New Chevy Cruze Spots

Track your Order via Chevrolet.com!

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

GM bringing apps to your vehicle via OnStar

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]

2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit Vehicle ready to fight crime

A few months ago, we talked about Dodge and their desire to become a big player in the police fleet segment. Fast forward to today where Dodge has announced the Pursuit edition Charger for the 2011 model year. MotorTrend got the lowdown on what will be included besides the standard black and white hue with flashing strobes.

In addition to the powertrain update, the 2011 Charger Pursuit will be equipped with a higher output alternator rated at 220 amps for all the car’s electrical and accessory needs. (Previous models used a 160-amp unit.) Further police-spec add-ons include performance suspension tuning, a heavy-duty brake package, 18-inch steel wheels wrapped in high-pursuit-ready rubber, front and rear anti-roll bars, and a special two-mode stability control system set up for the beat. The mobile-command interior uses a Police Interface Module and a column-mounted automatic transmission.

Powertrain wise, the 3.5L will be replaced with the new Pentastar 3.6L V6 and the 5.7L HEMI V8 will remain an option. The Charger Pursuit will be available to order in September.

Source [MotorTrend & Detroit News]

2011 Jeep Wrangler Preview: New Hard Top, Interior and Color Palette

Jeep released some press shots with upcoming styling changes for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The interior has been completely revamped and is much more refined. The same soft-touch material used on the Grand Cherokee will be implemented on dash panels. Exterior changes include a body color hard top option, five new colors added to the palette, and changes to the rear windows to improve visibility. Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep went on record that:

“The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better. While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience, and versatility features.”

Production was ramped up this week and we should see these arriving relatively soon! Shot of the revamped interior below.

Source [MotorTrend, Detroit News, Chrysler]

2011 Dodge Durango Teaser drops on Dodge.com

Let me preface by saying I’m not sure how long it has been live, but a teaser site for the 2011 Dodge Durango is on Dodge.com. Details are scarce with only vanity shots of the exterior, but it’s great to see them build buzz for a new product. Chrysler did a great job with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and are following suit with the Durango. Click the link below to sign up for updates or share on Twitter and Facebook.

Source [Dodge.com]

Buick Excelle breaks cover for younger buyers.

We posted a few months back about how the Buick brand is becoming younger. Meet the Buick Excelle. Launching in Chinese markets later this year, it’s their continuation of bringing more interesting and fun cars to market.

The Excelle will be powered by a 138-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, while the Excelle GT a 181-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both are strapped to a six speed automatic transmission. With the Excelle being marketed as an entry level luxury sedan, it definitely fills a void in Buick’s lineup. Bring this stateside with an MSRP starting under $ 20k and we could have a winner!

Source [MotorTrend]