2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 review

          Chevrolet offered significant updates to the Z06 for 2011, with special packages and new options that enhance performance and styling, while also offering greater personalization choices. With its racing-inspired powertrain and suspension features, along with an aluminum frame and carbon fiber fenders and floor panels, it delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology.

         The Z06’s exterior design were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. While the race cars use large rear wings. Standard features include High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display with track mode and g-meter.

          The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is powered by the LS7 7.0L (427 cubic inches) engine that delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW). The LS7 engine powers a 3,175 pounds (1,440 kg) package to help deliver 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the engine.

Specification

          * Type of engine: 7.0L/505-hp/470-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8

          * Transmission: 6-speed, manual

          * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 505 / 377 @ 6300

          * Curb weight: 3207 lbs

          * Price (est): $100,000

                                                                                            

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 review

        The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class. The new ZL1 continues the momentum of Camaro, propelling it into an entirely new realm of leading-edge performance technology. It is planned to launch at the beginning of 2012.

       At this point, specifications are still preliminary, but Chevrolet is estimating that its supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission using a dual-disc clutch that's necessary to properly harness all those horses. There's also a dual mode exhaust system that alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.

          With supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car's capabilities will be released later in 2011, as testing nears completion.

Specification

            * Type of engine: LSA 6.2L supercharged engine

            * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 550 hps

            * Front Suspension: exclusive Magnetic Ride Control

Chevrolet Cruze review

        The Chevrolet Cruze replaces the Chevrolet Cobalt, and the automotive industry couldn’t be happier that GM decided to remove that car from its lineup the Cruze is a much better car. The 2011 Cruze has one of the highest quality cabins in its class, good performance and a roomy interior that reminds reviewers of larger, more expensive vehicles. 

 

       The 2011Chevrolet Cruze delivers many segment leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America. The Cruze also affirms Chevrolet’s commitment to building refined, fuel efficient vehicles using new, small displacement, four cylinders engines. It is expected to deliver segment leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing including up to an expected 40 mpg on the highway with the Cruze Eco model.

      Cruze is a 4 doors sedan that comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and fuel economy oriented Eco trim levels. LT models are subdivided into 1LT and 2LT. The LS has a 136 horsepowers. The 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and Eco use a 138-horsepower turbocharged. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS and Eco. A 6-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on the LT and LTZ. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front  and rear side airbags, and front knee airbags.

Specification

          * Transmission: six-speed transverse, dual overdrive, fully synchronized gearbox

          * Horsepower: 136 / 103 @ 6300

          * Displacement cu in (cc): 110 / 1796 

          * Price (est): $18,895

Chevrolet Volt review

       Chevrolet chose to put two bucket seats in the rear, limiting the Volt to four passengers. This arrangement, which somewhat limits the car's practicality, is because of the T-shaped 16 kWh lithium ion battery pack running down the center. But fold down the rear seats, and you can pack a lot of gear into the back of the Volt. 

          The Volt is a four seats, four doors "series-parallel plug-in hybrid" hatchback with a lithium ion battery pack that can power the car's 149shorsepowers (111 kilowatts) electric motor by itself for an estimated 40 miles in the city. After that, the gasoline powered inline 4 engine primarily supplies electricity to the motor for as many as 300 additional miles

         The Chevrolet Volt's distinctive center stack appears to have been modeled after various personal electronic devices with touch-sensitive buttons. It looks less like an automotive control panel than an oversized iPod, which we applaud; after all, if you're spending this much money on a vehicle, you'll likely expect a little something special inside. Overall interior quality is also high, with materials that seem to be the best yet from recently improved Chevrolet.

Specification

           * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 111 / 150

           * Steering: electric power assist 

           * Top Speed: 100

           * Brakes: four-wheel disc, fully regenerative to maximize energy capture

           * Price (est): $40,280