Join us November 4th and 5th to celebrate the Grand Reopening of our Chevy Buick GMC Store! From Noon to 5:00PM, there will be a raffle, hot dogs, chips and drinks as well as give you the opportunity to see our new showroom.

Tagged: Buick, Chevy, GMC ]]> http://johnsonautoblog.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/join-us-for-our-grand-reopening/feed/ 0 Editor gm-building-remodel-night http://johnsonautoblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/your-invited-to-our-chrysler-premiere-event/ http://johnsonautoblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/your-invited-to-our-chrysler-premiere-event/#comments Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:22:04 +0000 Editor http://johnsonautoblog.wordpress.com/?p=800 Continue reading →]]>

On March 19th, you’re invited to our Chrysler Premiere event! This event is to show off the redesigned and reinvigorated Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram products. We will be here to answer any questions you may have or to take any of our updated models for a spin.

Before you stop by, click the link below for a chance to win a new Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep product. If you aren’t a winner of a new vehicle, you may receive a $ 25 gift card just for seeing us.

via Chrysler Premiere Event Page

We’ve talked about the GMC Granite before and according to a report over on MotorTrend,  will be green lit for production. Concept suicide doors in tow. The information comes from a “well placed source” within the company.

The concept was built on the C-Segment (Volt, Cruze & Verano) platform and was powered by the 1.4L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder found in the Cruze with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, MotorTrend speculates that the 2.4L 4 Cylinder in the Verano could also make an appearance as the powerplant of choice.

It’s all conjecture until the press release hits the wire. But we can all agree, this concept could make a nice splash in the fast growing small car segment.

via [Autoblog] source [MotorTrend]

The all-new Chevrolet Volt has been cleaning house. First it attained Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year, then Motor Trend named it their Car of the Year. The spot above will be adjusted to reflect the coveted Motor Trend award, but in the interim, it’s an enjoyable narrative from Tim the Tool Man Taylor. Enjoy!

Via press release, GM has official fuel economy numbers for the new Cruze Eco. 42 miles per gallon highway. And no, it’s not a hybrid. Almost 50 tweaks and cheanges were made to help the all-new Cruze to attain higher numbers than it’s “green” competitors. It also attained an impressive 0.298 drag coefficient, which, to put in persepctive, is less than a Bugatti Veyron.

Press release after the jump.

For release: Nov. 11, 2010, 11:00 a.m. EST

NEW CHEVROLET CRUZE ECO ACHIEVES SEGMENT-LEADING 42 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY

Hybrid-Like Fuel Economy Starts at $18,895; Goes on Sale in January

DETROIT – The official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco are in and they’re good. Segment-leading good. It delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway (manual transmission models), with equally impressive city fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Cruze Eco’s highway fuel economy beats non-hybrid segment competitors – including 23 percent greater highway fuel economy than the Honda Civic – as well as the Ford Fiesta subcompact and many hybrid models. In fact, it’s better than Ford Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

“Chevrolet Cruze continues to redefine the compact segment, offering class-leading standard safety features, upscale amenities – as well as hybrid-like fuel economy without the price,” said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. “The Cruze Eco is in a league of its own and will challenge perceptions of the efficiency available in a more affordable non-hybrid.”

The Cruze Eco carries an MSRP of $18,895 (including destination charge). It goes on sale in January.

To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, mass optimization and powertrain enhancements. The refinements in each area paid big dividends towards the car’s overall efficiency, while providing engineers with valuable information to help enhance the efficiency of future Chevrolet models.

“We left no stone unturned or piece of sheet metal un-weighed,” said Russell. “Our engineers were comprehensive and thorough when it came to evaluating and modifying the aspects of the car’s performance that contribute to fuel economy.”

Aero enhancements
Aerodynamic improvements over non-Eco manual-transmission models contributed approximately 6 mpg to the Cruze’s EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy. Many were developed and refined in more than 500 hours of wind-tunnel testing of the Chevy Volt, which shares a core architecture with the Cruze. Examples include the upper grille, which has more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics, a lower front air dam extension, a rear spoiler, a lowered ride height and underbody panels that smooth airflow beneath the car.

The Eco model also features an all-new technology in the compact segment: a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Another contributor to reduced drag is the use of ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires (used with lightweight wheels), which are also used on the Volt.

As a result of the aero enhancements, aerodynamic drag was reduced by 10 percent over a non-Eco model, with a coefficient of drag of 0.298. That places Cruze at the top of the class for mainstream compact cars.

Mass optimization
More than 42 changes were made on the Eco to reduce weight. It weighs in at 3,009 pounds (1,365 kg), compared to the 3,223 pounds (1,462 kg) of the Cruze 1LT. The diet program for the Cruze challenged engineers to look at all aspects of the vehicle’s construction, including hundreds of weld flanges on the vehicle. They were reduced 1 mm to 2 mm in length, which saved several pounds, while the sheet metal gauge thickness was reduced by about 0.1 mm in select components. This saved weight while preserving structural integrity.

Lighter wheels and tires are used on the Eco. They’re stylish, polished 17-inch alloy units with Goodyear tires that weigh only 36.5 pounds (16.6 kg) apiece. That’s 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg) less than the 16-inch wheel/tires of the Cruze 1LT for a complete savings to the vehicle of 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg).

Efficient powertrain
Cruze Eco is powered by power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission. The transmission’s gearing is optimized for the model’s specific 17-inch wheel/tire combination and includes aggressive ratios for first and second gear coupled with a highly efficient, “taller” sixth-gear ratio for highway driving. That means engine rpm is reduced on the highway, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. A six-speed automatic transmission is available, with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 city and 37 highway.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance. The turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility.

The engine also features premium design elements that give it world-class smoothness and durability while also contributing to the Cruze Eco’s lower curb weight. They include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold.

Comparing the competitors
As a result of aerodynamic improvements, mass reduction and powertrain optimizaton, the Cruze Eco offers the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while delivering hybrid-like fuel economy without the hybrid price. The following charts show how it compares with primary competitors and popular hybrids.

Cruze Eco vs. segment competitors
Model EPA City Fuel Economy EPA Highway Fuel Economy
Chevrolet Cruze Eco 28 mpg 42 mpg
Toyota Corolla 26 mpg 35 mpg
Honda Civic 26 mpg 34 mpg
Ford Focus 25 mpg 35 mpg
Hyundai Elantra 26 mpg 35 mpg

Cruze Eco vs. hybrids
Model EPA City Fuel Economy EPA Highway Fuel Economy Price
Chevrolet Cruze Eco 28 mpg 42 mpg $18,895
Ford Fusion Hybrid 41 mpg 36 mpg $27,950
Nissan Altima Hybrid 35 mpg 33 mpg $26,780
Toyota Camry Hybrid 33 mpg 34 mpg $26,150

About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer 42 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range (based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Blurrycams and black tape have been about all we’ve seen of the redesigned 2011 Dodge Charger, but as luck would have it, the folks from Auburn Hills had one without the drab at the Cop Car Shootout in Michigan this week. As you can see, there has been a significant amount of aesthetic changes and you can expect a revamped interior to match. Take a look at the original article by clicking the link below.

Source | Jalopnik

Earlier this week, Chevy lifted the curtain on an exciting new feature for soon-to-be owners of a car, truck, crossover or SUV bearing the beloved bowtie. After you place an order for your new vehicle, you are able to track it via a new webpage under the owners tab of Chevrolet.com (link below).  All you need is the order number and state where your dealer is located. You will be taken to a 360 degree image of your new Chevy with five available status options:

• Order Placed
• Vehicle Being Produced
• Production Complete
• Shipped | En Route
• Vehicle is at your Chevrolet Dealership

Also, you can also shop for GM Accessories or visit ChevyMall to order some swag for you and your new addition.

Source | Chevy.com

Earlier this year, we took the OnStar Mobile Experience app for a test drive –pardon the pun– and had a positive impression from the feature set that would be available in conjunction of the launch of the Chevy Volt. Since, OnStar appears to be going through a re-brand to compete with Ford’s wildly popular Sync.

Detroit News is reporting on new features that will be available in next few months. In addition to weather and traffic alerts, a mobile solution called MyLink will offer apps for each of the brands that will be able to control certain functions of your vehicle (similar to the previous OnStar app). Other technologies being tested is a voice activated Facebook status updater and text messages that can be read through the audio system. An aggressive media campaign will accompany these features to make customers aware of the new push toward technology and social media.

[Source | Detroit News]