You might think that as the market shifts its focus to fuel-efficient vehicles, high-performance vehicles are likely to be short-lived. Speaking to AutoWeek, Mark Reuss, General Motors’ vice president of global marketing, said that Chevrolets with the SS badge are safe as long as he’s with GM.

Reuss said that the SS line of vehicles could offer more in the future. He said that he envisions vehicles outfitted on a case-by-case basis, rather than generically adding more output and the red SS badge to Chevrolets across the board.

Reuss comes to GM after leading Holden operations in Australia, the origin of the Detroit automaker’s enthusiast-oriented rear-wheel drive underpinnings known as Zeta.

Reuss said that the Zeta platform is also safe under his watch and that GM is working on a sedan in Australia that is expected to return impressive fuel-economy with a 3.0L engine. He said that future performance cars from GM will have stellar performance, better fuel-economy and reduced weight.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Earlier this week, engineers and other members of the Chevrolet Volt team provided the media with an update on the development of the new plug-in hybrid vehicle.

There is less than one year to go before GM starts making the production Chevrolet Volt, according to Vehicle Chief Engineer Andrew Farah. The plug-in hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in Nov. 2010.

Click through to see highlights from the presentation.

Here are some highlights from Farah’s presentation:

• GM has teamed with LG Chem to produce a great battery cell for the vehicle. It puts the team in a position to meet customer expectations and to use this technology to make vehicles beyond the Volt.
• Inside the Volt’s battery are cells, which are grouped together into modules that are grouped together into battery packs – or, the T-shaped objects that actually go into the vehicle.
• The Volt is meeting energy power requirements and is now balancing issues such as safety, regulations and customer satisfaction with other issues such as performance, durability, packaging and vehicle design.
• The team has completed the pre-production build process and is in the process of testing the vehicles. Some are being tested around the clock 24/7.
• The team has built all 300 packs for the Volt and the results have been excellent.
• There have been more than 250,000 miles of testing on the pre-production and mule vehicles. Some of the highlights of this testing include hot weather testing in Death Valley, mountain testing at Pikes Peak and a 65% calibration drive.
• Everything is not perfect on these drives, but there are not any problems that will not be handled before production. This is not unlike any other challenges that come with developing a new type of vehicle such as the Volt.

Engineering Group Manager Bill Wallace:

• There are 50,000 cells available for testing and to date, none of the cells have failed in the tests.
• Pack development is lining up with overall vehicle development and both tracks will meet with the start of production in November 2010.
• Battery cells go through 150 tests, including cell crushing, cell overcharging and cell life cycling.
• There are three major battery modules (groups of cells) inside the pack and they are tested to measure pressure, stress and high dynamic impact, among other things.
• The battery pack itself undergoes more than 20 different types of tests, including corrosion, crash and life cycle use.
• The team learned that the battery is well protected inside the vehicle and the cell abuse tests have shown the cells to perform as expected.
• Since the vehicle is so quiet, noise is an issue and the team is working on ways to reduce ambient noise when the vehicle is in motion.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: GM FastLane Blog

Earlier this year, General Motors officially went back to selling the Chevrolet Camaro after ending production of the sports car in 2002. With a new design, more power and a strong heritage, the Chevrolet Camaro is speeding past the Ford Mustang to become Detroit’s muscle car sales leader.

The new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro outsold the new Ford Mustang by 3,000 units last month, the fifth consecutive month that the Camaro has beaten the Mustang since it went on sale this spring.  GM says that the Camaro may even outsell the Mustang altogether this year, which would be the first time the Chevy model has topped its Ford rival since 1985.

Through October, GM has sold 47,233 Camaro units, 9,237 less than the Mustang.

The Camaro “definitely could overtake Mustang as the segment leader by the end of the year,” Susan Docherty, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales said. “We will hopefully do that with only nine months worth of sales versus 12.”

Ford, on the other hand, doesn’t seem too bothered. “I don’t think Mustang sales would have been much different one way or another,” said George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is scheduled to make its market launch in Nov. of 2010. It’s no wonder that engineers working on the Volt are putting in hours even on their days off.

“They’re testing, measuring and evaluating what is arguably the most important vehicle in General Motors Co.’s history,” reports the Detroit News. “They take their work home with them, literally, commuting in the vehicles, strapping baby seats in the back or picking up groceries.”

“We’ve been through three levels of hardware in two years,” said Alex Cattelan, the Chevy Volt’s chief powertrain engineer. “The groups working on the second generation and third generation versions are still providing more information to us.”

Cattelan says that he has no doubt that the Volt will be ready for its scheduled launch in late 2010. At the 2009 LA Auto Show next month, GM will announce plans for initial retail markets where the plug-in hybrid vehicle will be sold.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

A new study called Electrification Roadmap predicts that there will be at least 14 million electric-vehicles on U.S. roads by 2020 and that EVs could account for 75 percent of all light-duty miles driven by 2040. The new study is backed by Nissan, FedEx, Coda Automotive and Coulomb Technologies.

“Up to now, electrification seemed like a pipe dream,” said Fred Smith, chairman and CEO of FedEx and a member of the Electrification Coalition. “But we are offering a realistic, practical, achievable plan to build a transportation system that will enhance our national security, propel economic growth and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

The results from Electrification Roadmap are expected to capture the attention of the government, automakers and many companies that participate in developing electric cars.

The Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are both scheduled to release in 2010. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently predicted that electric-vehicle sales will reach around 1 million in the U.S. by 2015.

2010 Nissan Leaf EV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

When General Motors kicked off sales of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro earlier this year, it hoped that most customers would opt for the V6 LS and LT trims. However, based on Edmunds.com’s estimates, two-thirds of the 47,233 Camaro units sold from April 2009 to October 2009 have been V8 SS models.

The Chevrolet Camaro with a V6 is rated at 18/29 mpg (city/highway), while the Chevrolet Camaro with a V8 is rated at 16/25. GM was hoping that strong V6 sales would help it raise its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). The automaker even priced the entry-level Camaro LS at $23,530, making it a bang-for-your-buck purchase for a rear-wheel-drive car with 304-hp.

Nonetheless, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says that the V6 Camaro coupes actually cost GM as much to build as the V8 version, so the company is content that most sales have come from the Camaro SS.

Click here to read our review on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

GM announced today that it will show the U.S. production version of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 2. The Cruze will be joined by the Chevrolet Volt, Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevys.

The Chevrolet Cruze has already been launched in Europe and Asia and will hit U.S. roads in the third-quarter of 2010 with a lineup of fuel-efficient engines including a 1.4 turbocharged 4-cyinder unit. The base 1.4L 4-cylinder will deliver up to 40 mpg on the highway.

GM said that it will also announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold at the LA Auto Show.

We’ll be in LA providing live coverage so make sure you join us on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze:

Press Release:

Chevrolet at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

- U.S. premiere of the all-new Cruze, delivering up to 40 mpg highway
- Volt electric vehicle to be available in select markets in 2010
- Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevrolet vehicles also on display

DETROIT – Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet’s expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

“With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free,” said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. “Chevrolet’s focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range.”

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale’s at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

The Chevrolet show exhibit also will feature the all-new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. The popularity of these vehicles helped Chevrolet boost sales by 9 percent in October, including a significant 31-percent increase in retail sales.

The Camaro continues to distance itself from its closest competitor as a fuel-efficient interpretation of a 21st century sports car, achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the popular 304-horsepower direct injected V-6. Camaro has been a leader in the regular sports car segment for the last five months.

Demand for the Camaro continues to be strong, as Chevrolet now has more than 36,000 sold orders for the car.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover that combines distinctive design, extensive functionality and outstanding efficiency. At 32 mpg highway, the Equinox gets better fuel economy than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. It even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid while costing $7,000 less.

In just a few short months, Equinox has captured 10 percent of the critical compact crossover segment, its best share since August of 2007 and up 4.6 percent from a year ago. More than half of 2010 Equinox customers traded in a non-GM vehicle (based on internal PIN data). Demand is so strong for the Equinox that the plant where it is built recently added a third shift.

- By: Omar Rana

Among the 13,000 entries received from consumers for the Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest, GM has chosen three finalists. The three finalists include:

• EV-ergreen: by Devin McQuarrie, 30, of San Jose, CA
• Viridian Joule: by Dave Thomas, 40, of Sanford, FL
• environMINT:  by Matthew Valbuena, 30, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

You can vote for your favorite name at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8 a.m. ET on Dec. 1. All finalists will be flown out to Los Angeles where the winner will be announced on December 1st. The winner will get to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

Press Release:

Every Vote Counts: Finalists in Chevrolet Volt Color Contest Compete to be First to Test-Drive a Volt

- Nearly 13,000 consumers submitted entries
- Every state represented with at least one name entry
- Consumers vote Nov. 16 through Dec. 1 to decide the winner
- Winning name will be announced Dec. 1 in Los Angeles

DETROIT – “Chargetruse,” “Recharge Silver,” and “Voltaic Platinum” are among the nearly 13,000 entries consumers submitted in Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest. Chevrolet has named three finalists whom will compete for a chance to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle.

Chevrolet selected “EV-ergreen” offered by Devin McQuarrie, 30, of San Jose, CA; “Viridian Joule” submitted by Dave Thomas, 40, of Sanford, FL; and “environMINT” entered by Matthew Valbuena, 30, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Chevrolet chose the three finalists based equally on originality, creativity and the ability to capture the innovation and spirit of the Volt.

Consumers now determine the winner by voting for the favorite name of the three at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8 a.m. ET on Dec. 1. The finalists and a guest each will travel to Los Angeles where the winner will be announced by Chevrolet on Dec. 1. Votes are limited to one per person, per internet protocol address during the voting period.

About 27,000 people – or half of all visitors to www.chevroletvoltage.com during the entry period Oct. 22 through Nov. 4 – submitted a color name.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It can drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery runs low, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling or stopping to recharge the battery.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

- By: Kap Shah

At the 2009 SEMA Show earlier this month, Jay Leno unveiled his twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L V6 Chevrolet Camaro. With the help of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers, output was taken up to a total of 425-hp. Apparently, when the turbochargers aren’t being used, there is virtually no loss in the fuel-economy of the base 3.6L V6 engine. Sounds pretty cool huh?

Well, according to GM’s Bob Lutz, Chevrolet may “perhaps” do a twin-turbocharged version of the Camaro. Nothing is confirmed but the “perhaps” does leave the door open for some turbos in the upcoming Z28. Pervious reports have suggested that the Camaro Z28 will get the 557-hp 6.2L supercharged V8 from the Cadillac CTS-V.

Lutz also confirmed that the Camaro Synergy concept will enter production along with an all-black special-edition model.

The Jay Leno Chevrolet Camaro (2009 SEMA):

Chevrolet Camaro Synergy:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

Don’t get your hopes up for a civilian version of the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. According to Bob Lutz, General Motors has no plans on dropping the Impala, which will be upgraded sometime later next year.

He said that the next Chevrolet Impala will be a front-wheel-drive sedan and will be slightly larger with more equipment. He said that the model will maintain good fuel-efficiency in order to compete with sedans like the 2010 Ford Taurus.

Lutz also said that the next Impala will be compatible with GM’s new hybrid drivetrain, so we can expect a hybrid version some point after the gasoline versions are launched.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Straightline

In a little childish like video, General Motors took a shot at electric-vehicles saying that the charging the EV to its full capacity takes several hours after the battery is depleted.

While GM admits electric-vehicles are cool, its says electric-vehicles with range extender, like the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, are cooler.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

Check out the video after the jump.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Stephen Calogera

An armored Chevrolet Suburban and a limousine belonging to Vice President Biden’s fleet, hit and killed a pedestrian just over the D.C. border in Maryland. The two vehicles were on their way to Andrews Air Force Base to a secure storage location when the incident took place.

According to the Washington Post, the man was crossing an intersection on Maryland’s Suitland Parkway at 2:27 a.m. under rainy conditions.

The two vehicles were being driven by trained employees who have taken a “protective operator’s driving course,” the report said. U.S. Park Police are currently investigating the accident.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

General Motors Company CEO Fritz Henderson, who is currently visiting Opel’s headquarters in Ruesselsheim to repair relations, said that Opel will not play a global role in the empire of the Detroit automaker. Nonetheless, Henderson said that GM will give the European brand more freedom.

“We have a strategy in Brazil around Chevrolet … It’s a strong brand; the last thing we usually need is another brand,” he said.

Henderson expressed very little interest to market Opel vehicles outside of Europe or even moving the company’s stats from a limited liability company to an incorporated stock company, reports Automotive News.

“Opel is a regional brand and I don’t see that changing. That doesn’t mean I’m closed to ideas about how it can be used elsewhere; but the measure of the Opel brand’s success will be Europe, because if you don’t win here all the discussion of exports will be irrelevant,” Henderson said.

Sorry to shatter your dreams of seeing Opel branded vehicles on U.S. roads.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Last week we picked up the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT. We’ve already reviewed the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, so we thought we’d take a look at what the 304-hp 3.6L V6 Camaro competes with and if it is worth your hard earned money if you’re in the market for a V6 powered sports car.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6:

• Base Price: $22,995.
• Power: 3.6L V6 making 304-hp/273 lb-ft of torque – mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 6.1 seconds.
• Fuel-economy: 18/29 mpg (city/highway).

2010 Ford Mustang V6:

• Base Price: $21,845.
• Power: 4.0L V6 making 210-hp/240 lb-ft of torque – mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 7.7 seconds.
• Fuel-economy: 16/24 mpg (city/highway).

2010 Dodge Challenger V6:

• Base Price: $23,460.
• Power: 3.5L V6 making 250-hp/250 lb-ft of torque – 5-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 8.1 seconds.
• Fuel-economy: 19/27 mpg (city/highway).

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

• Base Price: $25,000.
• Power: 3.8L DOHC V6 producing 306-hp/266 lb-ft – mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 6.3 seconds.
• Fuel-economy: 17/27 mpg (city/highway).

2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT (Weekly Test-Drive):

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Stephen Calogera – egmCarTech.

When the 2011 Chevrolet Volt makes its debut later next year, it will allow 40 miles of gas free driving and a “sporty” 0-60 mph time of under 9 seconds. However, if a 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds isn’t “sporty” enough for you, GM may be considering a Chevrolet Volt SS model.

In a recent interview, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz was asked whether GM was moving away from performance cars and towards fuel-efficient models. He said that “as the trend grows for vegetarianism the fruit and vegetable isles will expand but the meat counters won’t go away.” However, Lutz said that performance vehicles will still exist.

“I would forecast that certainly there will be a growing trend to high performance hybrids,” he said.

Asked if we’ll see a Chevrolet Volt SS one day, Lutz said: “I would not discount the possibility.”

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: GM-Volt

In a statement released today, GM announced that they will be investing $C 90 million to re-tool CAMI Automotive’s West Body Shop plant in Ontario, Canada. According to DetNews, the investment plan will boost production of the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox by about 40,000 units and recall about 150 laid-off employees.

“This investment is an excellent example of what happens when you get the product right.” said GM Canada’s president, Arturo Elias. “If the product is right, everything else follows – increased production, increased employment and strong market demand.”

The Equinox and Terrain are two of GM’s best-selling models. So far this year, GM has sold 63,850 vehicles.

Check out our review of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2010 GMC Terrain review here.

Review: 2010 GMC Terrain:

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

While most people who retire spend their life golfing or living in a beach house, 101 year old Virgil Coffman likes living in the fast lane. The centenarian recently became the oldest known owner of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Which Camaro did he purchase? A 400-hp, bright yellow, Transformers edition Camaro SS.

“Impressed by the overall design, Virgil was ultimately sold on the cars’ easy handling. After owning nearly 40 cars in his lifetime, he follows the philosophy that if you want something, get it,” GM said in a statement. “These days Virgil says he can’t go anywhere without strangers asking him about his car and he’s already planning road trips for next summer.”

Coffman has officially became our favorite 100+ year old person.

Click through for a video to see Coffman behind the wheel of his new Camaro.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition:

- By: Omar Rana

In what we think is a good decision, General Motors said that its other plug-in hybrid offerings will not have Volt branding on them to identify with the compact plug-in hybrid that will launch later next year. By contrast, Toyota is planning to make a family of hybrid vehicles that will carry the Prius badging.

“Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products,” Brent Dewar, chief of global operations for Chevrolet said. “The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn’t see that as a brand marketing direction for us.”

Dewar said that the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid would pave the way for more vehicles based on the same Voltec technology; however, the Volt name will not be found anywhere on GM’s future electric-vehicles.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters