2011 U.S.-spec Chevrolet Cruze

After the initial 2,100 inspections triggered by a detached steering wheel, General Motors announced a new recall involving 154,112 units of the 2011 model year Cruze - pretty much all models built for North America since production started in summer 2010.

The reason for this action is related to a steering issue as well, with GM saying it wants to check that the steering shaft was properly installed. The company didn't say whether or not the two recalls are related, but added it will use the latest one action to check on another issue that might affect some 120,000 models with automatic transmission. In this case, GM wants to verify whether the transmission shift linkage was properly installed.

GM stressed in a statement that “very few” of the recalled models should have both problems and that it has already made quality process changes to make sure neither error occurs again. According to a GM spokesman, the steering shaft issue was discovered when a customer lost steering control in a parking lot, without being involved in any type of accident. As for the automatic transmission problem, the carmaker says it was discovered when customers brought in their cars under warranty.

The company added that no accidents or injuries related to the Cruze recall have been reported. Built in Lordstown, Ohio for the U.S. and Canadian markets, the compact sedan was GM's second best selling vehicle in April.

GM Recalls 2011 Chevrolet Cruze For Steering, Shifter Issues

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

General Motors [NYSE: GM] is recalling nearly all of its 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan models built to date for two potential issues both related to vehicle assembly.
According to the automaker, in about 154,000 Cruze models, the intermediate steering shaft covers need to be inspected for proper installation, while the automatic-transmission shift linkage needs to be checked in more than 120,000 Cruze sedans. All of the affected Cruze models were built in Lordstown, Ohio, and about 129,000 of those 154,000 Cruze models recalled are in the U.S.
The concern with the steering issue is that the shaft might not have been properly installed; GM cited one complaint in which the owner, in a parking lot, turned the steering wheel without a change in direction from the vehicle. Likewise, the automatic transmission shifter could potentially still be in gear when it's in the 'Park' position.
This isn't the first steering-related issue for the Cruze, or for compact GM sedans. Just last month, GM recalled some Cruze models for a steering-wheel issue, in which it might not have been properly fastened to the steering column at the factory. The action had been prompted by an incident in which the steering wheel actually detached into a Minnesota driver's hands at 65 mph.
Since the recall doesn't actually involve any redesigned parts, expect to hear from General Motors soon regarding the recall effort; otherwise you can call Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, or check in with the GM Owner Center.
by thecarconnection.com

Announced the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette

According to the latest information, said the new model 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with new seats, steering wheel and a center panel is adjusted to create conditions favorable for the driver.

Release 2012 Chevrolet Corvette

Furthermore, Chevrolet also offers new options for the 2012 Corvette include a speaker system sound quality brands Bose, a technology package (with navigation equipment for automotive GPS navigation) and color options brakes red, gold, silver or gray.

Meanwhile, the Z06 version can be ordered with a new slider control systems PTM (Performance Traction Management), the control system to drive GM's Magnetic Ride Control, the hood is made of carbon fiber and encased in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tire Zero Pressure tires are standard for racing cars.

Similarly, the ZR1 version will be equipped with PDE package details such as a wing back, Dad was designed aluminum wheels wider. Remarkably, the car also received amended as better gear to help it save significant fuel

Currently, Chevrolet has not announced any information about the price of the 2012 Corvette, but is expected to begin in July to sell.

allaway Supercharges Chevy Pickups and SUVs to Create SportTrucks

Callaway, known for building hotted-up Camaros and Corvettes, has assembled a package to be applied to Chevy’s trucks and sport-utes. Callaway will build a SportTruck from any Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500HD, Avalanche, Tahoe, or Suburban with a gas engine. The package is the same for each, and tops the engine with an Eaton TVS supercharger not unlike the ones GM uses on the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V. Regardless of engine—5.3-liter, 6.0-liter, 6.2-liter—the cost is $15,995 to upgrade any two- or four-wheel-drive pickup or SUV.
The package comes in strength-defined names based on how much power results from the supercharging. Trucks with the 5.3-liter V-8 are called SC450, as the engine’s output is raised to 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, up from the stock 315 hp and 335 or so lb-ft (the output for all of these engines varies from model to model). The 6.0 is christened SC490, with output of  490 hp and 496 lb-ft, up from around 350 and 380. The top-dog SC540 supercharges the 6.2-liter V-8 to 540 hp and 522 lb-ft from stock levels of 403 and 417. The supercharger is accompanied underhood by an intercooler, higher-flow injectors, carbon-fiber injector covers, and a Callaway high-flow intake. A low-restriction Callaway exhaust also is fitted.

Along with the engine upgrades, Callaway dresses up the exterior with subtle badging and adds embroidered headrests and floor mats inside. Additional options include wheel-and-tire packages, upgraded brakes (chef recommends), suspension upgrades, and a sport interior package. Callaway includes a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty that can be extended to five years/100,000 miles. The trucks and SUVs can be ordered at participating Chevy dealers and are modified at one of Callaway’s U.S. facilities.

allaway Supercharges Chevy Pickups and SUVs to Create SportTrucksby 
by blog.caranddriver.com

2012 Chevy Camaro: Ch-Ch-Changes

There were a number of complaints with the Chevrolet Camaro when it finally reached reality after years as a well-known concept. For the 2012 model year, a few complaints have been addressed with upgrades to interior materials as well as a backup camera to help with coupe’s poor visibility.
The most significant change comes under the hood. The base V-6 engine has been tuned to produce 323 horsepower, up from 312 hp in the current model and more than the 305 hp from the Ford Mustang’s base engine. A rear spoiler is now standard on all Camaros as are taillight treatments from the RS Package.
The V-8-powered SS model doesn’t get more power, but it adds suspension upgrades to improve handling.
There will also be a 45th Anniversary Edition 2012 Camaro shown in the pictures above and below. The cosmetic package will be available on top trim levels for both V-6 and V-8 powertrains in either coupe or convertible body styles.
The anniversary editions come in one color, Carbon Flash Metallic, with a red-and-silver stripe package. It also has unique 20-inch wheels, high-intensity-discharge headlights, a white instrument panel and anniversary logos on the steering wheel, seats and just about anywhere else Chevy can find space.
The 2012 Camaro and 45th Anniversary Editions will go on sale this summer.

By David Thomas

2013 Chevrolet Malibu to Launch Four Months Early

When GM first teased the next-generation 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, the carmaker was expecting to launch the vehicle in May 2012. It now appears GM is trying to move that date up by four months, according to the Detroit News.
Malibu production is being accelerated to a January 2012 launch, according to an internal GM report from earlier this year. This means the new model could arrive at U.S. dealerships in as little as eight to nine months from now.
While the current Malibu is a competent car, it’s still not selling at the same volume as the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion or the redesigned Hyundai Sonata. The Malibu is GM’s third best-selling car — after the Cruze and Impala — year-to-date. The vehicle came in seventh place in our $25,000 Family Sedan Shootout, where the Malibu was dinged for its outdated interior and weak four-cylinder.
From what we know about the 2013 Malibu, including exterior and interior teaser shots and GM’s top brass’ public comments, we can expect a more competitive product.
GM’s CEO Daniel Akerson advocates an early Malibu launch to put the car on a better footing with new and upcoming midsize competition; a new Nissan Altima is coming next summer and a new Toyota Camry is in development, according to the Detroit News.
The 2013 Malibu will be unveiled Monday at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. It will be Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan.
GM puts Malibu production on fast track (The Detroit News)

By Colin Bird

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Rated at 26/38 MPG

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Rated at 26/38 MPG
Chevrolet just took the wraps off the redesigned 2013 Malibu on Monday. Today, it’s revealing a new high-mileage Eco trim. The move adds confusion to the earlier release, the mild-hybrid Eco — the company is not calling it a hybrid despite the lithium-ion battery and electric motor teamed to the engine — will be the first Malibu trim to go on sale in early 2012. The base four-cylinder car will follow in summer 2012 with the familiar LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, which don't yet have fuel economy estimates. Pricing has yet to be announced for any of these models.
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is estimated at 26/38 mpg city/highway.
More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage
Unlike the Chevrolet Cruze Eco, which is a high-efficiency gas-only version of the compact sedan that gets an EPA-estimated 28/42 mpg with a manual transmission, the Malibu Eco uses GM's latest mild-hybrid technology, dubbed eAssist. The power pack for eAssist is behind the backseat, which reduces trunk room from 16.3 cubic feet to 14.3.

Unlike the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid, which can move on battery power alone, the capability of the eAssist technology in the Malibu Eco is more limited. It can capture kinetic energy when braking that'd otherwise be lost and provide supplemental power when accelerating. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine shuts off automatically when the car comes to a stop, starting again immediately when the brake pedal is released.
As such, the Malibu Eco's 26-mpg city fuel economy trails full hybrids like the Camry Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid, which are rated at 31 and 41 mpg, respectively. However, the Malibu Eco is more efficient on the highway, with its 38-mpg estimate topping the Camry Hybrid's 35 mpg and the Fusion Hybrid's 36 mpg.
The Malibu Eco employs a number of fuel-saving tricks to maximize mileage. The sedan is equipped with electric shutters in the lower front grille that automatically close when conditions are right to better manage airflow, and it also features four underbody covers for less airflow disruption. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels are fitted with low-rolling-resistance tires.
Without knowing the fuel-economy estimates for the gas-only 2013 Malibu, it's impossible to know what kind of an efficiency increase eAssist provides the Malibu Eco. Chevrolet touts eAssist as a value-oriented hybrid solution, so look for it to undercut the price of full hybrid competitors.

By Mike Hanley

2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Up Close News and View picture

2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Up Close News and View picture

The 2013 Malibu's exterior styling has an aggressiveness that the prior model lacked. It’s low and wide when viewed head-on, and the rising belt line blends into flared rear haunches that pay homage to the Camaro sports car. The taillights have a clear Camaro influence, too, and an integrated trunklid spoiler wraps up the design. It's a refined — but powerful — look.
More Coverage of the 2011 New York Auto Show
The two Malibus Chevrolet had on hand at the New York auto show were early prototypes, but even from looking at these, you could tell that the all-new interior will be pretty nice. Apart from unappealing woodgrain accents sprinkled throughout, the cabin has a number of rich-looking surfaces and unique design cues, such as ice-blue stitching. The production models that reach dealerships in 2012 will undoubtedly offer more refinement. All in all, the cabin looks nice enough to challenge the likes of the impressive Kia Optima.

I was curious to see how roomy the new Malibu's backseat was in light of the car's shorter wheelbase. With the front seat adjusted for where I'd drive — I'm 6-foot-1 — I had enough room to sit comfortably in back but little extra space. Legroom and headroom are limited, and thigh support is minimal, too. In many ways, its roominess is comparable to the Hyundai Sonata's rear seat, which is decent for the segment.

The current-generation Malibu helped GM discard some of the baggage it was carrying in the public's mind, proving it can build competitive cars. The new Malibu should continue that trend, but Chevrolet is still at the beginning of a long journey to persuade many shoppers to give it a chance again in the heated midsize car segment.

by Mike Hanley

2013 Chevrolet Malibu at the 2011 New York Auto Show View picture and news

• Competes with: Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry
• Looks like: Chevy believes in understated but refined design
• Drivetrain: 190-hp (estimated), 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2012

When it debuted for the 2008 model year, the current-generation Chevrolet Malibu served as proof GM was serious about competing in the family sedan segment. The competitive landscape has significantly shifted — and intensified — in the few years since then, and Chevy's answer to that is the redesigned 2013 Malibu. The new sedan's styling is evolutionary on the outside but a bit more daring inside, and it gains a new four-cylinder engine. Look for it to arrive early in 2012. Pricing hasn't been announced.
Dimensionally, the redesigned Malibu is similar in size to the Buick Regal, and despite having a shorter wheelbase than the outgoing Malibu, it's a few inches wider. The new sedan's front-end styling takes after the current one, with its split grille and wraparound headlights, but the overall design has more sculpting and detail, giving the car a more refined look. The design doesn't stretch any boundaries, but it will wear well. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, and all are aluminum.

Chevrolet exhibited more risk-taking with the Malibu's tail. The back of the current-generation car is exceedingly bland, almost as if Chevy ran out of design funds when finishing the rear. Now the look is considerably bolder, thanks to square LED taillights that were inspired from the Camaro sports car, Chevrolet says.
Cabin styling continues one of the Malibu's signature elements — a dual-pod dashboard — but new detailing that stretches across the dash helps accent the design. A dash bin is tucked behind the audio system screen, which flips up to reveal its contents. More Camaro inspiration can be seen in the tachometer and speedometer shrouds in the instrument panel. The cabin features ice-blue ambient lighting, and a navigation system is optional.
Automakers are rapidly increasing the connectedness of cars, and the new Malibu will be offered with Chevrolet's MyLink entertainment and communication system. MyLink enables online streaming of Pandora and Stitcher SmartRadio content. Featuring a touch-screen interface, MyLink can also stream songs from a mobile device using Bluetooth.
The only engine Chevrolet has announced for the U.S.-bound Malibu is a 190-horsepower (estimated), 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It features direct injection and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage figures haven't been released as of this writing.
Notably absent from the Malibu's spec sheet is a V-6 engine option. Competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima don't offer a V-6, either, though both are offered with an optional turbo four-cylinder that produces V-6-like power but delivers better fuel economy. Chevrolet may very well offer a V-6 engine in the future, but a more likely scenario is the turbo four-cylinder currently available in the Regal.
A number of safety features are offered, and some of them, such as lane departure warning with forward collision warning, are more frequently seen on luxury cars. Additional available features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags, rear-seat side-impact airbags and a backup camera.
The 2013 Malibu continues the trajectory of improvement that began with the launch of the current-generation sedan a few years ago, which is what the car needed in the face of new challengers like the redesigned Optima. Some important numbers — like estimated gas mileage and price — are still unknown, but based on what we've seen so far, the redesigned Malibu looks like a solid contender in the family car class.







by Mike Hanley