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Chevy Spark EV will go on sale in Maryland

The single-charge range of a Chevrolet Spark electric vehicle may not blow away anyone who's used to driving on a topped off tank of gas. But a full charge will actually get a Spark EV about halfway across the state of Maryland. Which is good because that state will be the first on the East Coast to sell the battery-electric model. General Motors said this week that Chevy Spark EV sales will start in Maryland this spring, and that federal and Maryland tax credits will get the out-of-pocket price of the Spark EV below the $18,000 threshold. GM took the opportunity to tout the Spark EV's 119 miles per gallon equivalent rating and says Maryland has sufficient charging infrastructure for drivers to welcome the EV without too much trouble. Last June, Spark EV distribution was reported to be ready to extend beyond the Pacific Coast. Specifically, Ohio was thought to be next in line to get Spark electric vehicles after four state car dealerships listed the model on their websites. GM's Randy Fox, however, quashed that real quick, saying only California and Oregon had sufficient infrastructure to support the Spark EV. GM first announced the Spark EV for public (or at least American) consumption back in 2011. Last year, the General sold 1,145 Spark EVs, up 87 percent from 2013. For more on the Maryland expansion, take a look at GM's press release below. Chevrolet Spark EV Plugs into Maryland Customer demand drives addition of East Coast; features locally sourced drive unit 2015-01-22 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chevrolet will start selling the Spark EV in Maryland this spring, expanding the pure electric mini-car's "range" to the East Coast. The Spark EV is the most efficient U.S. retail electric vehicle on the market, delivering an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent and 82 miles of EPA-estimated combined city/highway range. It is priced as low as $17,845, after federal and Maryland tax credits – and it features a locally sourced electric motor and drive unit, manufactured at General Motors' Baltimore Operations facility in White Marsh, Md. "The Spark EV has been one of the most well-received electric vehicles in the industry and customer demand helped make the decision to expand its availability to Maryland," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of car marketing.

Chevy prices new 2016 Cruze from $17,495

Chevy has released pricing information for the new 2016 Cruze. As you might expect, the MSRP on the new model has gone up a little over the model it replaces, but it remains competitive with its rivals. The new 2016 Chevy Cruze comes in four trim levels and with either a manual or automatic transmission. Though not every trim can be had with either gearbox, they are all powered by the same 1.4-liter turbo four, good for 153 horsepower. The list starts in L trim level with the manual, which goes for $17,495 - including the $875 destination charge. The automaker points out that the price of admission is lower than those of the base models of the Toyota Corolla ($18,065), Honda Civic ($19,475), and Hyundai Elantra ($18,075) – all prices verified and including delivery. The Ford Focus ($18,100), Subaru Impreza ($18,295), Mazda3 ($18,695), and Volkswagen Jetta ($19,600) also start at higher prices, with the Nissan Sentra ($17,355) and Dodge Dart ($17,990) listing for similar money. However the Kia Forte ($16,715) still comes in cheaper. Of course those prices are just for the base models. Step up to the Cruze LS and you'll be looking at $18,995 with the manual or $19,995 with the automatic. The higher-end LT and Premium models are only sold with the slushbox and retail for $21,995 and $23,995, respectively. Deliveries start in the spring. ALL-NEW 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE PRICED FROM $17,495 Redesigned, re-engineered compact sedan is roomier and better connected DETROIT – Chevrolet announced pricing for the all-new 2016 Cruze will start at $17,495 when it goes on sale next spring. The Cruze's base price is almost $2,000 less than the 2016 Honda Civic LX ($19,475), while offering features such as the standard Chevrolet MyLink radio with a 7-inch-diagonal screen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility – subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates as well as a compatible smartphone. OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a standard rear-vision camera are also available. Larger, lighter and roomier than the 2015 model – including two inches more rear knee room – the all-new Cruze is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier models. An all-new, direct-injected 1.4L turbo engine generates a General Motors-estimated 153 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. Cruze LS with an automatic transmission starts at $19,995 with GM-estimated highway fuel economy of 40 mpg. Environmental Protection Agency estimates are not yet available.

Bob Lutz builds the case for a mid-engined Corvette

Rumors of a mid-engine Corvette are like automotive industry folklore at this point. Every once in a while, news pops up that it might be happening or is under development, but nothing actually ever comes to fruition as something people can actually buy. The latest spy shots strongly suggest a mid-engine 'Vette is in the cards, yet again, possibly for 2018. Now, an op ed by former General Motors executive (and definite performance car fan) Bob Lutz in Road & Track gives the inside scoop on the history of one of these proposals and lays out how to make it happen today. According to Lutz, the company's engineers believed the C6 ZR1 was at the limit for front-engine, rear-wheel drive performance in that package, and the only solution was to move the powerplant behind the driver. Lutz even got then CEO Rick Wagoner on board. The scheme made it at least as far as clay models for mid-engine versions of the 'Vette and Cadillac XLR. Eventually, a lack of money got in the way, though, bringing the project to an end. Lutz puts a lot of faith in GM's current leaders, especially Mary Barra and Mark Reuss. He thinks the chances of a mid-engine 'Vette happening this time are better than 50 percent. The model, rumored to be named Zora, could offer over 700 horsepower in an ultra lightweight body and be priced at about $120,000 to "suck the doors off everybody." Head over to Road & Track to get some insights from this highly respected and entertaining auto industry veteran. Related Video: