2001 Chevrolet Suburban Lt on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Which of these five plug-ins should win the 2017 Green Car of the Year?

It's going to be a competitive race for the 2017 Green Car Of The Year. With a minivan in the running for the first time in ages, the five finalists announced by Green Car Journal today include five very different plug-in vehicles. As Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, said in a statement, "electrification is now considered by most automakers an essential technology for current and future high-efficiency models." Let's check out the list: Toyota Prius Prime, the updated plug-in version of the world's best-selling hybrid. Chevy Bolt, GM's all-new entry into the long-range EV game. Chrysler Pacifica, a family hauler with the ability to go 30 miles on electric power. Kia Optima. The nomination is for the full line-up, but really the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are the green stars here. BMW 330e iPerformance, one of the automaker's many new plug-in hybrids that bring battery power to models outside the i sub-brand. Green Car Journal will announce the winners at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17th, along with some, "other green transportation announcements," whatever that means. Last year, the winner was the 2016 Chevy Volt, the first model to snatch up two wins. Which do you think should win this year? Related Video: News Source: Green Car JournalImage Credit: REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian Green LA Auto Show BMW Chevrolet Chrysler Kia Toyota Chevy Bolt chrysler pacifica green car of the year toyota prius prime bmw 330e

Camo'd Chevy Camaro ZL1 is one bad boy

Thanks to a fresh gallery of spy shots, we're getting a much better look at the next Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during its development, and this machine is looking seriously mean. Unlike the last photos, the heavy cladding is gone from the body this time and is replaced by a camouflage wrap. That switch makes checking out the details a whole lot easier. The first thing you'll notice at the front is the massive grille that looks ready to devour anything that gets in the way. To add a little more menace, the lower air dam appears to jut out a bit more, as well. While harder to see in these latest shots, our spies say the hood still boasts an extractor similar to what's found on the Cadillac CTS-V. The big, double spoke wheels look great in black and really dominate the styling in profile. Look past them, and you notice some tweaked side sills, as well. At the very back, you can also spot some styling adjustments to the rear bumper. There's an unmissable wing back there, too. The powerplant for the ZL1 is still a mystery, but it's rumored to use the LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8. The similar hood design as the CTS-V is one piece of evidence to support that. Even with the same engine, Chevy's engineers could tweak the output higher or lower than the Caddy. The wait to find out isn't too long because the ZL1 is anticipated to launch for the 2017 model year. Related Video:

Callaway, Lingenfelter boost Corvette Z06 way beyond 700 hp

With 650 horsepower and just as much torque on tap, few would accuse the latest Corvette Z06 of being down on power. But for those who'll always demand more, two leading Corvette tuners have just announced new tuning packages for the Z06 to boost Chevy's flagship well beyond 700 horsepower. The more powerful of the two comes from Callaway Cars, which has added a larger supercharger, a triple-action intercooler, and more to increase output to a massive 757 horsepower and 777 pound-feet of torque. The result, according to Callaway, is a 0-60 time quoted at 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 10.5. The package also includes a reshaped hood, all manner of trim upgrades, and a three-year warranty, and will set you back nearly $17k on top of the cost of donor vehicle that currently lists for $79,000. In what could only come second relative to Callaway's kit, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has also released a Stage 1 package for the Z06. The kit includes a new dry sump damper, upgraded supercharger pulley and drive belt, and more – all of which Lingenfelter says will boost the Vette's output up to 720 hp and 730 lb-ft. Revised performance figures weren't released, but despite the 37-horse, 47 lb-ft deficit, we doubt it'd trail Callaway's by much. But both would likely leave the stock Z06 in their dust, and you can read more about them in the press releases below. Related Video: Callaway Cars Releases Their Most Powerful Corvette - 757 bhp / 777 lb-ft - Z06-based Corvette upgrade boasts 32% larger supercharger, triple intercoolers, and consistent power - lap after lap The Numbers - Callaway Cars today announced power numbers and performance for the flagship model in their performance car lineup. Equipped with Callaway's GenThree Supercharger, the Corvette Z06 now produces 757 bhp @ 6,200 rpm and 777 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (SAE). A launch to 60 mph is now achieved in 2.8 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph. Why Go Big, When You Can Go Bigger? - Size Matters. To reach that power (which is up from 650 bhp / 650 lb-ft) the supercharger itself needed to be bigger since the output of a positive displacement supercharger is proportionate to its size. The Callaway GenThree supercharger is 32% larger in displacement (2300cc vs 1740cc). Cooling - Callaway engineers recognize that a key contributor to maximizing power is reduction of inlet air temperature associated with forced induction.