2009 Chevrolet Avalanche Ltz Factory Chrome Package 15,100 Miles. (flawless) on 2040-cars

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VW Finds CO2 'Irregularites', SEMA Recap, and More | Autoblog Minute

Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal gets a new wrinkle, US regulators hit Takata Corporation with a substantial fine, and we head to Vegas for a look at tuner paradise at the 2015 SEMA show. Autoblog Senior Editor Greg Migliore reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. Acura Chevrolet Honda Mazda Mitsubishi Toyota Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video Acura Legend

Top horsepower-per-dollar cars in 2017

Bang for the buck. That quasi-scientific statistic is bandied about by motor heads everywhere from classrooms to barrooms, though the truth of the matter is that it's exceedingly complex to measure. A fair performance-per-dollar index would include something like cross-referencing MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) with point-to-point times on a track or driving route, which is obviously hard to do comprehensively. But, for the sheer joy of talking about cars and playing with a big spreadsheet, there's always the horsepower-per-dollar index, which is more straightforward, albeit hilariously flawed. There are vagaries even with this simple formula, of course: MSRP for vehicles can change at a moment's notice, to say nothing of the bottom-line shifting that happens with local deals or showroom negotiation. For this list we're running with the straight MSRP wherever possible, and as recently reported as we can get it. All the vehicles on this list are 2017 models, and all trims are reported where the lowest price and differing power levels intersect. Some choices were made for personal preference and some for sanity, avoiding things like all 48 trim levels of the Ford Transit, all with the same horsepower). If this list were a simple top ten, or even a top fifty, you'd be bored to tears with all the red, white and blue that is represented. Following perfectly with conventional wisdom, American cars really do lead the world where hp/$ is concerned. So, for the sake of variety (and the sheer joy of seeing a minivan 'win' one round of this thing) I've sorted out some top five and bottom five lists for broad power categories. Let's dive in. Less Than 100 Horsepower Okay, okay, this is hardly a category we'll grant you. But we've often tried to click off all the sub-100-hp cars on sale in the US, and making this list gave us an excuse. It also illustrates that none of these smallish vehicles bring cheap horsepower to the table - for that you'll need a motorcycle. The segment-leading Chevy Spark (above) asks just over $139 for each hp, and that Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has hp on sale for about the same price as its very distant family cousin, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (insert your favorite Smart joke here... we know you want to).

2015 Callaway Corvette Z06 gets new supercharger, adds $17K to starting price

Callaway's proud tradition of modifying Chevrolets is about to add a very significant chapter this weekend, as the company prepares to unveil a modified version of the 2015 Corvette Z06. The engine mods are simple, though we expect them to be very potent. That's because Chevy has replaced the factory supercharger with a new "GenThree" unit that's nearly a third larger than what's bolted on in Bowling Green. A new intercooler is also added, along with a new high-flow intake system. Beyond that, the changes are exclusively of the subtle cosmetic variety. There's new badging inside and out, as well as new engine covers, floormats and an underhood plaque. Naturally, there's documentation to verify the Callaway Z06's authenticity, and the comfort that comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. Callaway has priced the upgrade package at $16,995, in addition to the price of the stock Z06. While we're still waiting to hear official power figures, that seems like a reasonable asking price for what were wagering will be a major increase in power. The Callaway Z06 will debut this weekend at the National Corvette Museum's C7 Bash in Bowling Green, KY. Expect more details following the debut. Scroll down for the official press release. Related Video: 2015 Callaway Corvette Z06 to Debut at National Corvette Museum The 2015 Callaway Corvette Z06 will debut at the National Corvette Museum C7 Bash in Bowling Green, Kentucky, April 23 through April 25. Here's a sneak peek at the new package. Based on Chevrolet's track-proven Z06, Callaway engineers' no-compromise approach takes this Corvette to an astounding power level. While advertised Callaway horsepower and torque are pending final validation, the Callaway package adds Callaway's new GenThree supercharger system with 32% more displacement than the stock Z06 supercharger, improved manifold design and unique triple-element intercooling system. Callaway engineers recognize that a key contributor to maximizing power is reduction of inlet air temperature. By exposing the supercharger's large plenum area to outside ambient airflow, the design takes advantage of the significant charge air temperature reduction provided by convective cooling. The completely redesigned intercooling system also helps maintain nearly ambient charge air temperature with exceptionally low air restriction.