Paul Tan's Automotive News » Chevrolet

Holden VF Commodore to be the Chevrolet SS in the US

Anthony Lim — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:36:09 +0000

Australia is set to export a car model to the US next year – the yet-to-be-launched Holden VF Commodore is set to make its way into the North American market as the new Chevrolet SS performance sedan.

The limited-production derivative of the VF will also become Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar, debuting in its race configuration at the Daytona 500 in 2013. When the car arrives, it will be the first time in 17 years that Chevy will be offering a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the US.

Holden, of course, is no stranger to the North American market – the company was responsible for the design and engineering of the Chevrolet Camaro, while the VE Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8, and it is currently exporting the Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicle to the US.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Trax – small SUV to join the fold in Paris

Anthony Lim — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:54:15 +0000

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Chevrolet is set to add a new small sport utility vehicle to its model lineup later this year. Called the Trax, the SUV will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The company hasn’t divulged any specific details about the muscular-looking offering, beyond saying that it’ll offer a generous cargo space and feature an interior executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.

The five-seater will be a global offering, and will be sold in more than 140 markets globally, with market debuts set to begin next year. More on the Trax as it gets closer to Paris, undoubtedly.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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New Chevrolet Impala full-size sedan unveiled in New York

Danny Tan — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:24:05 +0000

Last week, we saw the new Toyota Avalon, which shed its old man image in two strikes – “emotionally styled exterior design” and “improved dynamic performance”. It wasn’t the only new full-sized car debuting in NYC though, you’re looking at the 2014 all-new Chevrolet Impala that will battle the Avalon.

Like the Avalon, the Impala features striking new sheetmetal that represents the next evolution of Chevrolet’s design vocabulary. So brace yourselves for more Chevys looking like this, a “luxury Camaro saloon”, if there’s such a thing.

“Our design team was challenged to create a new classic, but that didn’t mean relying on nostalgia. This is very much a contemporary car, with design elements, craftsmanship and attention to detail that complement its advanced technology and performance,” said said John Cafaro, director of North America passenger car exterior design.

A package of sound-absorbing, sound-suppressing and even active noise cancellation (on four-cylinder models) contributes to the 2014 Impala being Chevrolet’s quietest full-size sedan ever. For those not used to the US size chart, the Corolla/Civic/Cruze class is “compact”, while the Camry/Accord class is labeled as “midsize”. In that fierce battleground, GM has the Malibu.

The 2014 Impala will be powered by three engines. An Ecotec 2.4L works with the eAssist system to provide electrical assist in certain conditions to help save fuel. It is estimated at 182 hp. The Ecotec 2.5L is part of a new family of four-cylinder engines developed with increased efficiency and greater refinement. This one is estimated at 195 hp. A 3.6L V6 with roughly 303 hp tops the range. All engines come with a six-speed automatic.

Driver assistance systems include full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert. 10 airbags and OnStar will also be available.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Colorado launched – 2.5L and 2.8L from RM90k

Danny Tan — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:14:01 +0000

Naza Quest officially launched the Chevrolet Colorado pick-up truck yesterday night. The Colorado, which is made by GM in Rayong, Thailand, rolls in with two engine options (2.5L and 2.8L Duramax diesels) and two gearbox choices (5 M/T and 6 A/T). Only the double cab is available, and only in 4X4.

The three variant range starts with the 2.5 LT manual. This common-rail diesel unit makes 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, good enough to push the two-tonne truck from 0-100 km/h in 12.2 seconds. No automatic transmission option for the 2.5 litre engine – for a self shifting Colorado, one has to look at the 2.8L engine.

The 2.8L Duramax engine pushes out 180 hp and 440 Nm of twist from 2,000 rpm in the 2.8 LT manual. This one does the century sprint in 11.4 seconds.

The 2.8 LTZ automatic is the range topper, and the sole variant with an automatic transmission, which is a six-speeder with Shiftronic. The engine is not identical to the 2.8 manual’s – unlike the other two, this one is fitted with a variable geometry turbo. Power remains at 180 hp, but torque is bumped up to 470 Nm, the highest torque figure for a pick-up truck in Malaysia for now. 0-100 km/h is done in 10.2 seconds.

Spec wise, the LTZ trim of the 2.8 auto brings 17-inch alloys with 255/65 rubber (245/70 R16 for the rest), projector headlamps, power folding wing mirrors, fog lamp chrome garnish, LED tail lamps, roof rails, side steps, chrome gear knob, six-way powered driver’s seat, cruise control, auto door lock, buttons and leather on the steering and climate control. The latter is presented in a donut-style ring, while manual air-con continues with a three-dial layout.

Standard equipment across the board includes a USB/Bluetooth factory stereo, Driver Information Center, dual-airbags, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. The 2.8 auto adds on ESP and a list of acronyms. They are Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The Colorado is priced from RM90,267 for the 2.5 manual. The 2.8 manual goes for RM96,008 while the 2.8 auto will set you back RM106,008. All prices are OTR without insurance. Note that the outdoor pics in the gallery feature non-standard equipment for demo purposes.

We’ve driven the Colorado already – click here for a test drive report and full gallery.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Trailblazer makes world debut in Thailand

Anthony Lim — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:12:57 +0000

The Chevrolet Trailblazer made its world debut today at a special launch, breaking cover ahead of next week’s 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand.

First previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show, the D-segment Trailblazer – which is designed by the GM South America Design Center in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil – will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.

The SUV version of the Colorado pickup – which is set to be launched in Malaysia soon – will be available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, and will feature the Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel mills as found on the Colorado – the 2.8 litre VGT will offer 180 hp and 470 Nm (440 Nm with the manual transmission), while the 2.5 litre is good for 150 hp and 350 Nm.

Drivetrain choices are a five-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic featuring electronic shift-control with clutch-to-clutch capability and an electro-hydraulic control module.

Plenty in the way of active and passive safety features, with front airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist, traction control, EBD, hill start assist, hill descent control, engine drag control and dynamic rear brake proportioning in the list.

The interior of the seven-seater features light-coloured leather seats, which offer three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seat versatility. As for space, the company says the Trailblazer best-in-class spaciousness in the third row; it’s an authentic third row where people can sit comfortably over long trips, so it goes.

The second row 60/40 split seats offer fold-flat capability, as do the third row 50/50 split seats, making for a cavernous flat floor storage space if the need arises to haul cargo.

The Trailblazer will be available in two specification levels, a mid-level LT and a range-topping LTZ, with seven exterior colour choices, these being Summit White, Black Sapphire, Sizzle Red, Auburn Brown, Blue Mountain, Royal Gray and Switchblade Silver.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Trailblazer set to premiere in Thailand tomorrow – you can watch the debut live on the Internet

Anthony Lim — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:01:58 +0000

The new Chevrolet TrailBlazer is set to be unveiled in Thailand tomorrow, and the global debut of the SUV will be broadcast live via webcast, so you’ll be able to view the production version of the Trailblazer while it’s all hot and toasty.

The live coverage, which will also feature live and on-the-spot interviews with the attending media and visitors, will start from 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs, Thailand local time (GMT +7).

The SUV is breaking cover ahead of the upcoming Bangkok Motor Show, but is sure to be at the event, which starts place next week. The Trailblazer – essentially, the SUV version of the Colorado pick-up that we recently drove – arrives just four months after the show version made its debut at the Dubai International Motor Show.

All you’ll need to do is log on to the company’s Thai website, register in advance, and a reminder will be sent to the mobile devices of registered viewers prior to the event. Unless you’re fluent in Thai, you’ll probably need to enable the English option on the top of the site.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Captiva with G1M plates up to RM36k cheaper, this weekend only

Chris Ng — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:00:24 +0000

It looks like not only travel packages will be cheap as chips this weekend. NAZA Quest, the official Chevy distributor in Malaysia, is taking off RM30,000 to RM36,000 off the showroom sticker price of 40 selected Chevrolet Captiva SUVs.

So, the 2011 2.4 litre petrol Captiva can be yours for just RM133,888.00, the 2010 2.0 litre diesel Captiva is selling for RM120,088.00 and the 2010 2.4 petrol Captiva’s price is slashed to just RM105,888.00. Do note that the prices mentioned are without road tax and insurance.

But these cars aren’t new. They’re actually pre-registered with the G1M, or Gagasan 1 Malaysia, plates and were used for several international events, one of which is the 2011 F1 Malaysian GP. Look at the picture above to see if any of the plates take your fancy.

NAZA Quest says that all the cars have low mileage and are in pristine condition. In fact, each Captiva has gone through a 40-point check system. Icing on the cake is that these SUVs come with manufacturer’s warranty – always a nice thing to have.

The Captiva Carnival is on from today till Sunday, March 18; opening hours are from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. It is held in Kontena National Berhad, Batu 9, Jalan Klang Lama in PJ. You should be able to see it from the Federal Highway; it is next to GAB. Call 1-800-22-4389 if you need more info.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Camaro COPO – 69 units made for drag racing

Danny Tan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:13:59 +0000

Chevrolet will build 69 of these COPO Camaros for 2012, the brand’s first purpose-built Camaro drag-racing car designed to compete in the NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes. To give you an idea, national records for quarter-mile times in these contests are in the nine-second range.

The COPO Camaro concept was first shown at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, where the overwhelming response by more than 2,000 racing enthusiasts shaped the decision to make the car.

The 69-unit production for the COPO Camaro matches the number of “ZL-1″ COPO Camaros made in 1969. COPO stands for Central Office Production Order and was Chevrolet’s special-order system in used by dealers to build high-performance models in the 60s.

The new COPOs will be built using factory “body-in-white” body structures produced at the Ontario plant that manufactures regular Camaros. They are the same body-in-white body shells available to all racers under Chevrolet Performance part number 19243374.

Three racing-class engine are available, including a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L V8) and two supercharged 327 (5.3L V8) engines. The powerplants will be built at GM’s Performance Build Center, where the buyer can opt to participate in the engine assembly similar to Chevrolet’s Corvette Engine Build Experience and the Chevrolet Performance Build Your Own Crate Engine programs.

The engines will be paired to a Powerglide automatic transmission designed for drag racing. A special collector’s package offers all three engines with the COPO Camaro – including one installed in the car at delivery – with each engine serial number matched to the car.

NHRA racing spec means a solid axle and a full chrome moly roll cage. Inside, most of the standard sound deadening and power accessories have been deleted. Also included is a pair of racing bucket seats (no rear seats), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges. Prices starts at $89,000.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Cruze station wagon pops out before Geneva

Danny Tan — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:37:30 +0000

The Chevrolet Cruze range will welcome a new member come Geneva, and it’s this station wagon that will join the hatchback and sedan. The Cruze has been a global success for GM, with the range selling in excess of one million units since launch in 2009, and with this wagon, Chevy will be eyeing a bigger piece of Europe.

Engine wise, in addition to the current 1.6L and 1.8L petrols, a new 1.4L turbo petrol, a new 1.7L diesel and an improved 2.0L diesel engine have been added. The latter three come with start-stop tech as standard. All engines are Euro 5 compliant.

The Cruze station wagon, at 4,675 mm, is slightly longer than the sedan (4,597 mm). Load space ranges from 500 litres up to the window line in the rear to nearly 1,500 litres up to the roof with the rear seats folded down. Roof racks are standard.

The whole Cruze family gets some small changes for 2012. These include a remodeled front fascia, modified head-lamp interiors and fog lamps, and new wheel styles. Inside, Chevy says there are refinements to the center console and a greater choice of seat finishes. New Cruzes are equipped with keyless entry and start as well.

Also, a brand-new Chevrolet infotainment system called MyLink will be introduced in higher trim levels later this year. MyLink brings owners’ smartphone capabilities into the vehicle.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Colorado spotted being unloaded in Port Klang!

Anthony Lim — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:35:30 +0000

Well, it’s definitely turning out to be an eventful week, this, with the next new card to be opened being the Chevrolet Colorado.

Seems the pickup truck has arrived in town, fresh off the boat, quite literally. Reader Firdaus spotted a number of them being driven off a vessel towards a parking pen at Westport this morning, and duly took some photos of the process. Thanks, Firdaus!

The Chevrolet Colorado double cab pick-up truck, which was launched in Thailand in October last year, was supposed to have made its debut here in December 2011, but the flooding that hit the Kingdom up north pretty much put paid to Naza Quest’s plans for a 2011 introduction. Guess the wait for it to arrive is over, by the looks of it.

The Thai-made vehicle will be sold here in double cab form, with two trim levels, LT and the higher-spec LTZ, being offered. Two Duramax diesel mills will be available, the 2.8 litre with VGT offering 180 hp and 470 Nm and the 150 hp and 350 Nm 2.5 litre, with both auto and manual transmission options on call. We’ve already test driven the truck – read Danny’s musings on it, if you haven’t already.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Cruze – wagon to make Geneva debut

Anthony Lim — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:24:16 +0000

Click to enlarge.

Chevrolet will be debuting its wagon version of the Cruze at the Geneva show, and the vehicle is due to join the sedan and hatch models in the lineup within the next 12 months.

Not much details as yet, but the company says that the new wagon will feature generous storage space and a high level of standard and safety features. The exterior design features a tapering single arch roofline and comes with roof racks as standard, providing convenience while maintaining a poised and sporty look.

The wagon measures in at 4.67 metres long, slightly longer than the hatch (4.51 metres) and sedan (4.59 metres), and load space ranges from 500 litres up to the window line in the rear to nearly 1,500 litres up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Concepts for the young: Chevrolet Code 130R, Tru 140S

Danny Tan — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:31:46 +0000

Chevrolet has two interesting concepts for the Detroit show – Code 130R and Tru 140S – catered to the young. According to US census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30, representing 40% of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power. So it all makes sense.

Over the past year, Chevy has conversed with young consumers across America. The young say they want sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers, interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display, 40 MPG with a 1.4L Ecotec turbo with around 150 hp, and a price range in the low $20,000s.

In response, they came up with these two coupe concepts. Code 130R is the red one, a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Code 130R features “heritage performance-inspired styling” and rear-wheel drive. There’s also the Chevy crossflag emblem on the fender. Small RWD coupe playing on the word “heritage”, sounds a bit like an American Toyota GT 86!

The Tru 140S is a front-wheel-drive “affordable exotic” four-seat sporty coupe. Shown in an all-new matte white with chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze.

Which do you prefer, the “baby muscle car” or the “baby supercar”?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet MPV Concept unveiled at Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Paul Tan — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:21:53 +0000

General Motors India unveiled the Chevrolet MPV Concept at the 11th Auto Expo in New Delhi this week. The MPV Concept is a joint venture project between GM and SAIC, engineered for the B-segment MPV market in India and developed for emerging markets, which pretty much means it is a low cost Toyota Avanza/Nissan Grand Livina competitor.

GM’s India Technical Center worked with Lotus Engineering for about a year and a half to tune the chassis. The body and chassis uses high strength and ultra high strength steel for chassis stiffness and safety. It can seat ether 7 or 8 people in a flexi-seating setup.

Live photos by MotorBeam.com

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Sonic RS previewed ahead of Detroit, 1.4L turbo

Danny Tan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:04:17 +0000

At this year’s season opening Detroit show, Chevrolet unveiled its B-segment contender, the next gen Aveo called Sonic. The upcoming NAIAS 2012 will see the GM brand wheel out the hot version of the Sonic, tagged RS. To go on sale in late 2012, the Sonic RS will be offered exclusively in five-door hatchback form – no sedan RS.

Go faster kit includes front sport seats, a thicker steering wheel with flat bottom, a new shift knob, aluminum sport pedals, specific instrument panel graphics and RS-specific interior trim colour. Outside, the RS is set apart by a deep air dam design and vertical intakes at the edges of the fascia that house the fog lamps.

Under the hood, the RS will come with the same 1.4L Ecotec turbo that powers top spec Sonics. This 138 hp/200 Nm unit is matched with a six-speed manual or six-speed auto gearbox. Unique gear ratios for the stick shift and a different final drive ratio for the auto gives the Sonic RS a “sportier feel” than non-RS models.

The suspension combines front MacPherson struts and an axle-mount compound link-type torsion beam, with gas-charged shocks. Front and rear tracks are identical at 1,509 mm for well-planted stability and balance, Chevy says. The RS is the only Sonic variant with four-wheel disc brakes.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Trailblazer Show Car is looking good

Danny Tan — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:39:07 +0000

Here’s a video of the Chevrolet Trailblazer Show Car that made its debut at the recent Dubai Motor Show. The video shows gives us a 360 degree view of the SUV, both in and out.

The Trailblazer is a seven-seat SUV based on the brand’s Colorado pick-up truck, so it will share a market with the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which are based on the Hilux and Triton, respectively. The design was done at GM’s South American Design Centre, located in Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil, and it’s obvious that the production version will look very much like this, minus a few show car touches.

Powertrains will be shared with the Colorado, which means 2.5 and 2.8 Duramax diesels paired to manual or six-speed autos. One potential big selling point will be the rear suspension. Unlike its rivals, the Trailblazer is said to have coil springs plus multi-link rear suspension, promising better handling and comfort.

The Trailblazer will be made alongside the Colorado at GM’s Rayong, Thailand plant, so this could be a potential model for the Malaysian market. We will of course get the Colorado first next year. Read our test drive report of the Colorado here.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Colorado Test Drive Report from Chiang Rai

Danny Tan — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:25:11 +0000

There’s a new pick-up truck coming to town, and it’s the Chevrolet Colorado. The new Colorado was first previewed at the Bangkok Motor Show earlier this year in “Show Truck” guise, and had its world debut in September, appearing largely unchanged from the show car.

This will be General Motors’ first jab at the Malaysian pick-up truck market, but the previous gen Colorado has been selling for some time in Thailand now, where it’s made at the US company’s Rayong plant for local consumption and export.

We told you earlier that the Colorado will be launched by local distributor Naza Quest in December, but that’s been delayed due to the major floods that hit Thailand. The car hub of Rayong is dry, as are GM’s plant and adjacent new diesel engine facility, but various vendors haven’t been so lucky. No parts, no trucks!

Colorado Show Truck at the 2011 Bangkok Motor Show. Looks have been largely maintained

So it should be coming here next year, although no one knows exactly when in 2012. GM ASEAN boss Martin Apfel gives us examples of vendors with their entire factories submerged – some have send divers to retrieve GM moulds while others have had tools flown out by balloon! It’s clearly too early to tell when production be back running.

And bear in mind that this is for a company that’s relatively lightly hit by the disaster – when we were there late October to be the first international media group to test the Colorado in Chiang Rai, GM was one of only two companies still churning out cars in Thailand (the other is Mercedes) according to Apfel.

Continue reading the report after the jump.

But one thing’s for certain – the new Colorado WILL make it here, so let’s see what we can look forward to. This is an all new Colorado, unrelated to the previous model that was a sister to the Isuzu D-Max. As to questions whether this Colorado is “a clone” of the new D-Max, also recently released, GM says that they do share “basic underpinnings” but GM went its own direction very early in the day, and this is very much a GM product.

GM execs say that they have at disposal a very strong truck heritage and unique styling, and one shouldn’t mistake the Colorado for anything other than a Chevrolet truck. In any case, Isuzu is a truck expert as well, so there’s nothing substandard here.

I chanced on this photo of the new and old Colorados side by side, and it’s obvious that the new truck has grown in size by quite a bit.

This is not so much of a luxury but a necessity, since newer rivals such as the Mitsubishi Triton and the market leading Toyota Hilux have introduced us to larger rear quarters, making old timers like the current Ford Ranger and old D-Max/Colorado feel cramped at the back and with poor rear door access for double cabs.

Thailand will have the largest number of configurations that allows for various engine (new 2.5 and 2.8 Duramax diesels), transmission (5MT/6AT), driven wheels (2WD/4WD), stance (high/low) and body style (single, extended, crew) combos, but only the extended cab (some call it king cab, only Nissan sells it in Malaysia) were available in the media test drive.

This is because the extended cab is the first body style lined up for production, to be followed by the double cab. Then came the flood…

However, GM had a prototype crew cab (double cab) unit driven by the staff, and I sneaked into that car for a stint as rear passenger, since only the double cab will be coming to Malaysia. Space and comfort were impressive and far better than the old Colorado. Legroom is generous while headroom is adequate and the seat back is not too uncomfortably upright.

I also noticed that the seat height is not set too low, which can be the case when trying to maximise headroom. Ride comfort was also impressive, gone is the boat-like floaty ride of the old Colorado and D-Max. If all these were previously below par, the new Colorado is now up there with the best in the segment.

The 400 km route chosen by GM was very challenging and it was by far my most extensive and interesting drive in Thailand so far. We started at Chiang Rai airport, where I hopped into a 2.8L 2WD Manual high stance Colorado. Biggest engine, rear wheels only and stick shift proved to be highly entertaining in the snaky mountain roads that border Burma.

From the airport, we headed north on the main road in the direction of Mae Sai, turning left and up the mountains to have a lunch break at Doi Chang Moob. Up here, the Thai and Myanmar soldiers manning the posts play sepak takraw daily, overlooking what seemed like endless rolling hills on the Burmese side.

We also passed the Doi Tung Royal Villa and stopped for coffee and pretty little cakes at Sweet Mae Salong, situated in an ethnic Chinese town on the mountain range. After that it was down, up, down and up the hills again before the day ended at Phu Chaisai Resort. Great roads and great sights.

It was a very steep climb up the first leg, Genting style, but some hairpins were so steep that first gear was needed. It was hot and dry, but I was told that the Thai media had a harder time getting up there earlier – apparently it was fogging heavily and the Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts didn’t have enough purchase on the wet slopes.

Anyway, the new Duramax diesel engine pushes out 180 hp and 470 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm for the auto and 440 Nm for the manual. That’s a lot of twist to play with, enough to make it the strongest truck in Malaysia when it arrives.

I know it sounds anti social and hooliganish, but it couldn’t resist kicking out wheelspin in gears one and two, which was incredibly easy to do. The wheels also chirped and screeched around in the bends even though we weren’t pushing it to the max. Good entertainment. Might give some the secret pleasure of “taming a beast” too!

Now, I already can imagine some of our more sensible readers shaking their heads in disapproval, but the Colorado is not a truck that threatens to kill you and family in every corner, far from it. The Colorado 2.8 will be coming to Malaysia in top 4WD automatic LTZ spec, which means that Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard, the first truck in Malaysia to have the safety net.

The ESP here doesn’t sterilise the experience too much, it’ll only intervene when you’re looking for trouble, i.e. full throttle in mid corner. Good to have a safety net in case one gets too carried away with all that torque on foot. There’s also ABS, Traction Control and Panic Brake Assist.

The Colorado soaks up bumps pretty well, and feels much firmer than before, which is a good thing for both comfort and dynamics. The steering is also improved – more direct and better weighted, but could do with more feel.

The new Duramax engine is not the loudest around and it’s best to just enjoy the low down torque and short shift before 3,000 rpm. It feels quite pointless after that mark, and not very enjoyable too. This doesn’t detract from the overall performance though, it’s a diesel truck engine, not a BMW oil burner. There’s some expected initial lag before the truck powers forward with ahem, plenty of wheelspin if you wish.

Surprisingly, I found the manual only 2.5L Duramax, which puts out 30 hp and 90 Nm less at 150 hp/350 Nm no less enjoyable. Perhaps the initial surge isn’t so forceful, but there’s still more than enough go. It’s also harder to tell apart from the 2.8 as you’d expect, given the big on-paper difference. Plus, it’s smoother revving when extended and feels more balanced somewhat.

So it’s a pity that the 2.5 is exclusively paired to the five-speed manual, limiting the number of people that can enjoy it in Malaysia. The stick shift itself is decent to use although not best in class for feel – the gates are well defined but the throw is quite long and I found fifth to be quite tricky to find.

The six-speed automatic is very smooth and seamless in operation, although not the quickest in response, much like the ‘box in the Cruze. For this particular truck, my pick is the manual.

As for the cabin, there were some hits and misses, for me at least. No issues ergonomically, and the seats are quite comfy. But the “Camaro style” instruments are so highly stylised that I found the speedo to be quite hard to read at a glance – a combo of thick needle, number placement and small distance between markers see to that.

I also preferred the straight forward three-dial air con controls over the high spec car’s donut ring, which leaves plenty of empty space. It’s unique though, and some might find it cool. Noteworthy is the inclusion of a multi-info display between the dials, although browsing via the right stalk will take your hand off the wheel – not the most thoughtful of designs. Shouldn’t complain really, since it’s a rather exclusive feature in a truck.

The Chevrolet Colorado is a good truck, one that has distinctive style, plenty of kit in Malaysian bound LTZ spec, good comfort and space. We are also told that prices will undercut the market leader (that’s the Hilux, of course) despite the long kit list.

The Chevy will come with plenty of showroom appeal, and will make some rivals look very stingy indeed. However, the higher road tax of the 2.8L variant could be a potential issue, and since the 2.5L doesn’t come with an auto ‘box, Naza Quest can’t make it their star variant. It’s also a new segment for the brand in Malaysia, up against established players, so it won’t be a walk in the park.

Selamat datang Colorado! We’re also due to welcome the new Ford Ranger next year, so the pick-up truck segment is bound to get interesting in 2012!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet TrailBlazer show SUV breaks cover in Dubai

Anthony Lim — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:27:53 +0000

Chevrolet has debuted its all-new TrailBlazer – in show car form – at the Dubai International Motor Show. The global offering is essentially the SUV version of the recently introduced Colorado pick-up, with which it shares its architecture and underpinnings.

The TrailBlazer’s styling and bold design presence were crafted in GM’s South American Design Centre, located in Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil. The company says that the production form of the vehicle will bear a pretty close resemblance to the show vehicle. Given that the Colorado retained much of the looks previewed on the show truck version earlier in the year, it stands to reason the TrailBlazer should do the same.

The TrailBlazer offers seating for seven, with genuine third-row seating. Power comes courtesy of the 2.8 litre Duramax mill as seen on the Colorado – it features a variable-geometry turbocharger and balance shaft, and has 180 hp and 470 Nm of torque for numbers.

Design cues on the show car include a bonnet power dome, raised cowl and higher-mounted dual projector headlamps, while polished aluminium exterior highlights and tri-coat pearlescent white paint add to the vehicle’s luxury exterior finish.

Inside, the TrailBlazer has an intuitive and flexible seating configuration, premium interior appointments such as digital climate control system and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. In Australia, it will be badged as the Holden Colorado 7, and is set to make its market debut there in the first quarter of 2013, so Asean market countries can expect about a similar date of introduction.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Cruze and Captiva – promotion on both vehicles until Dec 31 in the Chevrolet Centennial Celebration

Anthony Lim — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:55:29 +0000

In conjunction with the Chevrolet Centennial Celebration, Naza Quest has announced a promotion for the Cruze sedan and Captiva SUV, which runs from now until December 31.

During the promo period, buyers of the Cruze, which is now available with a Jet Black interior with Titanium Stitching, will receive an in-dash DVD navigation unit, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, free with their Cruze purchase.

Meanwhile, new owners of the Captiva 2.4L petrol will receive a three-year or 100,000 km warranty as well as three-years or 60,000 km free maintenance and parts with every Captiva purchase during the Chevrolet Centennial Celebration promotion.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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New Chevrolet Colorado double cab coming in December!

Danny Tan — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:51:48 +0000

Yesterday, we posted on the all new Chevrolet Colorado pick up truck, which made its world debut in Thailand. Looking very much like the Colorado Show Truck from the Bangkok Motor Show, Thai sales of the new Colorado will start on October 17.

Our northern neighbours get to choose from 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights. Two new Duramax diesel engines will be available, a 2.8L with VGT, 180 hp and 470 Nm, as well as a 2.5L with 150 hp/350 Nm.

The good news here is that the Colorado is coming to Malaysia in two months time, according to franchise holder Naza Quest Sdn Bhd. The company says that the CBU from Thailand Colorado will arrive in double cab form, in LT and top spec LTZ trim levels. Both 2.5L and 2.8L engines will be available, in both auto and manual transmissions. Vehicle deliveries are expected to start in mid December.

Welcome to Malaysia’s pick-up truck market, Chevy. Click here for the full deal on the Colorado.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck makes debut in Thailand

Danny Tan — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:31:21 +0000

The all new Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck has made its global debut in Thailand, and sales will start on October 17. Thai customers get to choose from 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights. They include LS, LT and range-topping LTZ trim levels, single, extended and crew-cab bodies in high and low-stance, wide and narrow-body options, as well as two and four-wheel-drive configurations.

The new Colorado is the product of a five-year, $2 billion program developed across five continents for customers in more than 60 markets worldwide. The development of the new Colorado was led by a team of GM engineers from Brazil who lived in Thailand during the development period, learning the highly competitive truck market and observing how Thais use their trucks and the driving conditions.

The engines are from an all-new global family. Called Duramax, they are built at GM Thailand’s newly opened $200 million engine plant, are available in 2.8 and 2.5-litre forms. The 2.8 features a variable-geometry turbocharger and balance shaft, and is rated at 180 hp and 470 Nm of torque. The auto ‘box is a six-speeder. If you opt for the five-speed manual, max torque is 440 Nm.

The 2.5L engine is rated at 150 hp and 350 Nm. Both engines feature components designed to last for 240,000 km, says GM.

Design wise, the production car retains much of the looks previewed by the Colorado Show Truck from the 2011 Bangkok Motor Show. Highlights include a power dome in the hood, a raised cowl, higher-mounted dual projector headlamps and the Chevy dual-port grille with a “three-dimensional” grille mesh. Also, GM offers LED tail lamps on high-level models.

Inside, there’s of course the brand’s dual cockpit design and “Ice Blue” illumination. Chevrolet says that front and second-row shoulder room, headroom and seat height are segment-leading. It’s also claimed to be best in class in storage areas – the regular cab has 16 storage locations, while the extended cab has 19 and the crew cab has 30, plenty of lubang to stash away stuff. Auxiliary power, AUX plugs and USB connectivity are standard across the range.

The 2.5L model will be priced from 537,000 to 808,000 baht. Pricing of the 2.8L model will be announced later. GM is targeting a 10% share of the total pickup market in Thailand by 2013, when TIV is expected reach the one million mark, with pickups accounting for 40-45%.

The battleground is tough. Besides the ever popular Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ, challengers include recently launched relative Isuzu D-Max as well as the upcoming new Ford Ranger, which has started production already. Oh, and this time around, the Colorado WILL come to Malaysia!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Naza Quest announces the departure of Cergazam from its Chevrolet dealership network

Anthony Lim — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:06:27 +0000

Naza Quest has officially announced the departure of Cergazam from its Chevrolet’s dealership network. The departure came into effect from September 30, and will see the closure of Cergazam Petaling Jaya as well as the Prai branch.

Naza Quest Auto further announced that in line with its planned investment of RM50 million to set up a total of fiveoutlets within the Klang Valley, an additional two 3S centres will be ready within six months, located in Shah Alam and Cheras.

The two new 3S centres will join the existing sales and service outlets currently located within the Klang Valley, namely Chevrolet Kuala Lumpur, Chevrolet Kampung Baru, Chevrolet Jalan Ampang, Chevrolet Puchong, Chevrolet Kajang, Chevrolet Klang, Chevrolet Wangsa Maju (sales only) and Progressive Quality USJ (service only). The company says that existing customers in Klang Valley and Penang are welcome to further their maintenance and vehicle warranty with the above dealerships.

Meanwhile, up north, a new Chevrolet Centre in Penang is also scheduled to be opened soon, following the company’s current plan to have a total of 29 3S Centres in strategic locations nationwide by end-2011.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Malibu set to be brand’s flagship in Europe

Anthony Lim — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:21:48 +0000

The new Malibu is set to be Chevrolet’s European flagship model – the midsize sedan, which debuted in Shanghai in April, will make its first appearance on the continent at Frankfurt and go on sale from next year.

European customers will be able to chose between two four-cylinder engines, a 164 hp 2.0 litre petrol and a 169 hp 2.4 litre diesel, with both manual and automatic transmission options available.

Specifications for the market include eight airbags, HID headlamps and a seven-inch touch-screen radio display, with wheel sizes ranging from 17- to 18-inch options to suit an array of buyer preferences. Nine exterior colors and up to four interior colour combinations can be chosen from, depending on variant.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Facelifted Chevrolet Captiva is here – 2.4 petrol, RM155k

Danny Tan — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:14:57 +0000

UPDATE: Full gallery from the launch event added

Naza Quest, distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia, launched the facelifted Chevrolet Captiva at its Jalan Ampang showroom this afternoon. This introduction is the start of a busy period for the General Motors brand in Malaysia, which will see the Colorado pick-up truck launched here later this year. There are also a few new models coming our way in 2012.

Back to the main point. This facelifted Captiva was first seen late last year, making its world debut at the Paris Motor Show. It wears a bold new grille that totally dominates the front end; not too all tastes, but it sure does give the Captiva plenty of road presence.

It’s not just the grille, but the entire front end, including bonnet and headlights, is new. The wing mirror indicators are now LEDs, and the 18-inch alloys you see here are standard. The rear end is untouched, however.

The interior ambiance of the original Captiva wasn’t one of its strong points, feeling very old fashioned (green lighting, with Casio style green digits) and cluttered. It’s much improved now with metallic elements and a slightly revised layout. There are additional storage spaces and the redesigned dials and displays now come with Ice Blue illumination, a Chevy trend.

There’s also a new panel between the centre air con vents that quite high-end Nissan/Infiniti in style. It carries a digital clock and buttons for ESP, Hill Descent Control and Rear A/C.

Blank buttons are not in sight – the Captiva comes very well equipped. The steering wheel has controls for the stereo (with Bluetooth and ’3D Sound Stage’), cruise control and air con – the latter is new and very useful.

There’s also an ECO mode button (helps economy) and an electronic parking brake, a class first. Another new feature is Hill Start Assist, which holds the car on gradients (of 3% onwards) for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, preventing rollback.

That’s quite a lot of changes for a mid life update, but the Captiva comes with a new drivetrain as well. Still displacing 2.4 litres (it’s actually 2,384 cc now, from 2,405 cc), the new petrol engine with Double CVC makes 165 hp and 225 Nm of torque, 21% and 2% more than the old model, respectively. This DOHC 16v Ecotec unit is now paired to a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic, one forward ratio more than before. We’re getting only the AWD model.

The results are positive. Fuel consumption for this 1,860 kg seven seater SUV is now 9.1 litres per 100 km, quite a bit better than the old 10.4 litres per 100 km. CO2 emissions is down by 14% as well.

What happened to the diesel variant, you ask? We asked too, and Naza Quest bosses said that that one is coming in the fourth quarter of this year, which is not too far away from now.

Safety kit includes dual front airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP and ISOFIX mounts for child seats. Imported from Thailand, the new Captiva is priced at RM155,185.20 on the road excluding insurance. Six colours are available, including a new Auburn Brown, which wasn’t on display at the launch.

Full gallery from the event is after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Hari Raya Sales and After-Sales Campaign 2011

Paul Tan — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:31:12 +0000

Malaysian Chevrolet distributor Naza Quest is having a Hari Raya Sales and After-Sales campaign, which will treat Chevrolet owners in Malaysia to a claimed RM3.6 million worth of complimentary car services.

The campaign will run from July 15 2011 to August 31 2011. During the period, new Chevrolet owners will receive a complimentary set of a Smart Tag and Touch N Go card worth RM200. The whole idea is that this will help Chevy owners avoid traffic congestion at the toll gates during the balk kampung season.

All Chevrolet owners will get a free 40 point check worth RM100 plus a 25% discount on parts, lubricants and labor for scheduled maintenance.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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New Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Captiva police patrol cars handed over for evaluation

Paul Tan — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:10:48 +0000

Chevrolet’s Malaysian distributor Naza Quest handed over three evaluation “Proof of Concept” units over the the Royal Malaysian Police earlier this week at the 2nd General Police & Special Equipment Exhibition and Conference (GPEC ASIA 2011) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

The three police cars comprised of two units of the Chevrolet Captiva and one unit of the Chevrolet Cruze. “I am certain that the Chevrolet Cruze and Captiva will exceed the stringent requirement of the police force,” said Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza Group Joint Group Chairman.

Naza Quest also provided a total of 60 Chevy Captivas for use as the official car for VIPs, guests and international delegates at the event. GPEC ASIA 2011 is quite an interesting conference, showcasing wares and services from exhibitors from 11 countries, including C41 systems, forensic IT research, criminal investigation, vehicle technology, traffic control and road safety equipment, task force technology, body armour, ballistic protection, non-lethal and self—defence weapons, first aid and rescue equipment as well as logistics.

Ministers, Chief of Police, Members of Parliament and other related law enforcement officers from 14 countries are expected to attend this closed specialised trade show which is exclusively for members of authorities for the business with police equipment, security technology and services.

Harvinder Singh actually saw the Chevrolet Cruze with police livery around a month ago at the Chevy dealership on Jalan Ampang when he was picking up a car for an upcoming online video shoot. It certainly looked the part – perhaps some high torque Chevrolet Cruze diesel for the police force too?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Beat to get 1.0 liter 3 cylinder turbodiesel engine

Paul Tan — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:19:28 +0000

Chevrolet will be adding a new 1.0 litre turbodiesel engine to their compact Chevrolet Beat hatchback, which will help GM expand its market share in India.

The 3 cylinder turbodiesel engine is expected to output 150Nm of torque, which doesn’t sound like a lot compared to larger 2.0 litre turbodiesels, but it’s a very good number considering it’s a small and light car and peak torque kicks in at a very low engine RPM compared to a petrol engine.

The Beat diesel is expected to do 24 km per litre, or 4.16 litres per 100km. Fancy something like this in Malaysia?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Captiva to be used by cops for GPEC Asia 2011 – Naza keen to explore SUV as possible police choice

Anthony Lim — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:01:45 +0000

Sixty Chevrolet Captiva SUVs have been presented by Naza Quest to the Royal Malaysian Police for use as the official vehicle for the upcoming 2nd General Police & Special Equipment Exhibition and Conference (GPEC ASIA 2011). Apart from the 60 Captivas, which will be used to ferry the guests, Chevrolet will also be displaying a Cruze sedan and two Captivas decked out in full police livery at the GPEC.

The mock keys to the vehicles were presented by Naza Quest COO Datuk Maruan Mohd Said to the Acting KL Police Chief Datuk Amar Singh at a simple ceremony at the Chevrolet 3S Centre in Jalan Ampang today.

“Naza Quest is proud to be associated with GPEC Asia 2011. We are more than happy to present the Captiva to the Royal Malaysian Police to be used during the event. It serves as an important vote of confidence for Chevrolet brand and the reputation of the cars as a safe, reliable and premium choice for the discerning individual,” said Maruan.

“Chevrolet is also a preferred vehicle for United States police forces, as the high performance and versatility of the cars make them an ideal choice to carry out law enforcement duties. We are very keen to explore any such opportunities in Malaysia,” he added.

The GPEC Asia 2011 – a closed specialised trade show exclusively for members of authorities for the business with police equipment, security technology and services – will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre from June 27-29. Ministers, Chiefs of Police, members of Parliament and other related law enforcement officers from 14 countries are expected to attend the trade show, with exhibitors from 11 countries displaying their wares and services.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet shows off double-cab Colorado Rally Concept

Danny Tan — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:13:46 +0000

This Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept made an appearance in the 5th International Motor Show in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A follow up of the Colorado Show Truck revealed at the recent Bangkok Motor Show, the Rally Concept and its predecessor is a preview of GM’s upcoming one-tonne pick-up challenger. But while the BKK Show Truck was king cab, this is a dressed up double-cab.

Equipped with 4WD and 18-inch “double ended” aluminum rims with 305/60 tyres, the Colorado Rally Concept also comes with high performance shock absorbers, height adjustable suspension and integrated winch on front and rear bumpers, with 23-metre long reinforced steel cables. The unique tailgate with cutouts is to improve aerodynamics and reduce weight.

Inside, the basic dash architecture is similar to the Bangkok truck, but with redesigned elements that go well with the “extreme” overall theme. Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, Chevy says, although the main thing they want to show off for now is the styling.

Very macho. Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 returns to Nurburging, eclipses 2008 lap time with a 7:19.63 blitz

Anthony Lim — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:26:33 +0000

In June 2008, General Motors took a standard Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 to Nurburgring, where it posted a lap time of 7 minutes, 26.4 seconds, driven by Corvette development engineer Jim Mero.

Three years on, the Corvette has returned to the 20.8 km circuit and recorded a lap time that not just eclipses that from the 2008 run, but enters the books as the sixth fastest for production vehicles – again piloted by Mero, the 2012 ZR1 covered the Nordschleife in 7 minutes, 19.63 seconds.

As was the case with the 2008 run, the 2012 car is a full production model with no performance modifications – the 1,512 kg car continues on with the LS9 supercharged 6.2 litre V8 rated at 638 hp and 819 Nm, mated to a six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission.

The Corvette does gets some upgrades for the 2012 year model, in the form of new, optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires – the competition-oriented tires are optimised for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability – as well as a Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, which manages torque delivery for maximum performance. Engineers estimate an 8% gain in maximum lateral acceleration to more than 1.1g, as well as improved braking distance with these in place.

Whatever it is, you can imagine the new lap time set by the Vette isn’t going to cheer up Nissan GT-R owners any, in terms of bragging rights, that is.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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Chevrolet Colorado show truck on display in 1 Utama

Anthony Lim — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:53:31 +0000

If you’ve been curious as to what the Chevrolet Colorado show truck looks like in the metal, then here’s your chance to get up close and personal with the concept if you happen to live in the Klang Valley – the vehicle is on display in 1 Utama from today until this Sunday.

The hand-built Colorado – which made its debut in March at the Bangkok Motor Show – is part of the Chevrolet Transformers 3 Roadshow, which is being held at the Oval in the new wing of the complex until June 12. Certainly, it’s quite a meaty-looking machine, though it’s kinda dwarfed by the 22-foot tall Optimus Prime display that towers over the exhibition.

The extended-cab pickup, which sits on 20-inch wheels, is joined by the yellow Camaro SS seen at last year’s KLIMS, still doing its best to replicate Bumblebee in its untransformed state, as well as the Cruze Special Edition, among others.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:35:14 +0000.

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