Monday, November 29, 2010

Video: Lingenfelter Camaro uses its 1,243 hp to run 8 second quarter mile



Lingenfelter has set its sights on building the baddest, full interior, new Camaro drag car in existence. Their committment to retaining the streetability of the car results in a 4,075 pound curb weight - making this Camaro quite hefty for a drag racer. Nonetheless, it has proven its worth by running an 8.99 second quarter mile at 158 mph.

To move that kind of mass down the track at that type of velocity, you need lots of power. And the Lingenfelter LS9 V8 delivers, thanks to an Eaton supercharger, fully ported heads, titanium intake valves, long tube headers, and a two stage nitrous setup. The mill is backed up by an RPS triple carbon clutch, 9.5 inch billet rear end, and 4.10 gears. And those parts are needed, thanks to the resulting 1,243 horsepower. See it run in the video above.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 priced from $40,995

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The price to own the forthcoming 2012 Mustang Boss 302 has been announced, and starts at $40,995 including destination and delivery. The pricing makes a lot of sense, as it places the Boss solely in between the Mustang GT and Shelby GT500. The price for the Laguna Seca edition will run you $47,990.

Options are many and you can quickly run up the price by adding them. Recaro seats and a Torsen differential adds $1,995. An Accessory Package with floor mats and car cover goes for $475. Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat paint is an additional $495. You can even add an engine block heater for $35 (why not?). Now all we need is an onlne configurator to play around with (hint, hint).

Monday, November 22, 2010

Video: Rossi Sixty Six Corvette on Jay Leno's garage



The Rossi Sixty Six is best summed up as a cross between a C6 and a 1963-66 Corvette. In other words, the classic styling of a second generation 'vette combined with the performance and modern suspension setup of a modern one.

Jay Leno got a chance to wring one out recently on Jay Leno's Garage, along with some insight on the car from the Director of Design, David R. The cost of ownership is $130,000 and the kinds of upgrades you can get are limited only by your imagination and the depth of your wallet.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible - more pictures, video, press release

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Yesterday we brought you word of the official unveiling of the 2011 Camaro convertible on Facebook. Today, we have all the info on the new drop top, plus new pictures and video.

GM claims that the Camaro 'vert has more torsional rigidity than the BMW 3 series convertible thanks to a significant amount of reinforcement. GM also says that the top stores away in a mere 20 seconds, and has composite knuckles that help do away with the "ribbed" look and make the top smoother looking.

The new convertible will be available in both V6 and V8 form and will start at $30,000, plus another $850 destination. It will be on sale at dealers starting in February, but you can expect to see it this week at the L.A. Auto Show for sure.

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Press Release
New Camaro Convertible Blends Top-Down Driving Fun With Precise Engineering

2010-11-16

* On sale in February 2011
* Well-tailored fabric top
* Acoustical headliner for quietness and easy-to-use single latch
* Robust, reinforced structure supports a sports coupe-like driving experience
* Better torsional stiffness than BMW 3-Series convertible

LOS ANGELES – The segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter as the 2011 Camaro convertible premieres at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new convertible begins production in January and goes on sale in February. It includes an enhanced body structure and well-tailored top mechanism – a combination designed to deliver sports coupe-like driving fun and precise quality.

"The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's a natural to now expand and elevate the product range in new directions."
The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

Camaro seized leadership in U.S. sales in its segment with the original coupe model that launched in spring 2009 as a 2010 model. The right to purchase one of the first convertibles was recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to charity. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro convertibles, a group of 100 exclusive cars with custom-designed elements and priced at $75,000 each, sold out in only three minutes.

The Camaro convertible delivers great refinement, along with uncompromising, coupe-like driving dynamics. Its enhanced body structure helps prevent cowl or steering wheel shake, for a strong, confident feel in all driving conditions. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.

Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan. Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models.

Strong structure
The Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible model, which means customers enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:

* A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
* A transmission support reinforcement brace
* Underbody tunnel brace
* Front and rear underbody "V" braces.

"Our goal in development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

A telling example of the Camaro convertible's strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning – specifically, the lack of changes between the convertible and coupe models.

"To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser," said Oppenheiser. "Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe."

The result is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.

Additional safety structural reinforcements are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake. They include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.

The structural changes to the Camaro convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.

Exceptional top refinement
At the outset, designers and engineers sought to eliminate the common appearance of convertible top support ribs and they succeeded, using composite knuckles rather than aluminum ones, as well as extending the top material below the belt line and revising the top's stitch lines. The result is a top that has a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that also retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.
The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top. The car doesn't have to be parked for the top to be activated, allowing for spur-of-the-moment lowering while stopped at a stoplight.

The top is made of thick, durable canvas and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.
A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS. It covers the folded top for a finished appearance. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers. It installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting when driving with the top down.

Additional details
A myriad of fine details distinguish Camaro convertible models, including:
* The OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna moves to the deck lid on LT models without the RS package
* The radio antenna is embedded in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models
* The trunk lock cylinder is moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner exterior appearance
* A new subwoofer design is located in the trunk between the rear seats.
Because the combined OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna is mounted on the roof of coupe models, it had to be relocated on the convertible. On RS-equipped LT models and SS models, which include a rear spoiler, a small "shark fin" OnStar/XM antenna is mounted on the deck lid, while the AM/FM radio antenna is hidden inside the rear spoiler. This patent-pending design creates a sleeker appearance. For LT models without a rear spoiler (without the RS package), the combined antenna is located in the center of the deck lid.

The relocation of the trunk lock cylinder also cleans up the Camaro convertible's appearance, moving from the panel between the taillamps to a discreet area between the rear seat back cushion and driver's side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the trunk, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy trunk access.

Finally, the subwoofer – either an eight-inch unit with the base sound system or a 10-inch subwoofer with the available Boston Acoustics system – is relocated from the trunk to an area between the rear seat cushions.

Performance
Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 that delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It is rated at 312 horsepower (232 kW) and 278 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). Peak fuel economy with the direct injection V-6 is 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).

The L99 features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine's cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.
All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional. A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Chevrolet reveals Camaro convertible on Facebook

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Slowly but surely, Chevrolet has been gearing up for the release of the 2011 Camaro convertible. We've gotten little bits of information here and there, a few teaser pictures, and other goodies. But now we have some official pictures from the official Chevrolet Facebook page to show you.

The Camaro convertible, much like the hardtop version, will be available with V6 or V8 power. The car goes on sale in March, with a starting price of around $30,000.

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Video: Shelby's 1000+ hp GT500 prototype is real

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A few weeks ago we caught wind of a possible new Shelby prototype, a twin turbo powered GT500 that would exceed 1000 horsepower. And now we have a real, live prototype to show you.

Nicknamed "Code Red," this uber powerful GT500 was created in a collaboration between Shelby American and Nelson Racing Engines. The (obviously) modified 5.4 liter has been breathed on courtesy of twin 61mm Turbonetics turbochargers, a duel fuel setup (to run race gas as well as pump gas), and an electronic boost controller.

Other goodies include 14 inch Baer brakes, adjustable suspension, 10 point roll cage, 9 inch rear, and an estimated $100,000 price tag. There's no word on possible production of Code Red, so for now we can only dream and admire the glorious sounds it makes in the video below.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 to come with a special key for "race mode," complimentary track time

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No doubt, the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a special kind of car. Blurring the lines between race car and street car, it is poised to uphold the heritage of the original Boss. And today, Ford announced perhaps one of the coolest features the new Boss has - a special secondary key that "unlocks" a race mode.

The key, called a "TracKey" actually activates a secondary PCM race tune that changes nearly 200 engine management parameters for the 5.0. Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer, explains it best. "It's not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits."

The TracKey also features a two stage launch control which can be controlled through buttons on the steering wheel, for those wanting a little drag race action.

And what better time to test out these cool electronic toys than with a complimentary track day? Ford will be offering just that to those who purchase a 2012 Boss. Owners will be treated to driving instructions and track time at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT.

Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red – the TracKey – and you have a competition-ready track car.

A joint project between Mustang engineers and Ford Racing, TracKey adds a second set of powertrain control module (PCM) software to a customer's Mustang Boss 302, activated by a specially programmed vehicle key. When invoked by TracKey, the new TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the potent but well-mannered stock Boss into a competition-ready track car. Remove TracKey and start Boss with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a comfortable drive home from the course.

"From an engine management standpoint, we've done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience," explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. "It's not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits."

As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.

One key, hundreds of changes
Devised during an all-night garage brainstorming session among core Mustang team members, TracKey introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.

The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and other engine parameters – more than 200 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust.

"Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration."

When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock driveability for the journey there and back.

An after-hours obsession
In the early stages of TracKey development, a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM computers and switching between them. However, Ford controls engineers developed a method to choose between two unique sets of software in a single powertrain control module on the Boss 302: The dual-path PCM was born.

"We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software," says Seaman. "Then the controls engineers developed a software system to activate one or the other, depending upon which key was used to start the vehicle. Really, all the parts to make this work existed – the Ford MyKey® system was already using the PATS transceiver to perform specific actions based on the key used to start the car, and the PCM was flexible enough to handle multiple control modules. It was just putting everything together."

As the project unfolded, the team was driven by the uniqueness of what they were trying to accomplish, and TracKey became an obsession. Considering the compressed time frame in which the technology was developed, motivation was essential to the creation of the finished product.

"We've all been really excited about TracKey, so it came together quickly," explained Pericak. "The concept was first discussed in spring 2009, and here we are 18 months later with a finished, tested, verified product. It's a perfect example of what can happen when you get a core, cross-functional team willing to contribute 24/7 to bring a great idea to life."

TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – Buyers of Ford's highly anticipated Mustang Boss 302 will now get a hands-on track driving experience to learn just what their car is capable of as part of a new complimentary program being announced today.

"The Mustang Boss 302 is a very special vehicle, tuned to perform on a racetrack," said Mickey Matus, marketing manager, Ford Racing. "It's an absolute blast to drive on the street but we want owners to be able to experience all the incredible balance, power and performance engineered into this machine, and the only safe way to do that is to push the car to the limit on a closed course. This is only natural, since the Boss grew up on the racetrack."

The Boss Track Attack program, offered through Team Mustang and Ford Racing, will feature a full Boss immersion, driving instruction and plenty of track time with engineers and racers. The experience is designed to give Boss owners a comprehensive, hands-on look at exactly what their cars are capable of – and just how much fun they can be.

Boss Track Attack will take place at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, outside of Salt Lake City. Boss owners will need to make their own travel and lodging arrangements, but once in Utah, the full track experience – including cars for the event – is courtesy of Ford.

The evening before the track day, owners will be treated to a welcome reception followed by an in-depth immersion into both the non-product and product stories of the Boss 302, focusing on how the program came to be and the underlying engineering and design philosophy. The next morning, participants will convene at the track for a full day of driving instruction and course time.

"Practice makes perfect, and in this case it's going to be a ton of fun, too," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "There's nothing like the experience of being behind the wheel of a high-performance car on a dedicated track. It's the environment that breeds incredible machines like Mustang Boss, and for owners who want to experience all these cars are capable of, we can promise an unforgettable event."

More details about Track Attack, including dates, will be available in early 2011.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Video: Cadillac CTS-V coupe drifts at Monticello

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The Cadillac CTS-V is many things - muscle car, luxury car, four door sedan, coupe, and now, drift car. At its first annual Drift with the Supercars event, the folks at Monticello Motor Club invited a slew of vehicles to come out and ruin some tires in the name of one big smoke show. Joining the CTS-V coupe were other noteworthy rides such as a Ferrari 575 Maranello, C6 Corvette, 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and a Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series. The Cadillac did quite well for itself, bringing home the title of Best Drift in New Car. Check it out in action in the video below.

Friday, November 5, 2010

SEMA 2010: Hurst Redline Camaro

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While much of SEMA is nothing more than loud paint jobs, aftermarket stereo systems, and bling, there are quite a few performance oriented mods to look at as well. The Hurst Redline Series Chevrolet Camaro is one such beast. And not only that, but it is actually going to be made available for sale.

Under hood, the Redline sports a 3.6 liter V6. Before you laugh, understand that Hurst has outfitted this particular 6 with a turbocharger jacked from an STS that helps it produce a respectable 360 horsepower and 320 pound feet of torque.

On the outside, the car features a nice black and white paint scheme divided up by red pinstriping. Hurst emblems are everywhere on the car, and a familiar Hurst pistol grip shifter is the jewel of the interior. Only 50 examples will be built annually, with pricing expected to be in the $50,000 range.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Chevrolet shows off two new Corvette concepts at SEMA

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Chevrolet brought out numerous concepts and future production vehicles to SEMA, including these two Corvettes.

2011 Jake Edition Corvette

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The 2011 Jake Edition Corvette is based on the beloved Corvette Racing Team's mascot. The skull logo is featured inside the car and out, and while it is only a concept it is expected to spawn some accessories one can buy sometime next year.

2011 Z06X Track Car Concept

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The Z06X Track Car Concept is much more than an appearance package, sporting some serious racing hardware like a roll cage, harness, racing seat, and fire suppression. The car has been put on a diet with carbon fiber body panels, polycarbonate rear window, and a lack of radio, carpet, and sound deadening material.

2011 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06X TRACK CAR CONCEPT
Corvette is a mainstay on racing circuits ranging from LeMans to club racing. Chevrolet's Corvette Z06X Concept suggests a new idea and components for transforming a production Corvette into a serious, closed-course track car.

The Corvette Z06X Concept showcases how an enthusiast can leverage Chevrolet's expanding portfolio of performance parts to create a full-on track car. Chevrolet teamed with Pratt and Miller, partners in Corvette Racing in the American LeMans Series, to create this Z06X track car concept.

"Racing is an integral part of Corvette performance and technology," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "This concept car represents a mid-point between our GT race car and the production Z06, prepared by the team responsible for the Corvette Racing C6.R race cars, and featuring many performance parts owners can choose today."

The Z06X concept is based on the Corvette Z06 with the 1LZ equipment package, along with the Z07 Performance Package and CFZ Carbon Fiber Package. The 2011 Z06 with the Z07 package creates the lightest production Corvette and includes carbon ceramic brakes and Magnetic Ride Control, while the CFZ package offers body components that enhance aerodynamic down force on the race track, including a front splitter.

The Z06X Concept features competition-oriented modifications including: an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, a polycarbonate rear window, roll cage, racing seat and safety harness, racing wheels, suspension enhancements – including coil-over struts with fully adjustable camber plates – racing-spec cooling system and more. The radio, carpeting and sound-deadening material are also removed.

The concept vehicle wears a low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior color, accented with exposed carbon fiber body components and red trim. It rides on black racing wheels and racing tires. The interior is all business, with a racing seat, window net and roll cage-mounted camera system. It includes a racing pedal kit, a Genuine Corvette Accessory.

"It's a classic case of form following function," said Dave Ross, design manager. "The exterior color and accents were carefully selected to enhance the Corvette's racing-influenced design, but there's nothing superfluous in the Z06X's design – everything is there for a reason."

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Low-gloss Icy White Metallic color with exposed carbon fiber and red accents
• 2011 CFZ-option carbon fiber package, including splitter and rockers
• Adjustable carbon fiber wing
• ZR1 carbon fiber roof panel and B-pillar panels
• Carbon fiber raised hood (from the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition)
• Carbon fiber headlamp housings from Specter Werkes/Sports
• Weight-saving and shatter-resistant polycarbonate rear window
Interior:
• Base Z06 1LZ trim
• Radio, carpeting and sound-deadening material removed
• SCCA-spec roll cage
• SCCA-approved window net
• Racing seat with five-point safety harness
• Fire suppression system
• Driver's drink system
• Video camera system mounted on the roll cage
• Genuine Corvette Accessory racing pedal kit
Performance:
• LS7 7.0L V-8 engine and Tremec six-speed manual transmission
• Low-restriction air intake system
• High-capacity radiator and enhanced cooling system
• New-for-2011 Z07 Performance Package, feature Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and special brake pads
• Lightweight racing wheels in black; 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear)
• Michelin racing tires
• Mono-ball control arm bushing
• Adjustable stabilizer bars
• Coil-over struts with adjustable camber plates

2011 CHEVROLET CORVETTE JAKE EDITION CONCEPT
He started off as a discreet logo in 2005 that symbolized a tenacious attitude of the Corvette Racing team and ever since, the skull mascot known as Jake has grown to embody the determination and triumphs of the team. Now, Chevrolet designers have created the Corvette Jake Edition Concept, a special Grand Sport convertible concept vehicle that celebrates Corvette's racing spirit.

The Corvette Jake Edition is a Grand Sport Coupe, with Z06 wheels featuring the Competition Gray finish. The matte Jake hood graphic from the GT1 commemorative model adds a subtle visual statement, while a host of other accessories round out the car's unique appearance. Most of the parts added to this special Grand Sport are available today as Genuine Corvette Accessories or through any Chevrolet dealer's parts department.

"Jake is more than the mascot for Corvette Racing, he personifies the Corvette spirit," said Dave Ross, design manager. "We designed this concept to demonstrate how any enthusiast could create his own Jake special model with parts available from any Chevrolet dealership."

Some of the accessories used to create the Corvette Jake concept are not currently available, but are planned for future release, including Jake-logo floor mats, console lid, wheel center caps and more. Other parts, including the hood graphic and Z06 wheels, are offered as Genuine Corvette Accessories.

"The Corvette has long inspired car enthusiasts to personalize it. The Jake concept shows one very unique way to do it," said Ross. "With the great variety of accessories and other parts available, there's virtually no limit to how you can make your Corvette stand apart from all others."

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Black color
• Corvette Z06 wheels in Competition Gray
• "Corvette"-logo windshield header graphic (concept)
• GT1 Championship Edition Jake-logo hood graphic
• Jake-logo wheel center caps (future)
• Jake-logo fender badge (concept)
• Jake-logo underhood blanket and lighting package (future)
• Chevrolet Accessory full-width rear spoiler in Cyber Gray
Interior:
• Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit
• Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
• Chevrolet Accessory "Jake" floor mats (future)
• Chevrolet Accessory "Jake" console lid (future)
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
• Chevrolet Accessory Tech-pattern engine cover

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Chevrolet rolls out 4 new Camaros at SEMA 2011

SEMA 2010 has officially kicked off in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we already have a four pack of Camaros to show you. All four are quite unique in their own right.

2011 Red Flash Camaro

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First off, we have the Red Flash. This version of the Camaro sports a Red Jewel paint scheme with gray heritage stripes, and has some performance upgrades in the form of an air intake kit and exhaust.

2011 Camaro SSX

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The Camaro SSX Track Car Concept is an SS built up for track duty. It features weight shaving tidbits like carbon fiber body panels, and is sans radio, sound deadening material, and carpet. The SSX also features all out racing gear like a fuel cell, cage, and racing harness.

2011 Camaro XM Accessory and Appearance Package

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The XM/Accessory Package sports a V6 under the hood and a one year subscription to XM radio to go along with some visual goodies.

Camaro Synergy Series

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As Chevrolet plans to roll out a new Synergy series Camaro every year, this is 2011's edition. This year's Synergy features a host of interior and exterior colors not yet available that will go on sale in 2011.

Press Release

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO RED FLASH SHOW CAR

The design of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro has been acclaimed by critics and celebrated by sports car buyers. With that appeal as a springboard, Chevrolet designers created the Red Flash Camaro SS Show Car to extend Camaro's look – and even its sound – to a new level.

Red Flash combines Chevrolet Accessory parts available today with some specially designed new concepts from the design studio, resulting in a unique new Camaro statement. Its Red Jewel exterior color is accented with gray heritage stripes and gray-accented 21-inch wheels. Under the hood, a Chevrolet Accessory air intake kit and, out back, the accessory exhaust kit, enhance the car's performance, style and sound.

"The Camaro Red Flash is the opposite of a 'sleeper' on the street," said Adam Barry, lead designer. "From every angle, it looks and sounds like the high-performance sports car it is. It's a model for the enthusiast who doesn't want to hide his performance aspirations."

It also wears Chevrolet Accessory body-color ground effects, high-wing rear spoiler with black-painted stanchions and other gray accents. A lowered suspension lends a more aggressive stance.

Inside, the Red Jewel features an Ebony leather-trimmed cabin with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats. There's also a custom steering wheel, racing-style pedals and red LED lighting for the door trim.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Exterior:
• Red Jewel color
• Heritage hood stripes in gray
• Chevrolet Accessory high-wing rear spoiler (body color with black stanchions)
• Chevrolet Accessory ground effects (body color)
• Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels with gray inserts
• Camaro badges with chrome edges and gray inserts
• Body-color antenna
Interior:
• Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
• Prototype Chevrolet Accessory racing-style steering wheel with flat bottom
• Red LED lighting in door trim
• Red footwell and cupholder lighting
• Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
• Chevrolet Accessory floor mats and cargo mat
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
• Chevrolet Accessory air intake and exhaust systems
• Chevrolet Accessory engine cover in Red Jewel
• Chevrolet Accessory Hurst shifter with custom stone-color stitching on the boot and shift knob

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO SSX TRACK CAR CONCEPT

Ever since the new Chevrolet Camaro's launch last year, owners have explored the performance potential of the car. The Camaro SSX Track Car is a concept for transforming a street Camaro SS into a closed-course track car, and a showcase for new performance parts.

"The SSX concept explores taking Camaro's excellent street performance and extending it into a road course context," said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. "The car expresses Camaro performance while also signaling Chevrolet's new commitment to developing and offering a portfolio of performance parts for racing enthusiasts."

The Camaro SSX Track Car has a purposeful aesthetic, with exterior appointments and suspension modifications aimed at road course performance. They include carbon fiber aero parts – front splitter and adjustable rear wing – lightweight carbon fiber body panels, revised lower grille and unique brake cooling ducts. The carbon body panels significantly lower the Camaro's weight, as does the elimination of much of the production car's sound-deadening material, carpeting and rear seat.

Low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior paint is contrasted with the carbon aero parts, door graphics/racing number and red details; and this competition-ready Camaro rolls on dedicated track wheels and tires. This concept was constructed with input from Pratt and Miller, Chevrolet partner in Corvette Racing, and Riley Technologies using parts proven in the Grand Am racing series.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Icy White Metallic color with red accents and door graphics
• Carbon fiber hood, fenders, door and deck lid
• Exposed carbon fiber front splitter, rockers and adjustable rear wing
• Unique lower grille and brake ducts
Interior:
• Carpeting, sound deadener and rear seat deleted
• Ace suede-covered racing steering wheel and shifter
• SCCA-approved roll cage and window net
• Racing driver's seat with five-point harness
• Racing pedals
• Fire suppression system
• Fuel cell
• Video camera system mounted on the roll cage
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L V-8 enhanced with Chevrolet Performance Parts' camshaft, cylinder heads and dry-sump oiling system
• Production six-speed manual transmission with Corvette ZR1 twin-disc clutch
• Low-restriction air induction and exhaust systems
• Four-wheel disc racing brake system with six-piston front/four-piston rear calipers and drilled and slotted rotors
• Modified production suspension with Pfadt licensed components
• 20-inch racing wheels and tires

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO XM/ACCESSORY APPEARANCE PACKAGE

The new Chevrolet Camaro is a major hit with consumers because of its blend of desirable power, efficiency and design. Another important part of the Camaro formula is value. Chevrolet developed the XM/Accessory Appearance Package to provide new accessory and appearance options customized for the popular and affordable Camaro 1LT model. A production version of this package will be offered in the spring of 2011.

"The XM Accessory Appearance Package is all about affordable style," said Russ Clark, director, Chevrolet product marketing. "Our intent was to create a special, customized model – including 21-inch wheels – that could be had for around $30,000, a popular price point for today's Camaro buyer before they add accessories."

The XM Accessory Appearance Package is based on the Camaro 1LT model with the standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine featuring 312 hp and EPA highway fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon. The accessory package includes a rear spoiler, unique grille and Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels. When it goes into production in 2011, the package will include a one-year subscription to XM Satellite Radio.

The Camaro XM Accessory Appearance Package at 2010 SEMA displays both production and concept styling cues. The accompanying highlights chart identifies them.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Imperial Blue color
• Rear spoiler (package content)
• Chevrolet Accessory grille (package content)
• Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch polished wheels (package content)
• Chevrolet Accessory Heritage body side graphics in silver (package content)
Interior:
• Black cloth seats (production)
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit in Silver Ice (concept)
• Chevrolet Accessory floor mats with gray borders and Camaro lettering (package content)
Performance:
• 3.6L V-6 direct injection engine and available six-speed automatic transmission (production)
• V-6 cold air intake system (concept)

CHEVROLET CAMARO SYNERGY SERIES 2011

Chevrolet announced today that it will release a special-edition Camaro each year, called the Synergy Series, emphasizing new approaches to accessory parts and customization. At SEMA 2010, the Synergy Series 2011 show car debuts to showcase the car that will be offered to consumers in the first half of 2011 as a special-edition model.

The first Camaro Synergy model was the 2010 Synergy Green special-edition car. It proved so popular with consumers that Chevrolet is now making Synergy an annual series. The Camaro Synergy Series 2011 model contains a mix of exterior and interior accessories – including combinations not available on any other production model, including an exclusive gray interior with red accent stitching throughout. It is based on Camaro Chroma, a show car first exhibited at SEMA in 2009.

The Camaro Synergy Series 2011 model will begin production in the first quarter, in limited quantities.

"The Synergy Series reflects the strong response consumers have consistently had toward Camaro," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "At the same time it provides an example of how Chevrolet is renewing its commitment to expanding accessory offerings."

While the original Synergy was offered only in a single color (Synergy Green) and with the six-cylinder engine, the 2011 edition will be offered in four colors – Cyber Gray, Victory Red, Summit White and Black – as well as 2SS (V-8) and 2LT (V-6) trims with the RS package.

The Camaro Synergy SEMA Show vehicle is based on a 2SS model and displays production and concept styling cues. The accompanying highlights chart identifies them.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Cyber Gray color (production)
• Chevrolet Accessory grille and ground effects package (production)
• 21-inch painted wheel (silver finish, optional for production)
• Body-color antenna
Interior:
• Gray interior with red stitching on the seat, steering wheel, door panels, console lid, shifter boot, shift knob and headrest (production)
• Red instrument cluster and accent lighting
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit in Silver Ice
• Chevrolet Accessory floor mats with red border and silver Camaro lettering
• Footwell and cupholder lighting
Performance:
• LS3 6.2L engine and six-speed manual transmission (with 2SS only)
• Chevrolet Accessory Hurst shifter with red stitching
• Chevrolet Accessory engine cover in red
• Brembo brake calipers in red (with 2SS only)
• Pedders lowering kit (licensed Camaro accessory, not included in production package)