Concept – Corvette Stingray

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

We Corvette enthusiasts are always looking through spy photos, parsing words of GM executives,and reading tarot cards to glean even a glimmer of the Next Vette. I sat near and in the front rowsduring worldwide introductions of the C5- and C6-generation Corvettes. Dreams run crazy around whatthe C7 could be. Will it look like a Corvette? Front- or rear-engine? V8? Quad taillamps? Theybetter not mess it up!

For now, all we can do is dream because GM indefinitely delayed the next generation given all ofits financial troubles. Rest assured, GM will survive and there will be a Next Vette ‘ probablyjust in time for the reality of 35-MPG CAFE standards. Just to prove Chevy designers are thinkingand scheming for the life of their beloved sports car, executives rolled out the Sting Ray Conceptthat will appear in the upcoming Transformers movie alongside the 2011 Chevy Spark and Volt.

‘This futuristic vision of an American performance icon plays the role of ‘Sideswipe’ in Revengeof the Fallen,’ said GM V.P. of Design, Ed Wellburn. ‘This vision concept is part of the freeexploration of future products that I encourage our creative and talented design teams to develop.The Corvette has an amazing design lineage and this Sting Ray concept pays homage to the 1959 StingRay Racer and 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window Coupe. Notice the wide shoulders, sculptedfender forms, side air extractors, piercing nose, and of course, the legendary Split-Window designfeature. There’s even a modern interpretation of the Sting Ray badge and some interestingaircraft-inspired features at the back.’

The Sting Ray is to Corvette what the CTS is to Cadillac: From three miles away, you know theSting Ray is a Corvette, but it is resoundingly from the future. No single feature was completelycopied from the original, but it feels familiar. This is Wellburn’s genius.

Accentuated front and rear fenders were inspired by the C2 (1963-1967) and C3 (1968-1982) Vettes. I would imagine sitting in the driver’s seat would provide a similar view over the hood to the C3. The Split-Window fastback is divine ‘ as are the small fender-mounted headlamps, side air vents,sinister grille, and quad exhausts that exit through the center rear facia. A Corvette shouldalways look mean from a competitor’s rearview mirror. The Sting Ray looks like it will eat schoolbuses with a side of Porsche.

Before this concept should make it to production, Wellburn would have to entertain at least onechange. Since 1963, Corvettes have come with quad taillamps ‘ most handsomely set in concave rearfacias. Some of us are still recovering from losing hidden headlamps during the last re-design.Dispensing with proper taillamps could send us into the weeds. Beyond that, send it to engineeringand start working on the next-gen V8 to go under its long hood ‘ preferably with a light hybridsystem to make Chevy Aveos jealous of its fuel economy while routing Ferraris with performance.

Unlike most movie toys, the Sting Ray was not developed for the silver screen. Apparently, itwas developed in Chevy’s Studio X ‘Skunkworks’. Millions would scarcely have been spent on aconcept car that was not floating ideas for an upcoming production model. When the C7 finallystarts its drive towards Bowling Green, KY assembly lines, it will rely on the direction set bySting Ray. Makes me want to sit on the stage when it is unveiled circa 2015!

Chevy Equinox

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

Chevrolet sold many of the first-generation Equinox, but let’s face it, the mid-size crossoverwas not at the top of its class in refinement or fuel economy. The plastics always seemed, well,plastic. It had a longish turning radius and every owner I ever talked to mentioned how much gaswent through its injectors. Only with recent V6 engines and an upgraded interior did the vehiclecome into its own and become a good choice among crossovers. An all-new second-generation willdebut for 2010. Judging from its appearance and other recent GM products, I suspect engineers anddesigners have learned their lessons well.

Exterior styling is equal parts Chevy Malibu, Saturn Vue, and Chevy Traverse ‘ meaning it is ahandsomely well-developed design with traditional and futuristic cues. A bold crossbar grille partswind and leads into accentuated wheel arches and bodyside character lines. The rear features largeclear lens taillamps. It would be easy to confuse the Equinox with a Lexus or Acura SUV.

Interior themes are based on Chevrolet’s historic twin-cowl design that came to vogue with thecurrent Malibu and Traverse, not to mention the Corvette. Large analog gauges, sporty three-spokesteering wheel, swooping dashboard, and contrasting dash and seat colors are a visual barrage ofstyle. Unfortunately, nobody saw fit to slide in at least a small third-row seat for tots. If youwant to haul seven passengers, you’ll have to buy the larger Traverse (an excellent choice).

Addressing fuel economy is a base 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepowerand 21/30-MPG city/highway. Up level models come with a 255-horsepower direct-injected V6 thatachieves 18/25-MPG city/hwy. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak electronic stabilitycontrol are standard. Chevrolet claims more than 500 miles of driving range with either engine.

Said Ed Peper, GM N.A. V.P. for Chevrolet, ‘At a time when customers are so concerned about thefuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers. It offers the roominess and capability of acrossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement,comfort and great value.’

We’ll have to wait until early next year to drive the new Equinox, but given the vehicles withwhich it shares a vehicle architecture (Saturn Vue) and styling (Traverse), it is sure to be lightyears ahead of its predecessor. Finally, a refined, stylish, and efficient crossover from Chevrolet. Good things are coming.

Chevrolet Volt

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

General Motors ushered in many innovations during its first 100 years, which were celebrated onSeptember 16 at the company’s Detroit headquarters. Charles ‘Boss’ Kettering’s electric starter,the fully automatic transmission, catalytic converter, safety glass, and energy-absorbing steeringcolumn changed how we drive and survive. When you think of GM’s finest moments, the ’30s CadillacV-16, ‘55 Bel Air, ‘59 Cadillac, Corvette Corvair, GTO, Olds Toronado, Camaro, Firebird, Chevelle,442, Grand National, Impala SS, and EV1 come to mind. From tailfins to electrons, GM is charginginto its next century.

‘Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century,’said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO, during his company’s anniversary celebration. ‘The Volt issymbolic of GM’s strong commitment to the future’just the kind of technology innovation that ourindustry needs to respond to today’s and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.’

A concept version of the Volt was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show inDetroit, changing forever the way we think about travel. It is the first production model developedby GM since the notorious EV1 that was engineered from the ground up as an electric car.

A little science lesson’ The Toyota Prius and all the rest of the hybrids available today aregasoline-powered vehicles with a battery and electric motor that provide supplemental power whenneeded. Generators in the braking system capture energy that would normally be dissipated as heatduring deceleration. Although Toyota and Saturn are known to have plug-in hybrids in development,none of the current hybrids can be plugged in.

The Volt’s lithium ion batteries ‘ essentially scaled up laptop batteries – can be plugged intohousehold current to give the vehicle a range of about 40 miles. After that, a smallE85/gasoline-capable engine cycles on and off to keep the batteries charged, extending range toabout 300 miles. Unlike in the Prius, the gasoline engine never drives the wheels. Think of theVolt as a pure electric car with a ‘back up’ generator. The cool part is that the back up systemcould someday be a diesel engine or hydrogen fuel cell as in the Chevy Equinox test fleet currentlybeing driven by residents of Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New York City.

Driving an electric car is an exhilarating experience. Electric motors produce tons of torqueinstantly. Step on the accelerator off the line, and you feel a whoosh of acceleration with almostno noise. It’s an absolute delight. The Volt’s powertrain produces 150 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft.of torque, allowing the car to reach a governed top speed of 100 mph. The Volt is like a jet whereall other cars are piston-driven noise bombs.

Those of you familiar with the Volt concept car will undoubtedly note how different theproduction version looks. The blogosphere is ablaze with nasty-grams to GM because the concept wasa low-slung sedan with future Camaro looks while production versions are as advanced as a MarsLander, but taller and rounder to improve range-extending aerodynamics. It is a little less Camaroand a little more Prius, but undeniably handsome and futuristic. A flush grille, sleek mirrors,ground hugging bodysides, and integrated decklid spoiler greet and pass the air with minimumturbulence.

The cabin is highlighted by a cool driver-configurable LCD instrument panel, seven-inchtouchscreen control display, touchscreen climate and audio controls, optional navigation systemwith hard drive for music storage, and Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming.As has become common with recent Chevrolet products, the twin dash design was inspired by classicCorvettes. When in Park, the gear selector is flush with the dash in its own little garage. Largecupholders keep everybody hydrated. Stylists purposely penned the interior simply, but reached asfar into the future as buyers are likely to tolerate.

GM begins the transformation of the automobile from gasoline to electricity with the Volt, whichwill likely rank in the pantheon of Chevy’s greatest alongside Corvette, Bel Air, Camaro, andImpala. With gasoline still near $4/gallon and not likely to retreat, being able to ‘refuel’ yourcar from a home outlet sounds great. According to GM, it will cost about $0.02/mile to power theVolt compared to about $0.12/mile for a gasoline vehicle at $3.60/gallon. Over the course of afive-year loan, you would save $7,500! Prices have not been announced, but the Volt is expected tostart around $40,000 (minus expected government incentives) when it starts rolling out of itsDetroit factory during 2010. Here’s to the Volt and GM’s next 100 years!

Chevrolet Traverse

Jim Meachen, www.car-data.com

It was no surprise that we instantly liked the all-new Chevrolet Traverse. Our first experiencewith the full-sized Chevy crossover came on a flawless autumn day hauling four adults and all thegoodies necessary for a college football game tailgate party. The only downside to brilliantsunshine, moderate temperatures and fun with friends was the home team losing on a last-minutetouchdown.

The Traverse, however, did not lose ‘ it proved a winner. A loss was not expected because theTraverse is the fourth large crossover vehicle to come from the so-called General Motors Lambdaplatform that has earned solid reviews including a thumbs up in this corner. The only surprise isthat it took GM so long to add the Traverse to the large crossover fleet, which includes the SaturnOutlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.

Giving the General’s largest division a share of the success seemed a no-brainer because Chevy’shuge dealer network will probably push the Traverse to the head of the line.

The tailgaters were delighted to find that the Traverse comes with an immense interior. Spacebehind the second-row seats measures 69 cubic feet, available to haul ‘ in our case ‘ a large icechest, folding chairs, a tailgate tent and food for a week. The second-row passengers commented ontheir stretch-out room. And if all the rear passenger space is needed for cargo, the seats foldflat in a one-hand motion ‘ headrests folding out of the way ‘ revealing an 118-cubic-foot area.

If three rows are needed for passengers, there is still a healthy 24 cubic feet of storage wayback. To put it in perspective that’s more interior space than the full- sized truck-based ChevyTahoe.

Our passengers expressed pleasure with a compliant ride while at the same time we were forming afavorable opinion of the big crossover’s handling traits and good on-center feel. The interiorsolitude was also a brief topic of interest on the trip to the game. Discussion of the merits ofthe Chevrolet took a back-seat to football talk on the return trip ‘ Saturday night quarterbacking,if you will.

But the Traverse was a good place for spirited talk, never having to raise a voice in thecrossover’s quiet environment.

The overall shape of the Traverse naturally mimics the look of its siblings, but the new modelspeaks loudly of Chevrolet, particularly its distinctive split mesh grille used to great success bythe Malibu.

The taillight treatment also has Chevrolet traits with partially circular covers.

Inside, the dash has been revised with two rectangular pods housing the gauges. It also gets ahint of the Malibu’s dual-cowl theme and its two-tone layout.

The center stack comes straight from the General Motors parts bin, but that being said, it’s asolid, handsome, easy-to-use design.

We think General Motors has come up with a good compromise between horsepower and gas mileageconsidering it takes a significant number of horses to propel 4,700 pounds of automobile.

The only engine available is a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet oftorque. If you opt for the top-of-the- line LTZ trim level, horsepower increases to 288 and torqueto 270 pound-feet thanks to a dual-outlet exhaust and direct fuel injection. Performance asmeasured by 0-to-60 times is excellent, 7.6 seconds for the all-wheel drive model. The measuredstopping distance from 60 wasn’t quite as noteworthy at 135 feet, but certainly in the acceptablerange. Gas mileage, while not stellar, is certainly acceptable at 17 city, 24 highway forfront-wheel drive and 16/23 for all-wheel drive on regular gas. That matches up well with itsdirect competitors such as the Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander, especially when youconsider the Traverse has the most cargo and passenger space in the segment.

If you need seven-passenger space, the Traverse makes sense considering a horsepower-comparableTahoe and a Ford Expedition get 20 percent and 35 percent less mileage respectively.

The Traverse comes in three trim levels and in either two-wheel or all- wheel drive starting at$29,725 including destination charge for the base LS. The LT starts at $31,545 and the LTZ beginsat $39,810. Figure about $2,000 for all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment is abundant and particularly noteworthy is Chevy’s standard safety package.The base price brings antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side-impactairbags, full- length side-curtain airbags and tire-pressure monitoring. Also standard is one yearof GM’s OnStar system including turn-by-turn navigation.

We applaud Chevy for those features, and to Chevrolet’s credit the Traverse earned the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration’s top five star rating for passenger protection in head-onand side- impact crashes.

Our LT1 test vehicle came with such standard features as full power accessories, 18-inchmachined aluminum wheels, front and rear air conditioning, steering wheel controls, cruise control,audio system with CD player and XM satellite radio, and tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Such modern goodies that more and more people favor including navigation, rear entertainment,leather seating, heated and cooled seats and 20-inch wheels can be purchased as options. Most ofthose things come standard on the LTZ package, but rear entertainment, dual skyscape sunroof and asecond-row console are optional on all trim levels.

Despite the Chevy’s size and weight (all-wheel drive adds 200 pounds), we were impressed withits ability to navigate the crowded stadium parking lot and its overall agility.

We were also impressed with the vehicle’s 5,200-pound tow rating, which should give familieswith boats and other recreational goodies plenty of towing capacity for weekend activities.

We do wish the Traverse had come in a bit less on the porky side ‘ the nearly same sizeall-wheel drive Mazda CX-9, for instance, is 300 pounds slimmer ‘ but we were impressed with theoverall package. If you need the room and the towing capacity, the Traverse must be on yourshopping list.

The only thing we’d change is the final score of the football game.

Chevrolet Aveo

Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com

It’s a raw deal, being the smallest and least-expensive car on the market. The Crosley, KaiserHenry J, Nash Metropolitan, Yugo GV can all attest to this fact. Being cheap makes a vehicleattractive to buyers of limited means, but also tends to raise the question, “Couldn’t you haveafforded something better?” Plagued by obvious cost-cutting measures from sloppy design to flimsymaterials, cheap cars always suffer at the hands of critics. Frankly, they’re easy targets.

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is the current hot-seat resident. With pricing starting at $10,560, it’sdefinitely the lowest-priced new car out there. Chevy has taken steps to reduce the cheap-factorfor ‘07, improving the interior materials and restyling the exterior.

With premium subcompacts like the Honda Fit and Scion xB available for not much more, the Aveo’sgot its work cut out for it when it comes to avoiding the slings and arrows of derision that aretypically aimed at cheap new cars. Lucky for the Aveo, I actually like cheap, basic-transportationcars, when they’re done well. The Aveo has taken a drubbing elsewhere in the press, but carjournalists are notoriously spoiled by regular access to Lexus and Ferrari products. If anyone wasgoing to find a reason to love the thing, it would be me.

At a glance, the Aveo doesn’t shout to the world that it costs less. It’s gotten a subtleredesign for 2007, with a more upscale exterior. There’s none of the cheap gray plastic that’s cometo define lower-priced cars. It’s got a cheerful face, in fact, with a high roof and a narrowbody–you wouldn’t know to look at it, but the Aveo is longer and wider than the previous model. Abold Chevrolet family grille rides up front, and the look of the headlights and taillights has beenimproved. Four- and five-door models are offered. It’s got a conspicuous wedge-shape that helps tomask the small footprint. Overall the look is more nondescript than the polarizing designs fromScion or Honda, and only the Aveo’s diminutive size suggests its low sticker price.

Although the plastics are high on durability and low on luxe, the tight-fitting panels and trimbrighten the interior enough to keep the Aveo from being a complete penalty box. You can even getsatin- aluminum or woodgrain trim, if you’d like. There’s seating for four, and head- and legroomare good. Theater-style seating in the rear improves back-seat comfort as well, Elbow room is okayas long as you don’t have two large folks side by side. Chevrolet has improved the noise damping,but the Aveo still sounds somewhat tinny on the road. In four-door models, the trunk is decentlylarge, with 12.4 cubic feet of space. The front passenger seat folds flat to help carry long cargo.The five-door hatchback will accept up to 42 cubic feet of cargo. Amenities like an iPod, jack,intermittent wipers and side airbags are standard. Overall, the Aveo feels inexpensive, but notcheap.

Once out on the road, it’s a different story. The Aveo offers up a soberingly joyless ride. Thiscontrasts sharply with the relatively fun-to-drive subcompacts from Scion, Honda, Suzuki and, well,just about everybody else. Even a Kia Rio has more joie de vivre than an Aveo. The suspensionconsists of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear, and its forte is commuting, period.In spite of a body roll-reducing stabilizer bar, the Aveo doesn’t like being rushed. Understeercomes on quickly and without much warning. The rack and pinion steering is at its best in parkinglots and tight spots. This is not a car for closet autocrossers. It’s fine for rolling around townand running errands (while getting up to 37 mpg, by the way). It handles as well as it needs to,but “fun” and spirited driving are not on the menu. The brakes are decent, and anti-lock brakes areavailable. Believe it or not, the Aveo got a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA in 2006.

Power, such as it is, comes from a petite and economical DOHC 1.6 liter four-cylinder. There’snot much car here, so the 103 horsepower is adequate. Electronic throttle control and a variableintake system are used. The Aveo’s engine is not at all refined, though. The engine soundscoarse–clearly fuel economy has taken precedence to everything else, from torque to noisereduction. Going from an older used car into an Aveo, you probably won’t notice, but drive most ofthe competition and the Aveo’s 1.6 pales in comparison. The tradeoff is decent fuel economy. Thestandard five- speed manual shifter is vague and rubbery. A four-speed automatic is also available.

The Aveo is the obviously economical solution to the problem of getting around town, but don’thold that against it. For buyers without a lot to spend and who just have to have a new car, the$10,560 bottom line is an attractive prospect indeed. For that money, you’ll get an economical andwell-built ride that won’t please enthusiasts but still manages to be state of the art–barely.Start piling on the options, however, and the Aveo is a less cheerful prospect. Our tester featuredcruise control, anti-lock brakes, and alloy wheels and stickered for $14,275. At that price point,the Scion xA, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa offer tempting alternatives that provide more refined rideand handling for not very much more.

Preview – 2010 Chevrolet Cruze

By Casey Williams www.car-data.com

General Motors chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, announced on August 21 that his company wouldinvest $500 million at its Lordstown, OH plant to build a new compact Chevrolet, to be named Cruze.Slightly larger than, but replacing, the Cobalt, Cruze will meet the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla,and Ford Focus head-on by leveraging a new global vehicle architecture, advanced styling, and highfuel economy.

“The Chevrolet Cruze was designed and engineered by our global teams in Europe and Asia Pacificand will be manufactured in those regions in addition to the assembly plant here in Lordstown, Ohio,” said Wagoner. “Our goal for the Chevrolet Cruze is to lead in fuel economy in this verycompetitive car segment.”

Fuel economy is expected to reach 40-MPG on the highway, which is extraordinary considering thelowered revisions to all fuel economy ratings during 2008 to reflect more realistic drivingconditions and the Cruze’s larger size. Aerodynamic arching styling hints at Civic, but parts theair with a bold Chevrolet grille from the Malibu and Traverse. Designers gave the interior atwin-cockpit feel that was inspired by 1960s Corvettes.

Cruze comes on the heels of the popular Cobalt. Said Ed Peper, GM N.

America president of Chevrolet, “The Cruze will build on the already successful Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt XFE and Cobalt SS, all of which are nearly sold out in dealer showrooms. Our dealers areasking for many more Cobalts than we can build.” In fact, Cobalt sales are up 16% through July andachieve up to 37-MPG on the highway.

Powertrains have not been announced, but it is expected that the Cruze will utilize a range offour-cylinder engines, some with turbos. GM’s strategy in the coming years is to downsize enginedisplacement for fuel economy while attaching turbos to keep power acceptable. This is a great wayto offer drivers economical cars that are also high on performance.

The Cruze will be launched in Europe and Asia next year and is scheduled to officially debut atthe Paris Motor Show in October. U.S. sales are expected to begin next year as well.

CHEVY FUEL CELL EQUINOX

By Casey Williams www.car-data.com

I have driven the future and it is very good. Recently, I had the chance to pilot one ofChevrolet’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered Equinox crossovers on a short route. From the way it drivesto how it is powered, the vehicle is like no other road-legal vehicle on earth.

This special Equinox is essentially an electric car like the much-documented EV1, but runs onelectricity generated by an on-board hydrogen fuel cell. Multiple tanks provide enough hydrogenfor a range of 150-180 miles, depending on how hard the vehicle is driven. Hydrogen is chemicallyconverted, not burned. The only emissions out of the tailpipes are water vapor. You do not chargethe batteries.

I was fortunate enough to drive the GM EV1 in the mid-90s while a college student. I rememberhow smoothly and smartly it accelerated off the line. Abundant power always seemed to appear thevery second you commanded it. Same is true of the Equinox. It has tons of torque, acceleratesmore smoothly than a Lexus LS600h, and handles like the car-based crossover it is. Even over roughroads, the wagon seemed well built and thoroughly engineered. I thought it would remind me of agraduate school science project, but found the Equinox to be a real, impressive, and most-enjoyablevehicle.

To get real life experience, 100 Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicles are being loaned to driversin Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. In exchange for a three-month test drive thatincludes free hydrogen, drivers will provide GM with candid feedback about their experience withthe vehicle, preferences, and opportunities for improvement.

According to Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager, “These families volunteered to be part ofsomething big. They care about the environment, and they want to help solve our nation’s energyissues. They are pioneers, and we are pleased they have joined our team.”

You want to know another reason these vehicles are important? They are proving the basicelectric drive systems that will be applied to other GM E-Flex-based vehicles, like the 2011Chevrolet Volt (although, the Volt will come with a gasoline engine to recharge the batteriesinstead of a hydrogen fuel cell). General Motors wants to be ready when distribution of hydrogenbecomes readily available. These Equinox test vehicles are still pretty exotic technology, butthey are real cars – real cars that I would love to drive every day. The future is going to be avery good place.

You’re going to love these cars!
Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell
Four-passenger, FWD,Crossover.
Powertrain: E-Flex elect sys.,
Hydrogen fuel cell.

Must-have features: No emissions!
0-60 mph: 12s

Top speed: 100 mph
Range: 150-180 miles

Base price: Forget it!