Chevrolet Expands Cruze Range with Hatchback Model

The final production version of the new Cruze hatchback is the highlight of Chevrolet's 2011 Geneva Motor Show booth. With the addition of the five-door version, Chevrolet hopes to boost sales of the Cruze as hatchbacks represent approximately 65% of all compact segment sales in Europe.
The five door model features a more attractive design than its four-door sibling thanks to the sweeping roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear. Of course buyers will have to live with a smaller cargo capacity which has been reduced by 50 liters compared to the sedan for a total of 400 liters. The Cruze 5d will be offered with the same engine range as the sedan including 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline units and a 163HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Sales are to start this summer.
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GM will Drop Daewoo Name and Replace it with Chevrolet in South Korea

What started a few years back with the re-branding of Daewoo's portfolio to Chevrolets in select markets including Europe, is now being rolled out globally with the replacement of the nameplate in South Korea. From now on, all of the company’s new product introductions will be under the Chevrolet badge, while GM Daewoo Auto & Technology will change its company name to GM Korea Co. The Detroit automaker said the name change is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter this year.
"This important new brand strategy is designed to strengthen our commitment to the Korean market, recognizing it as one of the strongest-performing countries within GM’s global operations," said Mike Arcamone, President and CEO of GM Daewoo. “We cannot afford to sit still, and instead, choose to make a bold move with the launch of Chevrolet in Korea."

GM noted that three Daewoo models including the Alpheon (a re-badged Buick LaCrosse) sedan and the Labo and Damas mini cars, will not carry the Chevrolet nameplate and will be marketed under independent brands.
Outside the U.S., Chevrolet is planning an aggressive vehicle launch plan this year with the introduction of eight new models including the Camaro, Orlando MPV, Aveo sub-compact, plus an unnamed new SUV model and a new premium midsize sedan.

The Detroit automaker said that GM Daewoo has "played a lead role" in the design, engineering and manufacturing of the Chevrolet Cruze global compact sedan, the new Chevrolet Spark global mini-car, and the new Chevrolet Aveo global small car, adding that currently one out of every four Chevrolet vehicles is manufactured in Korea.
“Chevrolet has enjoyed success in mature markets in North America and Europe, as well as in emerging markets in Asia Pacific, CIS countries, and Latin America,” said Arcamone. “We are confident our customers in Korea will embrace Chevrolet as well.”



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Chevy Launches MyLink Infotainment System

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox models will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink, an in-car infotainment equipment that integrates internet radio, hands-free, voice and touch-screen controls, all of which can be accessed via Bluetooth connectivity.
Three years ago, Ford introduced a similar system, called SYNC, whose aim was to reunite in a friendly and efficient way the various in-car controls that a driver can access while driving. Now Chevy is ready with its own technology, developed together with GM's subsidiary OnStar.
MyLink provides drivers with stereo audio streaming, wireless control of smartphones, voice-activated commands and a full-color 7-inch touch screen display that centralizes media sources. For example, the driver can initiate phone calls, select radio stations or stored media only by using his voice.
Other features are Pandora internet radio, which allows users to personalize their radio experience, or Gracenote, which identifies the user's music collection and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen.
Basically, MyLink does everything that SYNC does, plus the future integration of the Powermat wireless cell-phone charging system that eliminates cords. The MyLink infotainment system will expand to other Chevrolet models in the next 18 months.

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2011 Camaro ZL1

With its 550HP 6.2-liter supercharged V8, the upcoming 2012 Camaro ZL1 is Chevrolet’s wildest pony car yet. However, it won't be available for sale for another year, and here's where SLP Performance steps in. The U.S.-based company is running a ZL1 tuning program for the current 2011 Camaro SS.In regards of the copyright issues for the Z1 nameplate, SLP has shared a press release from GM stating that the Detroit automaker has no objections with the use of the name until production of the tuning project runs out this year. Here the statement from GM: "Chevrolet is aware that SLP, a past upfitter of Chevrolet's 4th generation (1996-2002) Camaro vehicle, has been marketing its own limited edition (69) ZL1 upfit package for the 2011 Camaro model year only. Chevrolet and SLP have discussed SLP's ZL1 upfit package, an offering honoring the heritage and legacy of Chevrolet's original 1969 Camaro ZL1. Chevrolet has no objection to SLP continuing its marketing and build-out efforts to complete the run of its 2011 ZL1 upfit package."

SLP Performance’s ZL1 take on the Camaro will be available in a limited run of 69 units for 2011.
Using a 2011 Camaro SS as a base, the tuning firm takes the factory recipe and simply throws it out the window, starting with the engine. The massive 7.0-liter V8 is a custom built unit, fitted among other things, with a high capacity radiator, SLP TVS 2300 Supercharger with 10 PSI boost, cold-air induction system and carbon fiber finish engine covers.
Thanks to these modifications, the poweplant churns out 750-horsepower and is capable to catapult the 2011 Camaro ZL1 to an electronically limited top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and, to better cope with the extra oomph, the tuned ZL1 also comes with an SLP adjustable coil-over suspension, complete with new sway bars, and larger Brembo GT brakes.
The exterior upgrades include a carbon fiber hood and trunk lid, new front fascia, grille and splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser with integrated polished aluminum exhaust tips. The car rides on 20-inch SLP alloys, shod in 255/40 front and 295/35 rear Michelin XL Sport PS2 tires.
Inside, a numbered dash plaque announces the limited status of the model, accompanied by carbon fiber finish trim pieces, ZL1 floor mats, Katzkin leather upholstery available in 7 colors, and a number of ZL1 and Chevrolet embroidered logos.

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General Motors introduced Sedan and Hatchback Chevrolet Sonic

Detroit - Opening day of the first mat Detroit Motors Show 2011 which took place January 10 to 23, General Motors (GM) introduced two cars reincarnation of the Chevrolet Aveo, the Chevrolet Sonic.

The automaker from Detroit was displaying the model in the form of five-door hatchback and four-door sedan.

Chevrolet offered in two engine options, namely gasoline engine Ecotec turbo 1400 cc and 1,800 cc.

The first engine variants generate power to 138 horse power and torque of 200 Newton meters (Nm). While the second variant, powered 135 horsepower and 167 Nm of torque and at 3800 rpm.

GM claims the benefits of both the machine adopts machine Chevrolet Cruze, the Cruze Ecotec. The technology is claimed to have the advantage of fuel economy.

There are two types of transmissions are offered, namely manual with five levels of acceleration and six levels of acceleration.

GM seems to want to throw away the image of the Chevrolet Aveo is less successful in the land of Uncle Sam that in fact is the country of origin. The manufacturer of this equip Sonic with a number of advanced features.

New features are embedded in both sedan and hatchback Sonic include front wheel suspension device that uses a MacPherson strut. In addition, Sonic also features an electronic power steering that is more economical fuel consumption.

Both models are also equipped with stability control devices that operate electronically (Stabilitrak), as well as sensors to anticipate the car overturned.

The plan, Sonic went into production in late 2011 in the Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, USA.