Auto & Car Blog

Filed under: Coupes, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet

The crew from Camaro5 were on hand to capture the first live unveiling of the Chevrolet Camaro SS at Indy Bash 2008, and although we’ve seen the silver-hued coupe on numerous occasions, this is the first time we’ve gotten a glimpse inside.

As you’re undoubtedly already aware, the Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 putting out 422 hp and 408 lb.-ft. of torque, and in this case power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The most striking element of the SS’ interior is the shiny plastic door panels and dash trim that matches the two-tone black and leather seats, with contrast stitching. It’s very racy, and should tie in nicely with the SS badges fore and aft.

We’ll be able to see the Camaro SS up close at the Paris Motor Show next month, so stay tuned for our impressions from the floor.

[Source: Camaro5]

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Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, GM

Here we go again. Late last month we brought you a bevy of beautiful 2010 Chevy Camaro SS shots, and today General Motors has released a big batch of its own. These new images include studio shots of the 422-hp Camaro SS from various angles, as well as a few detail shots of the front and rear ends. Eh, it was about time for a new desktop wallpaper anyway.

[Source: GM]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Chevrolet

Early next month, when GM opens up their stand at the Detroit Auto Show, expect to see a concept version of the new Camaro Convertible front and center. While the Camaro’s debut at last year’s show was a surprise, there are leaks aplenty surrounding the ‘vert.

So, while it wont exactly be a shocker when it appears, it’ll still have our tongues wagging. The Car Connection, who has the story, mentions that when the Coupe finally bows, we can expect to see 6- and 8-cylinder (obviously) versions. We’ve heard juicy rumors from inside sources about a potential horsepower figure beginning with “5″ for the top-of-the-line Z28/SS/whatever-they’ll-name-it. This would make complete sense since the Shelby GT500 dishes out as much, and the Camaro will need to be able to run with (or past) the pony to keep the base happy.

In the meantime, we’re counting down the days to January 7, when we’ll (hopefully) get to see the purported convertible in person.

[Source: the Car Connection]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, New York Auto Show, SEMA, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

align="top" src="http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/2009_Dodge_Challenger_TA_8.jpg" alt="" />

Mopar
faithful are speculating that Chrysler’s speed freaks are working on an SRT version of the upcoming Challenger.
Since an official green light has not been given for the Challenger Concept that debuted earlier this year at the
Detroit auto show, this may be a case of fans attempting to will their dream into reality, but a 510-hp, 6.4L Hemi V8
does sound better than sheep jumping a fence.

Word is that Chrysler’s SRT division was going to debut
a Challenger SRT-8 at the New York Auto Show, an event that did not come to pass. SEMA is being pegged as the next most
likely debut venue.

With the href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/02/ford-shelby-gt500-lives-up-to-name-officially-rated-at-500hp/">announcement
by Ford that the Mustang Shelby GT500 will produce an SAE-certified 500 horsepower, many readers have questioned how
both Dodge and Chevy will respond when their pony cars debut. Will the Challenger SRT-8 materialize as an answer, and
will Chevy step up with a 500-hp Camaro SS? And how would that affect the Viper and Vette?

Though the
Mustang Shelby GT500’s thunder was stolen by Dodge and Chevy at the Detroit show, it’s apparent the super
Stang is raising some eyebrows around the industry.

[Source: SRTMopar]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, New York Auto Show, SEMA, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

align="top" src="http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/2009_Dodge_Challenger_TA_8.jpg" alt="" />

Mopar
faithful are speculating that Chrysler’s speed freaks are working on an SRT version of the upcoming Challenger.
Since an official green light has not been given for the Challenger Concept that debuted earlier this year at the
Detroit auto show, this may be a case of fans attempting to will their dream into reality, but a 510-hp, 6.4L Hemi V8
does sound better than sheep jumping a fence.

Word is that Chrysler’s SRT division was going to debut
a Challenger SRT-8 at the New York Auto Show, an event that did not come to pass. SEMA is being pegged as the next most
likely debut venue.

With the href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/02/ford-shelby-gt500-lives-up-to-name-officially-rated-at-500hp/">announcement
by Ford that the Mustang Shelby GT500 will produce an SAE-certified 500 horsepower, many readers have questioned how
both Dodge and Chevy will respond when their pony cars debut. Will the Challenger SRT-8 materialize as an answer, and
will Chevy step up with a 500-hp Camaro SS? And how would that affect the Viper and Vette?

Though the
Mustang Shelby GT500’s thunder was stolen by Dodge and Chevy at the Detroit show, it’s apparent the super
Stang is raising some eyebrows around the industry.

[Source: SRTMopar]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc.

At the very least we’re about one year away from seeing the production version of the Dodge Challenger, probably longer for the Chevy Camaro. We can’t wait that long, and we’re guessing neither can you. Hot Wheels has come to the rescue with two pairs of limited edition miniature motors.

Beginning Tuesday morning at 9 AM PST, Hot Wheel Collector’s Club members (membership is free) can buy the Real Riders Chevy Camaro and the Real Riders Dodge Challenger sets. The Camaro set has the iconic 1967 and 2006 concept versions of Chevy’s pony car, and for the MOPAR fans, the Challenger set comes with a 1970 and 2006 concept versions. All four cars are much more detailed than any Hot Wheel car you’ll find in stores, and feature rubber tires on special chrome wheels and a metal base. Each pack is limited to only 12,000 copies and at $9.99 each, are likely to sell out very quickly.

Check the jump for photos of the Challenger cars then go to the HWC website for even more photos of both.

Continue reading Hot Wheels offers limited edition Camaro and Challenger

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet

There are a lot of cool looking 1968 Camaros on the street. Head over to Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise in August and we’re sure you’ll see more than you can count. Many are stock, but some sport mag wheels, blowers, heavily modified engines… you name it, you’ll see it. Over at Twist Machine, they took a Camaro with a 406 All Iron Small Block Chevy-Carbureted V8 and mated it to a paddle-shifted manumatic 4L60E transmission.

Using your own technology in an expensive hot-rod is a good way to show off your company’s mechanical prowess. Considering traditional manuals are falling out of favor, the time to strike is now.

Some other cool mods done to this hot rod include a ten-point roll cage, Baer 13″/12″ brakes, and lower control arms and uprights pulled from an ‘87 Corvette.

We like the idea of equipping a 20th century classic with some 21st century tech, but we don’t think it’s destined for the I-75 commute any time soon.

Be sure to check out the video of the Camaro in action, but be forewarned, it takes some time to load.

[CarDomain]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Etc., GM

click above image to view high-resolution pics of the entire GM cast of characters

During its sixth-annual “ten” pre-Oscar gala last night, General Motors made official what everyone already knew: it’s going to be in the live-action Transformers film this summer. They had on hand some of the four main GM vehicles that will be in the film, including “Bumblebee” (Chevy Camaro), “Autobot Jazz” (Pontiac Solstice), “Autobot Ratchet” (HUMMER H2), and “Ironhide” (GMC Topkick). We’re certain that every car parked at a meter and waiting for a green light in the Transformers universe will also be of GM descent, but we do know of one vehicle that’s not: a Saleen Mustang that plays the evil Decepticon “Barricade”. Trust in GM that a full marketing blitz is being planned around the release of its newest commercial on July 4th. Hopefully it won’t get pulled from theaters because someone starts complaining that robots are dying.

Check out the pics released by GM of each character from Transformers in our high-resolution gallery. You can also see some live shots of “Bumblebee” and “Jazz” at last night’s event here. For more, get a load of the action-figures that will accompany the release of the film.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM officially forms “Power Partnership” with Transformers

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Chevrolet, GM

Bob Lutz is determined to rattle all the cages he can in order to be heard above roar of the CAFE and CO2 standards debate. First, he said that forcing automakers to raise CAFE standards 4-percent per year would raise the price of a new car by $5,000. That was in response to Bush administration proposals. Now he’s putting car enthusiasts on notice, going on the record saying that GM’s RWD models would be put on hold.

[Source: Chicago Tribune via Winding Road]

Continue reading Lutz sounds the alarm: GM puts RWD drive vehicles on hold

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Time Warp, Trucks/Pickups, Chevrolet

Mike Levine over at PickupTruck.com has made an argument for the return of the El Camino, the car-based pickup sold back in the day that has risen to cult status in the modern era. Considering the cost of fuel these days and fuel economy standards that are likely to rise in the next decade, a car-based pickup could offer a viable solution for people who need the utility of an open bed but not the dismal fuel economy that accompanies a traditional pickup.

A resurrected El Camino would likely be built on the rear-wheel drive Zeta platform developed by GM’s Holden division in Australia where such vehicles already exist and are quite popular. The Holden Utes come in two- and four-door versions and are available with V6 and V8 engines, including a Super Sport version with a 350-horsepower V8. A Zeta-based El Camino could easily be built alongside the new Camaro in Oshawa, Ontario, and styling would likely mirror the new pony car’s lines to earn some instant street cred by association. The commissioned rendering by Mark Stehrenberger shows what a new El Camino with the corporate Chevy face could look like.

Follow the Read link to catch Mike Levine’s case for the El Camino in full, and let us know what you think in the comments.

[Source: PickupTruck.com]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM

click above to view the new Camaro spy-shot in high-res

General Motors has released another shot of the production Camaro making the rounds on its test track and this time we get a nice view of the front three-quarters. According to the FastLane Blog, the Camaro “is quickly evolving into final form,” however, things like the headlight design will likely change before all is said and done. The itty-bitty pic doesn’t divulge much, but it does prove that GM is sticking as close to the concept as possible. And just to let you know, we’re already looking for a larger version of the pic.

UPDATE: High-res version of the pic added.
UPDATE 2: You knew they were coming. CamaroZ28.com forum member Rampant has provided us with images of the new Camaro shot in a rainbow of colors.

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, Trucks/Pickups, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Humor

We try to stay out of politics here at Autoblog, but sometimes, events obligate us to jump into the fray. The latest event is a Harvard Business School professor’s comparison of the two leading presidential candidates to automobiles.

John Quelch said in an interview with Newsweek that he thinks of Barrack Obama as a new Prius and John McCain as an “old Ford F-150.” Politically, those two products carry some weighty social symbolism that, as car guys, we’re not all that concerned with.

But we do wonder what Mr. Quelch’s comments mean to us. The Prius is generally seen as a visually boring, fiscally-conservative choice with little to no fun factor. On the other hand, an old Ford pickup truck isn’t exactly exciting to look at and drinks a lot of gas, but it’ll carry a lot more furniture on moving day and is way more fun in the mud than the Toyota. Then, in an interview with AdAge, Mr. Quelch says that by choosing Alaska Governer Sarah Palin as his running mate, McCain has put a red Chevy Camaro next to his truck.

Hmm. Palin as a Camaro? Next to McCain’s Ford truck? Sounds like a house divided to us.

How about it? Is Obama a hybrid Japanese car? McCain a pickup truck? Should Mr. Quelch have said Palin is a Barracuda?

[Sources: AdAge via Newsweek]

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