Lingenfelter Collection Tour Popular with Cruisers!

Lingenfelter Collection

Lingenfelter Collection

In honor of the week of Woodward Dream Cruisin', and in an effort to raise funds for the Open Hands Food Pantry of Royal Oak, Michigan, the Lingenfelter Collection held an open house last Friday, August 19. Although not so well known as other Michigan based automotive collections, this assembly of automobiles is refreshing and simply wonderful.

We were told that there are 196 cars in the complete collection, although only about 130 were on hand. But what an amazing 130 they were! Spread out through three adjoining showrooms, we saw excellent examples of Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Vector, Camaro, Mustang, Bugatti, and numerous muscle and classic cars. I took special interest in the modifications provided by both Lingenfelter and Callaway.

For me, the most special treat were the two examples of Reeves Callaway's Speedsters. However, the Bugatti Veyron and the Lambo Reventon (both valued in the millions) were certainly head turners, as well.

The collection is not open to the general public, so there is no posted admittance fee, as at a museum. To get in, you have to be part of a group, using the collection as a background to raise funds for charity. That said, if you get an opportunity to see this special collection, don't miss out.

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Volt review car in my driveway as a personal challenge. My goal: Use the Volt for a week without burning a drop of gasoline. Not one drop. I succeeded.

The car was delivered from Boston with the lithium-ion battery pack completely discharged. The Volt uses its battery to power its electric drive unit. Fully charged, the battery should take you between 25 to 50 miles. The best I managed was 42 miles on one trip, with some battery life left when I arrived home.

Once the battery power is gone, the 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine starts. But this engine does not drive the Volt directly, as is the case in most hybrids. Instead, it spins a generator that delivers electricity to the electric drive unit. I plugged the Volt into standard 120-volt AC outlet. Ten hours and 13.52 kilowatt hours later, the battery was fully charged.

Chevy Cruze ekes out 42 mpg

Chevy Cruze

With a manual transmission, turbocharged engine, and front-wheel drive, you would expect a fast little canyon carver. But the Cruze Eco takes these standard features of the tuner set and turns them into hypermiler gear.

A miracle of turbocharging, the little 1.4-liter engine cranks out 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The Cruze Eco should help debunk the idea that good fuel economy means a gutless car. With that engine and a few tricks to shave weight and reduce drag, the Cruze Eco boasts a 42-mpg highway figure.

Chevy lets the car down a bit in the cabin tech department. The Cruze Eco can be had with the basics, such as iPod support and a Bluetooth phone system, but no onboard navigation system. Instead, Chevy expects OnStar to fill navigation and other connected-car needs for buyers. However, you can use the OnStar app to remotely start the car and unlock the doors.

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of General Motors’ full-size SUVs which takes most of its components from the GMC Yukon. Originally marketed as the Chevrolet K-Blazer, the Tahoe become its own entity in 1995 after the GMC K-5 Jimmy took on the Yukon name in 1992. The current Chevrolet Tahoe is powered by a choice of four dissimilar engines. The first is a 4.8L V8 engine producing 295hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. The second engine is a 5.3L V8 delivering 320hp and 340 lb-ft or torque and the third is a 6.2L V8 producing 395 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. The last engine option is the newest and part of the rising awareness to be environmentally conscious: a 6.0L V8/electric hybrid engine producing 332hp and 367 lb-ft of torque.

The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid came out astatine the tail end of 2007 and featured two-mode hybrid technology optimized for city and highway driving. The first mode allowed the driver to operate the vehicle astatine low speeds and low loads with the use of electric power only, engine power only or in any combining of engine and electric power. The second mode is used primarily for highway speeds with the reward of using the full eight-cylinder engine power when the conditions demand it.

This type of technology is much essential for an SUV’s survival in the more environment –friendly world we ar becoming. This is why GeigerCars has gone a step further by transforming this two-mode into a tri-mode with the use of an LPG system. This LPG is the best environmental alternative to petrol and diesel fuel. Its gas tank holds 109 liters to allow the Tahoe Hybrid to travel adequate distances. The current price for LPG also allows for a cost reduction of 50% in comparison to other fuels. Geiger Cars is charging 56,000 Euros for Chevrolet Tahoe with an additional 4,000 Euros for the actual installation of the LPG system in Munich.

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid runs on a 6.0-Liter-V8 engine that produces 332 PS at 5,100 rpm and 498 Nm at 4,100 rpm paired to a four-stage automatic gear shift control system with overdrive.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

A few weeks back, we showed you the next-gen GMC Sierra 1500 half-ton. This time, it's the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.A significant influence for the future Silverado is likely to be the 2003 Chevrolet Cheyenne concept pickup. Its breakthrough styling was based on past Chevy trucks that included the 1955 Cameo, 1972 C10 Cheyenne and 1988 C/K Silverado, because each of those trucks shared a "common design vocabulary that was pure in form and purpose," according to GM.

We've also heard buzz about a new production vehicle that might shape the Silverado's skin: the Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro combines retro styling with aggressive modern cues to create a unique shape in that long-running sports car's heritage. It's finding its way into other vehicles, too. The upcoming replacement for the Chevrolet Malibu full-size sedan will show off elements of Camaro in its taillights and C-pillar. So, with both the Cheyenne and Camaro in mind, here's a potential styling direction the Silverado could take that makes it more aggressive than today's truck while carrying forward traditional Chevy truck DNA.

We're told by sources that the Silverado will look significantly more different from GMC Sierra than it does today.A sleeker exterior is expected to contribute to improved gas mileage. GM is also studying whether automatically opening and closing the grille inlets of its full-size pickups could improve aerodynamics and mileage.

Powertrain improvements are expected to include wide use of direct injection across the Silverado's engine lineup, including, we're told, a (maybe 7.0-liter?) new large-displacement V-8 gas engine. GM's next-generation full-size hybrid technology will also arrive by 2013, with stronger, more efficient electric motors and batteries, giving the gas-electric trucks up to 50 percent better towing capacity.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

ECO is based on the all-new, 2013 Malibu sedan, which will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Sales of the new Malibu begin with the ECO model in the United States in early 2012. The Malibu LS, LT and LTZ trim level offerings join the ECO in summer 2012. Pricing will be announced later.

"The Chevrolet Malibu ECO is a smart choice for customers who want excellent fuel economy without the price premium of popular hybrid sedans," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "The Malibu ECO's 38-mpg highway estimate is comparable with those hybrids."

Malibu's eAssist system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop functionality. It is efficiently sized, weighing only 65 pounds (29 kg).

Chevrolet Malibu ECO also features an aerodynamic 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. These enhancements increase aerodynamic efficiency to boost fuel economy.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ, which will have its global premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show. Chevy will also unveil the new 2013 Malibu on its Facebook page, on April 18th at 8:30 p.m. EDT. In the USA, Chevrolet will premiere its new 2013 Malibu at the New York International Auto Show, on April 23rd.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is truly a global model, as GM plans to sell it all over the world, including America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Even though the 2013 Malibu is designed to have a global appeal, Chevrolet says it was inspired by the European market.

The new 2013 Chevy Malibu will come with revised four-cylinder engines, mated to six-speed transmissions. GM promises the new powertrains of the Malibu will be even more efficient than before.

General Motors hopes the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will meet the demands of the upper-medium segment and its younger customers, who're looking for dynamic styling, superior handling and good mileage.

2013 Chevrolet Colorado

2013 Chevrolet Colorado

2013 Chevrolet Colorado, a prototype of which also makes a cameo in the video. Judging by the chunky-looking running boards and solid rear axles, these prototypes are definitely SUVs and not tall cars. The heavily camouflaged vehicles appear to be tall and very square in appearance, and the shape of the Chevrolet grille appears pominently despite efforts to conceal its identity. Inside Line speculates that the finished product will likely hit the world stage in the next year, with production likely for 2013, though just because these prototypes were spotted around Detroit is no guarantee that the model will find its way into U.S. showrooms.

Chevy brings to the table a wide range of models that are capable of taking over the road in several different ways. When it comes to power, we all know about the trucks. Brute. Tough. Power. If it’s turbocharged enthusiasm, both the Corvette and Cobalt seem to rustle up plenty of interest. We’re talking about serious versatility, but what else should you expect in what is seen as the “All-American brand?” Chevy Spoilers are versatile as well, shotgunning some fast style to a whole assortment of vehicles. CARiD.com offers a supersonic selection geared towards more models than anywhere else and at the highest level of quality in existence. JSP America, Elite Spoilers, California Dreams, RK Sport and more are on hand to round out our top-of-the-line inventory!

Here’s what we’ll do. First, you check out the custom Chevy Spoiler for your vehicle. You’ll like what you see. Then decide how you want it, painted or un-painted. We’ll make sure you’re getting the exact OEM match in both color and size. After that, we’ll ship it out ASAP so you can get your hands on it right away in order to pump up your ride’s image. It’s an easy process that guarantees satisfaction! Don’t leave it to amateurs when it comes to outstanding service. Your Chevy Spoiler is always in the spotlight at CARiD.com!

2013 Chevrolet Corvette

2013 Chevrolet Corvette

2013 Chevrolet Corvette

2013 Chevrolet Corvette

2013 Chevrolet Corvette

If you like today's Chevrolet Corvette, a.k.a. C6, you should like the next one. That's because the upcoming C7, which reportedly starts production in April 2012 for model-year '13, is shaping up as a lighter, more-aerodynamic C6. The object: Better fuel economy to help Chevy and parent General Motors meet tough new federal mpg standards.

If emphasizing fuel efficiency seems odd for this muscular all-American sports car, consider that the post-bankruptcy GM is still 61-percent owned by the government--meaning us taxpayers--so it's under pressure to show some social responsibility in most everything it does, not least in the kinds of vehicles it sells. Showing fiscal prudence is another of GM's new musts, and that's why C7 will not be the racy high-tech, mid-engine V6 Corvette that was being eyed pre-bankruptcy. That plan has necessarily been deferred by more urgent priorities and by development costs GM can't afford now, so it's still years from reality--we'd guess model-year 2018 at the earliest. Even then, it's not a sure thing. Though GM has all but promised a production midships Corvette with the C8, enthusiasts have been hearing that line since the 1960s, so there's reason for skepticism.

New-Car Reviews

The C7 may be the "last of the traditional, old-style Corvettes," as a GM official recently confided to AutoWeek magazine, but it won't soft-pedal performance. Indeed, sources say the redesigned models will not only add horsepower, as new Vettes usually do, but drop some 300 pounds in curb weight versus comparable C6s. The engines themselves remain classic overhead-valve Chevy "small-block" V8s, but there's talk of displacement being reduced as another mpg enabler, though sources are not agreed on that point. Styling, of course, is vital to Corvette's persona, and that should be another C7 attraction. In fact, the new look reportedly borrows many cues from the menacing 2009 Stingray Concept that played Autobot Sideswipe in "Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen." Among those elements is a retro "boat-tail" treatment for the hatchback coupe, complete with a split rear window a la the iconic 1963 Corvette Sting Ray [sic] coupe.

2013 Chevrolet Avalanche

2013 Chevrolet Avalanche

Avalanche can survive when Chevrolet redesigns the full-size pickup truck collection in the year 2013. The bodywork design will not be changed considerably through the years; mainly only minimal aesthetic things. If that is correct that GM intends to come out with the Avalanche, there is absolutely no purpose to anticipate any kind of significant bodywork design modifications for the 2013 product.

The 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche will be for sale in 2 different versions, with 2 different engines: a 5.3 L Vortec V8 having active fuel administration which generates 320 horsepower and a 6.0 L V8 which highs out at 366 horsepower. Active Fuel Management basically is the term for GM’s engineering that enables cylinders to avoid consuming fuel under light load, highway circumstances. Drive trains may be back wheel drive or all wheel drive

Safety features for the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche consist of ABS, an electric train engine immobilizer anti-theft device, de-powered front air bags which release with much less force in less serious accident situations, a robbery monitoring system, front and back up air bags, side drape air bags having rollover sensing unit, as well as optionally available back auto parking indicator and On Star. Federal Crash tests awarded the Avalanche in the past, with the greatest safety score possible for frontal accident, for both the driver and the passenger.

The Chevrolet Avalanche has already established a good lifetime, specifically for this type of design. The mixture of a comfy, dependable riding SUV having space for 6 people as well as the capacity to become transformed into a full sized pickup truck gained this car’s a lot of devoted customers. It simply didn’t have the bulk market attractiveness that the producer views it as crucial.

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

With the recent unveiling of the Aveo RS concept at the Detroit Auto Show and spy shots of Chevrolet's diminutive hatch testing in Michigan, Chevy is obviously prepping all-new Aveo for prime time. And judging by these pics procured by KickingTires after a presentation by Bob Lutz, the Aveo is getting a much-needed makeover both inside and out.

With a front end that stays true to the RS, along with a set of bulging fenders and an artfully carved swage line, the 2012 Aveo is a dramatic departure from the budget-conscious model roaming the streets today. Coupled with a thoroughly revised interior, complete with upgraded materials and the RS' motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster, the Aveo has its sights set squarely on the new Ford Fiesta, particularly when it arrives in five-door form.

Pricing remains a question mark, but we'd suspect all the details to be revealed before the end of the year, with sales starting sometime in 2011.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet today revealed the Colorado Show Truck in advance of the Bangkok International Auto Show, where it is making its global public debut. The concept previews the next-generation Colorado midsize pickup truck, which will build on Chevrolet’s strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage. The Colorado goes on sale in Thailand later this year.

The Colorado show truck’s purposeful design conveys strength through bodywork that appears tightly wrapped over the chassis and a wide, confident stance. In the front, Chevrolet’s internationally recognized gold bowtie and dual-port grille are framed by large headlamps that flow into the front fenders, and an extractor vent on the hood.

“Around the globe, pickup trucks are associated with strength, capability and function – and that’s exactly what the Colorado show truck embodies,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design. “Its broad-shouldered proportions are derived from nearly a century of Chevrolet truck heritage.”Pepperdust Metallic exterior paint is accented with polished aluminum details in the fascias, as well as integrated side steps and black-masked projector-style headlamps with LED lighting elements. At the rear is a full-width LED-lit taillamp, which creates a striking appearance when illuminated.

Additional exterior details include:

* A streamlined “cab collar” design with a body-color hard tonneau cover on the bed

* Gray accents on the side, front and rear lower moldings

* 20-inch aluminum wheels featuring a “liquid metal” finish, with Stone Gray color wheel ports

* Cooper 285/50R20 ZEON LTZ tires

* Outside mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators.

Inside, there’s another signature Chevrolet cue: a dual-cockpit instrument panel design. It flows into the doors, with continuous lines that create a floating, wraparound effect, amplifying the Colorado’s feeling of spaciousness. Ice-blue lighting and high-quality, “double-faced” leather-trimmed seats add sophistication and refinement.“The interior is designed to deliver a premium and inviting environment, with a greater feeling of spaciousness than is typically found in midsize trucks,” said Welburn. “There’s also great attention to detail in the execution of the features you see and feel.”

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

2011 Chevrolet Cruze BTCC

 We provide information for Chevrolet Cruze built by RML for Dunlup MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with driver line-up will include Jason Plato and Alex MacDowall. RML which also constructs and runs the title-winning Chevrolet World Touring Cars.2011, the series sees a record grid, with 27 cars confirmed and 13 different models of car. As well as the manufacturer-backed Silverline Chevrolet team, a further three Chevrolets are running as privateer entries, proof that the brand’s racing DNA runs deep through motorsport.

Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry, said: “Last year I had great pride in seeing the Chevrolet Cruze winning the BTCC driver’s title in its first full season, and this year I can’t wait to once again see the Cruze leading rival models around the track. We’ve got a great team behind us, and we’re extremely excited about our prospects for 2011. It’s Chevrolet’s centenary year, we have four major new model launches, and it’s important that our long tradition of motorsport is part of what will be one of the most significant years in our company’s history.”

The series will also benefit from additional TV coverage in 2011, announced at the media day. As well as the usual live raceday coverage on ITV4, the station will be broadcasting high definition coverage on its new ITV4 HD Channel, while live qualifying coverage will be streamed live from the ITV Sport website.

Chevy Volt v. Nissan Leaf, According to Someone Who Owns Both

Chevy Volt

Chevy Volt

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf

If you're a consumer who is in the market for one of the revolutionary new plug-in vehicles that have hit the mainstream -- the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf -- you might want to separate the truth from spin. Generally, there are two sources for information on new cars. The first is the companies that make them, which are hopelessly in favor of their model. Then, there are the various reviewers, who often have a limited exposure to the vehicles and may even have some biases for or against certain automakers. Wouldn't it be great to hear from a green vehicle enthusiast who has actually purchased both?

George Parrott did just that. He owns a Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf and has compared and contrasted the vehicles in a editorial at Foxnews.com. Here's a glimpse, where he explains when driving each vehicle makes the most sense:

2012 Chevrolet Sonic mpg

2012 Chevrolet Sonic mpg

2012 Chevrolet Sonic mpg

2012 Chevrolet Sonic mpg

Detroit Auto Show, General Motors yanked back the sheets on its newest sub-compact from Chevrolet; the 2012 Sonic. The five-door hatch and four-door sedan models will be available with either a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional turbo'd 1.4-liter mill that can be ordered up with either a five-speed manual trans or a six-speed slushbox. At the time of the unveiling, GM was mum on the Sonic's estimated miles per gallon rating but The General is now ready to talk a little mpg.

The automaker is saying that the 2012 subcompact Sonic will achieve up to 40 mpg highway when it hits the market this fall. Though none of the numbers have been finalized by the EPA, GM's projected mileage figures seem highly likely considering that the Sonic packs the same powertrains as the heftier Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze, which is rated at 24/36 mpg city/highway, obviously outweighs the Sonic and, therefore, we expect it to be the less fuel efficient vehicle of the two.

For the sake of comparison, the outgoing Aveo, equipped with a manual trans, achieved an EPA rating of 25/35 mpg city/highway. The Sonic's 40-mpg rating would place it on par with the Ford Fiesta and ahead of both the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris. Hat tip to Darin!