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GM recalls select Chevy Cruze, Sonic and Buick Verano models over airbag issue

General Motors is recalling certain 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic models due to a defect in the driver's airbag system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the airbag has a shorting bar which may contact two internal terminals. If that happens during a crash, the supplemental restraint may not deploy, increasing the risk of driver injury. The recall includes a total of 2,949 units.
GM will contact owners and replace the steering wheel airbag coil at no cost. At this point, it's unclear when the recall will begin, though owners may contact the automaker at 1-800-521-7300 for more information. You may also take a closer look at the full NHTSA notice below.

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #321 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #321 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #321
Unibody Ford Ranger replacement

Chevy dials up the razzle dazzle for Special Ops concept

Inspired by naval camouflage schemes used during the First World War, Chevy created the 2016 Silverado Special Ops concept, which is on display this week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Based on the 1500 Z71, this Silverado wears a three-tone paint job that mixes different shades of blue, which Chevy says gives the concept visual depth. The appearance is a riff on early 20th Century color configurations used by the US and British navies. Called razzle dazzle, the look is meant to disguise ships' size, speed, and direction. On the Silverado, it simply adds character and gives the truck a more military bearing. The concept also gets flared wheel arches, a sport bar in the bed with LED lights, and a utility storage system. The grille is fitted with black accents and has a thin LED strip running across the top. Inside, orange is used for the door pulls and glove box handle, and the instrument panel and arm rests have more dazzle coloring. The truck also gets an upgraded exhaust kit, six-piston brakes, and a performance air intake. Chevrolet Introduces Silverado Special Ops Concept Military-inspired truck reinforces capability with go-anywhere style LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet's 2016 Silverado Special Ops concept imagines a unique rescue vehicle for special-operations forces. It is based on the Silverado 1500 Z71, which features a new front-end design and new technologies built into its strong, high-strength steel body structure and fully boxed frame, and draws its design inspiration from naval design aesthetics. "This Silverado concept is a multipurpose truck that reflects the go-anywhere, do-anything commitment of special-forces teams," said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. The naval-inspired camo appearance, called Razzle Dazzle, was developed more than 100 years ago to disguise a ship's speed, direction and profile to the enemy's eye. It is based on a three-tone blue exterior color, marked by a distinctive array of varying colored lines and shapes intended to mask the ship. "We created light, medium and darker shaded areas within camouflage bands flowing down the hood, body sides and tailgate," said Todd Parker, director of design, Chevrolet Accessories.