Corvette Stingray: 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph

DETROIT – Chevrolet released official performance estimates today for the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the most capable standard Corvette ever. Equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package, the new Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, braking from 60 to 0 in 107 feet, and sustaining 1.03 g in cornering.

Cumulatively, the acceleration, cornering and braking capability of the Corvette Stingray enabled it to lap the Virginia International Raceway’s (VIR) 4.2-mile “Grand Course” in 2:51.78.
“For the new Stingray, we set out to elevate every aspect of the Corvette’s performance,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Considered alone, the acceleration, braking and cornering performance of the Corvette Stingray is truly impressive. More significant is how well they work together, resulting in a lap time at VIR that places the new Stingray in the upper echelon of all sports cars.”

2014 Corvette Stingray Z51
Acceleration from 0-60 MPH	3.8 seconds
¼ mile acceleration	12 seconds @ 119 mph
Braking distance from 60 to 0 MPH	107 feet
Maximum lateral acceleration	1.03 G
VIR ‘Grand Course’ Lap	2:51.78

The lap around VIR was conducted in Stingray equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Ride Control. The vehicle that conducted the lap was modified only with safety features like a racing seat and harness, and fire extinguisher system.

“The new Stingray constantly communicates feedback to the driver, which makes you feel incredibly confident behind the wheel,” said Jim Mero, Corvette vehicle dynamics engineer. “That confidence encourages you to attack each corner because the Stingray drives so well: the tire grip is incredible; the steering response is some of the best I’ve ever experienced; the Magnetic Ride dampers allow little body roll through the corner, while still soaking up the rumble strips when you clip the apex,” he said. “It’s just addictive on the track.”

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013 for a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, excluding tax, title, and license fees. The $2,800 Z51 Performance Package includes an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability. Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management is a $1,795 option. A Corvette Stingray equipped like the test car used at VIR would cost $56,590.

- Courtesy of GM

Tips for Exterior Car Paint Maintenance

Exterior car paint maintenance is as simple as washing and waxing, but oftentimes, an overlooked part of car care. Maintaining the paint helps to retain value by keeping a car in its best possible condition while also protecting the paint from the environment.

• Thoroughly washing the car is one of the most important aspects of exterior paint maintenance. Dust, mud, and acid rain can scratch and dull the paint surface. Frequent washing with a high quality car wash formulated for automotive use will remove surface contaminants and help maintain the shine.
• Experts recommend using only a microfiber cloth designed for automotive applications to dry a car. Microfiber cloths are specifically designed to trap any residual dust and dirt to reduce scratches on the paint surface.
• Cleaner waxes can be used on older cars to remove swirl marks or oxidation. However, it is usually suggested that this sort of product not be used on newer cars or cars that have recently been repainted.
• Car paint sealant or polish is a product that generally only needs to be applied a few times a year, prior to waxing. It is great for helping to protect the paint surface. However, it does not provide as much gloss as wax.
• Traditional paste or liquid car wax is most often carnauba based and while it will provide an outstanding shine, it must be frequently reapplied in order to maintain protection. Cars that are housed outdoors will need more frequent applications than garaged cars. However, all cars should be waxed regularly.

Most automakers offer their own line of exterior paint maintenance products designed for use on their vehicles, which can take some of the guesswork out of what products to use. Regardless of the products used, it is important that they be applied following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Maintaining car paint will not only keep the car looking great, it will also increase value when it is time to trade in or sell.

- Courtesy of Autos.com

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel Delivers Classic Muscle Car Torque

DETROIT – Imagine quick off-the-line acceleration reminiscent of a classic muscle car combined with the efficiency of a fuel-sipping compact sedan. Dream on? Believe it. The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel uses a turbocharging feature called “overboost,” but still gets the best highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid passenger car in America.

Cruze Diesel’s turbocharged 2.0L engine delivers a segment-leading SAE-certified 151 horsepower (113 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm), but overboost can increase torque to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) for about 10 seconds of stronger acceleration. That’s the equivalent torque delivered by the 1972 Camaro Z28’s heavier 5.7L V8.

Unlike the muscle car era, Cruze Diesel marries that quick burst to a segment-leading EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway, and demonstrated range of 717 miles on one tank of fuel.

“Overboost provides increased performance when the driver demands it, like when passing on the highway,” said Mike Siegrist, GM 2.0L diesel assistant chief engineer. “When the driver leans on the throttle, the turbocharger increases the air and fuel intake over and above what the engine needs for normal torque demand.”

So taking the “muscle” analogy one step further, overboost is to Cruze Diesel as oxidation is to athletes when their muscles use oxygen to break down carbohydrates, fat and protein to produce energy. The more oxygen they take in, the better their performance. Cruze Diesel can sprint from 0 to 60 in about 8.6 seconds – half a second faster than its chief competitor, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI.

Cruze’s 2.0L turbo-diesel provides greater fuel economy than a comparably sized gasoline engine through greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process. It features an iron cylinder block and a forged steel crankshaft, each designed to stand up to the greater cylinder pressures that come with a turbo-diesel engine.

A lightweight aluminum cylinder head and aluminum intake manifold contribute to the engine’s ability to deliver balanced ride and handling.

Turbocharging is an increasingly popular choice with automakers and car buyers. According to LMC Automotive, a provider of automotive forecasts, turbo-charged passenger vehicle production in North America is expected to double by 2018, from 14 percent in 2013 to 29 percent, mainly due to increased diesel production, as well as four-cylinder turbo gas engines replacing V6 engines.

“Cruze’s turbo-diesel engine is powerful, efficient and clean,” Siegrist said. “It will change perceptions of what a diesel car can be while giving customers another fuel-efficient choice in the Chevrolet lineup.”

- Courtesy of GM

Overheating Tips

 

A common cause of breakdowns is overheating, especially during summertime.

 

Your cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended in your owner's manual. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)

 

If your car overheats — or if you are doing regular maintenance at home — never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.

 

A professional should check the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses.

- Courtesy of the Weather Channel

2014 Camaro Z/28 To Feature Largest Front Tires Of Any Production Car On The Market

We haven’t talked about the upcoming 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 in a while. So let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of what’s coming. And it’s looking like the most extreme track-oriented vehicle GM has ever announced, thanks to a bare-bones approach inside and out, coupled with some really incredible hardware, with no one feature being the main highlight, but rather complimentary to the rest. Sure, everyone recognizes the all-motor 7.0L LS7 V8 engine, which is arguably the best performance engine Chevrolet has ever offered. But there’s also the 60-tread count Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.

These marvels of rubber are street-legal slicks, essentially. And as a fun fact, they’re built in the same facility where Pirelli manufactures its Formula 1 racing tires. More impressively, the Trofeo R tires designated for the Camaro Z/28 measure 305/30ZR-19 in all four corners. Enormous. So big, in fact, that Chevy claims the size to be the largest front-mounted tire of any production car on the market.

For reference, the Bugatti Veyron sports 265-size tires in the front.The enhanced size of the contact patch, along with a 20-percent stiffer spring rate over the Camaro 1LE and purpose-built DSSV shocks unique to the Z/28, are said to give the LS7-powered road-course killer the cornering abilities of 1.05 G forces. That’s better than most supercars, and completely unheard of for what many relate to as a muscle car.

- Courtesy of GM Authority

Tips to Keep Your Car Tires Cool Amid Damaging Summer Heat

Just as heat takes its toll on people and electric bills, it also impacts car reliability and safety. By some accounts, tire blowouts are on the rise, creating dangers for travelers. But you can reduce this risk, if you follow some simple maintenance tips.

For example, just having your tires properly inflated will go a long way to avoiding such failures. Tire pressure is the life-blood of any tire; An under-inflated tire generates more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely effecting handling and fuel economy. Also, the tires will wear out faster.

Hot weather exacerbates heat build-up and weakens the tire, potentially leading to abrupt and sometime catastrophic failure. On a hot 90-degree day, surface temperatures easily exceed 150-degrees. Think about what your tires are experiencing while you're enjoying the drive in a cool air-conditioned car.

The correct air pressure will help keep your tires' temperature down within the serviceable range. The key here is using the correct inflation pressure. Based on our experience and a number of industry surveys, most tires are not inflated correctly. Those that are under-inflated are typically the result of no or infrequent pressure checks. However, some consumers go the other way when they over-inflate their tires using the sidewall rating—that's the maximum pressure and the not service pressure as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, which is typically listed on a driver's door jamb placard.

To get the optimal performance out of your tires, we suggest you follow these simple steps:

• Check the inflation pressure in each tire (and the spare) when the tires are cold or have sat more than three hours.

• Inflate the tires to the recommended setting outlined on the tire information placard found most often on the driver's door jamb and/or the vehicle owner's manual.

• Check the tires monthly. Tires will typically lose up to 1 psi per month, and pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in air temperature.

• Buy a good tire gauge. It's also a good idea to buy a portable compressor that works off of your car's power outlet; these are available in many auto parts stores.

• Tires also lose air to common punctures, so if you find you're always adding air to one particular tire, it might have a slow leak. Have it checked out at a service garage.

Follow these tips and you and your tires can stay cool through the remainder of the summer!

Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

•     Fuel-saving start-stop technology added to standard model
•     Rear knee room improved by 1.25 inches
•     Chassis and suspension developments enhance drive experience

DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2014 Malibu – a roomier, more refined and more efficient execution of its midsize sedan. Updated styling, a revised interior, a new 2.5L standard engine and suspension enhancements highlight the changes. It goes on sale this fall.

“The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we’re not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.”

The new and enhanced features include:

•     Revised front-end appearance
•     Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
•     Redesigned center console
•     New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway – a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway efficiency
•     Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand
•     Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
•     New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features

Malibu’s revised front-end appearance is influenced by the all-new Impala, creating a more cohesive look across Chevrolet’s sedan lineup. The front fascia features a new, more prominent lower grille and the hood extends down and over the leading edge of a narrower upper grille. The grille openings – with black grille texture – are wider and accented with chrome.

Inside, redesigned seats contribute to greater rear-seat space and greater comfort. The front seatbacks are shaped to improve rear-seat knee room, while new cushion sculpturing and revised cushion material allow passengers to sit deeper in the rear seats. Approximately half an inch was trimmed from the front of the rear seat cushion, for greater comfort behind passengers’ legs.

The Malibu’s redesigned center console has a longer armrest designed for greater comfort, along with a pair of cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.

“We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be,” said Ken Kelzer, executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. “The 2014 Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling that is on par with more expensive sports sedans.” 

More efficient, powerful powertrains
An all-new Ecotec 2.5L Intake Valve Lift Control DOHC four-cylinder engine with direct injection is the 2014 Malibu’s standard engine. Its variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds. When the iVLC system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine.

New start/stop technology shuts down the 2.5L engine to save fuel when the Malibu stops momentarily, such as at stoplights, contributing to an estimated 5-percent increase in city fuel economy. The engine automatically starts again when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.

The new 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm). Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of performance – while delivering greater refinement.

Additionally, the 2014 Malibu’s available 2.0L turbo engine delivers nearly 14 percent more torque than its predecessor. It is SAE-certified at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). New engine calibration and tuning account for the improvement, making the Malibu 2.0L turbo’s torque the best in the segment, even among competing six-cylinder-engines. The result is a stronger feeling of acceleration from a stop and a greater feeling of power on demand in almost all driving conditions.

The 2.0L turbo also produces an SAE-certified 259 horsepower (193 kW). The Malibu ECO remains in the lineup and receives the exterior and interior upgrades as well as chassis and suspension updates.

Chassis refinements
Chassis and suspension updates inspired by the all-new 2014 Impala also 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. That helps keep the wheels planted, contributing to a more precise, controlled feel – especially while cornering.

Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering is standard and enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds. Revised, higher-effort calibrations for 2014 were engineered to improve the overall steering feel. Also, the Malibu’s brake system has been revised to provide a more confident feel.

Additional chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.

Enhanced safety
New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are offered, and the Malibu also comes with 10 standard air bags and an available rearview camera system.

- Courtesy of GM