2014 Chevrolet Impala 2lt on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Chevrolet SS previewed by Holden VF Commodore SS V show car

It won't be long before we see the official, production-ready Chevrolet SS sedan (hint: it will be revealed this weekend). And to tide us over until all of the official details are released about the US-spec version, we have this: the Holden VF Commodore SS V show car, a performance-oriented brother to the Calais V that debuted earlier in the week.
What we really want to know about the SS V is what lies underhood, but General Motors' Australian arm is keeping that under wraps until the Chevy model breaks cover this weekend. Nevertheless, it's obvious that the SS V will be a serious performer, with all sorts of aggressive cues driving that home on the car's exterior. Take a look at those 20-inch billet aluminum wheels that hide big Brembo brake calipers up front, the sculpted hood and front fascia, the wide air intakes with LED running lights and the quad exhaust pipes out back. It's like the Pontiac G8 GXP never even left us.
Inside, there's a sporty-looking interior with aluminum accents that mix in with black leather and suede surfaces, all tied together in the middle with an eight-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. It looks great, and again, while we don't know anything regarding powertrain details, it makes us oh-so happy to see a manual shifter smack dab in the middle of the center console.

Mustang retakes monthly pony car sales crown from Camaro

Going back to their origins in the Swinging '60s, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro have been fierce rivals for fans' hearts and dollars. Historically, the Ford often led in volume, but Chevy took the muscle car top spot in 2009 upon the Camaro's rebirth. However, with the launch of the latest Blue Oval pony car, the tide is turning back in Ford's favor. November was the first full month of sales for the new 2015 Mustang, and according to TheDetroitBureau.com, the model did spectacularly well. The Blue Oval shifted 8,728 of them, up 62 percent from same month last year, with the automaker proclaiming it the model's best November sales since 2006. Conversely, 4,385 units of the Camaro were delivered, down 13.5 percent year-over-year, meaning its sales were roughly half that of the new-generation Mustang. Ford is understandably happy with the results, and product development director Raj Nair even hinted to TDB that another version of the Mustang might be unveiled at January's North American International Auto Show. Rumor has it that the model will be the even more potent Shelby Mustang GT350R. Despite the Mustang's November success, the Camaro outsells it year to day. So far in 2014, Ford has sold 73,124 Mustangs versus 79,669 examples of the Camaro. With December offering the last chance for an overtake, the Bowtie may yet remain king for this year's sales crown. A new Camaro is peeking over the horizon, as well. It's reportedly moving to the Alpha platform used by the Cadillac ATS, and production could start in late 2015. Prototypes are already testing at the Nurburgring, and camouflaged examples have been spotted weirdly being compared to its '80s forefather.

GM drops price of Spark EV to $25,995; lease to $139/month

The drive to lower EV prices continues. GM announced today that the base model 2015 Chevy Spark EV 1LT would get a price cut to $25,995. That's $1,500 less than it used to be but the bigger news might be the lowered lease price. Instead of $199 a month, all that Chevy is asking for to get you into an all-electric Spark now is $139 a month (39 months, with no money due at signing), down from the 36-month, $199-a-month lease cost with a $999 down payment. Sadly, the number of states where the Spark EV can be bought is almost as small as the lease payment: the car is available only in California, Oregon and Maryland (well, Maryland won't be ready until the summer). GM is doing more than just lowering the MSRP. On top of the federal and state tax incentives available, GM is offering bonus cash in all three states ($1,000 in California, $1,200 in Maryland, and $3,500 in Oregon). If you're wondering why those numbers vary so much, take a look at the already-available state EV incentives in play: California offers $2,500 and Maryland $2,300. Somehow, they all balance out. If you do some addition with the $7,500 federal tax credit, you see that the Spark EV can be had for $11,000 off the MSRP no matter where you buy. If you qualify for everything, $14,995 is a darn good deal for an EV, especially one as fun as the Spark. Related Video: 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV Repriced to Offer Greater Value As low as $14,995 after full federal and state tax credits and Chevrolet Bonus Cash 2015-04-14 DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today Spark EV 1LT's new manufacturer's suggested retail price would start at $25,995. Depending on an individual's tax situation, the Spark EV is eligible for federal tax credit up to $7,500. "Chevrolet is committed to making EV driving more accessible, affordable and fun" said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Marketing. "The Spark EV is already the most efficient – and one of the most affordable – EVs you can buy. 2015 Spark EV customers will benefit from an impressive blend of technology, capability and low cost of ownership, now at an even more impressive price." California and Maryland Spark EV owners may also qualify for a $2,500 California state rebate or $2,300 Maryland excise tax exemption. Additional Chevrolet bonus cash is also available: $1,000 in California, $1,200 in Maryland, and $3,500 in Oregon. After full federal and state tax credits and Chevrolet bonus cash, the Spark EV could be as low as $14,995.