Tag: Chevy

October 30, 2012

Chevy Unveils Big Toys for Big Kids

If you were a kid in the 70’s or 80’s and you loved cars, chances are you had a killer Hot Wheels collection. Well now those kids are all grown up…and chances are they still have a sentimental affection for Hot Wheels. This year on the opening day of SEMA Chevrolet unveiled a special car that will give all those big kids out there something to get excited about: a production Hot Wheels Camaro. This car will only be sold in the first quarter of 2013, complete with Kinetic Blue metallic paint and custom red-lined wheels.

The production model 2013 Camaro was unveiled next to a reproduction first generation Camaro, both sitting on life-sized orange Hot Wheels tracks. Each bore the unmistakable Hot Wheels logo, matching Hot-Wheels inspired rims and plenty of custom extras.

Interested buyers will have quite a few options to choose from. The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will be available in coupe and convertible models, in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims. On the exterior features will include a ZL1 rear spoiler and front upper grille, ground effects package, two-tone matter hood graphic, rear taillight panel “blackout” graphic and fender “flame” graphics. The Hot Wheels logo will be carried to the interior as well, complimenting black leather seats with red stitching. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system will be a standard feature on this special edition car, including a variety of tools such a GPS, OnStar and Pandora internet radio. What you get under the hood will depend on your selection of either the SS V-8 model or the LT-based V-6 model. Both will pack a punch, but the V-8 manual version will have the most pick up and go with 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

Hopefully those who do decide to pick up one of these life-sized toys treat them better than most treated their Hot Wheels in their younger years. Because after the first quarter of 2013 is gone production of this special edition will come to an end!

May 1, 2012

First Generation vs. Fifth Generation Camaro

First Generation vs. Fifth Generation… who am I to judge? Sure I’m a little biased, I’ve been rolling around in my ’68 Camaro since I turned 17, and that was kind of a long time ago. I’ve come to expect the squeaky sounds it makes when it passes over a bump in the road, and always ride with the radio on high so I don’t really hear the windows rattle when they are rolled halfway down. The promise of one day installing that AC kit keeps getting pushed to next year, so in the meantime I open my Astro Ventilation (yes, that was luxury in 1968) and keep it moving so the breeze keeps blowing on a hot summer day. The one thing my radio doesn’t drown out is the sound of my 327 engine as I blow down the street…not too fast though, my days of racking up speeding tickets went out with the grunge look. But the look of my car has never gone out of style. Its curved lines make it look fast even when it’s sitting still, and its chrome accents give it just the right amount of shine. Yes I have to say I love my car, one of the few constants in a life of many changes.
But I have to give it to the new generation of the Chevy Camaro. I took one for a test drive when they first came out and I was pretty impressed with the way it handled. It was the 6-cylinder model and still packed some power, although I’m sure the V8 is even more impressive. The muscle under the hood is complimented by features like 4-wheel independent suspension, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control. Even though its still a car best driven fast on a sunny day, its built in technology allows it to handle bad weather with ease…unlike my ’68 which is like being in a four-wheeled sled if I get caught in the snow. The influence of the first generation is obvious in its design, but the latest incarnation of this classic retains its own identity. The proportions are similar with subtler curves, giving way to a more brolic look. And did I mention it has air conditioning?
Despite the temptation of these modern conveniences I will stick with my antique – somehow its sentimental value outweighs all the extra features. But I wouldn’t mind parking a nice new Camaro next to my classic and taking it out for a ride once and a while. Hey, who says you can’t have it all?

April 6, 2012

New York Auto Show 2012

Many manufacturers gave a nod to the past while unveiling their new models at this year’s New York Auto Show. The show kicked off with Cherovlet’s unveiling of the new 2014 Impala, with a classic 1966 model in the backdrop. This new generation of Impala boasts a new body type with a sleek front grill and a redesigned interior. It comes in both a 303-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine, as well as a standard 2.5L 4-cylnder engine. Chevy also displayed the Camaro, Corvette and Traverse to name a few.

The Chrysler Group introduced its new line of SRT (Street & Racing Technology) vehicles, which includes a rebranding of some old favorites. The unveiling of the 2013 SRT Viper, the fifth generation of this instant performance car classic, highlighted this announcement. SRT’s President/CEO Ralph Gilles proudly proclaimed that it would be manufactured at the Connor Avenue Assembly in Detroit…while sporting a black t-shirt with “Detroit” in bold white letters. The Viper has some company on the SRT lineup with the likes of the Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300.

Ford showed off it’s 2013 Shelby GT500, with 650 horsepower in a variety of vibrant colors. The classic Cobra was also displayed, a model that has been an inspiration for many sports cars over the years. From racing technology to alternative fuel technology, Ford also highlighted the Focus Electric. Organized by Men’s Health magazine, the Focus Electric is part of the 2012 Electric Car Challenge, making the 3,000 mile trip coast to coast without stopping at one gas station.

The electric vehicle family was also joined by BMW with their i3 and i8 electric concept cars. Each of these concept cars speaks to a different audience: the i8 to the sports car enthusiast, the i3 to the sport utility driver. However both feature some cool design elements like suicide doors with transparent panels and icy blue accents. It’ll be interesting to see how these features translate into a production model.

Along the lines of environmentally friendly vehicles the Fisker Karma is an awesome example. Its front grill seems to smile at you, while its curvy lines say “speed” even as it sits still on the show floor! The Karma is the first luxury electric vehicle with extended range, powered by a hybrid gas and electric engine. This system is complimented by the solar roof that can generate enough energy to power the cabin ventilation and audio systems as well as extend the driving range by up to 200 miles a year. Do you want good karma? Drive this car!

For as much new technology as was displayed at this year’s show, each manufacturer’s automotive history was not forgotten. While Chevy, Ford and Lincoln included some examples of their past on the showroom floor, LeMay – America’s Car Museum featured classic models from manufacturers of the past and those still going strong. From a “speedster” that barely featured a windshield to cars with solar glass, the auto industry has come a long way! To see more highlights from this year’ show, check out our photo gallery HERE.