Chevrolet Powers Way to Pair of Engine Honors

The all-new, high-tech Small Block 6.2L V8 powering the 2014 Corvette Stingray and the 2.0L turbo diesel for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze are among Ward’s 10 Best Engines.

WardsAuto reviewed 44 engines from 16 automakers in this year’s competition, which looked at power, fuel efficiency, new technology, refinement and compared it with data for similar engines.

“At GM – our goal is to design, build and sell the world’s best powertrains – this recognition from the experts at WardsAuto provides two additional proof points that we are on the right track,” said Steve Kiefer, vice president, Global Powertrain.

“The fifth generation Small Block V-8 in the new Stingray, is an iconic brand in itself, and our new 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine in the Chevy Cruze is redefining the market with outstanding performance, strong low end torque, low emissions and segment-leading highway fuel economy – a real winner.”

LT1 6.2L V8 Small Block technology, power, efficiency
“The arrival of a completely re-engineered Small Block engine family is truly momentous,” says Tom Murphy, executive editor of WardsAuto World magazine. “The critics can say what they want about the relevance of pushrod engines, but how can more than a hundred million buyers of small-block engines since 1955 be wrong? The new Corvette couldn’t exist without this magnificent V-8.”

The all-new LT1 Small Block technologies contribute to making the new Corvette the quickest, most powerful and most fuel-efficient standard Corvette ever. The engine delivers an SAE-certified 460 horsepower helping propel the car to a 0-60 time in 3.8 seconds while offering 29 EPA estimated mpg highway.

The all-new engine is the most significant redesign in the Small Block’s nearly 60-year history. The LT1, part of the new Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, combines several advanced technologies – direct injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing – to support an advanced combustion system.

Direct injection is new to the engine architecture and is a primary contributor to greater combustion efficiency by ensuring a more complete burn of the fuel in the air-fuel mixture. This is achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. Direct injection also keeps the combustion chamber cooler, which allows for a higher compression ratio.

Increased power and efficiency result from more than 10 million hours of computational analysis including computational fluid dynamics, to make the most of the combustion system, the direct injection fuel system, active fuel management and variable valve timing systems that support it. The combustion system itself benefited from 6 million hours of dedicated CPU analysis time.

Other variants of the Gen 5 Small Block include the 4.3L V6, 5.3L and 6.2L V8 truck engines offered in the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The LT1 is manufactured in Tonawanda, N.Y., which is also home to last year’s WardsAuto 10 Best engine winner – the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the Cadillac ATS.

2.0L Turbo Diesel winning design, global expertise
“The Chevy Cruze diesel is everything you want it to be: astonishingly efficient, whisper-quiet on the highway and shockingly fun to drive,” says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel delivers an SAE-certified 151 horsepower (113 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). Notable is the engine’s high torque level of 250 lb-ft (339Nm) from 1750 - 3000 rpm. The rich torque provides for a sustained feeling of power on demand at almost all speeds – particularly when passing or entering a freeway onramp.

The 2014 Cruze Turbo Diesel engine delivers a segment leading EPA-estimated 46 MPG on the highway and range of 717 highway miles on one tank of fuel, based on fuel tank capacity and EPA estimates – your range may be less. That is  better than any non-hybrid passenger car in America. The engine has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft (380 Nm), for stronger acceleration periods of about 10 seconds.

Cruze’s 2.0L turbo-diesel is based on a proven architecture used in European models. Collaborating with Italian and German engineering groups, GM’s diesel experts in the United States adapted the engine to accommodate more stringent diesel emission standards, diagnostics and a wider range of driving conditions – including colder and hotter climates and higher altitudes – for the United States and Canada. The engine is manufactured in Kaiserslautern, Germany and also used in the Opel Astra, Cascada, Insignia and Zafira Tourer.

Come test drive a Corvette or a Cruze at Tom Bell Chevrolet and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

Top 10 Ways to Give the Gift of Corvette

From a scale model to the real car, there are many ways to give America’s iconic sports car, the Corvette, this holiday season. This Top 10 list, with prices from $12 to $77,450, should make it easier to find the perfect gift for any Corvette enthusiast.

Topping the list is the all-new Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition Convertible. Production will be limited to 550 all top-of-the-line 3LT models, all in Lime Rock Green exterior and Brownstone suede interior. The vehicle also includes suede-wrapped interior trim, carbon fiber accents, variable tuned performance exhaust system, Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

The Premiere Edition also features unique wheels with “Stingray”-logo center caps, “Stingray”-logo interior sill plates and a five-piece set of Corvette-branded luggage from Thule – all from the Corvette Accessories catalog.

These collectible cars will have a unique VIN sequence and unique dash plaques commemorating their limited-edition status. The Premiere Edition Convertible will cost $77,450, including destination and delivery fees, and will arrive in dealerships in early 2014.

If that doesn’t fit into your Black Friday budget, here are nine other ways to give the gift of Corvette:

1. Corvette Stingray Rollerball Pen ($12) – With the look and feel of luxury, be inspired to author handwritten notes. The Corvette Stingray Rollerball Pen has a sleek design with a solid brass cap and barrel, and rubber accents.
2. Monopoly Empire Game ($20) – A shortened version of the classic board game, players can purchase brands instead of properties and choose the 2014 Corvette Stingray game piece to travel around the board.
3. 1:18 2014 Corvette Stingray ($38.50) – Sleek and sculpted, this die cast rendition of the 2014 Corvette Stingray will make a great addition to any collection. 
4. Corvette Stingray: The Seventh Generation of America's Sports Car, by Larry Edsall ($40) – A must-own for any Corvette fan, this book is the complete inside story of the all-new Stingray, including more than 300 historical and behind-the-scenes photographs.
5. Fisher Price® Power Wheels® ($275) – Modeled after the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the Fisher Price® Power Wheels® Corvette features the all-new design with the same sporty “chrome” wheels. It is also the fastest Power Wheels in the product line.
6. The Seventh Generation Corvette Watch ($775) – Designed exclusively for the Corvette Collection, this limited-edition chronograph watch features the next-generation Corvette crossed flags and Corvette logo against a real carbon fiber dial face.
7. Corvette Stingray Luggage ($910) - Travel in style with a specially designed Corvette five-piece luggage set, including two roller suitcases, a backpack, duffel bag and messenger bag.
8. Corvette Heritage Neon Sign ($5,000) - Developed in collaboration with retired GM Vice President of Design, Chuck Jordan, this sign was designed to reflect the first-generation Corvette - clean, simple and straightforward.

Finally, for those looking to enjoy the exceptional driving experience of the Stingray first hand:

Performance Drive Schools – Learn to drive with the speed, confidence and finesse of a professional road racing driver at one of two performance drive schools – Ron Fellows Performance Driving School (prices begin at $2,995 for a two-day school) or the Bob Bondurant School of Performance Driving (prices starting at $1,225 for a 1-3 day course).

Come on in and test drive a Stingray today at Tom Bell Chevrolet and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Chevrolet Flexes Performance Muscle at SEMA!

Chevrolet provided the first look at nine high-performance concept cars Monday at the SEMA Show. The horsepower-infused range includes stylized versions the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray, SS sports sedan and a variety of restyled 2014 Camaros – including the all-new Z/28.

“From the all-new Corvette Stingray to the new Camaro Z/28 and SS performance sedan, Chevrolet is America’s choice for performance cars. Our new lineup of racing-influenced models gives customers more choices for exciting driving experiences,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s our most diverse range of performance-car choices in nearly 20 years.”

Through the end of September, Camaro’s total sales lead over Mustang was more than 5,000 for the year, putting it on track to be the industry’s best-selling sports car under $50,000 for the fourth consecutive year. The Camaro enters 2014 with revised styling and the new Z/28 model – the most track-capable Camaro in the car’s history.

The all-new SS returns Chevrolet to its rear-wheel-drive performance sedan roots, established with the small-block V-8 in the 1950s and enhanced with the Impala SS in the early 1960s.

And Chevrolet dealers can hardly keep the all-new Corvette Stingray in stock, with sold orders rolling to new owners off transporters.

“Racing is the common thread among Chevrolet’s performance cars and that comes from decades of transferring race technology to our production models,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Corvette, Camaro and SS deliver well-balanced, exhilarating driving experiences forged on the racetrack and refined for the street.”

Many of the concepts unveiled at the SEMA Show have roots at the racetrack. Others show racing-influenced styling for the street. Most incorporate Chevrolet Accessories available from Chevrolet dealers, allowing customers to personalize their new performance car with factory-engineered and validated components that match the performance and quality of original equipment.

Also on display was a 2014 COPO Camaro – Chevrolet’s factory-built race car, designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock drag racing classes. As with the previous two model years, only 69 COPO models will be built. Racers interested in purchasing one must sign up for the COPO mailing list at chevrolet.com.

Jeff Gordon SS performance sedan concept

With input from the No. 24 driver himself, Chevrolet designers restyled the all-new SS to reflect Gordon’s style and the performance credentials of the brand’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. A satin exterior finish lends an all-business appearance to the car, complemented with No. 24 graphics, custom-finished 20-inch wheels, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a custom front grille.

The car casts a more aggressive stance with a lowered suspension. The Gordon SS concept features high-performance brakes and a Borla performance exhaust system. The interior is re-trimmed with perforated suede seat inserts and embroidered headrests and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit.

Under the hood beats the small-block heart of all SS production models: The LS3 6.2L V-8 rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift.

Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo^® concept

A special-edition Corvette Stingray concept is revving to go in the new Sony PlayStation^® 3 game Gran Turismo 6 commemorating the game’s 15th anniversary – and Chevrolet has built a real version of the virtual racing winner. Its distinctive exterior and interior elements include:

• Custom exterior paint scheme
• Yellow-tinted headlamps
• Carbon fiber rear wing
• Custom carbon fiber hood and extractor design
• Ground effects kit with carbon fiber rockers and front splitter
• Custom exhaust tips
• Racing-style front tow hook
• Custom front grille
• Custom front fender and rear quarter vents
• Custom-trimmed Competition Sport seats
• Driver and passenger racing harnesses
• Custom flat-bottom steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped safety belt bar and rear braces.

Like all 2014 Corvette Stingray models, the Gran Turismo^® concept is powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, which uses direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to produce 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (with the available performance exhaust) – enabling EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. The concept vehicle is also equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission.

Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic concept

One of a pair of right- and left-coast-themed concepts, this Blade Silver Convertible model represents the Atlantic side, with sophisticated styling enhancements resembling the details and refinement of a private jet. The exterior wears new Carbon Flash Metallic front splitter, rocker extensions and rear lower diffuser, along with Fusion Gray headlamp housings and hood accents. It is trimmed with a sueded-wrapped interior package.

This East Coast cruiser also wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories available to all 2014 Corvette Stingray customers, including:

• Chrome five-spoke wheels – 19 x 8.5-inches in front and 20 x 10-inches in the rear
• Wheel center caps with the Stingray script
• Under-hood liner with the Stingray logo
• Carbon Flash Metallic rear license plate holder
• Molded splash guards
• Windscreen mounted behind the seats
• Custom luggage
• Premium carpet floor mats
• Sill plates
• Embroidered center armrest with the Stingray logo.

For effortless driving and performance, the Atlantic concept features an LT1 engine with a six-speed automatic.

Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept

Influenced by West Coast culture, here racing-influenced performance and appearance matter this track-inspired Torch Red Corvette Stingray Z51 Coupe’s design is purposeful and compelling.
The high-performance hue is complemented by a carbon fiber hood and a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel, as well as a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions. The Z51 rear spoiler is painted Carbon Flash Metallic with a Carbon Flash graphics package. The interior features a carbon fiber trim kit, along with the available Competition Sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish.

Because it’s a Corvette Stingray Z51, the LT1 engine features a dry-sump oiling system, the cooling and brake systems are enhanced and the transaxle features an electronic limited-slip differential. Even the gearing in the seven-speed manual transmission is unique.

Like the Atlantic concept, the left-coast Corvette concept wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories, including distinctive satin black aluminum wheels with a red accent stripe (19 x 8.5-inch in front/20 x 10-inch in the rear).

COPO Camaro

Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices.  The COPO exclusives will carry the distinctive, updated styling of the 2014 Camaro lineup, including new front and rear fascias.

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

The new LS-based racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type compressor. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. The car displayed at the SEMA Show features the supercharged 350.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production 2014 run will be auctioned by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson’s annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families.

2014 Camaro Z/28

There was no need to modify the all-new 2014 Camaro Z/28 for the SEMA Show – it’s already a comprehensively engineered car that recently lapped Germany’s challenging Nürburgring road course in 7:37.40 – on wet track conditions. It was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and beats published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.
In terms of lap times, the Z/28’s improved speed comes from three areas:

• Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
• Increased stopping power: The Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel lap after lap
• Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.

The heart of the Z/28 is the 7.0L LS7 engine. The LS7 uses lightweight, racing-proven, high-performance components, such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads and a forged-steel crankshaft to help produce an SAE-certified 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.
The Z/28 goes on sale next spring.

Chevrolet Performance Garage Camaro
Serious performance enthusiasts will appreciate the combination of Chevrolet Performance parts and Chevrolet Accessories used to create the Garage Camaro concept, which is based on the production Camaro SS. It’s a track-oriented car, incorporating performance and suspension components from the all-new Z/28 – and a few from the ZL1.

The exterior is enhanced with a ground effects package, Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler and grille, RS headlamps and taillamps, blacked-out mirrors and rear diffuser, and Chevrolet Accessories satin-black 10-spoke Track Pack wheels. “Chevrolet Performance” graphics adorn the rockers and windshield header.

Brakes and a short-throw shifter from the Camaro ZL1 come straight out of the Chevrolet Performance catalog and are available through Chevrolet dealers, while the following Z/28 parts are being evaluated by Chevrolet Performance for future release:

• “Shorty” exhaust headers and 2.75-inch exhaust system
• Front ride/handling links
• Rear upper control arms
• Stabilizer bars
• Helical differential with internal cooling system
• Brake ducts
• Racing-derived DSSV^® (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-8 Concept
This one-of-a-kind concept car  showcases the personalization and performance possibilities with Chevrolet Performance parts and accessories, from its performance air intake to its concept Z/28 exhaust.  Many components are available through Chevrolet dealers, including::

• Ground effects package
• Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler
• Blacked-out badges, mirrors and rear diffuser
• Body-color hood louver
• Chevrolet Accessories 45th anniversary wheels in black
• Chevrolet Accessories grille in black
• Hood wrapped with body-color stripe
• RS headlamps and taillamps
• Chevrolet Performance rocker decals and windshield header
• Chevrolet Performance armrests, door sills, pedal kit, floor mats and ambient lighting kit
• RECARO^® performance seats with Mojave stitching
• Chevrolet Performance instrument panel decal and sill plate
• Instrument panel, door, steering wheel and armrest with Mojave stitching
• Soft-touch black interior bezels.

On the performance side, this Camaro concept incorporates a performance air intake, ZL1 brake kit and ZL1 short-throw shifter, along with these concept parts from the 2014 Camaro Z/28:

• 2.75-Inch exhaust system
• Front ride link
• Rear upper control arms
• Shorty exhaust headers
• Helical differential with internal cooling system
• DSSV dampers
• Brake ducts
• Stabilizer bars.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-6 concept
With 323 horsepower from its direct-injected, DOHC V-6, the Camaro doesn’t need a V-8 to be considered a performance car, and this Chevrolet Performance concept proves it with enhancements available through Chevrolet dealers that give it track-ready reflexes, including:

• Brembo brake kit from the Camaro SS
• Camaro 1LE suspension kit
• Camaro 1LE strut tower brace
• Borla performance exhaust system
• 20-inch black wheels (45th anniversary design).

The car also wears Z/28 rear upper control arms, which are being evaluated for the Chevrolet Performance catalog.

Exterior and interior appearance accessories lend a more athletic aesthetic to this more-capable Camaro. The exterior features a Chevrolet Accessories grille, front splitter and rear spoiler, along with “Chevrolet Performance” graphics. Inside, it is ready for the road course or street, with:

• Chevrolet Accessories premium carpet floor mats
• Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit
• Black trim bezels
• Kicker^® 200-Watt subwoofer and 200-Watt DSP amp available for MyLink
• RECARO^® performance seats
• Flat-bottom performance steering wheel
• Chevrolet Performance sill plates
• Chevrolet Performance armrest
• Chevrolet Accessories auxiliary gauge package
• Instrument panel and door inserts wrapped with carbon-fiber weave
• Door armrests and instrument panel inserts trimmed with black suede and Light Stone stitching
• Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit
• Chevrolet Accessories engine cover.

Camaro Spring Special Edition
Continuing a tradition of introducing special-edition production models at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet introduces the 2014 Spring Special Edition. Shown in its Camaro SS convertible version, the limited-production package will be offered in uplevel 2LT and 2SS trims distinguished by:

• Summit White exterior with Blue Ray stripe – including hood louver painted Blue Ray
• Body-color ZL1 spoiler
• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects package and grille
• Chevrolet Accessories 21-inch wheels
• RS high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and light-emitting diode, or LED, taillamps
• Blue fabric top  on convertible models
• Blue-accent leather-appointed interior with blue stitching
• White interior trim kit with Blue Ray stripe
• Chevrolet Accessories floor mats (black with silver Camaro logo).

LT models include the direct-injected, 323-horsepower V-6 engine, while SS models include a 6.2L V-8 rated at 426 horsepower when paired with the six-speed manual transmission or 400 horses with the available six-speed automatic.

Come test drive a performance vehicle today at Tom Bell Chevrolet and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.