Chevrolet

GM studies '11 launch of Chevy Volt in Japan

TOKYO--The Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid could hit Japan's shores as early as next year and go head-to-head with the country's hybrid and electric vehicles.

Sumito Ishii, managing director of GM Asia Pacific Japan, told reporters that General Motors is studying a Japan launch for the Volt in 2011 or 2012.

The car, which is powered by an electric motor and has a small gasoline engine to recharge the battery, goes on sale in the United States late this year. Ishii said last month that Japan was not part of the Volt's initial global rollout plan, but … Read more

Sneak a peek at Chevrolet's next-generation Aveo

I maintain a sort of goofy interest in all things Chevy Aveo, but it's mostly tongue-in-cheek irony. However, the sexy Chevrolet Aveo RS concept unveiled at the 2010 Detroit auto show made me do a double take. (Yeah, I'm having an issue with the juxtaposition of "sexy" and "Aveo," too.) Now, we have what looks to be the first shots of a production-ready 2012 Aveo (in sedan configuration) and it looks like the concept to car lot transition has been kind to the subcompact.

Pulling more that a little inspiration from its larger sibling … Read more

GM's next pickups: More technology

CHICAGO--General Motors will add technology to its next generation of full-size pickups, including adaptive cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.

In addition, GM may offer a flexible electronics system that is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket devices beyond MP3 players and mobile phones.

Technology in the electronics industry "moves so fast," said Rick Spina, GM's global vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. The pickups "will be more flexible" for adapting to aftermarket features.

But GM will stick with its basic formula for the next-generation, restyled, and re-engineered Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, due in … Read more

The GMC Granite: Chevy's new concept

Today marks the first day of February, but not too long ago back in January at the Detroit auto show, gearheads, critics, and industry folk got the first look at many of the new and exciting production models coming to a dealer near you, as well as the several concept vehicles whose futures are up in the air. Yes, many of the intriguing concept vehicles that were on display at Cobo Arena in Detroit will never make it to the streets, so it's always interesting to consider the possibilities of each. I thought it would be a neat idea … Read more

All you ever wanted to know about the Chevy Volt

Knowing that the people with the highest interest in the Chevy Volt are tech savvy and can spend hours engaged in geeky talk about new battery technologies and off-peak charging rates, GM is using a Web site to push technical details about the upcoming series hybrid car to the public.

The site, called VoltageU, lives under the larger Voltage umbrella site, and aims to provide quick access to in-depth articles and video about the Chevy Volt, breaking it down into four areas: technology, charging, battery, and infrastructure.

Under the surface, the site is a mish-mash, with links going out to … Read more

12 hottest tech cars of 2010

We've seen them at auto shows and special events, the 12 hottest tech cars to debut in 2010. Each of these cars represents automakers' efforts to push the technology envelope, whether through cabin or power-train tech.

Don't expect to find another tired update of an economy model amongst this group. Some are radical attempts to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, others institute new technologies in the cabin, and a few we've selected are pinnacles of engineering.

These cars will become available to the public throughout the year, and it looks like a good year indeed.

Check out the 12 hottest tech cars for 2010. … Read more

Pause-and-play radio trickles down to Buick Regal, Chevy Cruze

Pause-and-play radio is a neat feature built into a few high-end General Motors models, such as the Cadillac CTS and SRX. According the GM, the Buick Regal and the budget-priced Chevy Cruze will be joining the ranks of vehicles that can benefit from this option. Pause-and-play allows you to pause live radio (AM, FM, or XM Satellite radio) for up to 20 minutes and resume playback later--sort of like a TiVo for cars.

The system even works when a vehicle is turned off. For example, if you're listening to your favorite talk radio program during your commute to work, … Read more

GM hotrods a Buick and a Chevy

DETROIT--The Buick Regal and Chevy Aveo may not sound like cars for the racetrack, but GM decided to show how it can turn a turtle into a rabbit. The company launched two show cars, the Buick Regal GS and the Chevy Aveo RS, at the 2010 Detroit auto show. As show cars, neither is meant for production.

The Chevy Aveo RS precedes the launch of the next generation of this little car, and serves to build excitement about a model that could really use some. GM won't reveal yet how much of the body work of the RS will … Read more

2009 Car Tech Awards: And the winner is...

CNET Tech Car of the Year for 2009

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

In December we invited you to vote for the 2009 Tech Car of the Year from our five nominees. And in a unanimous decision between you, the voting public, and our Car Tech judges, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid wins the award. Although it faced some stiff competition, the combination of an excellent hybrid power train and the most advanced cabin tech in the business gave the Fusion Hybrid the edge. Ford and Toyota hybrid power trains work along similar principles, but Ford raised the bar by tuning it to work under electric power at higher speeds while delivering a very satisfying driving experience, with acceleration you can count on. With fuel economy pushing the 40 mpg mark, this midsize sedan makes trips to the pump infrequent.

On the cabin tech side, Ford complemented the hybrid power train with its Smart Gauge, LCD panels on either side of the speedometer, showing a variety of vehicle operating information. And Ford made Smart Gauge user configurable, a big leap from analog gauges of the past. Sync is standard, providing voice command and the kind of Bluetooth phone and MP3 player integration to which other companies are just starting to catch up. Sirius Travel Link feeds unparalleled and useful data sources into the navigation system, including traffic, weather, and fuel prices. And the Sony audio system is an excellent value, producing impressive sound quality.

Detroit show: An electric cavalcade

DETROIT -- With federal mileage standards rising, automakers next week will show a fresh group of fuel-efficient vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford will unveil the redesigned production Focus, and Honda will show the production version of the CR-Z hybrid hatchback. Toyota and Volkswagen will roll out hybrid concepts; Audi, BMW and Fiat will display electric concepts.

Show organizers are arranging various electric cars, including one from China's BYD Auto, in a space on the show floor called Electric Avenue.

But high performance will get its due. Judging by vehicles at the show, performance … Read more