It’s not too often that we associate sports cars, like the Chevrolet Camaro, with safety. As of last week, this is no longer the case. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe became the first car to score the highest possible five-star rating in every individual test of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program since the introduction of the new standards in 2011.
Last year, the NHTSA introduced new, more rigorous federal testing procedures including a new side barrier test and a new side pole test. The side pole test simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.
Camaro Chief Engineer, Al Oppenheiser, said that the Camaro has always been about performance including safety performance. He continued to say, “We always strive for five-star ratings, and the fact that we achieved them under more rigorous requirements is a great accomplishment.”
After watching the videos of the 2012 Camaro Coupe’s NHTSA testing, I’m inclined to agree with Oppenheiser. The 2012 Camaro’s safety specification includes six airbags, the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and seat belt pretensioners as standard. Now one of the most popular, best-looking sports car out there is also one of the safest. Hats off to General Motors.
If you’ve been holding off on getting a Camaro for awhile due to safety issues, you no longer have an excuse. Head down to Classic Chevrolet and hop into one. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. In the meantime, check out the official NHTSA videos below and see just how safe this beast is for yourself.
I have a Friday treat for all my Camaro lovers in the Dallas Ft Worth area – an inside look at the engineering behind the 2012 Camaro ZL1 from none other than the Chevrolet engineers themselves! With more than 100 development hours spent in the wind tunnel, the ZL1 is the first vehicle in General Motors history to boast neutral or negative lift. Excited yet?
In October, we saw just how fast this little beauty is as it lapped the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife course in 7:41.27 minutes. For those of you unfamiliar with Nordschleife, all you need to know is that the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Ferrari 430 Scuderia have all been timed at around seven minutes and forty seconds at this German track. In case you missed the video of the ZL1′s 7:41 time, you can watch it here.
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 is expected to hit the dealerships this spring and will have two wheel options: a five-spoke and a 10-spoke design and will be available in nine different colors. Both the manual and automatic versions will host a six-speed manual gearbox and will also come with the same four-pack console gauges as the SS model with a boost gauge now thrown into the mix. Stay tuned for more updates from your Classic Chevrolet dealership, Dallas Ft Worth Chevy lovers. In the meantime, enjoy a video from the Chevrolet engineers. Happy Friday!
The sky is no longer the limit for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. If you’ve seen the two most recent ads in this campaign, you know exactly what I mean. Chevrolet’s new campaign called “Let’s Do This” features the Sonic performing a variety of extreme stunts including skydiving and bungee jumping showing everyone that the all-newChevy Sonic is up for adventure. It’s turbocharged, connected and fun to drive.
Did I forget to mention that the 1.4L turbo with the six-speed manual also achieves an EPA highway fuel economy of 40 mpg? To give you a real-life scenario, imagine taking a road trip to New Orleans from Dallas in your Chevrolet on one tank of gas. That’s right, the Sonic Turbo offers up to 488 highway miles in one tank, making it one of the most fuel-efficient small cars in the market.
Along with being one of the most fuel-efficient cars out there, the Sonic goes from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds and 0 – 60 mph in 0.4 seconds when dropped from a plane. If you don’t believe me, check out the video below.
Not only is this car adventurous, it’s also safe. So safe in fact, that the Sonic was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) earlier this year and is equipped with two more air bags than its competitors. It also has a vehicle safety cage that is 60 percent high-strength steel, features a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for Children) system and six months of OnStar service including automatic crash response and panic brake assist technology. Should you be involved in an accident, there are sensors that will diagnose the severity of impact and control the deployment of its 10 airbags. Talk about a “Smart Car”.
So let’s recap: the Sonic is fast, fuel-efficient, safe and smart. What more could you ask for from your Classic Chevy Texas dealer? Are you ready to get adventurous, Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet lovers? The 2012 Sonic sure is. Check out its latest bungee jumping adventure.
Hey DFW Camaro lovers, I have some exciting news. Earlier today, Chevrolet announced that its most-powerful convertible ever, the 2013 Camaro ZL1, will debut at the LA Auto show next month. According to a press release issued by General Motors, this Camaro will deliver more performance and technology than many exotic cars and ultra-luxury convertibles. I told you I had exciting news!
The ZL1 will be powered by a 580-horsepower LSA 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, so I’m sure Camaro Chief Engineer, Al Oppenheiser, wasn’t kidding when he said, “This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas.”
The convertible will share all its characteristics and engine parts with the 2012 ZL1 coupe model which recently lapped the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife course in 7:41.27 minutes. The only changes we’ll see are a tower brace under the hood, a transmission reinforcement brace, an underbody tunnel brace and a set of X and V braces under the body. All of these are aimed at stiffening the chassis to better handle and apply all the power the LSA generates. Check out this video of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 at Nordschleife.
Are you getting excited yet? The ZL1 convertible will most likely be available for purchase in the late months of 2012. Until then, I’ll be sure to keep you posted on the latest updates!
Even if you’re not a fan of The Fast and The Furious movie franchise, you’ve got to at least check out the fifth movie, Fast Five, for the cars alone. The list is long and ranges from 1960s classics to 2011 models. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to know that my favorite on the list is the 1965 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport. You could probably say I’m a little biased, but even Dennis McCarthy, one of the most well-known picture car coordinators in the business, calls it the “Hero Car”. And with good reason.
Built by Mongoose Motorsports, this replica of a Grand Sport features the Chevrolet 502 big block backed by a Borg Warner Super T-10 four-speed transmission and rides on CS Corvette suspension. Here’s a breakdown of the car’s role in the movie from Dennis McCarthy himself.
According to McCarthy, all of the Fast Five vehicles had a pretty rough life on set. The only ones still drivable were the Hero and two stunt cars. If you haven’t seen the movie yet and you’re a car lover like me, I definitely recommend you check it out. Here’s a scene from the movie featuring the Corvette. Enjoy!
It’s not required by federal safety standards, but that’s not stopping GM from delivering the utmost highest standards of safety for its passengers. The new, centrally-mounted air bag will significantly reduce injuries to passengers involved in side-impact crashes.
The center airbag is the first of its kind in the industry and it is located between the driver’s front and passenger seats and will provide cushioning between drivers and front passengers. So far, the GM line of crossover vehicles have all received the highest rating of “good” for side-impact protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. And you can bet that these ratings will remain the same throughout the years.
GM plans to add this new air bag as standard equipment for all its crossovers including the Chevy Traverse in 2013. Here’s a video on exactly how this new feature will help.
It’s official! The new 2012 Sonic has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, seeing how this subcompact cruiser is equipped with two more air bags than its competitors and has a vehicle safety cage that is 60 percent high-strength steel.
Photo courtesy of AutoBlog.com
The Sonic also features a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for Children) system, six months of OnStar service including automatic crash response and panic brake assist technology. Did I forget to mention how smart this subcompact is? Should you be involved in an accident, there are sensors that will diagnose the severity of impact and control the deployment of its 10 airbags.
The IIHS only awards Top Safety Picks to the vehicles that perform with the highest level of safety in their class. The ratings are based on how well they protect passengers in front and side crash tests, in rollovers via a roof strength test, and in simulated rear impacts to evaluate seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries.
You can see how the Sonic reacts in two of these tests below. If you’re looking for a seriously safe subcompact that averages 40 mpg, then feel free to swing by and take a test drive.
Check out the Press Release for the GOOD deeds of Chevrolet, Classic Chevrolet, and Youth Baseball! We were so happy to be involved and so happy that we could contribute! Here’s to Chevy and Baseball…. a GREAT combination!
Classic Chevrolet Donates More Than $1,700 in Cash and Sports Equipment to Richland Youth Association
Grapevine, September 12, 2011 – Classic Chevrolet, one of 34 Chevrolet dealers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area that partnered with local youth baseball leagues for the 2011 baseball season, raised nearly $20,540 in total donations from the dealerships and private parties. In addition to monetary support, Classic Chevrolet provided Richland Youth Association with equipment donations, an opportunity to raise (and keep) up to $10,000 through a unique fundraiser, and participation in a baseball clinic led by Texas Rangers. “Chevrolet has a long history with baseball and we’re glad we were able to bring that commitment to our youth leagues in Grapevine,” said Justin Norwood, TITLE for Classic Chevrolet. “The instructional clinic was the highlight of the season for many of the kids. They had a blast – and, frankly, we did too.” Classic Chevrolet partnered with the Richland Youth Association because of the league’s proximity to the dealership. Equipment donated by Classic Chevrolet included equipment bags, ball buckets, dugout managers and t-shirts. In addition, the dealership helped donate either a Chevy Cruze or a Chevy Equinox to be used as a fundraiser by the league. The winner of the fundraiser got to choose one of the two vehicles. “We are delighted to be involved with the American tradition of youth baseball,” said Norwood, of Classic Chevrolet. “Sponsoring Richland Youth Association gave us the opportunity to illustrate our commitment to the youth and families in Grapevine and we’re glad to have achieved such positive outcome for the community.”
In 2011, more than 1,200 Chevrolet dealers participated in Chevy Youth Baseball. Now in its sixth year, more than $14 million has been contributed to youth baseball in the communities where Chevrolet’s customers live, work, and play.
Did you know that the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be officially rated at 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque? Talk about a super charged Camaro!
Check out the features that you can find on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
1: TRACK-TUNED SUSPENSION WITH MAGNETIC RIDE
Sensors calculate pitch, roll, squat, dive and yaw, instantly adjusting the suspension’s magnetic fluid to form the ideal damping pressure.
ZL1′s two-piece rotors are the largest yet fitted to a gen5 Camaro. Six-piston calipers in front and four-pistons at the rear secure the discs for excellent braking performance.
3: 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH SHORT-THROW SHIFTER
On the track, lap after lap, shifting is an instinct – an extension of your consciousness. ZL1′s short-throw 6-speed gearbox offers an unfiltered connection to the heart of the machine.
4: DUAL-MODE EXHAUST
ZL1 monitors your driving style and automatically adjusts between two exhaust modes. At higher speeds, exhaust is routed through a less-restrictive path, increasing horsepower. At lower speeds, exhaust remains fully baffled for quieter operation and mellower street driving. All without having to turn a single wrench.
5: 6.2L SUPERCHARGED V8 ENGINE
Intercooled Eaton supercharger. All-aluminum V8 has 580 horsepower and 556 lb.-ft. of torque. Blinding acceleration, top-end performance and proven reliability coexist happily under the hood.
6: ALUMINUM HOOD WITH CARBON FIBER AIR EXTRACTOR
To fully appreciate ZL1, you need a road course, the twistier the better. A track where its use of lightweight materials – aluminum hood with carbon fiber inserts – and downforce-inducing aerodynamics help Camaro ZL1 wring the full effects from its 6.2L supercharged V8.
8: FORGED ALUMINUM WHEELS AND GOODYEAR 20″ TIRES1
It all comes down to the contact patch – ZL1′s second-generation Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires (285/35R20 front, 305/35R20 rear) plant all four corners with exceptional grip. The forged aluminum wheels (20×10″ front, 20×11″ rear) reduce unsprung weight.
9: HIGH-PERFORMANCE SEATS WITH MICROFIBER SUEDE INSERTS
Your body needs support during cornering. ZL1′s seats help ease the task. Microfiber suede inserts increase friction to keep you firmly planted in your seat.
10: UNIQUE FRONT FASCIA AND FRONT SPLITTER, REAR DIFFUSER, REAR SPOILER AND SIDE ROCKER EXTENSIONS
The ZL1 shape is pure Camaro – and a breed apart. Unique body elements contribute usable downforce, allowing ZL1 to respond to course corrections even at intense speeds. Add details that even the diehards aren’t expecting, and you’ve got a masterpiece with the performance to match.
11: FOUR-PACK AUXILIARY GAUGES WITH BOOST READOUT AND HUD
Everything you need to know about the Camaro’s performance is a quick glance away. Plus ZL1′s heads-up-display presents vital info right on the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the track and focus on the task at hand – like getting to the end of the straightaway with deliberate speed.
12: AVAILABLE SUEDE-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL & SHIFT KNOB
Hold ZL1 in your fingertips. Available suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob allow a light touch for precision maneuvering. The small-diameter steering wheel permits quick turning and optimized hand position – ideal during aggressive cornering.
13: REDUNDANT CONTROL STEERING WHEEL AND BLUETOOTH® FOR SELECT PHONES2
ZL1 is track ready, but it’s also ready to get you home from the course with all the amenities you expect from a world-class sports coupe. Wheel-mounted controls let you adjust the audio system without releasing your grip. Hands-free calling is compatible with select phones.
14: USB PORT3
The USB port, hidden in the console, connects your iPod®4 to the audio system. Simply plug in your iPod and scroll though your playlists via steering wheel controls. You can even plug in a flash drive to the USB port.
15: PREMIUM AUDIO – BOSTON ACOUSTICS
Boston Acoustics premium audio system provides a high-performance experience for occupants of the ZL1 interior. After all, when your ride is smooth, shouldn’t your tunes be, too?
16: LED HALO RINGS
The entire look of the ZL1 is capped off with deep-inset eyes. The high-intensity discharge headlamps with glowing LED halo rings set this car apart. There’s more to seeing than light.
Don’t you worry! Before you know it you will be able to come to Classic Chevrolet your Fort Worth Chevy Dealer and see the 2012 Camaro ZL1 for yourself!
So the question is………
Thanks to Brandi Hodge and Chevrolet for contributing.
1
Use only GM-approved tire and wheel combinations. Unapproved combinations may change the vehicle’s performance characteristics. For important tire and wheel information, go to gmaccessorieszone.com or see your dealer for details.
2
Go to gm.com/bluetooth to find out which phones are compatible with the vehicle.
3
Not compatible with all devices.
4
iPod is a mobile digital device. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
It just so happens that I am in love with the Chevrolet Camaro…. I bet you already knew that though. Since this the 100th birthday for Chevrolet it is only fitting that they remember the Chevrolet Camaro in their celebration. Recently Chevrolet launched a new video which gives thanks to all of the many special edition Camaros that we have seen in years past. This video is fun, fast, and filled with more love than I think one brand could give to possibly its most famous car ever made…. well other than the Corvette. Whether it’s a 1967 Indy Pace car or the brand new 45th edition that we’ll see in 2012 it is very apparent how Chevrolet feels about its Camaro.
Each model highlights different aspects of what it means to be a Camaro. The Neiman Marcus edition is pure luxury and design. Synergy Series is sporty and aggressive. And the Indy Pace Car Replica? That’s a tradition that continues to this day. – Camaro Blog
Check out the video below and remember when the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 54th Edition heads to your local Texas Chevy Dealer you can come over and take it for a spin….. That is if you can get me out of it!
Thanks to Brandi Hodge and Camaro Blog for contributing.
Hi, I'm Hagen Durant, General Manager of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX - I am a huge car and truck enthusiast and love talking cars. I'm a cyclist, health nut, father, geek, and drummer. I look forward to giving you great information about cars and trucks, driving tips, maintenance and so much more.
If you have any questions or would like to make suggestions feel free to email them to me at hagen@classicchevytexas.com
It’s not too often that we associate sports cars, like the Chevrolet Camaro, with safety. As of last week, this is no longer the case. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe became the first car to score the highest possible five-star rating in every individual test of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program since the introduction of the new standards in 2011.
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