Chevrolet

The Chevy Volt actually exists, and we drove it

The Chevrolet Volt has probably been "coming soon" for longer than any vehicle in automotive history, but trust us, it's real. We know this because we were recently handed the keys to a preproduction version of GM's electric Prius-hunter for a test-drive in downtown San Francisco.

GM tells us that this preproduction model was hand-built late last year, and that substantial tweaks have been made to both the software driving the Volt and the fit and finish of the interior of newer versions being tested elsewhere--and that the production models that roll off assembly lines in November will be tweaked further still. However, the actual hardware of the vehicle's drivetrain is about as showroom-ready as it gets.

Extended range electric vehicle The hardware in question begins with a T-shaped lithium ion battery pack running the length of the vehicle's center tunnel and rear seats that provides power to a 120kW electric motor. The motor is connected to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission and handles all of the vehicle's motivational duties. Running in electric vehicle (EV) mode, the Volt has an estimated optimal range of 40 miles, more than enough--by GM's estimates--to handle commuter duties for the vast majority of drivers.

Also tucked under the Volt's hood is a 1.4-liter gasoline engine. This engine integrates a generator, producing juice to keep the Volt's batteries trickle-charged in extended range (ER) mode when trips exceed the vehicle's 40-mile EV range. This gasoline engine is not mechanically connected to the drive wheels or transmission, only the electric motor is. So don't go calling the Volt a hybrid around GM's people. The preferred term is extended range electric vehicle, or EREV.… Read more

Chevy Volt app for Android gets Google Maps boost

Last week, rumors were swirling around a potential partnership between General Motors and Google to develop an Android-based telematics system. On the eve of Google's I/O conference, GM made an official announcement about its actual plans for the Android OS, a version 2.0 of the Android version of its OnStar Mobile app for Chevrolet Volt that will feature Google Maps integration.

Essentially, what GM will be doing is adding a "navigation" tab to the Android version of the OnStar app that allows users to see their current location and the location of a connected Chevrolet … Read more

Rumor: GM building Android-based Sync killer

If there's truth to the rumors, General Motors' next -generation in-car cabin tech suite may be powered by Google's Android operating system. Sources at MotorTrend say the automaker and search giant are in negotiations over just that sort of thing.

The Android/OnStar infotainment hybrid would go head-to-head with the likes of Ford's Microsoft Sync suite, offering access to a user's connected media, allowing two-way communication between a connected smartphone of any brand, and potentially replacing GM's OnStar turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps navigation. Perhaps there's even room for an in-car app store of … Read more

New Chevys offer fuel-saving, six-speed automatic transmissions

In an effort to increase fuel economy, General Motors announced that the Chevrolet Cruze will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either choice, the Cruze will deliver impressive fuel economy and performance, the company said in a press release.

The Cruze Eco model is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 10 seconds and deliver a class-leading 40 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the manual transmission (estimates for the Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission will be available closer to launch).

"Our advanced six-speed … Read more

Heavy Metal: The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

I figured since we gave lip service to Ford, we'd do the same for one of America's other automotive competitors: Chevrolet. The gang at GM has been working hard to deliver an updated version of its signature pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado, and not too long ago the production version of this heavy-duty truck was delivered. So what's different or notable about this year's model? This video from PickUpTrucks.com has got the scoop.

One of the highlights covered in this clip includes the Silverado HD's brand-new chassis; in fact it's so new that … Read more

Chevrolet supersizes Volt with MPV5 concept

Chevrolet has taken the yet-unreleased Volt extended-range electric vehicle in an odd direction for the Chinese market, making it bigger and less efficient with the newly revealed Volt MPV5 concept. The concept takes the styling cues of the Volt sedan that we're already familiar with and super-sizes it into a five-seat crossover.

The Volt MPV5 is only 0.6 inches longer in wheel base, but overall it is 7 inches longer than the sedan version. Height has been increased by about 7 inches and width has spread by 2.9 inches. The result is a vehicle that gives its five passengers a bit more elbow room.

Under the hood is the same Voltec powertrain consisting of a 111 kW (150 horsepower) electric motor that twists the Volt MPV5's front wheels to the tune of 273 pound-feet of torque. Electric power is supplied by the same T-shaped 16 kWh lithium ion battery that juices the sedan, but the heavier MPV5's EV range has been reduced to 32 miles (down from the 40-mile zero emission range of the Volt sedan).

Once the battery is exhausted, a 1.4-liter gasoline range extender takes over supplying electricity and keeping the electric powertrain spinning until the battery can be plugged in and recharged.… Read more

GM pays back government loans in full

General Motors today announced the company has made its final payment of $5.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury and Export Development Canada, paying back its government loans in full, ahead of schedule.

Company Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre made the announcement at GM's Fairfax, Kansas facility.

"GM is able to repay the taxpayers in full, with interest, ahead of schedule, because more customers are buying vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse and Buick LaCrosse we build here in Fairfax," said Whitacre. "We are now building some of the best cars, trucks, and … Read more

GM puts dummies to test (video)

In this video, we take a behind-the-scenes look inside the Anthropomorphic Test Device Laboratory at General Motors to see how crash test dummies are used for vehicle safety.

Jack Jensen, a GM technical fellow, explains how new technology, such as data recorders inside the dummies, gives technicians more accurate information.

GM to double the size of Michigan battery lab

General Motors will double the size of the Global Battery Systems Lab on the GM Technical Center campus. The $8 million expansion will increase the existing 30,000 sq. ft. facility to 63,000 sq. ft. The addition will be located adjacent to the existing lab inside the Alternative Energy Center facility. Areas previously used for engine testing will be renovated for battery development. Construction will begin this month and is scheduled for completion in the summer, the company said in a press release.

"GM is building on its commitment to lead the development of electric vehicle technology--from battery … Read more

Poll: Best car from New York?

New York is the last major auto show of the season, and most automakers have already launched new models and concepts in Europe, Los Angeles, and Detroit, leaving little for the Big Apple. But a few automakers, notably Hyundai, hold back, using this otherwise quiet show to stand out from the crowd, and other automakers show off either cars that will play well in New York or special trim levels.

We went through our coverage from the show and found eight significant new cars. With a couple of exceptions, these cars are not particularly sporty or luxurious, tending more to the affordable and practical, the kinds of cars that actually make sense for a daily commute.

Check out the cars and vote for your favorite. … Read more