Chevrolet

General Motors just announced that the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle is expected get city fuel economy of at least 230 miles per gallon.

The Volt is scheduled to start production in late 2010 and be available as a 2011 model. It is said to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator.

The Chevrolet Volt uses grid electricity as its primary source of energy. It has two modes of operation: Electric and Extended-Range. In electric mode, the Volt will not use gasoline or produce tailpipe emissions when driving. During this primary mode of operation, the Volt is powered by electrical energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Read more

Pontiac is dead, but not all of its cars. According to Bob Lutz of GM, the Pontiac G8 will be making its way to showrooms under the Chevrolet Caprice name. GM CEO, Frit Henderson, has stated that the GXP edition of the G8 would not live on. The standard RWD G8 has sold surprisingly well since it is competitively priced with its competition. Thus, the standard G8 will live on.

Lutz has also stated the Pontiac G8 is sold in other markets, such as South Africa and the Middle East, wearing Chevrolet badges, already.

Now if only the GTO would come back. I loved that car. 400hp for around $30,000! Why did it have to go, again?

The 505hp (377kW) Z06 will run at $75,235 when it launches. The Z06 will come with a new launch control system and side airbags as standard. If you go for the top-end 3LZ package, you will get powered sports seats for both driver and passenger. A new Cashmere interior with Corvette logo embroidery is also available.

Colors include: the full Corvette color palette, with eight colors including Arctic White, Crystal Red Metallic and the new Torch Red offered, as well. Designed as a daily driver sports car, the Z06 will also come equipped with high-intensity discharge headlights, fog lamps, leather trim, dual-zone air conditioning, a heads-up-display with track modes and a g-meter as standard.

The engine of choice is the LS7 7.0L V8 with a maximum output of 505hp (377kW) at 6,300rpm and 470lb-ft (640Nm) at 4,800rpm. The Z06's 1,440kg body can run from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, hit a quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125mph and achieve a top speed of 198mph. Read more

Michigan based tuner, Specter Werkes, has added a custom cam design with more lift which has liberated an extra 80hp (60kW) over the outgoing model, bringing the output to a total of 615hp (459kW) and 578lb-ft (783Nm) of torque.

Specter Werkes is offering many different levels of engine upgrades. The version pictured features a newly displaced 6.8L LS3 engine (factory = 6.2L). Additionally, this Corvette GTR is fitted with a Corsa exhaust, full widebody kit, broadened suspension and a wider covering.

This version also features:

• Special Forgeline VR3P wheels, measuring 19in up front and 20in in the rear
• 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires
• Stop Tech 15in slotted brake discs and six pistons up front mate with 14in and four piston calipers in the rear
• Painted in BASF liquid silver color (the same used on Mercedes Benz AMG models)
• Interior gets GTR-standard embroidered seats and Spinneybeck leather trim details.

Geiger, one of the best tuners for Corvettes, has created an insane Corvette Z06. Modifications under the hood include: upgrading the cylinder block, heads, crank and increasing the displacement of the 7.0L LS7 engine to 7.6L. Next, Geiger added two "high-output" turbochargers with extra airflow at both the intake and exhaust ends to help keep the engine cool and hopefully not explode. Read more

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was first unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show and is often recognized as "Bumblebee" from the first Transformers movie. Many have been awaiting its arrival, but wait no more…the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro is here.

For the last year Chevy dealers have been taking deposits on the new Camaro. More than 14,000 people have put money down on this new car…in fact…many dealers have had to stop taking deposits on the 2010 Camaro due to its high demand. Most buyers haven't even taken the car on a test drive, much less seen the car in person - even in this economy! That says a lot for the Camaro brand.

Pricing on the 2010 Camaro starts at $22,995 for a 300hp V-6 that gets 29 miles per gallon and comes with Bluetooth phone and USB connectivity, a Boston Acoustics audio system, OnStar, and XM satellite radio.

For more information visit www.chevrolet.com.