On Europe’s Shores

The automobile market all over Europe has seen an increased demand for station wagons and hatchbacks in the 2011-2012 season while consumer sentiment in the United States leans toward sedans and hatchbacks. With only one other station wagon competing with the Cruze Wagon, Chevrolet’s launch of the 2012 Cruze Station Wagon comes at just the right time.

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With the 2012 Cruze Station Wagon, Chevrolet offers five all-new engines – three gasoline and two diesel variants. The petrol variants are the 1.4 Turbo, 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines. Of the two diesel variants, the 1.7 Turbo and 2.0-liter engines; the 1.7-liter 130-horsepower engine is expected to be the preferred choice. The company has also added nearly 7 inches to the hatchback version, giving the station wagon a significant 17.6 cubic feet. of cargo room. Other changes and improvements include a newly designed centre panel, headlights and fog lights.

The 1.4-liter gasoline and the diesel variants have incorporated Chevrolet’s ‘start-stop technology’ that automatically shuts off and restarts the engine in order to cut down idling time and consequently, fuel consumption – a pragmatic feature for city cars. The Cruze station wagon is also expected to have one of the lowest Carbon Dioxide output rates in its class. Chevrolet’s MyLink® onboard information, entertainment and navigation system allows the driver to access a Smartphone and a host of driver-friendly apps through a sleek, touch-screen interface.

With significant redesign for a discerning European market and a host of patented features, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Station wagon looks to be the toast of Europe this summer.

This car is set to hit the market sometime in the summer of 2012. It is definitely a high-end performance vehicle that is priced accordingly. Not only can you own a piece of Chevrolet’s history, but also own one of the most exclusive Chevy Corvette convertibles ever made. Once it is released, take the time to give it a test drive with the top down and see if it fits your liking. For more information on these vehicles in the Cleveland area, visit Classic. You can also browse from over twenty other different dealers near you. Look for the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible at a dealer near you coming in the summer of 2012. It is one Corvette Convertible you do not want to miss!

• A turbo-charged 1.4 liter engine
• 40 MPG highway fuel rating
• Light, responsive steering
• Removable false floor for storage space in the 5-door model
• Air conditioning
• Power locks
• Keyless entry
• Stability control
• 10 air bags

The 2012 Chevy Sonic is scheduled to be manufactured in Lake Orion, Michigan, making it one of the first cars in years to stand on its merits proving that America can make well built, attractive, economy cars. The 2012 Chevy Sonic is slated to hit showrooms in the fall of 2012. Be one of the first to check out the new 2012 Chevy Sonic!

If you’re interested in the Sonic, please don’t hesitate to contact Classic Chevrolet – a Cleveland Chevy Dealer online (CLICK HERE), Call us at (440)255-5511, or stop by 6877 Center St. Mentor, OH 44060 when you have some time!

Models

The Cruze comes in several different models: LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ and Eco. Each of the models comes with a 4-cylinder engine for the greatest gas efficiency possible. The LS offers a 1.8 Liter engine, while the other models feature with a 1.4 Liter engine. The LS and LT models come with a standard manual transmission with the possibility of changing it to automatic. The LTZ offers an automatic transmission, and the Eco offers a special manual transmission standard, with the option to change to automatic. Depending on the model, you can enjoy between 25 and 28 mpg in the city and 36 to 42 mpg highway.

Safety Features

As with any other vehicle, the Chevy Cruze offers a list safety features to both prevent and protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash. Each vehicle comes with air bags to protect all passengers, including the typical front air bags and side curtain air bags. The front passenger seat of the Chevy Cruze senses the presence of a passenger of a suitable size to activate the air bag. In addition to the air bags, the vehicle comes with standard anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control for better handling. You will also receive six months of OnStar for greater peace of mind.

Additional Features

The Chevy Cruze also offers you additional options for your enjoyment and comfort. Vehicles come with the option of using Bluetooth to help you connect your phone and other devices to the radio. Satellite radio comes standard with free service for three months. Some models of the Chevy Cruze can have remote start installed. The LTZ comes with this feature standard.

If you are looking for a quality vehicle that can offer both performance and savings, the 2012 Chevy Cruze provides you with a wide range of options. If a compact car works for your situation, the gas mileage this vehicle can provide will save you money in gas without sacrificing safety features or comfort.

If you’re interested in the Cruze, please don’t hesitate to contact Classic Chevrolet – a Cleveland Chevy Dealer online (CLICK HERE), Call us at (440)255-5511, or stop by 6877 Center St. Mentor, OH 44060 when you have some time!

In something of a turnabout being fair play on the numbers, the 2012 Chevy Volt actually gets better fuel economy in town (95 mpg city) than on the highway (93 mpg). Still, with numbers like those can you imagine the totals? Even if you’ve only got a 12 gallon tank; a 95 mpg rating means you don’t have to fill up before 1100 miles! Of city driving! That’s unheard of.

Chevy Volt also has other pluses going for it. With the base model containing a hybrid engine, direct drive transmission, Bluetooth, iPod input, satellite radio, side/curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, and an optional navigation system, the 2012 Volt model from Chevy looks to be the car you could drive for a very, very long time.

While the long term results of what a car that gets 1100 miles per tank on the road could mean for the driver has yet to be revealed (19 hours of straight driving at 60mph would be able to be achieved if the battery lasted as long) for now you can just take pause and know that the Chevy Volt can be your long term road trip car or it can be your around the town buddy. The 300 mile maximum range of this hybrid battery does put a little bit of a damper on that 19 hour driving exercise; but still if you could drive on three gallons of gas what used to be your whole tank before recharging the hybrid battery? That’s huge!

Yes the price for the 2012 Chevy Volt is a little on the high side but when you consider all the fuel economy you will get from a car like this, it’s almost ridiculous to not want to at least inspect this car. Particularly if you commute a fair distance regularly. The money saved when you blow past the service station will make it all worthwhile.

If you’re interested in the Volt, please don’t hesitate to contact Classic Chevrolet – a Cleveland Chevy Dealer online (CLICK HERE), Call us at (440)255-5511, or stop by 6877 Center St. Mentor, OH 44060 when you have some time!

Stand out from the crowd

This car has been described as “forward-thinking” and it’s clear to see, a lot of thought has gone into the development of this car. From its powerful engine (the aluminum Camaro SS 6.2L V8 engine delivers 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque), clever independent rear suspension and variable-ratio power steering, to its unique yet unmistakable design and ground-breaking safety features, you just have to see this car in action to know it’s special.

Saying that, there are plenty of so-called “performance cars” out there that claim to deliver exactly what you’re looking for, so why is the Camaro any different? When looking for a new car, safety and peace of mind should be high up there on your list of importance. So, let’s get back to those ground-breaking safety features:

Safety

With some of the most advanced safety features around, this Chevy won’t let you down. The Camaro’s high-powered engineering and advanced electronic systems work together to prevent collisions, keeping you protected when you need it most. In fact, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe delivers the ground-breaking highest possible five-star score in every individual safety segment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program – the first car in its class to achieve this since the federal testing procedures were revised in 2011.

Some of the standard features on the Camaro include antilock brakes and the StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System, and traction control, keeping you in control during emergency maneuvers. The control module works to compare your steering output with the vehicle’s response, and offers a little help, if you need it, with corrections to keep you on track. If something goes wrong, six airbags and an ultra-strength steel safety cage protect you and your loved ones, and OnStar® Automatic Crash Response comes as standard for the first six months – a service which automatically connects you to emergency services and roadside assistance if a collision actually occurs.

So, if you’re looking for a car that’s powerful AND safe, the 2012 Chevy Camaro Coupe could be the ideal performance car for you.

2012 Chevy Camaro Safety Features

The 2012 Chevy Camaro safety report is incredibly impressive, as it managed to receive a score no other vehicle has ever accomplished in the history of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is five star ratings in every single category. This is further impressive as the NHTSA included additional tests this year, including side barrier impact crashes and pole impact crashes).

Standard 2012 Chevy Camaro Safety Features

The 2012 Chevy Camaro Safety features are numerous, so you never need to fret over if you are in a safe vehicle, just because you are driving an American legend sporting a high-powered engine. For starters, the Chevy Camaro features six standard air bags, including side and head-curtain units. These airbags are designed to keep passengers safe in the event of a side on collision. New age technology including the StabiliTrak (which is also standard) helps stabilize the vehicle by automatically applying pressure to the break or throttle to ensure the driver is always able to maintain control over the vehicle.

High end 2012 Chevy Camaro Safety Features

For higher end models of the Camaro, the rear vision package also comes standard, including a review camera. Introductory models have the ability to have the equipment installed as an additional feature. On top of this, all models have the OnStar security and safety system for emergencies.

For anyone looking for a performance vehicle that is not only safe but also fun to drive, the Camaro is the perfect vehicle. 2012 Chevy Camaro Safety specifications show the car is one of, if not the safest vehicle on the road, receiving top scores in every single crash test. There are few vehicles on the road that are able to keep you safe, while allowing you to have fun at the same time.

“I like electricity when I need it and gas when I need to use it”, said Leno. “I travel 28 miles to the studio every day, then I go shopping, run errands, pull in the driveway; that’s 40 miles or so. Then I plug it in, but if I need to travel further the car is ready for that too.”

Leno isn’t the only Volt owner who has passed the 10,000-mile mark without visiting the gas station. “I’m an opportunistic charger”, says Edward Ellyatt whose daily commute is 41 miles. “I generally find a 120V plug in the parking lot and ask management if I can use it when shopping or dining. If I am at one location for an hour or two, I can expect to get enough EV range to get me home where I can plug back in.”

Leno, Ellyatt and other Volt owners that have a five-digit number on their car’s odometer will receive a “10,000 Electric Mile” badge.

Vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing, Chris Perry, said: “The 10,000 Electric Mile badge not only recognizes their achievement, but gives another point to brag about with anyone interested in learning more about the Volt.”

A survey carried out by Chevrolet found out that the average Volt owner fills up the tank once a month and travels 900 miles between gas station visits.

Perry added, “Volt owners are an extremely passionate and enthusiastic group. They carry pictures of their car, refer to themselves by their VIN number and freely talk about their ownership experience with anyone who will ask.”

(source: nytimes)

Hybrid-like fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid-like price

DETROIT – The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate.

The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge – but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.

The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.

Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price:
2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg
2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg

Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW).

Product highlights for North American models include:
Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance
Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle
All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
European-influenced ride and handling traits
More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

Additional fuel-saving features include:
Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-ECO model
An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode
Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires
The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.

Standard powertrain and chassis content:
Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW)
Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control
2.64:1 axle ratio
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Regenerative braking
Grade braking control
Panic brake assist
Electronic park brake with push button
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Electric power steering (rack-mounted)
MacPherson strut front suspension
Four-link rear suspension
Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels
P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires

Standard exterior content:
Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels
Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control
Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color)
Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color)
Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass
Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades

Standard interior content:
Chevrolet MyLink
Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face
Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter
Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system
USB port for the audio system
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Six-speaker sound system
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
Cruise control
Remote keyless entry
Power windows with express down feature
Power door and window locks
Driver information center
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
Ice blue ambient lighting
Driver’s footrest
Overhead console
Compass display
Two auxiliary power outlets
Rear center armrest with storage

Standard safety content:
OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more.
Dual-stage frontal air bags
Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags
Driver and front passenger knee air bags
Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions)
Safety belt pretensioners
Tire pressure monitoring system

Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus:
Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control
Rearview backup camera system
Remote start
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
Universal garage door opener

Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus:
Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier
Fog lamps
Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel

Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus:
Leather-trimmed seating
Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control
Heated front seats

Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus:
Navigation system
Memory seats and mirrors
Auto-up driver’s window

A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Exterior Color Choices:
Silver Ice Metallic
Black Granite Metallic
Summit White
Crystal Red Tintcoat
White Diamond Tricoat
Taupe Gray Metallic
Steel Blue Metallic (late availability)
Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability)

Interior Color/Trim Choices:
Jet Black
Jet Black/Titanium
Cocoa/Light Neutral

The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including LS, LT and LTZ are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.

Source: AutoBlog