Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Experience the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco at Tom Bell Chevrolet
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
2013 Camaro 1LE provides a unique experience
“The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer.”
In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.
For 2013, all Camaro SS models including the 1LE will feature standard variable-effort electric power steering and an available dual-mode exhaust system. Both features were introduced on the ZL1. Additionally, 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models are available with Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment system.
“With the 2013 model year, Camaro offers something for almost every driver, including: the 323-horsepower, 30-mpg 2LS; the all-new, 580-horsepower supercharged ZL1 convertible; the COPO Camaro for drag-racing; and the new 1LE for amateur track days,” said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro marketing manager. “We expect the range of choices, and enhancements for 2013, will help Camaro remain America’s most-popular sports car.”
Camaro sales were up nearly 20 percent for the first two months of the year, building on an 8.5-percent gain for all of 2011. The 1LE package goes on sale this fall with the 2013 Camaro line. Pricing will be released later this year.
A heritage of handling
The Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro’s involvement in Pro-Am road racing.
For 2013, the 1LE package is offered only on 1SS and 2SS coupe models, featuring a 6.2L LS3 V-8, which is rated at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb-ft of torque (569 Nm). In addition, 1LE is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
While the Camaro SS features a Tremec TR6060-M10 for all-around performance, the Camaro 1LE features an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance. As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.
The 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.
Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:
- Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
- Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
- Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
- ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 11-inch aluminum wheels
- 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
- ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance
- ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-cornering
Visually, the 1LE package for 2013 is distinguished by its matte-black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car’s on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.
Inside, the 1LE package incorporates the ZL1’s flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded microfiber.
Electric power steering and dual-mode exhaust bring ZL1 technology to SS models
All 2013 Camaro SS models, including the 1LE, will benefit from performance technologies that debuted on the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1.
The improvements began in 2012, when all SS Coupes incorporated the ZL1-derived chassis element: Stabilizer bars with drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This made the stabilizer bars four times more effective than in previous models, for improved control of body roll and crisper response to steering input.
New for 2013, the electric power steering system developed for the ZL1 will be standard on all 2013 SS models. The variable ratio, variable effort system provides light efforts for easy maneuverability at parking-lot speeds as well as increased resistance at higher speeds. This provides more feedback, and a more direct steering feel, to the driver.
Also new for 2013 is an available dual-mode exhaust system, available on Camaro SS models with the LS3 V8 engine and six-speed manual transmissions. Similar to the systems found on the ZL1 and Corvette models, this vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound at high engine speeds.
MyLink connects you
Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment is available on all 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models. The color touch radio, with a 7-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.
The color touch radio with MyLink gives customers a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.
MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. The high-resolution, full-color touch screen display makes media selection easy to navigate.
MyLink also retains all the capabilities of today’s entertainment functions, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, auxiliary and USB inputs.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Tom Bell Chevrolet's Dream Cruise Car Show is coming soon
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is here at Tom Bell Chevrolet
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Chevrolet Corvette Inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame
Corvette first competed at Sebring in 1956 and since that year, 231 Corvettes have competed in the Twelve Hours of Sebring race, 24 of them scoring class or category victories in this legendary contest.
Seven of the Sebring wins were tallied by Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Corvette Racing finished strong in Sunday’s 60th anniversary race, placing second and third in the GT Class.
“We are thrilled that Sebring has recognized the success of the Corvette on the race track by inducting it into the hall of fame,” said Russ Clark, Chevrolet marketing director for Performance Cars.
“Even more important than the awards and race wins are the benefits to our production vehicles as a result of our racing programs,” said Clark. “We have been successful at transferring racing technology to the street, especially in our high-performance vehicles such as the Corvette ZR1, Z06 and our carbon fiber models, including aerodynamic, powertrain, chassis, braking, safety and design features.”
Chevrolet is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Corvette with the 427 Convertible Collector Edition, as well as a special 60th anniversary package that will be available on all 2013 models.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Check out the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban at Tom Bell Chevrolet
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Chevrolet knows fuel-efficiency
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Experience the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic at Tom Bell Chevrolet.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Chevrolet Vehicles Deliver Scene-Stealing Performances
- A customized 1964 Corvette plays a prominent role in the 1964 box-office hit, Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret, about Lucky Jackson and his efforts to race in the city’s first Grand Prix. It is considered one of Presley’s finest performances and was the debut of a chart-topping hit of the same name.
- A red Corvette Stingray stars alongside Academy Award Winner Jeff Bridges in the 1973 bio-pic Last American Hero, which chronicles the rise of Junior Jackson from nothing to the highest level in stock car racing.
- The smooth-talking Eric “Otter” Stratton played by Tim Matheson in the 1978 cult classic National Lampoon’s Animal House drives a 1959 Corvette.
- Dolly Parton is seen in a 1968 Camaro in the 1982 film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which also starred Burt Reynolds.
- Sean Penn, as the character Jeff Spicoli, famously wrecked a 1968 Camaro Z28 in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
- In the 1987 film Less Than Zero starring Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Gertz and Andrew McCarthy showcases a 1959 Corvette Convertible.
- A 1978 Camaro appears in the 1993 film version of the famous Saturday Night Live skit Coneheads starring Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin.
- In the 2002 Adam Sandler movie Mr. Deeds, the lead character rewards each of the citizens of his hometown for their continued friendship with shiny new red 2002 Corvette Convertibles.
- Animated versions of the Corvette have been cast as characters in both Disney-Pixar animated films Toy Story 3 (2010) and Cars 2 (2011).
- Both the Camaro as Bumblebee and the Corvette Stingray concept are heavily featured in the 2011 action thriller TRANSFORMERS:Dark of the Moon. Two Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition vehicles were offered by Chevrolet that sold about 3,000 units, transferring the big screen appeal to the roadway.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Awesome new Chevrolet vehicles are here at Tom Bell Chevrolet
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Gene, thank you for your recommendation
"We went to Tom Bell Chevrolet to look for a new vehicle and was pleased with the Sales Staff and the Finance Department was great. We feel they gave us a good price for our trade in and a great price for the new vehicle we purchased. We were introduced to both the Parts and Service Departments before leaving. They were professional all the way and we have recommended them to our friends. They have a five star rating from us. "