2014 Corvette Stingray: Coming to Show Rooms Soon

If you didn't get a chance to see the 2014 Corvette Stingray up close at one of the International Auto Shows, then your wait might finally be over. General Motors has now started shipping some of these fine works of arts to dealership locations around the USA.



If your lucky, one of the extra 1,000 Stingrays that GM has built at their world-famous Bowling Green Assembly Plant will be sent to a dealer near you. GM claims these cars should start arriving at undisclosed dealerships with-in the next couple of weeks. 

“It’s an amazing sight to see the transporters filled with Stingrays heading to customers in all corners of the country,” said Dave Tatman, the plant manager of GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant, in a statement. “The pride at Bowling Green is overwhelming and it shows in the tremendous quality and attention to detail going into each one of these new Corvettes.”


The redesigned 2014 Corvette got great reviews upon its unveiling. The styling was much impressive and to match up with the styling came a fuel-efficient 460 horsepower motor that could get 30 miles to the gallon on the highway thanks to the cylinder deactivation technology that GM implicates. The car carries itself very well and latches on a very reasonable price tag ( base $51,995).


By time next summer comes around, the 2014 Corvette Stingray should be gracing the roads all around the USA.

Hey, even if you can't afford one, maybe you can get lucky and con a salesman into at least letting you take one for a test drive.

2014 Chevy Impala's Rare History Accomplishment

The newly re-designed Impala has made a lot leaps this year, all while sticking with it's old roots of what made it famous when it first came out back in 1958. A stylish vehicle with a respectable powerful motor and the comfort and room on the inside to fit the whole family.

But what really sets the 2014 Impala apart from other American cars this year is; it is the first American-branded car in at least 20 years to be rated the top new sedan by Consumer Reports magazine.


Consumer Reports gave the Impala a rating of 95 which is the highest of all of the sedans. This is impressive considering the only two other cars that were rated higher were a BMW 135i coupe and a Model S hatchback, neither of which are 4 door sedans.


Along with the Consumer Reports magazine victory, the full-size, five-passenger Impala also received the top, overall, five-out-of-five-stars rating from the Federal Government for over all occupant protection in safety crash testing.


These accomplishments are a far cry from last years ratings which only managed a 4 of 5 star rating from Federal Government in safety crash testing and a low 63 rating from Consumers Reports.

The only one downfall to this new Impala is the price is a little bit up from last years Impala. But considering it's new accomplishment and more horsepower and all the extra goodies it comes with, who's to say it's a downfall. For more info on the 2014 Impala.

New Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban: GM's 2015 SUV Fleet

GM: Still on Top of the SUV Market

Ford really doesn't have much of an answer for the all-new redesigned Tahoe, Yukon and Suburban. With GM's newly redesigned Silverado and Seirra already making noise, their 2015 SUV's should have no problem keeping up with the competition.

Both the trucks and the SUV's boast a 5.3-liter V8 with direct injection, and continuously variable valve timing that can generate 355 horsepower and runs through a 6-speed automatic transmission. With this combination added in with the fact that they are lighting then their predecessors and a cylinder deactivation system, GM's SUV's are set in place to get better gas millage than any of the Ford and Dodges SUV's.

New Age Interior

The interior has been redesigned to fit the new age look that it has been desperately needing. The stereo system is available with Bluetooth streaming capability, as part of Chevy MyLink, and includes Pandora web radio. There are plenty USB power ports placed all over the inside for convenience, and there is also a 110-volt, wall-style power outlet that some consumers will also find convenient.

Gadgets and Extras

Other cool stuff includes available lane departure warning, collision avoidance and all sorts of other tech goodies. New for the, Denali Yukon, it comes with the Magnetic Ride Control found in the high end sports cars and even in the Cadillac Escalade.

Exterior Lines

The exteriors are visually linked to their pickup-truck counterparts,but  GM does guarantee that no exterior parts are shared with the Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra. And some of their newly designed exterior is also fitted for more aerodynamics, which will also help with gas Millage.

Pricing

No word yet on pricing, but depending on what options a consumer will opt. for will affect the price, and if you're already spending some good money I will be willing to bet that someone will probably go fully loaded.




 

2014 Cadillac CTS is Put to the Test at Nürburgring

One of the Toughest Tracks in the World and Cadillac Aces it.

Cadillac validated its brand-new 2014 CTS midsize luxury sedan and power-packed CTS Vsport at the world’s most-demanding test track – Germany’s Nürburgring – and recorded lap times to enhance the nameplate’s reputation as a driver’s car.

Notably, the 2014 CTS Vsport, featuring Cadillac’s first  Twin-Turbo engine and eight-speed transmission, recorded a lap time of 8:14.10, almost six seconds faster than the first generation CTS-V recorded 10 years ago with a larger V-8 engine.


Nürburgring validation certified that all CTS suspension packages are capable of handling the extreme conditions and unlimited speeds of Autobahn driving. CTS development included Autobahn and track calibrations of the steering system, shock absorbers, chassis controls and powertrain cooling.
“The Nürburgring’s extreme conditions allow us to push cars to the limits of stability, steering, braking, ride and handling,” said Dave Leone, CTS executive chief engineer, Performance Luxury Vehicles. “The new CTS models had a lot to live up to considering the nameplate’s history of outstanding performance, and we were not disappointed.”

Measuring 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and including some 154 turns, the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife (“north loop”) is widely considered the world’s most-demanding course for vehicle validation. Cadillac vehicle dynamics performance engineer Kevin Zelenka and Jeff Grabowski drove full production models of CTS and CTS Vsport with no performance modifications, validating all-new 2014 CTS sedan that goes on sale this fall.

“The new CTS was an absolute riot to drive on the Ring,” said Zelenka. “It’s more athletic and refined, and the Vsport proved extremely capable. If a car performs well on the Ring, it will perform well on any road in the world.”

The CTS has been the centerpiece of Cadillac’s portfolio for more than a decade. The third-generation CTS is one inch lower, five inches longer and more than 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The new car also has lower curb weight, greater structural stiffness and more horsepower than its primary competitors.
The all-new CTS is engineered from the ground up to deliver a driving experience that combines sport-tuned handling with world-class comfort. Its segment-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control and electronic limited slip differential constantly monitor rear-wheel rotation to ensure optimal handling in a variety of road conditions.
The 2014 CTS standard model will start at $46,025, including $925 destination. Three collections of option packages – Luxury, Performance and Premium – will be offered with either the 2.0T turbocharged four cylinder or 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine in either rear- or all-wheel drive. The CTS Vsport model starts at $59,995, including $925 destination, and features the new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 (420 hp) in RWD only with an eight-speed transmission.


 
About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

article from: GM News

2013-17 COPO Camaro: Strictly Business

The COPO (Central Office Production Ordered) Camaro is the rarest of all the Camaros that is available to the public. It was first introduced in 1969 and was built by General Motors for the sole purpose of drag racing. The ideal behind it was to bring competition to the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag racing circuit. Up until 1969, the Ford Cobra Jets and Dodge HEMIs dominated the Stock and Super Stock circuits because the Camaro did not meet NHRA rules and regulations and was unable to race. So to fix that problem, GM decided to make sure the COPO Camaro would be produced and delivered to the consumer with every NHRA rule and regulation followed.

Although the existence of the '69 COPO Camaro would be short lived, the legend would stick around up until present day. Starting in 2013,  General Motors brought it back with the same intentions, strictly drag racing. 

There will be 138 COPO Camaros that will be produced and sold for 2013 and a pacific number each year after. There will be three different engine options for the consumer to choose from: A 427 cubic inch naturally aspired V-8, a 327 cubic inch V-8 with a 2.9L supercharger and a 327 cubic inch V-8 with 4.0L supercharger. The Camaros will also have a special designed drag race suspension including a rear solid axle, racing tires, role cage and a fuel cell with an easy access exterior on/off switch. You will also find that there is no back seat, but you will have full functioning racing harnesses for the front seats which all complies with NHRA's rules and regulations.


What makes these cars so rare outside of its raw horsepower and racing capabilities? The COPO Camaro is the only American made cars that you can buy that have no VIN. #, no title and they can not be registered to drive on public roads.

2013 Special Edition COPO Camaro Convertible 

A special edition convertible version of the COPO Camaro was auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in 2012. General Motors managed to bring in $400,000 dollars for the first ever sold 2013 Inferno Metallic Orange Camaro with all proceeds going to help the American Heart Association.

Now, if you were someone that wanted to get your hands on one of these rare Camaros, you would not have to shell out $400,000 dollars, but you should expect to at least shell out about $89,000 dollars, that is if you are someone who is lucky enough to order one before there all gone.

COPO CAMARO GENERAL INFORMATION:

NHRA horsepower ratings:

• 327/4.0L supercharged– 550
• 327/2.9L supercharged – 500
• 427 Naturally aspirated – 425

NHRA shipping weights:

• 327/4.0L – 3175 lbs
• 327/2.9L – 3250 lbs
• 427/N/A – 3195 lbs

• Recommended max engine RPM – 7500

CHASSIS:

• Chrome-moly cage – NHRA certified to 8.50 ET
• Subframes tied together
• Front engine cradle modified to accept additional oil pan clearance
• Rear subframe modified to accept unique COPO NHRA Stock Eliminator suspension

REAR SUSPENSION:

• 4-bar with adjustable top links
• Adjustable panhard link
• Double-adjustable Strange Engineering coil over shocks
• Anti-roll bar

FRONT SUSPENSION:

• Adjustable Strange Engineering coil over struts
• Sway bar removed

STEERING:

• Production steering gear modified for manual (non-assist) operation

BRAKES:

• Light-weight vented rotors
• Billet 4-piston light-weight calipers
• Light-weight tandem master cylinder
• OEM pedal modified to mount master cylinder
• All components provided by Strange Engineering

WHEELS:

• Bogart Racing light-weight with unique COPO logo
• Forged outer ring
• Billet center
• 15” x 10” rear – 5/8” studs
• 15” x 3.5” front – 1/2” studs
•  4 – 3/4” bolt circle pattern

TIRES:

• Rear – 9” x 30” x 15” radial slick
• Front – 4.5” x 28” x 15” – drag-only

GEARS & AXLES:

• Strange Engineering 9” aluminum center section
• Light-weight steel spool
• Strange 9310 alloy 4.29 ring & pinion set
• Strange Engineering 35-spline axles
• Strange Engineering chrome-moly yoke

DRIVE SHAFT:

• 4” OD x .125” wall 6061-T6 aluminum tube
• Chrome-moly end caps
• Forged chrome-moly slip yoke
• Heavy-duty 1350 universal joints

TRANSMISSION:

• ATI Racing Products “Pro Glide”
• SFI-approved ATI “Super Case”
• 1.80 ratio 9310 straight cut gear set
• Precision balanced carrier with 4340 tool steel output shaft
• Turbo spline input shaft:
• 327/4.0L – Vasco material
• 327/2.9L and 427 – 300M material
• 7 clutch high gear pack
• Billet clutch hub
• High flow front pump with heat-treated pinned stator tube
• Deep aluminum pan
• Hard Chrome Rings
• Fluid overflow catch can

TORQUE CONVETER:

• ATI Racing Products “Treemaster MRT” Series
• 327/4.0L – 9” diameter housing
• Furnace brazed impeller and turbine fins
• Precision pump drive tube
• Heavy duty needle bearings
• 22 element sprag with dual cage construction
• 327/2.9L and 427 – 8” diameter housing
• Furnace brazed impeller and turbine fins
• Precision pump drive tube
• Heavy duty needle bearings
• Investment Cast Cover

SHIFTER:

• Hurst “Quarterstick” – 2-spd. automatic
• Forward pattern
• Built-in neutral safety switch
• Light-weight aluminum cover

327 ENGINE:

• Chevrolet Performance “LSX” cast iron block with steel main caps
• 4.065” bore x 3.150” stroke
• Static compression ratio – 10:1 nominal
• Callies 4340 crankshaft – double-keyed snout
• Callies 4340 H-beam “Ultra” rods
• 6.350” length
• .928” pin bore diameter
• Clevite H-Series heat-treated tri-metal rod & main bearings
• Mahle 2618 alloy forged domed pistons
• Graphal coating
• Hard-anodized top ring groove
• Friction-coated skirts
• Mahle .043” x .043” x 3mm piston rings
• Ductile iron top with radius molybdenum face
• Plain cast iron tapered 2nd
• Chrome-plated oil rails with low-tension expander
• Comp Cams steel billet hydraulic roller camshaft
• Duration – 246°/254° @ .050” lift
• Theoretical valve lift – .630”/.630”
• Lobe centers – 117°

Valvetrain:

• Chevrolet Performance “Ceramic Ball” high-RPM hydraulic roller tappets
• 3/8” diameter LS7 pushrods
• 1.8:1 ratio LS7 rocker arms with roller trunions
• PSI “Max Life” beehive valve springs
• Hardened steel spring seats
• Light-weight steel retainers
• Fully CNC’ed aluminum cylinder heads – based on LS7
• 275 cc nominal intake port volume
• 89 cc nominal exhaust port volume
• 70 cc nominal combustion chamber volume
• Del West titanium intake valves – 2.200” head diameter x 7mm stem
• Light-weight sodium-filled exhaust valves – 1.610” head diameter x 7mm stem
• Fel-Pro Performance multi-layer steel head gaskets with raised cylinder sealing bead
• Internal wet sump oil pump
• Deep-sump cast aluminum oil pan – 6 quart capacity
• ATI Performance Products SFI-approved damper – 10-rib shell
• Whipple twin-screw supercharger
• 327/550 – 4.0L
• 327.500 – 2.9L
• Whipple billet throttle body
• 327/550 – 172mm oval blade
• 327/500 – 109mm round blade

427 ENGINE:

• Chevrolet Performance LS7 aluminum block
• 4.125” bore x 4.00” stroke
• Static compression ratio – 13:1 nominal
• Callies 5140 crankshaft
• Callies 4340 H-beam rods
• 6.100” length
• .928” pin bore diameter
• Clevite H-Series heat-treated tri-metal rod & main bearings
• Mahle 2618 alloy forged domed pistons
• Graphal coating
• Hard-anodized top ring groove
• Friction-coated skirts
• Mahle .043” x .043” x 3mm piston rings
• Ductile iron top with radius molybdenum face
• Plain cast iron tapered 2nd
• Chrome-plated oil rails with low-tension expander
• Chevrolet Performance steel billet hydraulic roller camshaft
• Duration – 233°/276° @ .050” lift
• Theoretical valve lift – .630”/.630”
• Lobe centers – 107°

Valvetrain:

• Chevrolet Performance “Ceramic Ball” high-RPM hydraulic roller tappets
• 3/8” diameter LS7 pushrods
• 1.8:1 ratio LS7 rocker arms with roller trunions
• PSI “Max Life” beehive valve springs
• Hardened steel spring seats
• Light-weight steel retainers
• Fully CNC’ed aluminum cylinder heads – based on LS7
• 275 cc nominal intake port volume
• 89 cc nominal exhaust port volume
•  70 cc nominal combustion chamber volume
• Del West titanium intake valves – 2.200” head diameter x 7mm stem
• Light-weight sodium-filled exhaust valves – 1.610” head diameter x 7mm stem
• Fel-Pro Performance multi-layer steel head gaskets with raised cylinder sealing bead
• Internal wet sump oil pump
• Deep-sump cast aluminum oil pan – 6 quart capacity
• ATI Performance Products SFI-approved damper
• Meziere billet electric water pump
• Chevrolet Performance/Holley “Hi Ram” intake manifold
• Whipple billet throttle body – 102mm blade

FUEL SYSTEM:

• Aeromotive “Eliminator” fuel pump – free flow rating = 800 lb/hr
• Aeromotive A1000 pressure regulator with manifold pressure compensation capability
• Aeromotive 10-micron high-flow filter
• Light-weight black nylon braided -8 AN hoses
• Black anodized aluminum -8 AN hose ends and fittings
• High-impedance fuel injectors
• 327/550 – 105 lb/hr @ 43.5 psi with EV1 connector
• 327/500 – 80 lb/hr @ 43.5 psi with EV1 connector
• 427/425 – 42 lb/hr @ 58 psi with EV6 / USCAR connector

ENGINE CONROLS & IGNITION:

• Delco MEFI 5A electronic fuel injection processor
• Speed density operation
• Interfacing software & hardware available in the aftermarket
• Cable-actuated throttle
• Production LS7 ignition coils
• Production LS7 secondary wires
• GM sensors

ELECTRICAL:

• Dash-installed control switches:
• Starter
• Ignition
• Fuel pump
• Cooling fan
• Intercooler pump/water pump, depending on engine package

GAUGES:

• Autometer with gold “Bowtie” logo on dials:
• 5” 10K RPM tach with shift light
• Electronic water temp with 2 1/16” face and 100°-260°F range
• Electronic trans temp with 2 1/16” face and 100°-260°F range
• Electronic oil pressure with 2 1/16” face and 0-100 psi range
• Electronic fuel pressure with 2 1/16” face and 0-100 psi range
• Voltmeter with 2 1/16” face and 8-18v range

SAFETY:

• RJS Safety Equipment 3” driver restraints
• RJS Safety Equipment window net

2018 Trans Am and Firebird Speculations

 

2018 Trans Am-Firebird

There is a lot of fluff about if GM will ever come back with a Trans Am or a Firebird, but that is just what it is, fluff. If GM does decide to bring it back there would be a lot of car enthusiast very happy with their decision. But if they are planning on making this type of move, they are defiantly keeping a very tight lid on what they're going to do and when.


There is one fact that has been made very clear by GM. If they do bring back the Trans Am and Firebird, they will not be bringing back the Pontiac line. All production would be under the authority of GM and the Pontiac name would not even be used for the very well loved sports cars. One last thing that is pretty well-known about the situation is that they would probably be produced alongside if not in the same factories as the Camaros, and would be sold at Chevrolet dealerships where Camaros are sold.


Build Your Own Trans Am/Firebird

If you are someone who does not want to wait for GM's decision and you must have one, there is an alternative. Companies like Trans AM Depot and a few others that can be easily found on the Internet, build awesome looking prototypes of Trans Ams, Firebirds, Hurst and Firehawks that can be customized personally and purchased by private owners.


The process is really cool, brand new Camaros are purchased than ground effects, bumpers, spoilers interior and whatever else that needs to be replaced is replaced with prototype parts for the unique styling that replicas what a new Trans Am would probably look like if GM was to start making them again. The nice thing about these projects are that they're made from new Camaros, that should be enough to ensure that the cars that you will be purchasing are a great American Motor product.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac division of General Motors' has announced that it will unveil its next-generation Escalade SUV in New York City on October 7, it will be going on sale in 2014 as a 2015 model. According to Auto Blog who's reporters have caught glimpses of the new Cadillac, the Escalade is anticipated to have a much more aggressive and more flashy look than that of its current model. It will have longer lines, thin headlines and an egg-crate grill, but the inside is where the real upgrades are expected to take place.



The powertrain is expected to go a little bit like this: At launch, a 6.2-liter V-8, rated at roughly 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque should be offered. But you can expect more powertrain options to be offered further down the road.

When it comes to the interior it looks like the new cabin is where Cadillac will set itself apart as a luxury brand. The Escalade boast a CUE infotainment system accessorized with a large touch screen and roomy interior, like always, but this time they will implicate a much needed electronically motorized 3rd row. 

Not unveiling the Escalade at the Texas State Fair is the first time for a vehicle of it's kind, but GM seems confident that New York City is the place that is most appropriate for the launch when considering the Cadillac’s customary consumer base. And that clientele seems to be pretty happy with what the Cadillac has had to offer so far, demonstrated by the fact that Escalade sales are only down 5 percent this year even though consumers are aware that a new model will soon be launched.

Despite the current Escalade debuting back in March 2006, sales for the SUV, including its extended-length ESV and pickup-version EXT variants, have stayed roughly flat in 2013. But Cadillac has still sold more than 12,500 Escalades through July, or nearly as many as the Infiniti QX56/QX80 and Land Rover Range Rover combined. Escalade sales are nearly triple the also-aging Lincoln Navigator, which at one point was its most direct competitor. The sales lead may eventually diminish as the Escalade EXT and the Chevrolet Avalanche sibling won't likely return . Through July, the EXT still accounted for 10.6% of all Escalade sales.

Like Ford, now that the U.S. automaker has been able to resurrect such significant success with its fuel-efficient compact cars and full-sized pick-up turcks, GM is ready to turn its attention to its luxury brands and make sure its recent progress is sustainable across the board. The Cadillac ELR is also poised to go on sale in early 2014, and reflects the brand’s future design strategy with its sleek lines, aggressive stance, and a crisp, modern look. The ELR is also a hybrid vehicle and features a 1.4-litre engine, good for about 84 horsepower, and an electric motor that provides its 295 pound-feet of torque.