2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Lt on 2040-cars

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2016 Camaro gets most revealing tease yet

Chevrolet started its long teaser campaign for the 2016 Camaro by just revealing the exhaust manifold and front frame, but as time has passed the company has slowly unveiled more. In the latest glimpse ahead of the pony car's May 16 debut, we're actually getting to see the model's profile completely undisguised. As suggested by the recent tease of the rear and hood, the 2016 Camaro wears a sharper, more angular design than the current model. This is especially the case when you look at the taut lines making up the rear. Chevy claims that the new shape underwent 350 hours of wind tunnel tests to be able to generate left lift, improve cooling and reduce wind noise in the cabin. A smooth underbody pan is among the aerodynamic tweaks, and it runs from underneath the front grille to the center of the Camaro. Chevy asserts that all of the changes at the front help reduce lift by 30 percent. Related VIdeo: 2016 Camaro is all about the Aero Total aerodynamic lift improved by 30 percent for improved stability 2015-05-11 DETROIT – After 350 hours of wind tunnel testing – often 24 hours a day – the new Camaro will slip more easily through the wind, and drivers of the Camaro SS will experience a marked improvement in reduced aerodynamic lift. These changes illustrate the lengths the aerodynamics team went to for improved performance, stability, cooling and lower wind noise intrusion "The importance of aerodynamics increases exponentially as we increase vehicle performance," said Kirk Bennion, Exterior Design manager. "As engine output increases, we need more engine cooling. As acceleration and top speeds climb, we need to reduce lift for better high-speed stability. However, we cannot make any changes at the expense of increasing drag, which can hurt fuel economy. "To balance these different aerodynamic targets, we tested literally hundreds of changes on the new Camaro, millimeters at a time." For example, the initial design called for the lower grille bars to be set at a 20-degree angle to the horizon. However, after meticulous testing, the team improved engine-cooling airflow by 1 percent by shifting the angle to 13 degrees – a change that achieved the airflow target while maintaining the original grille design. And rather than a traditional front air dam to reduce aerodynamic lift, the team developed a flush belly pan that stretches from the front grille to the center of the vehicle.

General Motors reportedly considering small electric pickup

General Motors is considering adding a small entry-level model to its range of electric pickups, according to a recent report. The carmaker is currently showing a prototype to a select group of customers to gather feedback about the model before executives decide its fate. Industry trade journal Automotive News claims that it saw the pickup during a workshop organized by General Motors and describes it as being "smaller than the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz." For context, the Maverick stretches about 200 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 69 inches tall, so it's around 12 inches shorter, 11 inches narrower, and 10 inches lower than the recently-unveiled Chevrolet Colorado. It sounds like this little GM truck would be closer in size to the Brazilian-market Chevy Montana, pictured at top. But unlike the Montana, the model that Automotive News got a look at had two doors, a "low roofline," a four- to four-and-a-half-foot cargo box, and a design described as futuristic and sporty. If launched, the yet-unnamed pickup would be marketed as an "affordable" EV with a base price pegged under $30,000. However, that's a big if: the pickup — whose name hasn't been announced — hasn't been approved for production. "We're creating these to get a reaction and then to try to modify it or move on," Michael Pevovar, the director affordable EV and crossover design for Chevrolet, told the publication. "The input may come back that it's just too small, and that's okay," he added. If it turns out to be too small for buyers, General Motors hasn't ruled out building its entry-level electric pickup on a different architecture to make it a little bigger. It's too early to tell where the electric pickup would slot in the General Motors portfolio if executives approve it. Chevrolet immediately comes to mind, especially considering the sub-$30,000 price point. The model would make more sense with a bowtie on its front end than with a Cadillac emblem, GMC's trucks are normally positioned higher than Chevrolet's, and Buick hasn't built a pickup in many decades. Similarly, there's no word on when it would enter production or where it would be built. With that being said, there's very clearly a market for affordable, small pickup trucks. As of the third quarter of last year, Ford had sold more Mavericks than it had the Expedition or the Ranger. Hyundai hasn't sold as many Santa Cruz trucks, but it's still not too shabby, having beaten out the Venue and Accent last year.

2016 Chevy Silverado unveiled in full at Texas State Fair

It's State Fair time down in the Lonestar State, which means a lot of things to a lot of Texans: rodeos, cook-offs, country music concerts, big belt buckles, and even bigger hats. But it also means new trucks. Ford used the occasion this year to roll out its new F-Series Super Duty pickups, but the Blue Oval won't have the show all to itself as Chevy is also on hand to reveal in full its latest updates to the Silverado. The Bowtie brand gave us our first glimpse at its updated 1500-series pickup back in July, but has now revealed the revised truck in full – and not just in Z71 spec, either. Buyers will be able to choose between WT, LS, LT, LTZ, and High Country trim levels – to say nothing of the various cab, box, and powertrain configurations. The top three get all-LED exterior lighting. And while the Z71 adopts the color-keyed trim we saw previously, other models like the LT, LTZ, and (to a lesser extent) the top-of-the-line High Country still bring the chrome for those who want it. Whichever the model, the new Silverado boasts a more muscular-looking front-end and a more sculpted hood. Inside, the new Silverado gets an optional MyLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The revised truck also benefits from added safety technology and convenience features. Engine options include a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The news when it comes to powertrains is that the eight-speed automatic launched last year on the larger V8 is now being offered on the smaller 5.3 as well. 2016 Silverado: The New Face of Strong 2016 Silverado designed to build on Chevrolet's truck momentum 2015-09-24 - Bolder, more muscular look reflects Silverado strength, dependability - Expanded use of 8-speed transmissions; additional safety technologies - Available support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DALLAS – The new 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brings muscular designs and new customer-focused technologies to the most dependable, longest-lasting family of full-size pickups on the road. The new Silverados make their public debut today at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. "The new 2016 Silverado will build on the Chevy truck legacy of dependability," said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevrolet trucks.