Chrysler posted a 27 percent gain in October U.S. sales today, leading Detroit automakers amid expectations that the month would be among the year’s strongest.

Chrysler’s gain marked the fifth consecutive increase of 20 percent or more and its 19th straight monthly advance. General Motors was up 2 percent.

GM’s 2 percent increase was help by a 6 percent gain at Chevrolet and continued strong demand for large pickups and fuel-efficient models. GMC, Buick and Cadillac were down.

It was the fifth straight monthly sales gain for GM and Chevrolet Silverado shipments climbed 7 percent to 36,656. Despite mixed economic signals and weak consumer confidence levels, analysts had said October U.S. auto sales would reach the highest rate in at least eight months.

Chrysler said it was helped by strong demand for the Chrysler 200 and 300 sedans, the Jeep Compass and Dodge Journey crossovers, the Jeep Liberty SUV, and the Ram pickup truck. “Consumers are no longer dragging their feet on new vehicle purchases as they feel the economy is moving in the right direction, ” said Jesse Toprak, an analyst with TrueCar.

“The relatively strong selling rate seen again in October suggests that the fourth quarter may close stronger than previously expected,” Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates, said in a statement. “Recent bright spots in the economy may also help calm nerves and support stable vehicle sales.

Next Thursday, November 3rd at 5:30PM to 8:00PM, Pat McGrath Chevyland is throwing a Birthday Bash of epic proportions!  Food, fun & prizes will be in abundance with hot dogs, popcorn, pop and apple pie for everyone!  Door prizes will be given away all night and there will even be entertainment for the kids in our Kid’s Corner!  The wee ones can color, take pictures with Mr. Big Volume, and get free Chevyland temporary tattoos!  Sounds like a pretty good party, but we wanted this one to blow the roof off!  That’s why we brought in the famous Money Machine!  Step inside for a chance to walk away a bit richer!

In addition to all of the festivities, you’ll also have the opportunity to check out the all new plug-in hybrid electric Chevy Volt, which is on display at Pat McGrath Chevyland!  Feel free to mingle with guests and our sales staff!  Learn a bit about the current 2012 Chevrolet vehicle lineup, take a walk around the dealership, browse our used car inventory and enjoy the evening!  We look forward to seeing you all there!

Compact pickups take the Goldilocks approach to delivering utility. The just-right size of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and its full-sized work ethic meet the needs of buyers looking for a cargo box atop a rugged frame without the space consumption of a larger vehicle. The Colorado is available in a variety of flexible configurations to help you truly find a truck to call your own.

Efficiency is a continual theme for the Colorado. The standard Vortec four-cylinder is a brawny 2.9 liters. That’s big for a four cylinder, but the payoff is 190 lb/ft of torque peaking at a low 2,800 rpm. Putting the muscle low on the tachometer makes this engine perfectly suited to truck duty. Horsepower for the four-cylinder peaks at 5,600 rpm with 185 hp, and this engine teams with a five-speed manual transmission to return a frugal 25 mpg EPA highway estimate in two-wheel drive configuration. Adding four-wheel drive results in a still frugal 24 highway mpg. A four-speed Hydra-Matic 4L60 automatic transmission is also available.

More power is available from the optional 3.7-liter Vortec inline five-cylinder that brings 242 hp and 242 lb/ft of torque to the party. A classic Chevrolet small-block V8 is also available in the Colorado. The 5.3-liter Vortec V8 pumps out 300 hp and 320 lb/ft of torque from a legendary engine configuration that’s compact and strong while still returning up to 20 mpg on the highway. The V8 power drops the zero-to-60 acceleration time under seven seconds, exceptionally zippy for a pickup truck that can turn around and effortlessly shoulder a 6,000-pound trailer.

Beneath the Colorado lies a strong ladder frame that features hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering for accurate handling. Two-wheel drive Colorado models use coil-over shock absorbers in the independent front suspension, and four-wheel drive versions employ torsion bars, which are also shared with all Z71, Z85 and V8 versions of the Colorado. The rear axle is supported by two-stage multi-leafsprings to capably handle whatever you throw at it.

The Colorado has three cab configurations: Regular, Extended and Crew Cab. Regular and Extended Cab models have a six-foot one-inch bed with best-in-class volume thanks to bedsides that are taller than most competitors. Crew cabs use a shorter, five-foot one-inch bed, and in all versions, the tailgate has a handy 55-degree position that is level with the top of the wheel wells inside the box, creating a handy platform for carrying four-by-eight-foot sheets of material or supporting longer items.

The Colorado can be outfitted to carry up to six people, and Crew Cab models feature a rear seat that’s split 60/40 for versatility. Chevrolet uses specially tuned mounts for the powertrain and body to lower noise and vibration in the cabin, and there’s the safety and security of standard StabiliTrak® electronic stability control and front and head-curtain side-impact airbags are standard.

There’s plenty of standard equipment inside every Colorado including air conditioning, an audio system with three months of SiriusXM Satellite Radio free (except Work Truck models), cruise control and Bluetooth. The controls were designed to be operated even with gloves on because Chevrolet knows owners will take advantage of the work ethic built into the Colorado. Optional equipment is a deep list that features audio system upgrades, remote keyless entry, tinted windows, even heated leather seating. The Colorado is also the only model in its segment to include OnStar. Buyers receive six months of complimentary Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation as well.

There’s a Colorado setup for every use from the ZQ8 sport suspension that lowers the ride height and makes the Colorado look like a tuner-massaged truck with 18-inch wheels and sporty reflexes to the highly capable Z71 off-road suspension that comes with 17-inch chrome-clad wheels and off-road tires to go along with its distinctive exterior changes. Going anywhere and doing anything is easily accomplished behind the wheel of a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.

View Our Chevy Truck Inventory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_cQ6eMDeA

Pat McGrath Chevyland Commercial Sales Rep. Doug Thompson Takes the Volt for a Spin

After much waiting and anticipation, the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year has finally arrived at Cedar Rapids’ own Pat McGrath Chevyland.

The Chevrolet Volt is General Motors plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that debuted on the American market back in December of 2010 in select markets due to limited initial production. The first Chevy Volts delivered hit the streets of Washington D.C., New York City, California and Austin, Texas. This month Chevrolet began taking orders for the Volt and deliveries are expected in all fifty states by November.

The Chevy Volt boasts an impressive 60MPG average, combining the 93 MPG in all-electric mode, which has an estimated range of up to 50 miles on its lithium-ion battery, and 37MPG in gasoline-only mode. The Volt is exclusively powered by its plug-in battery until capacity is depleted, which is when its gasoline engine powers an electric generator to extend the Volt’s range. With a full tank of gasoline and a fully charged battery, the total range (according to EPA tests) is about 380 miles, which for many Cedar Rapidians, would make for a perfect vehicle for their daily commute.

You’d expect a vehicle of the Volt’s nature to have sacrificed power and performance for efficiency, but that’s certainly not the case. With an overall top speed of 100 mph, the Volt accelerates from zero to sixty in 9.2 seconds running on electric-only mode (according to Edmunds.com) and 9.0 seconds with the gasoline engine assisting propulsion.

In addition to the impressive performance numbers, the Chevy Volt has also been recognized as a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has also received a five-star overall crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, based on its assessment for the 2011 vehicles. The Volt includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with brake assist and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It also comes equipped with dual-stage frontal, side-impact, knee and roof-rail side-impact airbags.

Overall, the Chevy Volt is worth the hype its received since the concept car first starting making waves back in January of 2007 and is sure to change the American and worldwide vehicle marketplace forever. Stop by Pat McGrath Chevyland today to get a glimpse of this amazing vehicle!

DETROIT (Bloomberg) — Ford Motor Co.’s Mustang is falling farther behind the Chevrolet Camaro as the top-selling U.S. sports car, jeopardizing a Michigan factory as designers work to win back the hearts of pony car fans.

Ford narrowly lost the crown in 2010 after a 24-year run, and the gap widened this year, with General Motors Co.’s revived Camaro outselling Mustang by 33 percent through May.

The 1,700- person plant in Flat Rock, Mich., has just one shift of workers, and its Japanese partner decided last week to pull out.

“The Mustang on its current sales pace isn’t enough to sustain Flat Rock,” said Jeff Schuster, an automotive analyst with researcher J.D. Power & Associates. “The Camaro has a more modern feel and seems to draw more attention from a younger age group.”

The second-largest U.S. automaker is working to increase production of V-6 engines while its designers prepare for a new version in 2014 to restore its cachet. GM started selling a convertible version of the Chevy Camaro this year and says the Mustang is one of the top trade-ins for the Chevy sports car.

“They have a huge, loyal base with the Mustang,” John Fitzpatrick, the Camaro’s marketing manager, said in an interview. “We are starting to chip away at that.”

Adding to Mustang’s misery, Mazda Motor Corp. said last week that it plans to pull its Mazda6 model out of the Michigan assembly plant where Ford also makes the sports car. Ford, which owns half of the factory, said it is working with Mazda and the UAW to explore options for the “critical” site.

Manufacturing ‘Options’

Not sharing the assembly line with Mazda will allow Ford to build more Mustang variations, said Steve Ling, the car’s marketing manager.

“The flexibility that that provides is a good thing,” Ling said in a June 14 interview, declining to give specifics on how Mustang production might change after Mazda leaves. “It’s good to have options and that’s what that scenario provides.”

Even if Mustang manages to overtake Camaro, Ford will never sell enough of its muscle car to fill up Flat Rock, Schuster said. The factory has the capacity to build 240,000 vehicles a year, Mazda has said. Last year, Ford sold 73,716 Mustangs.

“Even with a boost from a redesign, because of what Camaro has achieved, you’re still looking at sales volume for the Mustang below 100,000 a year,” Schuster said. “The bottom line is something at Flat Rock will have to change.”

Ford is to introduce a redesigned Mustang in 2014, said Brian Johnson, an analyst with Barclays Capital in Chicago.

Popular V-6

This year, Mustang sales have suffered because of a short supply of a new V-6 engine that gets 31 miles per gallon on the highway while generating 305 horsepower, Ling said. The Mustang shares that engine with the F-150 pickup, the centerpiece of Ford’s top-selling truck line.

As rising fuel prices have driven up demand for the V-6 engine, Ling said Ford has chosen to apportion more supply to the F-150, among its most profitable models. The V-6 Mustang starts at a list price of $22,310, according to Ford.com.

“The V-6 powertrain that’s shared with all of our hot products is really very popular right now,” Jim Farley, Ford’s global marketing chief, said in a June 9 interview. “We have a lower days’ supply on Mustang, but we think that’s the right way to run that business.”

The V-6 engine shortage has left Ford with less than 30 days’ supply of Mustangs, half the inventory it had a year ago, Ling said. Ford is now looking for ways to boost production of the V-6, which accounts for 51 percent of Mustang sales, up from 40 percent a year ago, Ling said.

“We’re making sure that the truck has enough engines and obviously there is an impact to Mustang,” Ling said. “The dealers feel we could sell more” if Ford had more V-6 engines.

Chevy Camaro Rolling

GM is stepping up the pressure by updating the Camaro next month with a more powerful V-6 engine that gets 30 mpg on the highway, Fitzpatrick said. It also is updating the car’s interior with new features like a smaller steering wheel, he said.

Rising gasoline prices and a stalling U.S. economy can’t seem to slow down the Camaro, which went on sale in April 2009 after a seven-year hiatus. Camaro sales are up 4 percent this year, while Mustang is down 3 percent, according to researcher Autodata Corp.

“The Camaro is highly unusual in a segment that tends to be very fickle,” said Jeremy Anwyl, chief executive officer of auto researcher Edmunds.com. “Normally a sports car that’s really hot fades fast.”

Maintaining Interest

To keep interest stoked, GM will advertise around the movie sequel “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” debuting June 29 and again featuring a yellow-and-black Camaro as a crime-fighting robot, Ling said. The Camaro known as “Bumblebee” has been the ride of actor Shia LaBeouf in all three Transformer movies.

“The linkage to Transformers has really helped create and build the brand Camaro,” Schuster said, “especially with young people.”

Early next year, GM plans to roll out a ZL1 Camaro with a 550-horsepower engine, matching Ford’s Shelby GT500 version of the Mustang that starts at $48,810, according to Edmunds.

“It looks like they clearly targeted the GT500,” Ling said. Much is riding on Ford’s 2014 redesign of the Mustang, which Ling declined to describe. By then, Camaro will be five years old and more than a year away from its own restyling in late 2015, Schuster said.

“As the Camaro starts to age and the Mustang is redesigned, that will heat up the battle,” Schuster said. “We see the Mustang regaining its No. 1 position when it’s redesigned, but it will be close.”

View Our Chevy Camaro Inventory

Keith Naughton
Automotive News
June 16, 2011

IMakeNews Inc.

Safety, performance, fuel economy, quality, price: They’re what everybody wants in a sedan. The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu checks all the boxes, giving buyers ample evidence for the reasons the Malibu has walked away with over 40 awards since its introduction.

Cars in the midsize family sedan segment walk a fine line. They need to be well built and functional, but the natural inclination of some brands is to build cookie-cutter, uninspired automobiles that don’t ignite any kind of passion. Available in four trim levels – LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ – the Chevrolet Malibu (MSRP starting at $21,975) is a different animal. Edmunds.com wrote, “Perhaps best of all, the Malibu has an upscale look that says ‘premium sedan,’ rather than ‘rental car’,” and went on to praise its “clean, classy lines with tight panel gaps,” commenting that the Malibu “doesn’t succumb to cheap visual add-ons like spoilers, side vents or body flares.”

The Malibu’s world-class design carries over into its interior where you will find features found in cars that cost thousands more. Here’s one example that indicates how far Chevrolet has raised the bar for midsize sedans. The Malibu features acoustic laminated glass, which helps to provide the quiet, comfortable cabin that so many auto buyers are looking for. Compared to the same thickness of traditional tempered glass – the type of glass used in most side windows and backlights of every other Malibu competitor – acoustic laminated glass improves interior sound transmission loss by a noticeable four decibels, according to testing by the Enhanced Protective Glass Automation Association. The result is that, in the OnStar-equipped Malibu, it is much easier to hear the turn-by-turn directions given by the operator. The list of automobiles that feature acoustic laminated glass includes the Audi A8, the Maserati Quattroporte, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Rolls Royce Phantom.

It’s just a brief indication that Chevrolet offers meticulous attention to quality in this cabin. Inside, Malibu interior parts fit together with gaps as small as one millimeter. The refinements and conveniences inside include rich textures, unlike the hard plastics found in other cars in this class, and luxurious two-tone leather appointments in the Malibu LTZ with heated driver and passenger seats, an eight-way adjustment with power lumbar support for the driver and six-way adjustment for the front passenger. Press the Remote Vehicle Starter button on your Malibu LTZ (also standard on 2LT trims), and the car automatically preheats itself in the cold months, or precools itself in the dog days of summer. The back of your legs will thank you.

Despite its ability to haul five adults in comfort, as well as a trunk full of groceries (cargo capacity tops out at 15.1 cubic feet), the Malibu returns truly impressive fuel economy in this class thanks to an economical 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, standard in all trims, which develops 169 hp at 6,400 rpm. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, all Malibu trims are available with impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway. Combine the mileage with a large, 16.4-gallon fuel tank, and you’ll travel over 525 miles before visiting the gas station after a fill-up. That gets you all the way from Boston to Washington, DC. with enough gas to get around the nation’s capital for a day.

Are you interested in a new 2011 Chevy Malibu? If so, feel free to email us at sales@mcgrathauto.com or call us at 319-393-6300 to schedule a test drive! Our helpful and friendly sales staff is ready and eager to assist you in your search for a new vehicle!

Drivers who prefer can choose the 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine on 2LT and LTZ trim levels. Even with the additional 83 horsepower, the V6 still provides EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

While the rest of the automotive landscape plays technological catch-up, the Chevrolet Malibu offers real-world technologies that simply aren’t available in other cars in the segment. Take OnStar as an example. While competitors offer complicated, frustrating navigation systems (keep in mind, Malibu offers the only standard navigation in its class) that seem to take your eyes off the road at the least opportune moments, the Malibu’s OnStar system – which is complimentary for the first six months of ownership – provides turn-by-turn directions from a live operator. No addresses to manually enter. No expensive DVD updates to load. And while it’s getting you to where you’re going, OnStar also performs several hundred diagnostic checks on your vehicle, e-mailing you a monthly report of your car’s overall health. Lock your keys inside? Don’t sweat it. OnStar can unlock your Malibu remotely.

OnStar is also part of an impressive suite of safety equipment. In the event of an airbag-deploying crash, OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response alerts an OnStar Advisor who can immediately send emergency assistance to your location, even if you can’t respond. Six airbags stand ready to help protect you from impact including thoracic and pelvic side-impact airbags, and head-curtain side-impact airbags for both front and rear occupants. With a progressive crush front body structure, standard four-wheel antilock brakes and standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, it’s easy to understand why the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) once again named the Malibu a “Top Safety Pick,” a claim neither Toyota nor Honda can make with the Camry or Accord. (Chevy Malibu vs. Toyota Camry)

The Chevrolet Malibu continues to inspire driver passion. Ask the consumers who gave the 2011 Malibu an overall rating of 4.7 out of five stars in categories of value, reliability, quality, performance, styling and comfort. The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, world-class design and craftsmanship for a lot less than you’d expect to pay.

View Our Chevy Malibu Inventory

IMakeNews Inc.

Anybody who has ever pulled a butter knife out of a kitchen drawer to turn a screw knows that there is a better tool for the job. Have a traffic-choked commute to the local metropolis? A Chevrolet Cruze or a Volt might be the answer you’re looking for. Hauling 8,000 pounds worth of backhoe on a dual-axle trailer? Meet the right tool for that job: The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

The Silverado 2500HD (MSRP starting at $28,415) is a truck designed around the jobs that need getting done. It’s a complete package of engine, transmission, technology and construction advantages that result in a truck that can do the heavy lifting, but can also provide the kind of comfort and convenience features you’ve come to enjoy in your passenger car.

No matter what kind of work you do, there’s a Silverado 2500HD configuration ready to take it on. Begin with the choice of a Regular Cab (with greater headroom and legroom than the Ford F-250 Regular Cab), Extended Cab (priced lower than the F-250, and Ram doesn’t offer an Extended Cab) or a Crew Cab (nearly 500 pounds lighter than the competitive Ford). From there, choose standard or long beds, and rear- or four-wheel drive.

Are you interested in the new 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500HD? If so, feel free to email us at sales@mcgrathauto.com or call us at 319-393-6300 to schedule a test drive! Our helpful and friendly sales staff is ready and eager to assist you in your search for a new vehicle!

Three trim levels offer work-truck functionality, more car-like creature comforts, or a level of equipment you might confuse with something from Cadillac. The WT (work truck) trim level features StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring, AM/FM stereo, front reading lamps, huge dual gloveboxes, an auxiliary power outlet, durable leatherette-covered 60/40 bench seats, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry and an adjustable steering wheel. The LT includes a CD player, lockable underseat storage, cruise control, floor mats, cloth seats, power windows and locks, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, driver lumbar support and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard equipment.

Ready for uptown sophistication from your truck? The LTZ trim provides heated, leather appointed, 10-way adjustable driver and front passenger seating with dual-density foam for comfort on long rides, a massive floor-mounted console to securely stow your stuff, a Bose® seven-speaker surround-sound audio system, dual-zone climate control, a Driver Information Center and OnStar with six months of the Directions and Connections plan, among other comfort and convenience features.

View Our Silverado 2500HD Inventory

Engine selection starts with a 6.0-liter gasoline-powered V8 engine capable of 360 hp at 5,400 rpm paired with a six-speed HD automatic transmission with overdrive. The sequentially fuel-injected engine delivers 380 lb/ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, and is capable of a gross combined weight rating (truck and trailer) of up to 20,500 pounds with the optional 4.10 rear axle ratio. The Silverado 2500HD features a standard 36-gallon fuel tank that allows greater range between fill-ups.

The old hot-rodder’s saying goes, “You buy horsepower, but you drive torque.” The optional Duramax Turbo-Diesel turns that axiom on its head. While the engine offers an impressive 397 hp at 3,000 rpm, it’s the jaw-dropping 765 lb/ft of torque that make the Silverado 2500HD so adept at towing boat trailers, pushing snow or transporting heavy generators. And that maximum torque comes on at just 1,600 rpm, so instant hauling power is just a feathered throttle away. The B20 biodiesel-compatible Duramax Turbo-Diesel comes with a heavy-duty Allison® six-speed automatic transmission. While the engine’s doing the heavy work on the way up the mountain, the six-speed Allison transmission takes center stage on the way back down. It features a Tow/Haul mode that holds shifts longer while the engine also provides electronic engine braking, which saves the brakes from overheating on long descents.

The titanic engine choices would be for naught if the rest of the truck wasn’t up to the task. The Silverado 2500HD’s high-strength, fully boxed steel frame provides five times the torsional rigidity than ever before. A frame with lower torsional rigidity twists, sags and sways, especially when trailering heavy loads. The Silverado 2500HD, with that exceptionally stiff chassis, provides confidence that you can back that trailer into place or load the bed up with the maximum payload of 4,192 pounds (in the Regular Cab with a gas engine) without issue.

Blending massive load-hauling capabilities with over-the-road comfort is both art and science. The Silverado 2500HD’s suspension features components designed not only for their load bearing, but for their ability to provide outstanding ride quality as well. Out back, the Silverado 2500HD features a live axle with asymmetrical leafsprings three inches wide. The rear suspension setup increases payload and reduces wheel hop on acceleration. Up front, an all-new, fully independent suspension allows each wheel to react to rough terrain and maximizes wheel contact with the road surface.

It all adds up to a customizable truck that beat out all of its competition in independent AMCI testing for zero-to-60 mph acceleration; zero-to-60 acceleration with a 3,000 pound payload on a seven percent grade at 6,000 feet; frame strength and passing ability towing a 9,750 pound trailer up a seven percent grade. No wonder Motor Trend named the Silverado HD line the 2011 Truck of the Year®. It’s time for you to come in and find out for yourself!

View Our Silverado 2500HD Inventory

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The storied war for muscle car supremacy between the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang rages on, and Chevrolet has stepped up to the plate and taken on the 550-horsepower Shelby GT500 with its reborn, tire-smokin’ Chevy Camaro ZL1.

Making its debut this past February at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, the Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most technologically advanced and most expensive Camaro Chevrolet has ever built. Production of the ZL1 had been an open secret of Chevy’s and it had been speculated that the high-horsepower Camaro that would supplant the 426-HP SS model would sport the infamous Z28 badge. Chevy had different plans in mind, resurrecting the moniker of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1. Rights to the badge had been previously held by muscle car performance company SLP and were recently reclaimed by Chevrolet.

The Legendary Camaro ZL1 Reborn

The 1969 Camaro ZL1 was a menacing drag racing machine, equipped with an all-aluminum 427 cu in big block motor officially rated at 430 horsepower but in reality, produced closer to 500 HP. Only 69 units were built, making it among the fastest and rarest of all Camaros. The 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 lives up to the heritage of the badge and surpasses its previous achievements in every way. Powered by a 550 horsepower, Eaton intercooled supercharged LSA V8 motor, adopted from the Cadillac CTS-V, the ZL1 is estimated to run the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds, covering 0-to-60 in a little under four seconds. Blinding acceleration, top-end performance and proven reliability coexist happily under the hood.

The top-spec Camaro ZL1 also comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter, as well as oversized Brembo brakes. The ZL1′s two-piece rotors are the largest yet fitted to a gen5 Camaro. Six-piston calipers in front and four-pistons at the rear secure the discs for excellent braking performance. The ZL1 rides on a track tuned suspension with magnetic ride. Sensors calculate pitch, roll, squat, dive and yaw, instantly adjusting the suspension’s magnetic fluid to form the ideal damping pressure. Getting all that power to the ground is no effortless feat and the ZL1′s second-generation Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires (285/35R20 front, 305/35R20 rear) plant all four corners with exceptional grip. The forged aluminum wheels (20×10″ front, 20×11″ rear) reduce unsprung weight.

ZL1 also monitors your driving style and automatically adjusts between two exhaust modes. At higher speeds, exhaust is routed through a less-restrictive path, increasing horsepower. At lower speeds, exhaust remains fully baffled for quieter operation and mellower street driving. All without having to turn a single wrench. To fully appreciate ZL1, you need a road course, the twistier the better.

Chevy Camaro ZL1 Design Cues and Interior Technology

Unlike the 1969 model, that maintained a mostly stock, “sleeper” appearance, the 2012 ZL1 has several signature exterior cues, including an aggressive body kit and new front fascia with brake-cooling ducts, four fog lights and a large splitter. It also has a domed aluminum hood with a functional, louvered carbon fiber center section that reduces lift and adds a bit of downforce. The rear end gets a larger integrated decklid spoiler and quad exhaust finishers.

The cabin of the ZL1 also sees a few upgrades, including alloy pedal covers, heads-up display and emblem badges for the headrests & door sills. It also receives a new flat-bottomed, redundant control steering wheel with wheel-mounted controls that let you adjust the audio system without releasing your grip. Bluetooth® Hands-free calling is compatible with select phones. Speaking of the audio system, its Boston Acoustics premium audio system provides a high-performance experience for occupants of the ZL1 interior. After all, when your ride is smooth, shouldn’t your tunes be, too? The ZL1 is also ready for your iPod with a USB port, hidden in the console, connecting your iPod®4 to the audio system. Simply plug in your iPod and scroll though your playlists via steering wheel controls. You can even plug in a flash drive to the USB port!

The 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is set to go on sale February 2012 with a base price of around $47,000, providing an unbeatable ‘bang-for-your-buck’ factor. Your move, Ford.

View Our Chevy Camaro Inventory

For nearly 60 years, the Corvette has reigned as America’s sports car. Through decades of constant engineering and design innovation, Chevy has held fast to the Corvette’s original mission statement: Wrap uncompromising performance and unrivaled value in a sleek, lightweight body that’s instantly recognizable on roads and tracks around the world. For 2011, the Chevy Corvette stays true to its heritage. As Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com put it, “Drivers experience awesome V8 power, amazing handling and an interior filled with more creature comforts than some luxury cars.”

Since its inception, the Corvette has stared down all challengers, mixing reliable American muscle with track-honed handling and braking to meet or beat the performance of elite sports cars from Europe and Japan. Even better for buyers, the Corvette gets the job done at a fraction of the cost of its competition. This year, the 2011 Corvette offers even greater refinement, increased standard content, new colors and more personalization choices throughout a broad model line that includes the Corvette coupe and convertible, Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible, Corvette Z06 and the limited-availability Corvette ZR1 supercar.

Chevy calls the Corvette Coupe (MSRP $48,950) the “essential Corvette,” the modern distillation of those core elements brought together when the first Corvette roared to life almost six decades ago.

The All-American Street-to-Track Sports Car Serves Up Power and Value at Every Level.

Today, the source of that roar is a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 making 430 hp and 424 lb/ft of torque. It powers the new Coupe from zero-to-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Keep your foot to the floor at the track and you can expect to reach a top speed of 190 mph. Even more astounding, when outfitted with the standard short-throw six-speed manual (with launch control) gearbox, the Coupe returns an incredible 26 mpg on the highway, better than six-cylinder competitors like the Porsche 911 Targa 4S (25 mpg). An available “dual-mode” exhaust system increases horsepower to 436 and torque to 428 lb/ft.

Standards on the Coupe include leather seats, a removable roof panel, xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, Active Handling stability control, four-wheel antilock brakes, run-flat tires, 12 airbags, traction control and OnStar with the Directions and Connections Plan free for six months. Put your personal stamp on the Coupe by selecting from the wide range of available options including a six-speed paddleshifting automatic transmission, chrome wheels, a transparent removable roof panel and the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, which stiffens suspension capability for twisty roads while providing a more compliant ride for city driving and freeways.

Sharing the same LS3 V8 as the Coupe, the Corvette Convertible (MSRP $53,600) adds open-air exhilaration to the Corvette’s performance, handling and fuel economy equation. The Convertible shares the same standard equipment as its coupe sibling, which also includes XM Radio (with a free three-month subscription), dual-zone climate control and keyless access with pushbutton start.

A power-operated convertible top is available (a manual top comes standard), and lowers in just 18 seconds. A new blue top color is available this year. For the ultimate in grand-touring luxury, select the audio system with touchscreen navigation or the Custom Leather Wrapper Interior Package with your choice of contrast stitching in blue, red or yellow.

The Grand Sport Coupe (MSRP $54,790) takes its name from the storied Corvettes that competed in international endurance racing back in the 1960s. Delivering the ultimate combination of performance and handling, the new Grand Sport combines the LS3 V8 from the Coupe (and its 26 highway mpg rating) with a wider track and body styling, wider wheels and tires and a racing suspension. Its performance enhancements make it a worthy heir and a track day star. Wider fenders, the Z06’s upgraded brakes, which feature functional ducts for extra cooling, and revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring settings are all part of the package. Of the Corvette Grand Sport Coupe, Car and Driver magazine said, “Like all Corvettes, it has strong grip and excellent midrange power with the added bonus of the Z06’s stunning brakes.” How often do you hear the word “stunning” used to describe brakes?

The Corvette Grand Sport Convertible (MSRP $58,600) lets you feel the sun on your face while pulling 1g on the skidpad or tearing off runs from zero-to-60 in four seconds flat. If you think that sounds like a bit of heaven on Earth, you’re in good company; Grand Sport models made up around half of all coupe sales and 70 percent of Corvette convertible sales last year.

Thanks in part to its aluminum frame and select carbon fiber composite components, the Z06 (MSRP $74,305) is the lightest model in the lineup at 3,175 pounds. Combine less mass with a 7.0-liter LS7 aluminum-block V8 making 505 hp and 470 lb/ft of torque and you get a Corvette that charges to a top track speed of 198 mph. For 2011, Z06 models come standard with new exhaust tuning and new, second generation Goodyear® Eagle® F1 Supercar tires. Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) is also newly available. Upgraded brakes that include monoblock six-piston front calipers are onboard to tame that ferocious velocity. The available Z07 Performance Package adds MSRC, larger rims, active dampers and Brembo® carbon-ceramic brakes while the CFZ Carbon Fiber Package delivers rocker extensions, a front splitter and a full-width rear spoiler.

Of all the honors earned by the mighty and exclusive Corvette ZR1 (MSRP $111,100), perhaps the greatest is this: With a top speed of 205 mph, it’s the fastest production car Chevrolet has ever made. Give a huge chunk of the credit to the ZR1’s 6.2-liter LS9 supercharged and intercooled V8 engine, which cranks out a heart-fluttering 638 hp and 604 lb/ft of torque. A lightweight aluminum frame shared with the famed Corvette C6.R racecar also deserves a healthy share of the acclaim. There is one other accolade that should be mentioned, however. When the ZR1 took on the fastest (and most expensive) sports cars in the world in Car and Driver magazine’s 2010 Lightning Lap Competition at Virginia International Raceway, it drove away the overall winner.

From open-air grand touring to track day domination, only one range of sports cars bests all contenders, regardless of price. That’s the 2011 Chevy Corvette model line.

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Sometimes, even the engineers can feel the vibe in their bones. When Chevy introduced the newly redesigned Equinox crossover last year, word spread that its designers were confident they had a winner on their hands. Month after month of record sales in what many call the most competitive segment in the business have transformed their intuition into cold, hard fact. Closing out 2010, Equinox sales jumped 79 percent for the month of December. For 2011, the new Chevy Equinox looks to keep customer demand booming with greater value, increased standard content, FlexFuel capability and a special Appearance Package meant to celebrate the spring season.

The new Equinox gathers awards at the same rapid pace as it draws buyers. Straight out of the box, Consumer’s Digest magazine named the Equinox a 2010 “Best Buy” while AutoPacific anointed it “Best in Class Ideal Vehicle” in the Premium Midsize Crossover SUV category. Awards aside, the one honor that likely resonates strongest with buyers is the 2011 Chevy Equinox’s status as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment – four-cylinder models post an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway. That’s better than even the Ford Escape Hybrid, which is listed at 31 mpg highway.

Chevy offers the five-seat Equinox (MSRP starting at $22,745) in four trims: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ.

Regardless of model, the standard engine is Chevy’s hyper-efficient 2.4-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder. Making 182 hp and featuring Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI), the ECOTEC four sends power to the front wheels through a six-speed electronic automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. When you’re looking to maximize fuel economy, simply push the ECO button mounted on the dash. The result is a gas-saving alteration in the transmission’s shift patterns that lets you travel up to 600 highway miles between fill-ups.

Also available is a 3.0-liter V6 good for 264 hp and 222 lb/ft of torque. For 2011, the V6 is now E85 FlexFuel compatible, meaning it can run on gasoline or any gasoline/ethanol blend up to 85 percent ethanol. The boost in power from the V6 also helps to crank up the Equinox’s maximum towing capacity from 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds.

Chevy also ratchets up the safety quotient by equipping all Equinox models with six airbags and the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and rollover mitigation. The Equinox’s suite of standard driver-assistance technology also includes Variable Assist Power Steering, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Hill Start Assist.

The new Equinox added yet another accolade to its resume this past year when it earned an Interior of the Year Award for trucks under $39,999 from Ward’s Auto World. Comfort, ergonomics, design harmony and quality of materials were all cited as standout attributes. Another factor passengers are sure to appreciate is the spaciousness provided by the MultiFlex sliding 60/40-split rear seat, which travels nearly eight inches fore and aft creating best-in-class rear-seat legroom. Pushing the MultiFlex seat forward and folding it flat delivers 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Equinox also takes value to an award-winning level, boasting an abundance of standard amenities. The LS model delivers cruise control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, XM Radio with a three-month trial subscription, a compass display and a Driver Information Center. You also get OnStar with the Directions and Connections plan free for six months.

Stepping up to the 1LT model garners such standards as Bluetooth connectivity (optional on the LS), a USB port, body-colored and heated outside mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with audio controls.

The 2LT increases the bounty with foglamps, heated front seats, a 250-watt Pioneer Premium Sound System, an eight-way power driver’s seat, remote vehicle start and an auto-dimming rearview mirror that incorporates a Rearview Camera System.

The LTZ gathers all these standards and adds highline items such as perforated leather seating and a segment-exclusive programmable power liftgate. You also get Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (available on the 2LT), which uses sensors in the rear bumper to trigger an audio alert when you get too close to stationary objects.

The range of optional equipment on the Equinox is equally impressive. Choose the TouchScreen Navigation System and you get XM NavTraffic with live traffic reports (includes three-month trial subscription). The Rear-Seat Entertainment System offers dual DVD screens with two wireless headphones for watching movies or playing video games.

The optional Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile turns the Equinox into a mobile hotspot for Internet access up to 150 feet away from the vehicle. Available on the LTZ model, the limited Spring Special Package combines a premium Espresso Brown exterior color and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

The engineers at Chevy felt sure they had a winner when they designed the Equinox, and record-breaking sales along with a slew of industry awards certainly validates their confidence. Come enjoy the fruits of their labor with a test drive of the new 2011 Chevy Equinox.

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