (PTM) as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance performance on the racetrack and drag strip.

For example, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. The system is capable of approaching a skilled driver’s best effort and repeats it consistently.

Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and PTM will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction.

Five PTM performance levels or modes are available to accommodate the given ambient and track conditions, driver experience/vehicle familiarity and driver comfort levels. They include:

Mode 1 – Traction control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
Mode 2 – Traction control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
Mode 3 – Traction control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
Mode 4 – Traction control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
Mode 5 – Traction control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track. Launch control tuned for VHT-prepped drag strips.

“Like the Magnetic Ride Control, the Performance Traction Management system improves the ZL1 experience as a daily driver and on the track,” said Oppenheiser. “By offering five distinct modes of traction management, the driver can select what’s best for them based on their experience and the driving conditions. As a result, novice drivers will find the ZL1 is very enjoyable to drive, while expert drivers will find PTM supplements their driving skill without interfering with their intentions.”

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer 42 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range (based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

 

Musclevehicles.com – The Ultimate Blog for American Muscle Cars and Muscle Vehicles

“The Camaro story has no ending. It’s just beginning.”

A reflection of its heritage, designed for the present, a future piece of automotive history. By its very nature, every Camaro special edition is a consecration of a moment in the Camaro story, whether it’s the 1967 Indy Pace Car Replica or the 2012 45th Anniversary Edition. This is not an equal-opportunity vehicle. It’s a machine bought out of love, devotion, passion and the pinnacle of enthusiasm for an automotive brand.

The first Camaro special edition was born on the track. But it’s become much more. Each model highlights different aspects of what it means to be a Camaro. The Neiman Marcus edition is pure luxury and design. Synergy Series is sporty and aggressive. And the Indy Pace Car Replica? That’s a grand tradition that continues to this day. Watch the video – click on Read more!

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Earlier today, SGM announced that Chevrolet will introduce the legendary Camaro sports car at Auto Shanghai 2011 in April. The Camaro will have a sonorous Chinese name – 科迈罗 (Ke Mai Luo). The Ke Mai Luo with a 3.6-liter engine will be priced around RMB 500,000.

In recent years, China’s luxury sports car market has been flourishing, highlighted by the midsize luxury segment (priced at RMB 400,000–800,000), which grew 141% in 2010. At present, this segment is dominated by cars with European design. The Camaro, with its “masculine” styling, will be a welcome addition.

Additional details about the Camaro will be announced at the Shanghai auto show.

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The mill is described as “LFX 3.6L SIDI, DOHC, VVT, E85 MAX, Alum GM”, so it should still displace only 3.6-liters, just like the current V6 Camaro. It’s not yet clear if this is the standard model or some kind of high-performance race car for the road, but we like the figures either way. It even comes packed with advanced features, like Spark-Ignition Direct-Injection, Dual Overhead Cams, Variable Valve Timing, and E85 capability. Read more!
According to the aforementioned source, the V6 could build on several innovations made for the 3.0L LF1 V6 found in vehicles like the Cadillac CTS, SRX, and Chevy Equinox. The innovations consist of composite intake manifold, integrated exhaust manifolds and optimized NVH/airflow treatments. This could bring the total horsepower to around 325-330 hp when used in the Camaro.

Having first introduced the new Camaro with a 304-hp V6 engine, Chevy bumped that number up to 312 ponies for the 2011 model in order to keep the pace with the Mustang. The 2012 mode will also have a “substantially reworked interior.” The carmaker is also planning to reintroduce the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 by then. It is rumored to offer the same 6.2-liter LSA used in the Cadillac CTS-V with about 550 horsepower.

Musclevehicles.com – The Ultimate Blog for American Muscle Cars and Muscle Vehicles

General Motors hasn’t talked too much about the future of the Chevrolet Corvette range, letting car enthusiasts around the world feast their eyes with the current incarnations of the model. But a Transportation Design student, on his name James Robbins, created what could be a future Corvette.

In other words, he envisioned the future design of the Corvette, keeping the same language and proportions of the current models. The result is just impressive and the sporty and sleek Corvette would really become a breathtaking car if GM’s designers decide to go this way. Read more!

Of course, not much can be talked about the sketches because it’s all about silent pleasure while enjoying the photos, but James Robbins mentioned that all pics are built in Autodesk AutoStudio and rendered in Keyshot 2.

On a pretty close note, rumors are also suggesting that General Motors is considering a mid-engined Corvette, although only a few things are actually known at this point. In case such a configuration would become reality, the new Corvette would be lighter, would use a V6 as an entry-level engine and would employ forced induction for more power and torque. Photo credit: yankodesign.com

Future Chevrolet Corvette Rendered

 

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO RED FLASH SHOW CAR

The design of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro has been acclaimed by critics and celebrated by sports car buyers. With that appeal as a springboard, Chevrolet designers created the Red Flash Camaro SS Show Car to extend Camaro’s look – and even its sound – to a new level.

Red Flash combines Chevrolet Accessory parts available today with some specially designed new concepts from the design studio, resulting in a unique new Camaro statement. Its Red Jewel exterior color is accented with gray heritage stripes and gray-accented 21-inch wheels. Under the hood, a Chevrolet Accessory air intake kit and, out back, the accessory exhaust kit, enhance the car’s performance, style and sound.

“The Camaro Red Flash is the opposite of a ‘sleeper’ on the street,” said Adam Barry, lead designer. “From every angle, it looks and sounds like the high-performance sports car it is. It’s a model for the enthusiast who doesn’t want to hide his performance aspirations.” Read more!

It also wears Chevrolet Accessory body-color ground effects, high-wing rear spoiler with black-painted stanchions and other gray accents. A lowered suspension lends a more aggressive stance.

Inside, the Red Jewel features an Ebony leather-trimmed cabin with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats. There’s also a custom steering wheel, racing-style pedals and red LED lighting for the door trim.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Exterior:
• Red Jewel color
• Heritage hood stripes in gray
• Chevrolet Accessory high-wing rear spoiler (body color with black stanchions)
• Chevrolet Accessory ground effects (body color)
• Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels with gray inserts
• Camaro badges with chrome edges and gray inserts
• Body-color antenna
Interior:
• Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
• Prototype Chevrolet Accessory racing-style steering wheel with flat bottom
• Red LED lighting in door trim
• Red footwell and cupholder lighting
• Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
• Chevrolet Accessory floor mats and cargo mat
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
• Chevrolet Accessory air intake and exhaust systems
• Chevrolet Accessory engine cover in Red Jewel
• Chevrolet Accessory Hurst shifter with custom stone-color stitching on the boot and shift knob

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO SSX TRACK CAR CONCEPT

Ever since the new Chevrolet Camaro’s launch last year, owners have explored the performance potential of the car. The Camaro SSX Track Car is a concept for transforming a street Camaro SS into a closed-course track car, and a showcase for new performance parts.

“The SSX concept explores taking Camaro’s excellent street performance and extending it into a road course context,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The car expresses Camaro performance while also signaling Chevrolet’s new commitment to developing and offering a portfolio of performance parts for racing enthusiasts.”

The Camaro SSX Track Car has a purposeful aesthetic, with exterior appointments and suspension modifications aimed at road course performance. They include carbon fiber aero parts – front splitter and adjustable rear wing – lightweight carbon fiber body panels, revised lower grille and unique brake cooling ducts. The carbon body panels significantly lower the Camaro’s weight, as does the elimination of much of the production car’s sound-deadening material, carpeting and rear seat.

Low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior paint is contrasted with the carbon aero parts, door graphics/racing number and red details; and this competition-ready Camaro rolls on dedicated track wheels and tires. This concept was constructed with input from Pratt and Miller, Chevrolet partner in Corvette Racing, and Riley Technologies using parts proven in the Grand Am racing series.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Icy White Metallic color with red accents and door graphics
• Carbon fiber hood, fenders, door and deck lid
• Exposed carbon fiber front splitter, rockers and adjustable rear wing
• Unique lower grille and brake ducts
Interior:
• Carpeting, sound deadener and rear seat deleted
• Ace suede-covered racing steering wheel and shifter
• SCCA-approved roll cage and window net
• Racing driver’s seat with five-point harness
• Racing pedals
• Fire suppression system
• Fuel cell
• Video camera system mounted on the roll cage
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L V-8 enhanced with Chevrolet Performance Parts’ camshaft, cylinder heads and dry-sump oiling system
• Production six-speed manual transmission with Corvette ZR1 twin-disc clutch
• Low-restriction air induction and exhaust systems
• Four-wheel disc racing brake system with six-piston front/four-piston rear calipers and drilled and slotted rotors
• Modified production suspension with Pfadt licensed components
• 20-inch racing wheels and tires

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO XM/ACCESSORY APPEARANCE PACKAGE

The new Chevrolet Camaro is a major hit with consumers because of its blend of desirable power, efficiency and design. Another important part of the Camaro formula is value. Chevrolet developed the XM/Accessory Appearance Package to provide new accessory and appearance options customized for the popular and affordable Camaro 1LT model. A production version of this package will be offered in the spring of 2011.

“The XM Accessory Appearance Package is all about affordable style,” said Russ Clark, director, Chevrolet product marketing. “Our intent was to create a special, customized model – including 21-inch wheels – that could be had for around $30,000, a popular price point for today’s Camaro buyer before they add accessories.”

The XM Accessory Appearance Package is based on the Camaro 1LT model with the standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine featuring 312 hp and EPA highway fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon. The accessory package includes a rear spoiler, unique grille and Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels. When it goes into production in 2011, the package will include a one-year subscription to XM Satellite Radio.

The Camaro XM Accessory Appearance Package at 2010 SEMA displays both production and concept styling cues. The accompanying highlights chart identifies them.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Imperial Blue color
• Rear spoiler (package content)
• Chevrolet Accessory grille (package content)
• Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch polished wheels (package content)
• Chevrolet Accessory Heritage body side graphics in silver (package content)
Interior:
• Black cloth seats (production)
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit in Silver Ice (concept)
• Chevrolet Accessory floor mats with gray borders and Camaro lettering (package content)
Performance:
• 3.6L V-6 direct injection engine and available six-speed automatic transmission (production)
• V-6 cold air intake system (concept)

CHEVROLET CAMARO SYNERGY SERIES 2011

Chevrolet announced today that it will release a special-edition Camaro each year, called the Synergy Series, emphasizing new approaches to accessory parts and customization. At SEMA 2010, the Synergy Series 2011 show car debuts to showcase the car that will be offered to consumers in the first half of 2011 as a special-edition model.

The first Camaro Synergy model was the 2010 Synergy Green special-edition car. It proved so popular with consumers that Chevrolet is now making Synergy an annual series. The Camaro Synergy Series 2011 model contains a mix of exterior and interior accessories – including combinations not available on any other production model, including an exclusive gray interior with red accent stitching throughout. It is based on Camaro Chroma, a show car first exhibited at SEMA in 2009.

The Camaro Synergy Series 2011 model will begin production in the first quarter, in limited quantities.

“The Synergy Series reflects the strong response consumers have consistently had toward Camaro,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “At the same time it provides an example of how Chevrolet is renewing its commitment to expanding accessory offerings.”

While the original Synergy was offered only in a single color (Synergy Green) and with the six-cylinder engine, the 2011 edition will be offered in four colors – Cyber Gray, Victory Red, Summit White and Black – as well as 2SS (V-8) and 2LT (V-6) trims with the RS package.

The Camaro Synergy SEMA Show vehicle is based on a 2SS model and displays production and concept styling cues. The accompanying highlights chart identifies them.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Cyber Gray color (production)
• Chevrolet Accessory grille and ground effects package (production)
• 21-inch painted wheel (silver finish, optional for production)
• Body-color antenna
Interior:
• Gray interior with red stitching on the seat, steering wheel, door panels, console lid, shifter boot, shift knob and headrest (production)
• Red instrument cluster and accent lighting
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit in Silver Ice
• Chevrolet Accessory floor mats with red border and silver Camaro lettering
• Footwell and cupholder lighting
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L engine and six-speed manual transmission (with 2SS only)
• Chevrolet Accessory Hurst shifter with red stitching
• Chevrolet Accessory engine cover in red
• Brembo brake calipers in red (with 2SS only)
• Pedders lowering kit (licensed Camaro accessory, not included in production package)

Chevrolet Camaro SEMA 2010

 

A preview of what Chevrolet has in store for the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Catch a glimpse at these “great show cars that translate into products you can buy down the road.”

According to GM engineering sources, GM is currently working on a twin-turbo 3.0L V6. Development on the new engine is so far along that it has a RPO code of “LF3.” The naturally aspirated 3.0L debuted in several 2010 products with direct injection and has the code “LF1.”

GMI was not able to obtain projected power ratings on the new engine, however output is very application specific under new SAE testing rules. Sources did say to expect the engine to rival Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5L.

The engine’s introduction is expected in late 2011 or early 2012 in the Cadillac XTS. Sources also state that GM is looking to use the engine in the Cadillac ATS and possibly even the next Chevrolet Camaro. Cadillac has historically always debuted new variants of the High-Feature V6 lineup, so it comes as no surprise that the XTS is the likely to pioneer the 3.0L twin-turbo.

Most rumors surrounding the potential of a turbocharged V6 out of GM have centered on the company’s 3.6L V6. A couple of years ago GMI was told that GM had twin-turbo 3.6L V6’s in development that were generating as much as 435 horsepower. Information regarding the potential of a blown 3.6L silenced for years until GM showed a 3.6L twin-turbo V6-powered Camaro show car at the 2009 SEMA show. The Camaro show car was generating 425 horsepower.

Maybe a 4-door Corvette is going to be designed. According to a report by Wards Automotive, it is possible.

If we take a look at another great car – The Porsche Panamera, we can see a 4-door successful selling automobile. With creating a 4-door Corvette, Chevrolet could introduce a higher-volume V6-powered version. This idea is not new – it has been debated in the past with the 2-door Corvette as a way to attract female buyers and those less interested in the car’s V8 performance and more its stylish good looks.

The guys from Autoguide think that it may help GM reduce costs, increase profitability and offer a unique product. Would it devalue the Corvette name? Probably not, considering the Panamera doesn’t seem to have hurt the Porsche 911. Would it be hideous? Quite possibly. But again, that hasn’t seem to hamper sales of Porsche’s new 4-door.

Over 40,000 people will take part in this program. The Tour will include monthly stops at important U.S. and Canadian GM plants. Overnight test-drive vehicles will be available. The vehicles included in the campaign are the Chevrolet Equinox, Camaro and Malibu, the Buick LaCrosse, the GMC Terrain and the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon.

“The hardworking men and women at these plants are focused each day on producing high-quality vehicles,” said Cal Rapson, vice president and director, UAW International. “The UAW is proud to support a program that enlists the help of our members to play an active role in promoting these vehicles in their communities.”

“More than 125,000 customers in Asia and Europe have already chosen the all-new Cruze. That strong acceptance on the world stage makes us confident that Cruze will be successful here in the U.S. as well when it goes on sale in the third quarter of this year.”

A jury of five design experts from around the world selected Chevy Camaro as one of the four finalists for the World Car Design of the Year, because of it’s great sports design.  Everybody will agree that this Camaro has “the scent” of a  strong muscle car. Excited about the nomination, Tom Peters, executive director, GM performance cars and full-size trucks says “It’s rather humbling to be nominated for the best new design in the world.”

“The nomination is a tribute to the passion of many individuals who worked so hard to make the dream of the new Camaro come to life.”

It seems that GM is getting better every day.

Musclevehicles.com – The Ultimate Blog for American Muscle Cars and Muscle Vehicles

Most people know that GM is builds Australian models based on its US cars, but it has never based a North American model on an Aussie vehicle.

Musclevehicles.com – The Ultimate Blog for American Muscle Cars and Muscle Vehicles

After the accident in November in which he crashed a Cadillac Escalade, registered to G.M., outside his home in Florida his problems emerged. USA Today reported on Tuesday that General Motors ended the agreement with Tiger Woods two weeks ago. Dayna Hart, a spokeswoman for Buick, confirmed the news on Wednesday: “Our loan arrangement with him was contracted to end Dec. 31, 2009.”

Here are some pictures of the crashed GM provided by The Florida Highway Patrol. The vehicle driven by Tiger Woods during his accident is seen on December 2, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. Woods crashed the SUV into the fire hydrant and tree next to his Florida home in the early hours of November 27. FHP charged Woods with careless driving which carries a $164 fine and four points on his driving record. Woods released a statement on his website saying, ‘I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart’.

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(Photo by Florida Highway Patrol via Getty Images)

Tiger Woods and his crashed Escalade