Chevy to roll into poll position at Dream Cruise

The Woodward Dream Cruise and Chevrolet today are expected to announce the iconic brand's new role in the day-long event that somehow manages to stretch into more than a week.

Chevrolet, which celebrates its centennial this year, is expected to replace the MotorCity Casino as the top sponsor of the popular Cruise, according to published reports.

Officially, no one involved would say anything Wednesday, but the top sponsorship is open, and Chevrolet marketing chief Rick Scheidt and Dream Cruise President Greg Rassel are hosting an event today at the Renaissance Center in Detroit to talk about the biggest moving car show in the world. The event typically attracts more than 1 million people and 40,000 classic and muscle cars.

"No one is making any comment," said a spokeswoman with Woodward Dream Cruise. "We're declining comment," echoed GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson.

Last year, the Woodward Dream Cruise board hoped to raise $400,000 for the event through sponsorships, fundraisers and merchandise sales but fell short of that goal.

Cities along Woodward, from Ferndale to Pontiac, could use more money. Last year, Royal Oak City Manager Robert Bruner told The News that the city expected to spend about $100,000 on the event. Smaller cities along the route may spend less but have even less money to tap.

Last year, Pleasant Ridge pulled out of supporting the Cruise with police and other city workers because of budget cuts. The city had estimated it would need $25,000 to pay for its role.

In the past, when automakers were flush with cash, signing up sponsors for the Cruise was easy.

But when tough times overtook the auto industry, carmakers and suppliers folded up their tents — and their wallets.

Detroit's Big Three maintained displays in recent years. Last year, Ford Motor Co. set up a big display in Ferndale. Chrysler Group LLC took over the parking lot at 13 Mile, and GM set up at Old Woodward in Birmingham.

Taking the title role as top sponsor for a Cruise that features a slew of GM muscle cars and beautiful Chevy Camaros only makes sense.

GM sales have been rising — demand for Chevrolet models is up 21.6 percent through May — and last year the automaker made $4.7 billion.

And this year marks Chevrolet's 100th birthday. So why not splurge a little? It helps the Cruise, which seems to get bigger every year. It seems like good marketing, and it gives back to Metro Detroit.

"We're doing a lot to celebrate our centennial," GM's Wilkinson said, still declining comment about today's expected announcement. "This press conference is just good news."

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Tweet

Chevrolet Will Expand Military Discount in May

Spouses and retirees included in honor of U.S. Military Appreciation Month

Chevrolet will honor National Military Appreciation Month by expanding the industry-leading GM Military Discount to military spouses and retirees; offering an exclusive “Honor” badge to anyone who buys an eligible Chevrolet through the program, and by donating $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for each eligible vehicle sold with a military discount.

“We are committed to offering military professionals and their family members the best value in the industry,” said Dan Akerson, General Motors Chairman and CEO. “As a former Navy man, I hold the highest regard for the men and women of our Armed Forces – past and present – who help keep our country safe and preserve our precious liberties.”

During May, the GM Military Discount program – already recognized as the best program in the industry – will be extended to spouses of Active and Reserve members, as well as retirees, of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard. The discount is available on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models with discounts typically ranging between $500 and $4,000 off the suggested retail price of the vehicle purchased.

In addition, the GM Military Discount offers a $750 discount on selected Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles to eligible members of USAA, a financial services provider for the military community.

In 2010 alone, the GM Military Discount program provided more than 70,000 discounts to military personnel and their families with a cumulative value of more than $60 million.

For every person who purchases, leases or orders a new Chevrolet using the GM Military Discount in May, Chevrolet will provide an exclusive set of “Honor” vehicle badges as well as contributing $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit group that provides free communication tools to troops serving overseas.

Since May 2010, Chevrolet and its dealers have collected more than 50,000 cell phones. Since the program began, proceeds from phone collections have provided more than 114 million minutes – or more than 200 years – of free calls home for U.S. troops.

At the customer’s request, dealers will install the badges on their new Chevrolet at no additional charge. The badge features a yellow ribbon and “Honor” script, a subtle recognition of their service.

The Military Appreciation Month program will conclude with 99 “Honor & Valor” Limited Edition 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS vehicles, which will debut during the Indianapolis 500 military personnel parade on May 28. The limited-edition Camaro will be available to order through www.gmmilitarydiscount.com, beginning in May.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Camaro ZL1: The high-performance Camaro we've been waiting for

We've referred to it as the Z28 for almost two years. Chevy, however, is calling its new high-performance Camaro the ZL1, AND THIS 550-bhp pony car will be the most potent Camaro ever. Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser and Program Engineering Manager Tony Roma have provided the details on the car, which will have standard Magnetic Ride Control damping.


In 2006, when John Heinricy was head of Performance Vehicle Operations, he made sure the Camaro could someday house a larger differential and bigger rear tires. Slight changes to the floorpan created the space. As such, the ZL1 retains its stock chassis and bodywork. Ony the hood and facias are changed externally. The standard fenders house the 305-width rear tires, while the aluminum hood is modified with a black carbon-fiber vent for clearance over the super-charger and heat extraction.


The ZL1 is designed to shine on road courses and dragstrips, with the Shelby GT500 as its benchmark. Says Oppenhesier: "The ZL1 takes the SS to a new level. Roughly 30 percent of the car has been engineered to go out and dominate...our new leadership has told us we don't just compete anymore, we win."


From pistons to tires, the ZL1 has been built to take abuse. The word "beefy" was in every other sentence describing the drivetrain components. In back, the asymmetric halfshafts and clutch-type limited-slip differential are built to handle repeated drop-clutch launches.


New ZL1-specific forged wheels are shod with custom Goodyears. The wheels and tires are lighter than those on the SS, even though they are larger. There are still 10 months left in the ZL1's development, so the tire has another round of changes before being finalized. Rather than focus on a square tire setup (same size rubber front and rear) to aid cornering performance, GM says it will do this via tweaks to the rear suspension, anti-roll bar and tire compounds.


A 6-speed manual from the CTS-V will be standard, with shorter throws than in the current SS. A smaller steering wheel with improved ergonomics will be welcomed by performance drivers, and the smaller shift knob is said to offer a more natural feel. The seats are basically unchanged, but they will have vibrant stitching and suede inserts. Updated gauges will feature a shift light or indicator, plus a standard head-up display.


Other neat ZL1 technology includes electric-assist power steering and exhaust flapper valves. As for launch control, we can expect the ZL1 to have it, and maybe the Performance Traction Management from the Corvette ZR1. This might alter bracket racing forever, with repeated sub-12-second quarter mile passes a real possibility. Look forthe ZL1 early next year, priced at about $50,000.


Road & Track. May 2011.


Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevy rolls out limited-edition Camaros

Chevrolet will introduce a limited edition Camaro model approximately every six months in an effort to generate buzz for the nameplate. 

In coming years, Chevrolet plans to re-introduce names synonymous with the Camaro's performance past. 

"Our plan is to keep evolving the Camaro," said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer for the Camaro. "That is the beauty of the Camaro. It has so much of a rich heritage that we can put together the right combination of content. We have a lot of rich names to choose from." 

Chevrolet used one heritage name when it introduced the 2012 Camaro ZL1 at the Chicago Auto Show. The car will be powered by a supercharged aluminum-block 6.2-liter V-8 producing an estimated 550 hp. 

The name is taken from the 1969 Camaro ZL1, which had an aluminum block 440-hp 427-cubic inch V-8. 

"At the time, it was the fastest Chevrolet car ever produced," Oppenheiser said in an interview at the show. 

Although Oppenheiser would not confirm it, Chevrolet is expected to offer a limited edition 2012 Transformers edition, linked to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie that opens in July.

This spring Chevrolet will offer 500 replicas of the 2011 Camaro SS convertible pace car for the Indianapolis 500 race. Phillips Chevrolet will be the only Illinois dealership to receive one!

Also, the limited edition Camaro Synergy model will return this spring. The model is aimed at V-6 buyers who want performance equipment at a lower price.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevrolet Introduces 2012 Camaro ZL1

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class. The new ZL1 continues the momentum of Camaro, propelling it into an entirely new realm of leading-edge performance technology. It is planned to launch at the beginning of 2012.

Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car’s capabilities will be released later in 2011, as testing nears completion. 

“Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history.”

The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they’ve achieved mythical status among enthusiasts, as they represented the pinnacle in Camaro performance – until now. The 2012 ZL1 model is designed to be a major leap forward for the Camaro, bringing a new level of performance capability to the segment.

The central goal of the car’s development was creating something new – a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street. To achieve that goal, engineers evolved many of the existing Camaro’s systems, as well as incorporated new technologies such as electric power steering and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system.

Camaro ZL1’s design communicates and supports its performance mission. Rather than using decorative elements, ZL1 is visually differentiated from other current Camaro models with elements vital to the car’s elevated capabilities.

“Everything about the ZL1’s design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. “Our designers’ goal was to execute that function-oriented design with beautifully sculpted forms, creating an imposing, powerful persona. Function becomes the aesthetic. The intent is a car that delivers on the attitude it projects.”

Major elements of the ZL1’s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car’s hood includes a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber and rendered in satin black finish. New rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips portray the car’s handling and power.
The ZL1 badge appears on the grille, hood and the brake calipers, all key areas portraying the technology within.

Tech overview
Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, which will produce an estimated 550 horsepower (410kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (677 Nm), with specific features for the Camaro. Built on GM’s legendary all-aluminum, small-block V-8 architecture, the LSA features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement. Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA’s performance include:

• Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
• High-strength hypereutectic pistons
• Sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors
• Piston oil squirters.

Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. This enhances performance, because no engine power is used to turn a steering pump pulley.

Camaro ZL1 is a complete high-performance car, not just a Camaro with more power. Key technical highlights include:

Transmission – The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. It is the “MG9” version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easy operation and shift smoothness. A new, shorter-throw shifter actuates the gear changes.

Exhaust – ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the legendary Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound.

Drivetrain – It is revised with a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger and stronger cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1’s tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.

Suspension – The suspension features completely revised tuning and the inclusion of segment-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control. ZL1’s Magnetic Ride system will include driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It uses advanced magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations. This technology appears on only a small roster of some of the world’s finest performance cars. Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car’s high-performance limits. Rear stabilizer bars have drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This makes the bars more effective in controlling body roll in turns, with crisp response to driver commands.

Brakes and Steering – Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. The large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. It is being developed to ensure precise control and feedback to the driver, with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving.

Exterior – ZL1’s signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps. The fog lamp area includes air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car. Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car’s high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car’s exterior color. Functionally, the air extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. The carbon fiber center section reduces the mass of the hood.  High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car’s aerodynamics.

Wheels and Tires – New-design, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with new Goodyear Supercar F2 ties developed specifically for the ZL1.

Interior – ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving. The front seats feature microfiber suede inserts. Other enhancements include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts and the “four-pack” auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout.

Production details
All of the Camaro exterior colors will be offered with the ZL1, but black is the only interior color. The unique exterior features are complemented with a black center section on the hood. Inside, the Camaro ZL1 has heated leather seats with microfiber inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front headrests. Microfiber suede is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel, adding a richer look to the interior. The ZL1 will include the same content as the current 2SS package and include the following new or unique features:

• Six-way power driver and passenger seats
• Unique instrument panel and door panel inserts; and ZL1-logo sill plates
• Steering wheel audio controls with Bluetooth capability
• Wireless PDIM and USB-port
• Boston Acoustics premium audio system
• Rear parking assist
• Rear camera system (displayed in the inside rearview mirror).

Engineers have already driven Camaro ZL1 prototypes extensively at demanding road courses in the U.S. and Germany, with final testing being completed through the balance of 2011.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Rumor: Chevrolet Camaro 2LS model with 30 mpg coming?

General Motors is apparently looking to up its game by offering a more efficient version of its Camaro. Reportedly given the 2LS trim designation, this new Camaro will be available for order through dealers starting at the end of this month, and its 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 reportedly hits the magic 30 mpg highway figure.

The Camaro 2LS will only be available with The General's six-speed automatic transmission, and will be fitted with a rear spoiler, 18-inch steel wheels and a 2.92 rear axle ratio. It was also reports that the Camaro 2LS will still wear a 2011 model year badge, and that pricing is expected to be set around $24,700, including destination charges.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevy Camaro Convertible Awarded to Super Bowl XLV MVP

Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers was presented the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible at a press conference Monday after leading the Packers to a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday evening.

A media panel and fan vote on www.superbowl.com determined the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl Postgame Show on Fox, presented by Chevrolet.

”We think the new Camaro Convertible is a fitting tribute to that great performance last night,” says Kevin Mayer, director of Chevrolet marketing.

The Camaro Convertible appeared on the field during the postgame celebration, and debuts in Chevrolet dealerships later this month. The convertible continues the momentum of Camaro, which is the sales leader in its segment in the United States.  Available with an efficient 3.6-liter Direct Injection V6 engine, or as the V8-powered, 426-hp SS model, Camaro now features a power convertible top for the unequalled fun of open-air driving.  

The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Camaro Convertible. 

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

“Glee” Cast Sings “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet”

Dream Sequence Caps Unique Marketing Partnership of Chevrolet, “Glee” and FOX

Chevrolet wrapped up a big day Sunday with a dreamy advertising tie-in during a special post-Super Bowl episode of “Glee,” the FOX hit musical comedy.

The Camaro convertible, Cruze, and Volt were featured in a dream sequence commercial in which the “Glee” cast sings   “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet,” bringing to life for a new generation the classic jingle popularized by Dinah Shore in the 1950s.

“We saw this as an opportunity to cap off an unprecedented day for Chevrolet,” said Joel Ewanick, global chief marketing officer of General Motors. “The ads shown during the Super Bowl highlighted key Chevrolet products in a traditional way, but the ‘Glee’ tie-in is a new realm for integration with a hot show on the big day.”

“Conversations with Starcom began upon the announcement that ‘Glee’ would have a post-Super Bowl episode, and from that point, the focus was on elevating Chevrolet and ‘Glee’s’ long-standing partnership to a new level,” said Jean Rossi, President, FOX One and executive vice president, sales, FOX.

“That strategic collaboration threaded Chevrolet’s presence in the Super Bowl with its ongoing ‘Glee’ sponsorship resulting in one of the most unique integrated marketing initiatives of its kind, marrying their brand messaging with one of our hottest programs on the most-watched day of the year.”

The two-minute Chevrolet spot aired during the special “Glee” episode with silver Chevys on a white background in a scene reminiscent of a 1930s Hollywood musical. The cast sings and dances around the Chevys while performers dangle from the ceiling by white sheets.

In conjunction with “Glee” creator/executive producer Ryan Murphy and the “Glee” production team, the ad was created by Chevrolet’s agency of record, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.  Chevrolet’s media agency partner, Starcom, negotiated the “Glee” partnership in addition to handling media planning and buying.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

New supercharged 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS SLP 585 hp!

Phillips Chevrolet just took in this New supercharged 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS SLP 585 hp! Included in this package are:


- SLP TVS 2300 High- Output Supercharger
- SLP Loudmouth II Axel back exhaust
- SLP Black Wing Cold Air Induction
- SLP ZL Short Throw Shifter
- SLP Body colored Engine Cover with 585 Graphics
- SLP Sport Suspension Spring Package
- SLP RTM Hood with Functional Heat Scoop
- SLP Rear Painted Spoiler
- SLP 20x8 Front 20x9 Rear Red Line Wheels
- SLP Front Fascia Splitter
- SLP Rear Fascia Diffuser
- Rear Tail Light Panel Painted Gloss Black
- ZL 585 Badges
- Rally-style Dual Painted Stripes
- Heritage SS Logos Front & Rear
- ZL 585 Embroidered Seats & Floor Mats
- Digital Programmer

This Camaro is on sale now at Phillips Chevrolet, located at 9700 W. Lincoln Hwy in Frankfort, IL 60423. For more information on this vehicle or others, please visit www.phillipschevy.com or call us at 866-469-9000.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Goes to Super Bowl XLV MVP

The Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers on February 6 will receive a 2011 Camaro Convertible, Chevrolet announced January 23, 2011.

A media panel and fan vote on www.superbowl.com will determine the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl XLV Postgame Show on Fox, presented by Chevrolet.

"The new Camaro Convertible arrives in dealerships in February and will be a fitting reward for the MVP," said Rick Scheidt, US vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It's a great opportunity for Chevy to have Camaro play a role on one of the world's biggest stages, the Super Bowl."

The Camaro Convertible will appear on the field during the postgame celebration in North Texas. The convertible continues the momentum of Camaro, which has taken the lead in its segment in the United States.  Available with an efficient 3.6-liter Direct Injection V6 engine, or as the V8-powered, 426-hp SS model, Camaro now features a power convertible top for the unequalled fun of open-air driving.  

The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Camaro Convertible.  The MVP will be available following the winning coach's news conference on Monday, February 7 at 8:30 a.m. CST at the Super Bowl XLV Media Center, Houston B-C (3rd Floor).

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

2011 Camaro Convertible to Pace Indy 500

January 20, at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Auto Auction in Scottsdale, AZ, Chevrolet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that a special edition 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible will serve as the official pace car for the 2011 Indianapolis 500.

The 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible is the 22nd Chevrolet and the seventh Camaro chosen to pace “the greatest spectacle in racing.” Adding to the rich heritage is the fact that 2011 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, as well as Chevrolet's centennial year.

The three pace cars and the fifty matching festival cars will be equipped with the 400-horsepower (298 kW) V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.  These special edition Camaro models will feature a Summit White exterior accented with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front seat headrests embossed with the Indy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument panel trim. The instrument panel trims features extensions of the orange exterior stripes.  A picture of the pace car is attached below.

The color combination is similar to the design used on 1969 Camaro Indy pace car replicas – cars which have become among the most popular Camaro models in the collector world.

To commemorate this special designation, Chevrolet also announced this evening plans to auction the first of 50 Indianapolis Festival Committee Cars.  The auction for this first festival committee car takes place Saturday evening, January 22, 2011, during SPEED’s live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event. The vehicle carries lot number 1284 and bids can be submitted at the auction in person or online.

Chevrolet will donate full proceeds of the auction to the David Foster Foundation, (http://www.davidfosterfoundation.org) a charity devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants.

David Foster, the 15-time Grammy winning music producer and songwriter, founded the organization in his native Canada.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

(Rumor) Chevrolet Camaro Z28 production beginning 1/1/2012

According to a report from Camaro5.com, Chevrolet has told its dealer body that the long-anticipated Camaro Z28 will begin production on 1/1/2012. This high-output version of the Camaro will be sold as a 2012 model and will come from the factory with a 6.2-liter supercharged engine (we'd guess something in line with the excellent LSA mill fitted to the 556-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V).

Naturally, some massive rubber will be required to put all those ponies to the pavement, and we're told to expect 285s up front and steamrolling 330s out back. Exterior styling will reportedly include some hood slats in addition to the expected power bulge to clear the force-fed engine, and the interior is expected to see minor updates as well.

Now that the Detroit Auto Show has officially come and gone with nary a Camaro Z28 in sight, our attention turns to Chicago in February and then New York in April. Stay tuned, we sense an unveiling in the near future.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

GM Performance Parts let you build your own 700-hp Camaro

It's that time of year, kids. Horsepower-crazy General Motors fans are anxiously dancing around their mailboxes waiting for the latest edition of the company's performance parts catalog to arrive. As with past years, the glossy pages are packed from margin to margin with everything you need to give your Bow Tie a little extra giddy up. For 2011, the catalog has fully embraced the Camaro, and a pair of dealer-tweaked versions of the Chevrolet muscle car show exactly what you can do with little more than a crate engine and some spare time.

A Camaro owner decided to plop an LSX454 in their orange Camaro, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission via the same clutch used in the mighty Corvette ZR-1. The car turns over 520 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels thanks to a tune-port fuel injection system. 

But that's downright child's play compared to what another Camaro owner cooked up. Those wrenches plopped an LS9 behind the Camaro's headlights. With minor tweaking, the supercharged V8 is kicking out right at 700 horsepower, and they threw in beefier axles and a Baer brake system to bring the whole party to a stop. Hit the jump to check out the press releases.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!