Friday, October 21, 2011

Chevy Spark and park EV Ready for 2012 Models Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

Chevy Spark and Spark EV Ready to Ignite City-car Segment

by Chevrolet in the News on October 14, 2011
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For a small car, the new Chevy Spark is set to attract a large range of drivers: First-time buyers, city dwellers and electric-vehicle supporters—and consumers who are all of the above—should all be flocking to Chevrolet dealerships when the brand’s new city car makes its debut beginning next year.
The four-seat, five-door hatchback is just a few inches longer than the Fiat 500, but it will be packed with features and content, including, in key markets, an available all-electric powertrain. And notably, that propulsion system will boast an advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack from the proven EV-battery experts at A123 Systems.
“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. “It complements Chevrolet’s growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology.
“The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet’s plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world.”
But the gas-only Spark will be plenty efficient, too, thanks to a peppy 1.2-liter I4 engine that makes 83 hp in its North American configuration, mated to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available automatic. Also in the mix will be standard peace-of-mind features like an extensive powertrain warranty and GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system, as well as available upscale amenities such as a color touch-screen audio setup, Chevrolet’s MyLink connectivity system with Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio, Bluetooth functionality, chrome exterior accented, alloy wheels and heated “leatherette” seats.
As a result, “For young, urban dwellers, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark can be their key to the city,” according to Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a statement, but it is a practical car, too. Affordable, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient, Spark will be easy to own and easy to drive.”
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark will make its U.S. debut at November’s L.A. International Auto Show then reach Chevy dealerships in 2012; per General Motors, the Spark EV “will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013.”

Camaro ZL1 Convertible Ready For Spring Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

Camaro ZL1 Convertible Ready to Power up the Top-down Fun

by Chevrolet in the News on October 14, 2011

Fresh from posting a Nurburgring lap time of just 7:41.27—nearly 40 seconds faster than the modern-day Camaro SS and quicker than supercars like the Porsche 911 GT3 and Nissan GT-R—the high-performance Camaro ZL1 will soon set another benchmark: Already the most powerful production Camaro ever, the ZL1 is now slated to launch as the most powerful Chevrolet convertible ever. In fact, with the same supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 as the coupe, rated at 580 hp and 556 lb.-ft. of torque, the ZL1 convertible will deliver more power than exotic drop-tops from a lot of manufacturers, including entries like the 2012 Aston Martin DB9 Volante and Mercedes SL63 AMG, as well as the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ford Shelby GT500.
Simply put, according to Al Oppenheiser, the Camaro’s chief engineer: “The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable convertibles available at any price. This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top—or hit the gas.”
That’s partly because Oppenheiser and his team specifically designed the current Camaro’s body structure to provide superior convertible performance right from the start, then added significant bracing and reinforcements to up the ante even further. But not only do these improvements reduce the unwanted body motions that plague many other open-air cars, they also reduce noise and vibration in the ZL1 convertible to create a more satisfying driving experience.
Of course, it also helps that the ZL1 coupe and convertible have some of the most sophisticated vehicle-performance systems in the world. Both showcase the latest generation of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, which can adjust damping up to 1,000 times per second, as well as the company’s exclusive Performance Traction Management system. The latter integrates Magnetic Ride Control, launch control, traction control, and electronic stability control for dramatically enhanced off-the-line acceleration and cornering.
The new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 drop-top is scheduled to go on sale early next year—just in time for the 2012 convertible season.