Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so long ago.
Curiously, many people haven't adjusted their thinking to keep pace with new car maintenance schedules. The preoccupied still run their daily drivers without service until the dash warning lights burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change.
Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.
Surprisingly, the answer to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle's needs.
Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation
Tires leak naturally and need the occasional check. Figuratively speaking, underinflated tires suck up gasoline. Under- or overinflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren't going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year?
Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner's manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.
Wiper Tales
Here's a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitting things you can see. Simple as it is, that's the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.
Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climes.
Tune-Up Anachronism
There are no more "tune-ups." Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that's left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don't change parts just to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.
Oil Change Timing
Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it's time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.
Tired Tires
Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.
Ignoring Your Brakes
Note to the Wandering Unconscious: If you notice anything different about your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit a mechanic. Now.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Small Cars Are Getting Safer
You don't have to look too far into the past to find a time when automakers didn't see car safety
as a "selling point But over the last 30 years, car safety has become a
prime factor in the minds of car buyers. So, automakers responded --
and as a result, cars and trucks are much safer today than they were 30, 20, even 10 years ago.
One car segment that has especially benefited from this overall improvement in safety is the sub-compact category. And it's a good thing, too, because as gas prices have soared in the last two years, more buyers are turning away from big trucks, monster SUVs and gas-thirsty muscle cars in favor of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Indeed, the small-car category is the fastest-growing segment in the U.S auto industry, with sales increasing by 12 percent this year, and everyone expects that growth to continue as long as gas prices keep rising -- or even if they just hold steady and don't drop. That's why many automakers have even more sub-compact models in their product pipelines.
So, as Americans' buying preferences have shifted to smaller vehicles, the old debate about the safety of small cars has ignited anew. Some drivers who've been in an SUV for the last six years have been apprehensive about not being surrounded by a massive steel structure and a few dozen feet of sheet metal.
But those who have been forced to "go small" for economic reasons can take comfort in the fact that small cars are much safer today than they were just a decade ago.
According to the most recent available data released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the death rate in the smallest cars on the road has dropped to 106 per million registered vehicles, a significant drop from the 165 per million in 1996.
And today, 14 of the 17 top-selling small cars receive good frontal crash test ratings from IIHS, says Adrian Lund, IIHS president. A decade ago, none did. "That's obviously a huge improvement," stresses Lund
"Small cars are indeed much safer now than they were just a decade ago," says Lund.
The IIHS is a non-profit group, funded by auto insurers, that conducts research on "how to prevent damage and injuries and deaths" in auto accidents, says Lund.
"There have been many new technological developments over the last 10 years, and all small cars now have front air bags, many of them have side air bags with head prevention, and many are getting electronic stability control," Lund continues.
"Plus, due to the crash testing conducted by us and by the National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration (NHTSA -- a division of the Department of Transportation), many of the automakers have improved the structural design of the passenger compartment -- which means there is less 'intrusion' into the compartment than there used to be if a crash occurs."
Above are six of the safest small cars on the road, according to NHTSA, which gave all six a frontal-crash-test rating of five stars, the organization's highest rating.
Ford's small-car entry, the Focus, followed right behind these models, as far as NHTSA is concerned, with a four-star frontal-crash-test rating.
IIHS uses a different system of rating vehicles' crash-test results than NHTSA. And to illustrate the improvement in small-car safety, IIHS compared some current models to older models from the same carmaker. The current Chevy Cobalt, for example, got a "good" overall frontal-crash test rating from IIHS -- the organization's highest rating. Comparatively, the old Chevy Cavalier, which was produced from 1995 - 2005, received a "poor" overall frontal-crash rating.
"The overall frontal rating," explains IIHS spokesman Russ Rader, "is based on the individual scores for each of the parameters we measure in the test -- such as the performance of the vehicle's structure; injury measures to the head, neck, chest, legs and feet, and the dummy's movement during the test."
Meanwhile, the old Dodge Neon (1995-'99) received a "poor" overall frontal rating, while its replacement, the current Dodge Caliber, scores a "good" rating from IIHS.
And according to IIHS results, the Ford Focus's frontal-offset crash-test results have remained steady -- it received a "good" rating in that category from 2000-'08, although its 2000-'07 models received a "poor" rating when it came to side-impact tests when tested without the optional side airbags.
One car company that has emphasized the safety of small cars in recent years is Honda, which launched its "safety for everyone" initiative in 2003. As part of this initiative, the company announced the development of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which bolstered occupant protection.
"The 2009 Fit will be the latest small model to get ACE when it goes on sale in the next couple of months," says company spokesman Chris Martin. "With the intro of the new Fit, over 94% of Honda's sold in the U.S. will have the Advanced Compatibility Engineering technology."
A couple of years ago, automakers also adopted an initiative that will improve the safety for small-car drivers by agreeing to build trucks and SUVs with lower front ends.
"This should address the incompatibility between cars and trucks, says Lund. "Trucks have always ridden higher than cars -- which makes them inherently more dangerous to drivers of smaller cars in the event of an accident. So, by next year, we'll be seeing light trucks with lower structures," says Lund.
"In the event of an accident, that means that the front end of the truck will hit the bumper or door sill of the car, instead of hitting the car higher up, like in the passenger compartment, which in the past, has made drivers of small cars much more vulnerable to injury."
But, even though small cars have made big safety gains, it is true that big vehicles are still safer than small ones.
"The the risk of dying in the smallest car, compared to the largest car, is still 2-to-1," says Lund. "But, now that people are being forced to make the switch to smaller vehicles due to economic considerations, with fuel prices being so high, it's a comfort for them to know that the smallest cars are so much safer than they were 10 years ago."
The current trend toward buying smaller vehicles also prompts Lund to point out that, "if you do want or need to go with a smaller car, it is important to pay attention to its crash-test ratings."
One car segment that has especially benefited from this overall improvement in safety is the sub-compact category. And it's a good thing, too, because as gas prices have soared in the last two years, more buyers are turning away from big trucks, monster SUVs and gas-thirsty muscle cars in favor of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Indeed, the small-car category is the fastest-growing segment in the U.S auto industry, with sales increasing by 12 percent this year, and everyone expects that growth to continue as long as gas prices keep rising -- or even if they just hold steady and don't drop. That's why many automakers have even more sub-compact models in their product pipelines.
So, as Americans' buying preferences have shifted to smaller vehicles, the old debate about the safety of small cars has ignited anew. Some drivers who've been in an SUV for the last six years have been apprehensive about not being surrounded by a massive steel structure and a few dozen feet of sheet metal.
But those who have been forced to "go small" for economic reasons can take comfort in the fact that small cars are much safer today than they were just a decade ago.
According to the most recent available data released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the death rate in the smallest cars on the road has dropped to 106 per million registered vehicles, a significant drop from the 165 per million in 1996.
And today, 14 of the 17 top-selling small cars receive good frontal crash test ratings from IIHS, says Adrian Lund, IIHS president. A decade ago, none did. "That's obviously a huge improvement," stresses Lund
"Small cars are indeed much safer now than they were just a decade ago," says Lund.
The IIHS is a non-profit group, funded by auto insurers, that conducts research on "how to prevent damage and injuries and deaths" in auto accidents, says Lund.
"There have been many new technological developments over the last 10 years, and all small cars now have front air bags, many of them have side air bags with head prevention, and many are getting electronic stability control," Lund continues.
"Plus, due to the crash testing conducted by us and by the National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration (NHTSA -- a division of the Department of Transportation), many of the automakers have improved the structural design of the passenger compartment -- which means there is less 'intrusion' into the compartment than there used to be if a crash occurs."
Above are six of the safest small cars on the road, according to NHTSA, which gave all six a frontal-crash-test rating of five stars, the organization's highest rating.
Ford's small-car entry, the Focus, followed right behind these models, as far as NHTSA is concerned, with a four-star frontal-crash-test rating.
IIHS uses a different system of rating vehicles' crash-test results than NHTSA. And to illustrate the improvement in small-car safety, IIHS compared some current models to older models from the same carmaker. The current Chevy Cobalt, for example, got a "good" overall frontal-crash test rating from IIHS -- the organization's highest rating. Comparatively, the old Chevy Cavalier, which was produced from 1995 - 2005, received a "poor" overall frontal-crash rating.
"The overall frontal rating," explains IIHS spokesman Russ Rader, "is based on the individual scores for each of the parameters we measure in the test -- such as the performance of the vehicle's structure; injury measures to the head, neck, chest, legs and feet, and the dummy's movement during the test."
Meanwhile, the old Dodge Neon (1995-'99) received a "poor" overall frontal rating, while its replacement, the current Dodge Caliber, scores a "good" rating from IIHS.
And according to IIHS results, the Ford Focus's frontal-offset crash-test results have remained steady -- it received a "good" rating in that category from 2000-'08, although its 2000-'07 models received a "poor" rating when it came to side-impact tests when tested without the optional side airbags.
One car company that has emphasized the safety of small cars in recent years is Honda, which launched its "safety for everyone" initiative in 2003. As part of this initiative, the company announced the development of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which bolstered occupant protection.
"The 2009 Fit will be the latest small model to get ACE when it goes on sale in the next couple of months," says company spokesman Chris Martin. "With the intro of the new Fit, over 94% of Honda's sold in the U.S. will have the Advanced Compatibility Engineering technology."
A couple of years ago, automakers also adopted an initiative that will improve the safety for small-car drivers by agreeing to build trucks and SUVs with lower front ends.
"This should address the incompatibility between cars and trucks, says Lund. "Trucks have always ridden higher than cars -- which makes them inherently more dangerous to drivers of smaller cars in the event of an accident. So, by next year, we'll be seeing light trucks with lower structures," says Lund.
"In the event of an accident, that means that the front end of the truck will hit the bumper or door sill of the car, instead of hitting the car higher up, like in the passenger compartment, which in the past, has made drivers of small cars much more vulnerable to injury."
But, even though small cars have made big safety gains, it is true that big vehicles are still safer than small ones.
"The the risk of dying in the smallest car, compared to the largest car, is still 2-to-1," says Lund. "But, now that people are being forced to make the switch to smaller vehicles due to economic considerations, with fuel prices being so high, it's a comfort for them to know that the smallest cars are so much safer than they were 10 years ago."
The current trend toward buying smaller vehicles also prompts Lund to point out that, "if you do want or need to go with a smaller car, it is important to pay attention to its crash-test ratings."
Monday, September 17, 2012
Quick Car Safety Check
A little yellow warning
light appeared on the dash of my minitruck restoration project over the
summer. As a good motorist, I took it to a local mechanic
who advised me that it was nothing to worry about, that he had had a
similar problem with a minitruck he once owned, and he drove it for
three years with the warning light on until the bulb behind the light
fused. Great advice, I found, if you want your engine to blow a couple
of weeks later (as I found to my great cost, too). My advice: Don't
ignore that warning light. A little warning light also should go off in
your head if you detect strange smells emanating from your car, or
hesitancy on acceleration, or the car pulling in one direction. All are
symptomatic of a growing problem and should be investigated. Quickly,
you'll find that a little routine maintenance can keep you safe and free
of more expensive repairs.
Most require little more time than it takes to refill the windshield
wiper fluid (and don't forget to do that regularly, either). Here are
some top tips to help keep the average motorist safe and, hopefully,
trouble free.
Engine Oil
Don't stray too far from the mantra of changing your engine oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. Change nearer the 3,000 mark if you pull weighty loads or drive in town or on frequently jammed freeways. The oil level should be checked every couple of weeks, or monthly at least. When the engine is warm to the touch, check your oil by lifting the hood and finding the dipstick, which will likely be labeled "oil". Pull it out and wipe the bottom of it on a rag, then dip it back into its slot. Pull it out again and inspect the fluid level at the bottom of the stick. It should be at a level between the marker lines, nearer the "full" line is preferable. If the oil looks dirty or black, take it to your mechanic to be changed, or do it yourself if you're handy. If the oil is clear but at a lowish level, top it off with more engine oil -- ask your dealership which brand it recommends -- though be aware that a very low oil level may indicate a leak.
Transmission
You can detect problems in your transmission if you are experiencing problems shifting gears. A quick check of the transmission fluid level -- similar to an oil check -- could detect if your fluid level is low, which could in turn indicate a leak. When checking the transmission fluid, make sure your car is running and in "Park." You may also wish to put some chocks behind the back wheels.
The trick for transmission fluid is that it should have a slight pinkish tint: Once you've dipped, wiped, dipped and re-examined the fluid level, sniff it to check that it doesn't smell burnt and check that it's not brackish-brown. If it's low, refill with a lubricant recommended for your car, using a funnel to avoid spillage. Spots of the pink fluid on your street or garage floor usually indicate a leak, which can prove troublesome as the transmission is a closed system. Your mechanic should be able to pinpoint the problem for you. Safety-wise, make sure you clean up any spilled lubricant immediately -- that sweet, pink liquid proves mighty tasty for household cats and dogs -- as, in my experience, vet bills can easily match a mechanic's.
Coolant
Coolant is the mixture of antifreeze and water used to dissipate heat and maintain temperature throughout an engine by utilizing the radiator. On older cars, check fluid levels by unscrewing the radiator cap, but never when your vehicle is hot. Wait for it to cool down first and also make sure your car is parked on a level surface. Newer cars will have a sump or reservoir usually placed to the engine's right. If your coolant is at a satisfactory level as marked on the reservoir, and is clear rather than cloudy or brown, you're good to go. Change your coolant and flush your radiator every two years or so, and make sure your radiator is free of corrosion.
Tires, Spare Tire and Jack
Overinflation and underinflation of tires carry their own perils in terms of safety, tire wear and fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure every couple of weeks with a handheld pressure tester you can buy at your local automotive mart, or take your vehicle to the "Air" pump at your service station. Check your owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure and fill accordingly. If you're unsure how to do this, take somebody with you who knows how to do it, and you should be able to do it yourself from then on. Remember to inflate your spare tire, too (temporary spare tires usually have a 50- to 100-mile life expectancy).
A penny is often the simplest way to check tire tread: Stick a penny into a groove with old Abe's head pointing down. If the tread is lower than Lincoln's quiff, your tire level is unsafe. Check all four tires as the tread level may be uneven, which also indicates you have to rotate your tires more frequently. You can do this yourself with a jack and a strong back, or your mechanic should be able to do this for $20 or so. They'll also be able to check the car's alignment and rebalance your wheels accordingly, which the home mechanic may find tricky.
Battery
Batteries last about three and a half years in general, though extreme weather can also affect lifespan. Keep your battery and its connecting cables free of corrosion by scrubbing them with a stiff wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water (always making sure you catch the run-off in a tray or suchlike). Make sure the battery is disconnected before beginning. If you're understandably squeamish about fussing with chemicals and a power source, a qualified professional can always do this for you. Cracks in the battery shell or suspicious bulges usually indicate you'll need a new battery. Replace it before you get stranded in an area you'd rather not be.
Brakes
Your car will tell you when your brakes need work through inimitable but never endearing whines, screeches, grinding and pulling, or a softness when you press the stopping pedal. A red light on your dash will probably be lit also. You may need to check your brake fluid level, which you can do by checking the master cylinder and comparing the fluid level with the level indicated, and refilling accordingly with fluid recommended for your vehicle. You can also check the condition of your brake hoses; worn hoses will exacerbate other problems. Others -- in fact, almost all -- will admit defeat and take the car to their mechanic. Early action usually avoids the need for a full brake system overhaul, which is expensive, and minimizes safety issues.
Emergency Kit
So you didn't do any of the above and you're stranded -- hah! I'm just kidding: Even the most cautious motorists get let down by their steed. Here's what your emergency safety kit should contain: Jumper cables, Engine oil, De-icer fluid , Flashlight , Emergency flares, Distress flag, First aid kit, Pocket knife, Water and snacks, Blankets , Gloves, scarf, hat, Cell phone , Ice scraper, Shovel, Tow chain or rope and a Jack.
Engine Oil
Don't stray too far from the mantra of changing your engine oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. Change nearer the 3,000 mark if you pull weighty loads or drive in town or on frequently jammed freeways. The oil level should be checked every couple of weeks, or monthly at least. When the engine is warm to the touch, check your oil by lifting the hood and finding the dipstick, which will likely be labeled "oil". Pull it out and wipe the bottom of it on a rag, then dip it back into its slot. Pull it out again and inspect the fluid level at the bottom of the stick. It should be at a level between the marker lines, nearer the "full" line is preferable. If the oil looks dirty or black, take it to your mechanic to be changed, or do it yourself if you're handy. If the oil is clear but at a lowish level, top it off with more engine oil -- ask your dealership which brand it recommends -- though be aware that a very low oil level may indicate a leak.
Transmission
You can detect problems in your transmission if you are experiencing problems shifting gears. A quick check of the transmission fluid level -- similar to an oil check -- could detect if your fluid level is low, which could in turn indicate a leak. When checking the transmission fluid, make sure your car is running and in "Park." You may also wish to put some chocks behind the back wheels.
The trick for transmission fluid is that it should have a slight pinkish tint: Once you've dipped, wiped, dipped and re-examined the fluid level, sniff it to check that it doesn't smell burnt and check that it's not brackish-brown. If it's low, refill with a lubricant recommended for your car, using a funnel to avoid spillage. Spots of the pink fluid on your street or garage floor usually indicate a leak, which can prove troublesome as the transmission is a closed system. Your mechanic should be able to pinpoint the problem for you. Safety-wise, make sure you clean up any spilled lubricant immediately -- that sweet, pink liquid proves mighty tasty for household cats and dogs -- as, in my experience, vet bills can easily match a mechanic's.
Coolant
Coolant is the mixture of antifreeze and water used to dissipate heat and maintain temperature throughout an engine by utilizing the radiator. On older cars, check fluid levels by unscrewing the radiator cap, but never when your vehicle is hot. Wait for it to cool down first and also make sure your car is parked on a level surface. Newer cars will have a sump or reservoir usually placed to the engine's right. If your coolant is at a satisfactory level as marked on the reservoir, and is clear rather than cloudy or brown, you're good to go. Change your coolant and flush your radiator every two years or so, and make sure your radiator is free of corrosion.
Tires, Spare Tire and Jack
Overinflation and underinflation of tires carry their own perils in terms of safety, tire wear and fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure every couple of weeks with a handheld pressure tester you can buy at your local automotive mart, or take your vehicle to the "Air" pump at your service station. Check your owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure and fill accordingly. If you're unsure how to do this, take somebody with you who knows how to do it, and you should be able to do it yourself from then on. Remember to inflate your spare tire, too (temporary spare tires usually have a 50- to 100-mile life expectancy).
A penny is often the simplest way to check tire tread: Stick a penny into a groove with old Abe's head pointing down. If the tread is lower than Lincoln's quiff, your tire level is unsafe. Check all four tires as the tread level may be uneven, which also indicates you have to rotate your tires more frequently. You can do this yourself with a jack and a strong back, or your mechanic should be able to do this for $20 or so. They'll also be able to check the car's alignment and rebalance your wheels accordingly, which the home mechanic may find tricky.
Battery
Batteries last about three and a half years in general, though extreme weather can also affect lifespan. Keep your battery and its connecting cables free of corrosion by scrubbing them with a stiff wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water (always making sure you catch the run-off in a tray or suchlike). Make sure the battery is disconnected before beginning. If you're understandably squeamish about fussing with chemicals and a power source, a qualified professional can always do this for you. Cracks in the battery shell or suspicious bulges usually indicate you'll need a new battery. Replace it before you get stranded in an area you'd rather not be.
Brakes
Your car will tell you when your brakes need work through inimitable but never endearing whines, screeches, grinding and pulling, or a softness when you press the stopping pedal. A red light on your dash will probably be lit also. You may need to check your brake fluid level, which you can do by checking the master cylinder and comparing the fluid level with the level indicated, and refilling accordingly with fluid recommended for your vehicle. You can also check the condition of your brake hoses; worn hoses will exacerbate other problems. Others -- in fact, almost all -- will admit defeat and take the car to their mechanic. Early action usually avoids the need for a full brake system overhaul, which is expensive, and minimizes safety issues.
Emergency Kit
So you didn't do any of the above and you're stranded -- hah! I'm just kidding: Even the most cautious motorists get let down by their steed. Here's what your emergency safety kit should contain: Jumper cables, Engine oil, De-icer fluid , Flashlight , Emergency flares, Distress flag, First aid kit, Pocket knife, Water and snacks, Blankets , Gloves, scarf, hat, Cell phone , Ice scraper, Shovel, Tow chain or rope and a Jack.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Virginia is for Camaro Lovers
The new 2013 Chevy Camaro 1LE recently took to the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for a few shakedown laps, and the corner-carving Camaro shook things up by posting a quickest time of 2:58.37. It’s the kind of performance usually seen only in the upper echelon of high-performance sports coupes, according to Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer for the Camaro.
“To break a three-minute lap on the four-mile Grand Course is an incredible accomplishment for any car,” he said. “Like the Nürburgring, at VIR there’s never a moment when the car rests at steady state. Each lap tests every aspect of a car, including power, brakes, steering, tire grip and chassis balance.
Uncoincidentally, all those systems and more were significantly upgraded in the Camaro 1LE, which starts life as a 426-hp Camaro SS and then adds handling components from the range-topping Camaro ZL1. In the mix here:
- Solid front (27 mm) and rear (28 mm) stabilizer bars that improve body control
- A strut tower brace that enhances steering feel and response
- 20-inch aluminum wheels based on the same ones outfitting the ZL1
- 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires for the front and rear (matching the rear rubber in the ZL1)
- ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for better track capabilities
- A ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump, as well as additional fuel pickups, for improved fuel delivery even during hard cornering
(That’s courtesy of a price tag that starts at $37,035, including destination charges.)
shared from: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/virginia-is-for-camaro-lovers/
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Inferno Orange Helps Heat up Sonic Sales
Sales of the new Chevy Sonic are off to an excellent start, and a surprisingly important factor is its finish: After Chevrolet designers included Inferno Orange as one of the Sonic’s exterior paint colors, the hue has become the second-most popular choice for customers, covering nearly 20 percent of all Sonics sold. (The only color it trails is black.)
Of course, this isn’t a case of the brand just getting lucky. Designers purposely picked this racy reddish-orange tint to take advantage of its growing appeal among the fashion forward. A very similar shade, called Tangerine Tango, was named the “Color of the Year” by the experts at Pantone and can be seen in a wide range of fashions from the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren and J. Crew.
“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the look “marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
Unsurprisingly, similar shades of orange also are among the top choices for drivers of the Chevrolet Corvette and Chevrolet Camaro, too.
“We had a strong feeling that the Sonic’s Inferno Orange would hit the trend at the perfect time and hatchback drivers would embrace it,” said Michelle Killen, lead creative designer in GM’s color and trim studio, as well as an exterior paint expert for General Motors Design.
And with overall sales of Chevy’s subcompact entry up by more than 98 percent through the first half of the year, it looks like Killen and crew were exactly right.
shared from: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/inferno-orange-helps-heat-up-sonic-sales/
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sonic and Cruze: Diamonds Are for Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, you could say the Chevy Sonic and Chevy Cruze do things the hard way. Yes, they make achieving at least 40 mpg on the highway an easy task for drivers, but the cars rely on piston rings with a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) to help get the job done. The high-strength, low-friction material is more often found in computer hard drives and semiconductors, and its use in the cars’ available 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec engines is a first for Chevrolet.
“Thanks to diamond-like carbon coating, we can use lower tension on the Ecotec’s piston rings to reduce friction, which improves fuel economy,” said Rich Ricchi, a technical specialist for GM Powertrain. “DLC also reduces oil consumption in high-mileage driving, due to the favorable wear properties associated with the DLC coating.”
For the Cruze and Sonic, the coating helps enable EPA ratings that include:
- Sonic (with automatic transmission)—27 mpg city/37 mpg/31 mpg combined
- Sonic (with manual transmission)—29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined
- Cruze Eco (with automatic transmission)—26 mpg city/39 mpg highway/31 mpg combined
- Cruze Eco (with manual transmission)—28 mpg city/42 mpg highway/33 mpg combined
“Through years of lab research, we’ve acquired an understanding of how to work with DLC at the atomic level,” said Michael Lukitsch, GM senior researcher. “It holds great promise for future applications, both in advanced manufacturing processes and improved production parts that save our customers money.”
shared from: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/sonic-and-cruze-diamonds-are-for-efficiency/
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Camaro Convertible Tops Its Segment at ‘Topless in Miami’
Aiming to do for convertibles what the Texas Truck Rodeo does for pickups and SUVs, the Topless in Miami event—presented by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA)—each year gathers the country’s most exciting choices for open-air driving and puts them to the test. Among the cars earning top grades in 2012: The Chevrolet Camaro SS, which was named the No. 1 entry … among family cars! True, that’s primarily because the category was used for a miscellaneous batch of four-passenger convertibles, but it is worth pointing out that the Camaro’s crosstown rival, the Ford Mustang, was one of them.
Of course, the Camaro has made a habit out of finishing ahead of its rivals in a wide range of comparisons, as well as on the industry’s sales charts. At the halfway point in 2012, for example, the Camaro is on its way to finishing another year as the best-selling muscle car in America, with 49,697 deliveries. It’s a lead of more than 1,000 units over the Mustang and some 26,000 sales ahead of the Dodge Challenger.
And Chevy will look to extend that gap even further during the second half of the year, when the next evolution of the Camaro Convertible hits the street. The 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible will offer all the hi-po goodies available in the ZL1 Coupe—including a 580-hp supercharged V8 engine and race-tuned suspension—to become the fastest open-air Camaro ever sold by the Bowtie brand.
shared from: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/camaro-convertible-tops-its-segment-at-%E2%80%98topless-in-miami%E2%80%99/
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Universal Design Strategy Makes Equinox an Easy Choice for Everyone
With Baby Boomers getting on in years, the number of folks in the U.S. aged 65 or older is set to explode in the next few decades, reaching 71 million by 2030. But Chevy is already working to meet their vehicle preferences—while also benefiting all drivers—by following the principles behind universal design. It’s “an approach that makes products of all kinds work for as many people as possible,” according to GM, and that includes the Chevy Equinox.
“We never design vehicles specifically for older consumers, but we increasingly integrate design solutions that work for all users, regardless of age,” said Carl Wellborn, senior staff engineer and project manager, GM Design and Technology Fusion. “Designs that make life easier for older users also work for younger users. Universal design is the key to unlocking usability solutions and implementing them successfully.”
For example, the Equinox boasts:
- Notably narrow rocker panels and a low seating height for ease of ingress/egress
- Wraparound rear glass and blind-spot mirrors—along with an available rear-view camera system—for enhanced visibility
- Multi-flex rear seating that can move fore and aft to either bring children closer to the front row or push back for added legroom for adults
- A programmable, power rear liftgate that provides effortless access to the Equinox’s rear cargo area
“Simple interfaces and large, easy-to-understand controls like those in the Equinox are hallmarks of universal design,” said Eero Laansoo, human factors engineer, GM Design Quality Integration. “Having intuitively grouped controls that are easy to reach and easy to see day or night is particularly beneficial for drivers who suffer from age-related issues like arthritis and diminished vision, but will be appreciated by drivers of all ages.”
shard from: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/universal-design-strategy-makes-equinox-an-easy-choice-for-everyone/
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sonic Gets ‘Cool Car’ Kudos and Segment’s Top Spot for Retail Sales
Summer’s here and the outside temperature isn’t the only thing that’s on the rise: So are sales of the Chevrolet Sonic, which also was recently named an ideal way to beat the heat as one of Consumer Guide’s “10 Coolest Cars under $18,000.”
In June, the super Sonic rang up a healthy 6,785 sales, representing a jump of more than 75 percent as compared to the June 2011 total from Chevy’s old-school entry, the Aveo. Further, the Sonic also bested new and redesigned rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent, as well as small-car mainstays like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. And while the Nissan Versa did have more total deliveries in June, it was the Sonic that led the subcompact segment in retail sales.
Why are so many people flocking to the Sonic? According to Consumer Guide editors, the answers include “High levels of refinement, a comfortable driving experience, and what … is probably the best-looking interior in a subcompact”—benefits that also were vital to helping the Sonic earn its place on the website’s Coolest Cars list.
And if people think the current Sonic is frosty, just wait until the hot-hatch version debuts. The Chevy Sonic RS will bring a major performance upgrade that includes a sport-tuned suspension, a lowered ride height, four-wheel disc brakes, revamped gear ratios, aluminum sport pedals, 17-inch five-spoke wheels, model-specific style enhancements inside and out, and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment and connectivity system.
The Chevrolet Sonic is available at dealerships now, with an MSRP of $13,865; the Sonic RS is expected to debut in the fourth quarter, with a price to be determined.
shared from: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/sonic-gets-%E2%80%98cool-car%E2%80%99-kudos-and-segment%E2%80%99s-top-spot-for-retail-sales/
Sunday, September 2, 2012
2013 Chevrolet Traverse loses the family nose
General Motors has just unveiled its facelifted 2013 Chevrolet Traverse at the New York Auto Show today. The big crossover has abandoned the company's corporate grille in favor of a new design that's expected to eventually make its way to the rest of the Chevrolet utility vehicle stable. With three chrome-finish bars across the upper grille inlet, more expressive headlamp arrays and a new foglight design, the 2013 Traverse looks a bit more conservative and polished than it did before, at least from up front. Move past the A-pillar, however, and the vehicle looks plenty familiar. Even with a new hatch, redesigned taillamps and a modestly massaged rear valance, the 2013 Traverse hasn't strayed too far from its family-minded original recipe.
Likewise, the 2013 model's drivetrain remains untouched as well. The same 3.6-liter V6 puts down 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque through either the front wheels or an all-wheel drive system and the six-speed automatic has been reworked for quicker shifting.
Buyers will be able to opt for Chevrolet's new MyLink system, complete with Internet-based applications like Stitcher and Pandora as well as Bluetooth voice and audio capability. Like its fellow Lambda-platform sibling, the reworked Buick Enclave, the Traverse will also be available with a new center airbag that bisects driver and front-seat passenger. Hit the jump for the full press release and peruse our live shots for more views of this Chevy staple.
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