Chevrolet will continue its Z-Spec accessory offerings this fall for the launch of its new Sonic subcompact, targeted at young buyers.
“Customization is particularly important with the customers we believe will gravitate toward the Sonic, and we want to help them make their vehicle look exactly the way they want as easily as possible,” Rick Scheidt, vice president-Chevrolet marketing, says in a statement.
The Z-Spec offerings include a body-color ground-effects kit, complete with a silver-tip exhaust, contrasting upper and lower grille surrounds and different-colored mirror cap and roof spoiler.
Also available are 16- and 17-in. painted alloy wheels, and aluminum pedals and sill plates for the car’s interior.
Sonics with Z-Spec “Color Out” packages – black accents on a white Sonic and white accents on an orange Sonics – will be on display at next week’s New York auto show.
The ’12 Sonic, equipped with a 1.4L turbocharged gas engine, arrives this fall in a crowded but booming segment.
Small-car sales were up 20.9% in the first quarter, Ward’s data shows, thanks to the Ford Fiesta’s 20,000-plus incremental units.
The Sonic’s predecessor, the Chevy Aveo, has been one of the slower-selling models among U.S. subcompacts in recent years. It sales rank fourth among the nine models in the segment. The Nissan Versa is No.1.
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!
Dodgeville Chronicle, WI April 7, 2011: Mike Reilly - I received a letter from longtime reader Happy Bettenhausen, who at age 85 still is selling cars at Phillips Chevrolet in Frankfort, Illinois. He is known around here for his polka band playing at senior citizen events - Brenda Johnson, wife of Bud Johnson of Ridgeway, played with him a few years back. They send him the Chronicle as a Christmas gift and he enjoys it because he knows so many people around here. He especially likes the After 50 stories, my column and the many events we cover. He also liked the Ron Dentinger story from a few weeks back. Living in Manteno, IL, it takes three days for the paper to arrive to him. He says he would retire, but he wants to make sure "you" young guys get your social security checks!
First automaker to stream vehicle unveiling in HD over the Internet
When Chevrolet unveils the all-new Malibu in the United States on Monday night, people around the world will be able to watch in full-screen, high-definition video streamed live over the Internet. The timing of the Web reveal coincides with the April 19 auto show debut of the new Malibu in Shanghai.
The HD streaming is an auto industry first, and represents Chevrolet’s effort to globalize important product introductions by revealing the all-new Malibu simultaneously on two continents, on multiple social networking and media sites, and iPad and iPhone personal mobile devices. Standard internet viewing will also be available.
“We are expanding the reach beyond mainstream product introductions typically seen at auto shows. We are using the latest technologies available to us like no other automaker has done before to introduce this all-new, important car for Chevrolet on continents around the world,” said Russ Clark, product director at Chevrolet. “Broadcasting in HD will help us make sure the world gets a good look at the all-new Malibu.”
The new Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Chevrolet will transcend time zones by revealing it live on the web April 18 at 8:30 p.m. EDT and at the Shanghai Auto Show April 19. Chevrolet fans on Facebook can watch the global premiere of the all-new Malibu live in the Malibu tab, while iPad and iPhone owners can watch the online reveal via a custom broadcast optimized for the personal mobile devices. The video stream on Facebook and iPad/iPhone will be in standard definition.
Media can watch the HD broadcast at www.watchthenewchevymalibuinhd.com or on Chevrolet’s media site http://media.gm.com/live. Chevrolet Malibu’s HD experience is only available on select browsers and Internet speed connections. To ensure your connection meets the requirements, be sure to visit www.watchthenewchevymalibuinhd.com before April 18.
As part of the Webcast, Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Exterior Design for Chevrolet, and Jon Hahn, Chevrolet marketing manager, will answer questions during a live, moderated video web session. Consumers are encouraged to post questions during the reveal on Twitter using #MalibuReveal or on Chevrolet’s Facebook page in the Malibu tab.
Earlier this month, Chevrolet provided a glimpse of the all-new Malibu on social networks around the world such as Facebook in Korea, Australia, Canada and United States; and YouKu and Sina.com in China, among others.
The all-new Malibu will feature a global family of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines, along with six-speed transmissions that also contribute to efficient performance. The Malibu was designed to stand out in all markets around the globe, while its European-inspired driving characteristics were engineered to challenge the best in its class.
The Malibu was Chevrolet’s – and General Motors’ – best-selling car in the United States in 2010, with sales of nearly 200,000 vehicles. It is among Chevrolet’s most-decorated vehicles in the United States, earning more than 40 industry awards since 2008. The Malibu was the only midsize car in the industry to win the Consumers Digest Automotive “Best Buy” award the past three years – 2011, 2010 and 2009. The Malibu has also been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the past two years.
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!
Z06 Centennial Edition to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach sale
Chevrolet, founded by a racing pioneer 100 years ago, celebrates its performance heritage with the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette’s trademark sports car technology.
The 2012 Centennial Edition package will be available on all Corvette models – including Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 – starting this summer.
The special package was inspired by Chevrolet’s racing-bred foundation, which continues with Corvette’s international racing excellence and production sports car prominence.
“Racing and performance are the roots of Chevrolet, a tradition carried forward today by Corvette,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Centennial Edition not only celebrates our 100 years, it once again pushes Corvette forward for a new generation of sports car fans.”
Chevrolet will auction a Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 9, with the proceeds to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. It will be the 100th 2012 Corvette off the assembly line, with a vehicle identification number ending in “00100.”
The Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette expresses racing heritage, but does so with a sleek, modern, even sinister-looking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The wheels are constructed of lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red outline around the perimeter of its surface on the Z06. The wheels are specific to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension and a technology advance initiated by Corvette, is included on all Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette models.
The Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet’s racing history. A graphic logo featuring an iconic image of Louis Chevrolet appears on the B-pillars, the center caps of the wheels, and the center of the steering wheel. The seat headrests also carry an embossed centennial logo.
Aficionados will note one other small detail: The historic crossed flags badge contains a small adaptation, with “100” in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol, only for the Centennial Edition.
The exterior color scheme is reinforced inside the car, with the Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors complimented by red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter. Microfiber suede accents on Centennial Edition seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests were first used on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
The Chevrolet Centennial Edition will be available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC. Pricing will be released this summer prior to the start of availability.
“Louis Chevrolet was a fearless racing pioneer who also designed our first car,” Scheidt said. “Corvette is a natural fit to honor that legacy, while creating a compelling new package for sports car drivers.”
Barrett-Jackson auction details
Chevrolet chose to debut the Centennial Edition Corvette at Barrett-Jackson to enable the auction proceeds to go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The foundation supporting children and families dealing with cancer is a key partner with the American Le Mans Series, in which Corvette Racing is an integral participant.
The 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06 (VIN 100) to be auctioned is based on the production 3LZ model with the Z07 performance package, new Z06 carbon fiber hood and CFZ carbon fiber package, which includes:
Bose premium sound system, with one-year XM subscription, navigation and USB
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
Power-adjustable and heated seats
Memory package, home remote, Head Up Display and power-telescoping steering wheel
The Custom Leather Wrapped Interior Package, with leather-wrapped upper instrument panels, upper door trim panels and console storage cover and red contrasting stitching
Z07 performance package, including Brembo ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and 19-inch/20-inch wheels and Michelin tires
CFZ package includes carbon fiber rockers, front splitter and roof
New Carbon Fiber raised hood option for Z06, which was introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition.
The winning bidder will also receive the Corvette Engine Build Experience program – which allows Z06 or ZR1 buyers to build their own engine alongside expert technicians – as well as the opportunity to take delivery of the car at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
General Motors Co. will begin building its next-generation Chevrolet Malibu about four months ahead of schedule, the latest in the company's efforts to accelerate the delivery of new cars and trucks to dealer showrooms.
GM spokesman Dave Darovitz said Monday the automaker has advanced its timetable for the midsize Malibu to early 2012 — several months earlier than planned. The 2013 model Malibu will go on sale shortly after, he added, but declined to pinpoint a date.
According to a Jan. 27 internal GM report, the new Malibu will start production in January 2012, as opposed to May. Some factory jobs may be added; GM is still assessing how many and where, Darovitz said.
The Detroit automaker will make the car at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas, where it makes the current Malibu, and at the Detroit Hamtramck factory, where GM makes the Chevy Volt.
GM Chief Executive Officer Daniel Akerson advocated the Malibu's early arrival. The new version will be the company's first globally sold midsize car.
"Mr. Akerson requested we study the program to see if we could move quicker," Darovitz said.
The automaker was forced to delay spending on a number of new car and truck programs during its 2009 bankruptcy, to save on costs.
Akerson, who became CEO in September, has pressed company officials to pick up the pace.
"Since Mr. Akerson came aboard, he's challenging us to move faster and this is the latest example," Darovitz said.
GM took advantage of greater manufacturing flexibility at its factories and efficiencies built into its global platform to accelerate the car's production schedule, he added.
The Malibu is a real workhorse vehicle for GM, ranking among its top-selling vehicles for 2010.
The car has won many industry awards, helping GM gain a leg up in the highly competitive midsize segment. GM sold 198,770 Malibus last year, according to Autodata Corp.
"GM is really in a position where it had to pull up the production to compete," Sullivan said. "This gets the Malibu out in advance" of its Japanese competitors, he added.
GM will debut the 2013 Malibu Monday at the Shanghai auto show, and webcast the car's unveiling on Chevrolet's Facebook page.
Chevrolet also will show the car at the New York International Auto Show next week.
Detroit News. April 12, 2011.
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!
On December 27 , 1976 the Hutfles family from Seneca, IL bought a C-10 pickup truck from Sales Consultant, Happy, at Phillips Chevrolet. Since then, over 34 plus years later, they have purchased many vehicles from Happy's office. On April 2, 2011 Therese Hutfles (now retired and living in Centralia, Kansas) has purchased a new Chevy Malibu - the 20th unit purchased from Happy and his partner Jeff Stewart. This is another true example of "Phillips Chevrolet, the place to be and the place to buy".
