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Is the skill of rev matching being lost to computers?

If the ability to drive a vehicle equipped with a manual gearbox is becoming a lost art, then the skill of being able to match revs on downshifts is the stuff they would teach at the automotive equivalent of the Shaolin Temple. The usefulness of rev matching in street driving is limited most of the time – aside from sounding cool and impressing your friends. But out on a race track or the occasional fast, windy road, its benefits are abundantly clear. While in motion, the engine speed and wheel speed of a vehicle with a manual transmission are kept in sync when the clutch is engaged (i.e. when the clutch pedal is not being pressed down). However, when changing gear, that mechanical link is severed briefly, and the synchronization between the motor and wheels is broken. When upshifting during acceleration, this isn't much of an issue, as there's typically not a huge disparity between engine speed and wheel speed as a car accelerates. Rev-matching downshifts is the stuff they would teach at the automotive equivalent of the Shaolin Temple. But when slowing down and downshifting – as you might do when approaching a corner at a high rate of speed – that gap of time caused by the disengagement of the clutch from the engine causes the revs to drop. Without bringing up the revs somehow to help the engine speed match the wheel speed in the gear you're about to use, you'll typically get a sudden jolt when re-engaging the clutch as physics brings everything back into sync. That jolt can be a big problem when you're moving along swiftly, causing instability or even a loss of traction, particularly in rear-wheel-drive cars. So the point of rev matching is to blip the throttle simultaneously as you downshift gears in order to bring the engine speed to a closer match with the wheel speed before you re-engage the clutch in that lower gear, in turn providing a much smoother downshift. When braking is thrown in, you get heel-toe downshifting, which involves some dexterity to use all three pedals at the same time with just two feet – clutch in, slow the car while revving, clutch out. However, even if you're aware of heel-toe technique and the basic elements of how to perform a rev match, perfecting it to the point of making it useful can be difficult.

2016 Chevy Camaro takes a walk on the wild side at SEMA

From highly modified restomods to tuned pickups, Chevrolet has over 20 custom vehicles at this year's SEMA Show. Given the popularity of the Camaro in the aftermarket, it's no surprise that the new, sixth-generation model gets in on that act with four modified examples. Thanks to a combination of concept parts and components on the way in early 2016, Chevy gives future owners an idea of what's possible for their new coupe. Among the group are two takes on the SS trim at opposite ends of the color spectrum. The Chevrolet Performance version is Summit White with red accents, and it uses a lowered suspension to hunker the body over conceptual 20-inch wheels. Alternatively, the Camaro Black wears darkened trim, tinted glass, and matching 20-inch wheels. Chevy beefs up their performance to fit the added style by equipping both customs with exhaust, air intake, and brake upgrades. By far the weirdest among Chevy's group of modded Camaros is the Krypton concept in a custom shade of eye-popping green. This wild paint is electroluminescent, and when the system is activated, illuminated bowties appear across the body. Headlights with matching trim and painted exhaust tips finish off this alien aesthetic. Finally, the Camaro Hyper concept is for those looking for just a little added style for their coupe. Based on the LT trim with the 3.6-liter V6, it features Hyper Blue Metallic paint with white stripes and rides on 20-inch wheels. For a little added performance, coupe uses Chevy's aftermarket exhaust and a lowered suspension. Related Video: Gen Six Camaro Concepts Shine at SEMA Show Customized quartet demonstrate personalization and performance possibilities LAS VEGAS – With the all-new 2016 Camaro rolling soon into dealerships across the country, Chevrolet introduced four customized concepts at the SEMA Show today – each demonstrating the personalization possibilities enabled by a new lineup of accessories and performance parts.

Chevy Silverado Special Ops will go into limited production

Remember the Special Ops edition Silverado? Chevy showcased it as a show truck at SEMA last month. And now it's going into limited production, and proceeds will support the National Navy SEAL Museum. The special pickup was based on a Silverado 1500 in Z71 spec and done up with a special three-tone paint job inspired by the camouflage used on 20th-century warships. Known as Razzle Dazzle, the camo was designed to disguise a ship's form and movements from enemy vessels. Chevy also fitted the show truck with a sport bar, off-road LEDs, lower- and under-body reinforcement, and flared wheel arches packing special 20-inch wheels. Following its debut at SEMA, former GM chairman Dan Akerson (a US Naval Academy alum) and retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Rick Kaiser presented the concept truck at the 116th Army-Navy football game this past weekend. Chevy hasn't said just how many it will build and at what price, but production is slated to be "limited," going on sale in the spring. Related Video: Chevrolet Salutes Special Forces During Army-Navy Game 2015-12-10 - Special Operations Silverado will support National Navy SEAL Museum - Partners with the USX Mt. Everest Team to raise Post Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness - GM Military Discount expands to include all veterans PHILADELPHIA – For the sixth consecutive year, Chevrolet is the official vehicle sponsor of Saturday's Army-Navy Game. During the game, Chevrolet will honor military service men and women, particularly its special forces. Former General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, will join retired U.S. Navy SEAL Master Chief Rick Kaiser, executive director of the National Navy SEAL Museum, to salute the special forces during the presentation of a Chevy Silverado Special Ops Concept vehicle at the game. The limited production version is expected to go on sale next spring. Chevrolet will donate a portion of the proceeds from each Special Operations Silverado sold to benefit the Navy SEAL Museum. "The partnership will also help us aid the families of fallen, injured and active duty Navy SEALs through the efforts of our Trident House and scholarship programs," said Kaiser. Founded in 1985, the museum honors the service and legacy of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Located in Ft. Pierce, Fla., the museum and memorial are recognized as the birthplace of the Navy SEALs.