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Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Amazing service specials going on right now at Tom Bell Chevrolet.
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Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Fiberglass to Carbon Fiber: Corvette’s Lightweight Legacy
The 2013 Corvette Z06 exemplifies that philosophy. With a curb weight of only 3,199 pounds (1,451 kg) and 505-horsepower (377 kW), it is not only one of the lightest sports cars available in America, it has one of the best power-to-weight ratios of 6.33:1. That’s better than the Aston Martin DBS (7.5:1 – 510 horsepower/3,836 pounds), Porsche 911 Turbo S (6.7:1 – 530 horsepower/3,561 pounds) and Nissan GT-R (7.1:1 – 545 horsepower/3,887 pounds).
“Horsepower isn’t the only measure of performance,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette’s marketing manager. “Balance and low weight are just as important and that’s where the Corvette excels. It has a heritage of employing cutting-edge technologies and materials to help optimize performance.”
Corvette’s use of advance materials began in 1953, when the first Corvettes were produced with all-fiberglass bodies. Every Corvette since has featured a composite-material body.
Fiberglass, the lightweight, rust-proof composite material, was first considered for use on a GM vehicle by legendary designer Harley Earl. Besides being an exotic choice for the early Fifties and having an undeniable weight advantage, fiberglass offered an economical way to create the low-volume Corvette without the expense of large sheet metal stamping dies.
Starting with the third generation in 1968, the body parts were manufactured with a press mold process, whereby the fiberglass material and resin were shaped in a die-like tool that produced smoother parts more quickly. It was a significant advancement in forming technology and laid the groundwork for a change in the body panels’ material in 1973. That year, the composition changed from conventional fiberglass to sheet-molded composite, or SMC, which was composed of fiberglass, resin and a catalyst formed under high heat and pressure. The ratio of resin to fiberglass was reduced with SMC, while the fiberglass itself was a bit coarser. The new material helped produce panels that were smoother right out of the mold, resulting in higher-quality paint finishes.
All Corvettes since 1973 have used SMC body panels, but the material composition has changed dramatically, featuring less traditional fiberglass and more lightweight plastic. The early SMC material created parts that were stronger and more rigid, but more brittle. As SMC technology and production experience evolved, Corvette engineers were able to alter the material composition and the body parts’ specifications to trim the Corvette’s curb weight. Mostly, that happened through making thinner body panels, because SMC was denser and stronger than conventional fiberglass.
It’s rare that a next-generation model of any vehicle is lighter than its predecessor, but that was the case with the fifth-generation (C5) Corvette in 1997. In fact, the 1997 Corvette was larger overall – longer and wider – than the 1996 model, but it weighed nearly 100 pounds less. A greater emphasis on advanced materials was the reason.
The contributors that helped drive down the C5’s curb weight included the use of SMC body panels with more plastic than ever before. The material, basically the same used in the current sixth-generation (C6) Corvette, was composed of about 40 percent resin – polyester, vinyl ester, styrene or a blend of all three – 33 percent calcium-carbonate filler, 20 percent chopped fiberglass, The remaining 7 percent is resin and hardeners that improve the out-of-mold surface finish.
The C5’s panels were exceptionally light, but so was the Corvette’s all-new chassis, which used beefy rails and hydroformed sections to provide strength with less complexity and weight. The floor sections used a sandwich of materials including featherweight balsa wood – a renewable material – to minimize mass. That continues with the C6 cars.
Even the C5’s Gen III small-block V-8 contributed to weight savings and overall greater balance. Compared to the Gen II small-block it replaced, it delivered a lightweight aluminum cylinder block, aluminum heads and a composite intake manifold that weighed less than 10 pounds. The Gen II engine used a heavier iron cylinder block and aluminum intake manifold. A lighter engine improved the front-to-rear weight balance.
The C5 also introduced titanium and carbon fiber to the Corvette. The 2001-04 high-performance Z06 model used a 26-pound titanium exhaust system that was 70 percent lighter than the conventional muffler/tailpipe assembly of other models. A lightweight carbon fiber hood was used on a special-edition 2004 Z06 model and it was nearly 11 pounds lighter than the already lightweight standard SMC hood.
The introduction of the C6 Z06 in 2006 brought an aluminum-based chassis structure and a greater percentage of carbon fiber body panels, representing the most significant advanced materials initiative in Corvette history. Despite looking like the steel chassis of the base Corvette, the C6 Z06’s aluminum frame weighs nearly one-third less. Magnesium is used for the roof structure, engine cradle and some of the other suspension attachment points for greater mass reduction. On the outside, the Z06 uses carbon fiber panels for the front fenders, front wheel houses and rear fenders.
The Corvette ZR1 uses the same aluminum chassis structure as the Z06 and incorporates even more carbon fiber body parts, including the roof panel, rocker panels and more. The new 2013 427 Convertible model also uses lightweight carbon fiber in the hood, fenders and floor panels.
Another advanced material found on today’s Corvette is the carbon ceramic brake rotors that are standard on the ZR1 and available on the Z06. These space-age composite components deliver a significant weight savings over conventional iron brake rotors, while offering exceptional wear resistance.
“Corvette has never been focused on an exclusive material – be it aluminum, carbon fiber, or fiberglass,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. “Instead, we are constantly looking for the best materials structure, powertrain, and chassis to improve the performance of Corvette.”
*Chevrolet News United States
Monday, August 27, 2012
For a limited time only, take advantage of this great Tom Bell Chevrolet special!
10% Parts Discount on any GM part or accessory purchased at our front retail parts counter. http://bit.ly/OocWb2
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
GM Foundation Grants $50,000 to National Kidney Foundation
The GM Foundation today announced a $50,000 grant to the National Kidney Foundation for its continued efforts to prevent kidney disease and educate the public about risk factors and early detection.
The check was presented at the Detroit stop of the NKF Cadillac Golf Classic. The annual tournament series of 40 events across the United States draws thousands of amateur golfers to compete for a chance to play at the celebrated Pebble Beach Resorts while raising funds and awareness for the disease. More than $80 million has been raised for the kidney foundation community since the tournament’s inception in 1987.
“This grant from the GM Foundation will help provide vital services to the 26 million Americans affected by kidney disease,” said Ed Peper, General Motors U.S. vice president of Fleet and Commercial Sales who presented the grant on behalf of the GM Foundation. “Cadillac is also proud to support NKF through this annual golf tournament.”
The grant will support the foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program, which provides basic free tests to determine kidney function for those most at risk. More than 175,000 people have been screened since the program started.
“One in three Americans is at risk for kidney disease because of high blood pressure or diabetes – the two leading causes,” said Bruce Skyer, National Kidney Foundation CEO. “With the generous support of the GM Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation is working to spread awareness for those at risk so they understand the importance of screening and the role early detection plays in improving health and saving lives.”
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/community.> About the National Kidney Foundation The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to preventing kidney diseases, improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of organs for transplantation. For more information visit www.kidney.org *Courtesy of GM News United States
Monday, August 20, 2012
GM Adds 8.15 Megawatts of Solar Power in Germany
The array will generate approximately 7.3 million kW hours from sunlight. This represents a CO2 reduction of approximately 3,150 tons per year, or equal to the amount of carbon isolated annually by 609 acres of pine forests.
“When we announced last year our plans to double our global solar power output by the end of 2015, we had large projects like this in mind,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president, Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs. “And it is because of this type of progress that we are committed to increasing renewable energy use to 125 megawatts by 2020.”
Combined with the other European installations in GM’s solar footprint in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Zaragoza, Spain, GM will be capable of producing 19.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity – equivalent to the avoidance of 8,200 tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. That’s the same amount of carbon sequestered annually by 1,586 acres of pine forests.
The solar electricity produced at Rüsselsheim feeds directly into the grid of the plant and is used in vehicle production. Excess solar power is fed into the public grid of Stadtwerke Mainz, a leading energy provider in Germany.
GM is committed to increasing the use of solar power at facilities worldwide. The Rüsselsheim array is a significant renewable energy complement to two of the five largest rooftop solar arrays in the worldon top of GM’s Zaragoza and Kaiserslautern facilities. The amount of electricity generated by the trio is equivalent to the amount needed to supply 5,800 households with their annual electricity needs.
“The projects we undertake in Europe are great examples of the way we roll sustainable practices into our manufacturing process,” said Robinson. “We seek out renewable energy opportunities around the world to help clean the grid, improve our bottom line, and reduce our impact on the environment.”
*GM News United States
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Amazing car specials this month only at Tom Bell Chevrolet
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Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Cylinder Switch Off Delivers Advantages to Chevy Silverado
Full-size pickups are unique, both in the jobs their owners ask of them and how long customers expect them to last. So for the Chevrolet Silverado and other full-size trucks, General Motors improves the fuel efficiency of its mainstream 5.3-liter V-8 engine by switching off four of the cylinders when they aren’t needed.
More than 85 percent of Silverado customers use their pickups to tow or haul. Some truly put their trucks to the test, moving large trailers over long distances, such as in the blistering heat of west Texas and the biting cold of Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay. These customers expect their trucks to be economical and they expect them to last.
Fact: More than half of all full-size Chevy pickups sold 20 years ago are still on the road.
The Silverado has a well-earned reputation as the most-dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup. The V-8 engines under the hood have a track record no competitor can touch – developed, tested and refined over 57 years and more than 100 million engines.
Engineers developing the current Silverado sought the most intelligent solution for improving the fuel economy while preserving performance and durability.
“Rather than adding turbochargers or multi-valve cylinder heads to increase the power of smaller engines, we chose to keep the proven capability of our larger V-8 truck engines, and save fuel by switching off half of the cylinders when they aren’t needed,” said Jordan Lee, global chief engineer for small block engines.
A combination of simple hydraulic valves and sophisticated software switch off the cylinders when the driver doesn’t need full power. When more power is needed, the system, called Active Fuel Management, seamlessly reengages the additional cylinders.
“With recent increases in computing power, we can combine sophisticated digital design, powerful control strategies, and simple, robust mechanical systems to bring real benefits with no added cost to our customers,” said Lee. “Think of the difference between a cassette recorder and an iPod MP3 player – more moving parts are not always better.”
By giving customers V-8 power and capability when they need it, with enhanced fuel efficiency when they don’t, Silverado offers the best EPA fuel economy estimates of any V-8 pickup, said Lee. “In fact, our 5.3-liter V-8 delivers EPA fuel economy estimates comparable to some competitors’ V6 engines.”
The mainstream 2013 Silverado 1500 4WD with the available 5.3-liter V-8 has an EPA highway estimate of 21 mpg, matching the estimates for a leading competitor’s 4WD model with a more complex, less-proven boosted V-6.
For customers looking for even better fuel economy, the 2013 Silverado XFE model with the 5.3-liter V-8 has an EPA highway estimate of 22 mpg, retaining all the capability and dependability of other Chevy V-8s.
“For each vehicle program, our task is to choose the best technology for each vehicle and its customers,” said Lee. “For millions of people who depend on their trucks and expect them to last, we believe our V-8 engines with Active Fuel Management are an excellent solution.
Since 2004, approximately 4.6 million of these V-8 engines have employed Active Fuel Management.
“As GM develops future vehicles – including our next-generation full-size trucks and our new midsize Chevy pickup -- we will continue to draw on our company’s unsurpassed global powertrain portfolio, which includes direct injection, clean diesels, vehicle electrification, turbocharging, supercharging, and other technologies,” said Lee.
“But as with our current V-8 engines with Active Fuel Management, the starting point is always what’s the right solution for the customer and the way they use the vehicle.”
Chevrolet backs Silverado with a 100,000 mile/five- year limited powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, the best coverage of any full-size pickup. Silverado also has the lowest cost of ownership of any full-size pickup, based on Vincentric 2012 model level analysis.
*Courtesy of Chevrolet New United States
Monday, August 13, 2012
Chevrolet Activities at the Woodward Dream Cruise
On August 18, more than a million fans are expected to crowd Detroit’s legendary Woodward Avenue for the world’s largest one-day automotive event. Chevrolet is once again the presenting sponsor of the Dream Cruise, and Chevy activities at the Cruise will showcase the 60th anniversary of Corvette, one of the most recognizable cars on Woodward.
“The Woodward Dream Cruise is a true celebration of America’s love affair with the automobile and the open road, and for Chevrolet it is an opportunity for us to connect with some of our most passionate consumers and their families,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet global vice president of marketing.
Following are highlights of Chevy-related events at this year’s Dream Cruise:
Tuesday, August 14
Chevrolet Volt Owner Ice Cream Social
Chevrolet will host an ice cream social for 50 Volt owners from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomfield Hills, followed by informal cruising on Woodward. (Contact: Michelle Malcho)
Wednesday, August 15
GM Design Car Show
The GM Design team will host a car show on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Northwood Plaza on the southwest corner of Woodward and 13 Mile Road. The show will feature personal vehicles owned by members of the Design team, along with live musical performances. (Contact: Kari Nattrass)
Thursday, August 16 through Saturday, August 18
Chevrolet Performance at Memorial Park
The Chevrolet Performance display will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 16 and 17 and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 18 at Memorial Park on the northeast corner of Woodward and 13 Mile Road. The display will include a collection of performance show vehicles and production vehicles, a motorsports display, and a variety of Chevrolet performance parts. (Contact: Pam Flores)
Friday August 17
WWJ Newsradio 950 Breakfast – Motor City Muscle, Yesterday and Today
Dave Leone, GM executive chief engineer for performance luxury cars, will participate in the WWJ breakfast and panel discussion from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Duggan’s Irish Pub in Royal Oak. Jeff Gilbert and John McElroy will host the panel, which includes representatives from Ford and Chrysler. The public can register online. (Contact: Debbie Spatafora)
Saturday, August 18
Chevrolet Activities, Birmingham Triangle
Chevrolet displays and activities start at 8 a.m. Saturday and run through the conclusion of the Cruise at 9 p.m. They include:
- A life-size Corvette timeline, including milestone Corvettes and engines from the marque’s 60-year history
- Noted Detroit Graffiti artist Shades will paint a large Corvette-inspired graffiti mural throughout the day
- Chevrolet Military display
- Chevrolet Modern Family display, showcasing Chevrolet vehicles and accessories
- Heritage and specialty vehicles from Chevrolet’s history
- OnStar Command Center trailer
(Contacts: Monte Doran and Tom Wilkinson)
Chevrolet Certified Service Rescue Squad
The Chevy Certified Service Rescue Squad will provide assistance to vehicle owners of any brand who need assistance with flat tires, dead batteries or other light repairs. Technicians provided by Matthew Hargreaves Chevrolet and Les Stanford Chevrolet will travel up and down Woodward during the cruise in black Chevrolet Silverado Rescue Squad Pickup trucks.
*Courtesy of Chevrolet Newsroom United States
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Amazing specials going on right now at Tom Bell Chevrolet!
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Tuesday, August 7, 2012
North American development delivers sporty and confident driving experience
“North America is a unique and challenging place, because the driving environments vary widely across the continent and customers have very specific expectations on their driving experience – especially when it comes to small cars,” said Jim Federico, Executive Chief Engineer, Small Cars. “Fortunately, the Spark was already proven in other tough markets and we had a great foundation to build on.”
To give it a more responsive and refined driving experience for North American drivers, engineers:
- Delivered more mid-range torque, for a greater feeling of power, via a 4-percent increase in engine displacement to 1.25 liters
- Increased the standard wheel size from 14 inches to 15 inches – and specified lightweight aluminum wheels, which are quieter and help enable nimbler handling than steel wheels
- Increased the “footprint” with wider 185-series tires, which provide a more confident and planted feel
- Revised the coil springs and strut/shock damping rates to give the Spark a sportier, more responsive feel – all while accommodating the broad range of American driving conditions, from urban jungles to wide-open rural highways and the almost tropical conditions of Florida to the mountains and deserts of the West
- Launched the global platform debut of variable-assist electric power steering, which delivers a more direct feel at higher speed, while helping save fuel
- Enhanced the package of features that block or absorb sound, for a quieter ride
“Making the Spark drive well in the North American environment was only part of the equation,” said Federico. “We also had to make it a little quieter for American tastes.”
The aluminum wheels play a larger role in the Spark’s refinement and complement increased sound deadening and specific body seals/baffles for a quieter ride.
More mid-range torque
The Spark’s Ecotec four-cylinder engine was developed uniquely for North America. It features slightly larger bore and stroke dimensions than versions used in other markets, giving it a 1.25L displacement vs. the standard 1.20L size. Output is rated at 84 horsepower (63 kW) and 83 lb.-ft. of torque (113 Nm) – and while that doesn’t rival the 638 supercharged horsepower of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the larger-displacement Ecotec delivers more mid-range torque than the 1.20L engine. That means the Spark has a stronger, more confident feeling of acceleration especially at highway speeds, when it’s called on for passing or freeway entrance ramp performance.
A lightweight aluminum cylinder head helps keep down the vehicle’s overall weight and enhance the front/rear weight balance, while dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing optimize performance, fuel efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band. The engine also features an efficient, coil-on-plug ignition system and long-life engine components, including 100,000-mile spark plugs, which help reduce maintenance costs during the life of the vehicle.
A five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission is matched with the Ecotec engine. Each has been optimized for America, too, with the gears in the automatic revised for better efficiency on the highway, while the shifter for the five-speed was enhanced to provide a sportier, more direct feel. The five-speed also features a 3.54:1 first gear ratio, which helps provide livelier launch performance.
Chassis and suspension highlights
An inherent challenge in the mini car segment is delivering a confident and comfortable driving experience despite comparatively small dimensions – in Spark’s case, that means a wheelbase of only 93.5 inches (2,375 mm), compared with Sonic’s 99.4 inches (2,525 mm) and Cruze’s 105.7-inches (2,685 mm).
While the Spark’s wheelbase is small, it has comparatively wide front/rear tracks of 55.7 inches (1,415 mm) and 55.5 inches (1,410 mm), respectively, which give the car a wider “footprint” on the road and a confident feel behind the wheel. In fact, its track-to-wheelbase ratio is comparable to the Cruze.
Spark’s body-frame-integral structure is designed to be tight and stiff, enabling more precise tuning of the front MacPherson strut suspension and compound-crank rear suspension, for ride and handling characteristics that are responsive yet compliant and comfortable. The rear suspension, which incorporates a tubular V-beam for effective tuning and performance, is comparatively lightweight and space-efficient, enabling greater cargo and passenger space.
“With a stronger body structure, there’s less flexibility that has to be accounted for in the damper tuning,” says Federico. “The result is a more precise driving experience, with handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide an outstanding overall feeling of stability.”
Spark for North America also features the debut of variable-assist electric power steering, which will expand to other markets later. It provides a lighter feel at low speeds, such as parking, with a firmer, more direct feel at highway speeds. Electric power steering enhances efficiency, because it eliminates the conventional engine-driven steering pump, which draws energy whenever the engine is running. The electric steering gear only draws energy when the steering wheel is turned.
Electric power steering also eliminates the need for power steering fluid – and the need to dispose of it later in the car’s life.
Spark’s compact dimensions pay dividends in other areas, including a very tight turning circle of only 32.5 feet (9.9 meters). That means it can negotiate the narrowest of urban streets and turn around in them easily.
Hill Start Assist, silica-compound tires and more
Vented front disc brakes with large, 10.1-inch-diameter (256 mm) rotors are standard on Spark, along with four-channel anti-lock brakes with brake assist. Hill Start Assist is standard and helps prevent drivers from rolling when restarting from a stopped position on a hill. It allows drivers to take their foot off the brake long enough to use the accelerator and move forward.
Spark for North America also comes standard with StabiliTrak electronic stability control. It uses electronic brake and traction control capabilities to provide more precise and controlled anti-lock braking performance, impressive traction and stability.
When it comes to wheels and tires, 15-inch aluminum wheels are standard on all models (2LT model receive unique machine-finished wheels). They’re matched with wide 185/55R15 low rolling-resistance tires that use a silica compound and unique tread design for a solid road feel and greater efficiency.
The silica compound in the tires controls their flexibility, ensuring sufficient hardness at most temperatures and road conditions. That means the tires are more resistant to deformation and offer lower rolling resistance that helps increase efficiency.
One of the segment’s quietest driving experiences
Complementing the Spark’s confident ride and handling characteristics are an array of noise-abating features that block or absorb sound to give the car a refined feel:
- Thick glass, including 5-mm windshield glass and 4-mm front door glass
- Front-of-dash mat that features a dissipative material that absorbs sound
- Hood seals installed along the hood lines and between the rear edge of the hood and air induction panel eliminate potential sources of noise
- Nylon baffles and expanding foam in hollow sections of the body structure close out the passages to eliminate transfer paths of noise
- An acoustic headliner isolates and dampens interior noise for a quiet cabin
- Melt-on damping patches on the interior body structure, as well as extensive sealing throughout the vehicle, dampen sound in strategic locations.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality.
*Courtesy of Chevrolet News United States
Monday, August 6, 2012
Schedule A Test Drive Today
Taking a test drive is important before buying a car. Now you can schedule your next test drive without even leaving your seat! Follow the link and you can set a time right on our website: http://bit.ly/OZwwP1
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
1.9% APR on select Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles!
- Chevrolet Captiva Sport
- Chevrolet Impala
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Lacrosse
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Sierra
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon XL
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