2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV SETS BENCHMARK FOR EV DESIGN

LAS VEGAS – As Chevrolet’s first ground-up, long-range electric vehicle, the 2017 Bolt EV offered designers unprecedented freedom, resulting in a vehicle that crosses boundaries and challenges expectations in the electric vehicle (EV) segment.

“We were given a blank canvas – a rare opportunity with a unique platform to recast EV design for customers across the spectrum,” said Stuart Norris, managing director of Design. “The team answered the challenge with a progressive design distinguished by dramatic graphics and exceptional passenger space.”

The Bolt EV’s styling centers on its unique proportion, which is driven by a flat battery pack mounted beneath the interior floor. A 102.4-inch wheelbase and wide track give it a solid stance and the look of a small crossover. A short front overhang indicates that driving power comes from next-generation technology.

The large windows, plunging beltline and steeply raked windshield contribute to the progressive profile and emphasize the interior’s spaciousness and bright airy feel.

The large greenhouse offers a panoramic view from upright, SUV-like seating positions. The rear-window glass extends all the way to the license plate and integrates with LED taillamps on the liftgate. By integrating the taillamps into the full-width liftgate, the Bolt EV’s architecture enables a wide opening that makes it easier to slide boxes and other items in and out of the vehicle.

LED headlamps wrap around the forward edge of the front fascia, creating an aggressive character. The signature Chevrolet dual-element grille has been reimagined and features a smooth, clean and integrated design incorporating graphics with depth and a three-dimensional quality. It is offered with two signature colors, harmonized with the exterior color choices.

Functional, spacious interiorDue to the packaging of the battery pack, the Bolt EV interior offers seating for five passengers and 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.

“The flat-pack orientation offered the flexibility to make the most of the proportions while creating a clean, sculpted design,” said Norris. “This really opened up the interior and created a fantastic view from every seating position. All of this additional space gave us a lot of opportunities to play with creative design and storage solutions.”

A “floating” instrument panel, for example, features a 10.2-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch control screen which creates a horizontal feel to the interior. Maximizing knee room and cross-vehicle spaciousness.

Additionally, a multipurpose, connected center console features side-by-side cupholders, a wireless charging location and a sliding armrest covering a storage compartment large enough to store a tablet device.

In the rear, the Bolt EV’s 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space is more than offered in the Honda Fit (16.6 cubic feet) and the BMW i3 (15.1 cubic feet).

Artful engineering solutions complement the practical use of space, with features such as thin-frame seats that enhance rear-seat roominess. The seats also incorporate the side air bag modules as design elements.

The interior is offered in a fresh, bright color palette that emphasizes the open passenger environment – with signature-color Electrification blue ambient lighting emanating from beneath metallic white decorative trim.

“The Bolt EV’s design elements are designed for everyday life and the space inside accommodates it all, whether you and your friends go shopping for the day or take off for the weekend,” said Norris. “Inside and out, this game-changing vehicle makes a dramatic statement with a distinctive identity that can only be a Chevy and challenges expectations for what an affordable EV can offer.”

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV goes into production in late 2016.

Source: http://media.chevrolet.com/

CHEVROLET INTRODUCES 2017 CRUZE HATCH

HERE’S THE STORYAhead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Cruze Hatchback. Developed with all the technologies and dynamic driving attributes of the all-new 2016 Cruze sedan, the new hatch adds a functional and sporty choice for customers. It joins Colorado and Trax as the latest Chevrolets to push into new segments.  

PRODUCT DETAILSThe Cruze Hatch has the same, class-leading 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase as sedan models, but features a unique roof and rear-end structure – including wraparound taillamps and an integrated spoiler at the top of the liftgate. It opens to offer 22.7 cubic feet (643 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the rear seat folded, cargo space expands to 47.2 cubic feet (1,336 liters).

ON SALEFall 2016

QUOTABLE“With 9 percent market growth in small hatchbacks last year, it’s the perfect time to bring the Cruze Hatch to America,” said Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America and Global Chevrolet. “As Cruze continues to set the tone for Chevrolet globally, it articulates the brand promise of offering cars with the latest technologies, more features and greater efficiency, performance and safety with fresh, distinctive styling.”

ABOUT THE NEW CRUZEAn all-new, more rigid and lighter architecture is the Cruze’s foundation for driving dynamism, while also playing a significant role in safety and efficiency. It is more than 200 pounds (91 kg) lighter than the previous-generation model due largely to a body structure that is 100 pounds lighter and an engine that’s 44 pounds (20 kg) lighter.

The Cruze lineup in North America is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier – and a more expressive RS package, featuring unique front and rear fascias, rocker panels, rear spoiler, fog lamps and – on the Premier model – 18-inch wheels.

The 2017 Cruze Hatch will be offered in LT and Premier trims, and with the RS package.

KEY FEATURES

• Segment-exclusive standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the MyLink radio systems and available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot
• More standard safety features than any other compact car – including Corolla and Civic – with available adaptive features including Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist
• Available Teen Driver feature helps support safe driving habits and offers driving statistics for parents
• Standard 1.4L turbo engine with direct injection and Stop/Start technologies, electric power steering and, on Premier models, a Z-link rear suspension
• Interior with midsize-level roominess, including two inches greater rear legroom than Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra
• Available features include a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, Athens leather-appointed seating surfaces, true French seams and halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED signature lighting.

FAST FACTS

• Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling car around the world, with 3.5 million sold since it went on sale in 2008
• Since Cruze’s introduction, Chevrolet’s retail share of the segment has grown from 5.8 to 9.4 percent
• 35 percent of Cruze customers are new to Chevrolet
• In the U.S., Cruze is the segment’s second-best seller to customers under 25.

Source: http://media.chevrolet.com/

Fall Driving Safety Tips

As weather and road conditions change with the season, following fall driving safety tips will help keep you safe as you enjoy the cool crisp air and the beautiful colors of the autumn leaves.

The Dangers of Leaves on the Roads
When leaves accumulate on the roadway and become wet, they can get extremely slippery, making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice. If the temperature drops below freezing, the wet leaves will freeze and turn into dangerous icy leaves on the roadway. Besides reducing the car's traction, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes.

• Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.
• Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
• A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. Never drive through a leaf pile. Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.
• Keep your windshield leaf free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.
• In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves .

Changing Weather Conditions
In many areas, autumn is a damp, wet season. There are many rainy or foggy days and nights. As the temperatures drop, frost often coats the ground at night.

• When driving in fog, set your headlight to low beam. This setting aims the beam of light down toward the roadway.
• In the fall as temperatures drop, frost often forms on the roadway, causing hazardous driving conditions. Drive slowly and break gently at overpasses and bridges as these areas frost over more quickly than other roadway surfaces.
• Be aware of areas where black ice forms on the roadway.

Adjust for Fewer Hours of Daylight
In the fall there are fewer hours of daylight. In the earlier darkness it is common to see children outside playing or riding their bicycles. People are walking their dogs, jogging or taking late afternoon or evening walks. In the fading light of dusk it is more difficult to see the children and pedestrians.

• Watch out for children at their bus stops in the morning and as they return home in the afternoon.
• Halloween is a fun fall holiday. Take special care where children are out trick or treating. They may be wearing masks or costumes that limit their visibility.
• Always drive defensively.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep your headlights cleaned and in proper working order, making sure they are aligned.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades if they show any signs of wear.
• Keep an emergency car safety kit in your vehicle.

Additional Fall Safety Driving Tips

• Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle. Fall sunrises and sunsets can be very brilliant. The bright sun often creates a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, the roadway or the road's shoulder. Wearing sunglasses during these times reduces the danger.
• If you live in an area where there are deer, they are more apt to run into the roadway especially at dawn and dusk since the fall is an active breeding time. If you see a deer cross the roadway, proceed very slowly as they often travel in groups.

Naturally safe driving practices are essential all through the year. However, being aware of the unique autumn driving hazards and following the fall driving safety tips here will make you a safer driver.

Source: safety.lovetoknow.com

10 Driving Tips to Help Keep You Safe This Fall

Fall means a number of wonderful things, like warm, comfy sweaters, foliage, and baking pumpkin pies. For drivers, fall also brings unique dangers to the roads. Find out what makes fall driving dangerous and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

Why Driving In The Fall Can Be Dangerous

Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the fall. A bright, beautiful afternoon can turn rainy and cold in minutes. And with days getting shorter, you could find yourself commuting to or from work in darkness.

Back-to-school traffic
Fall means back to school for kids, which means more cars and buses on the roads. Drivers also need to watch out for increased pedestrian traffic in the morning and afternoon as children walk to and from school and their neighborhood bus stops.

Rain
The first rain in a few weeks can be particularly dangerous, as water pools on top of dust and oil that haven't had a chance to wash away and makes the pavement extremely slippery.

Leaves (and leaf peepers)
Fall foliage is certainly beautiful, but as leaves begin to fall, they litter the roads, making streets slick while obscuring traffic lines and other pavement markings. They also hide potholes and other road hazards. And when it rains, it can make those wet leaves on the roadway as dangerous as ice.

And where there are turning leaves, there are leaf peepers. These leaf-peeping drivers tend to crawl along the roads and make unpredictable stops to admire the changing foliage. If you're driving behind a car with out-of-state plates, give them a little extra space just in case they stop short for a photo.

Fog
Cold fall mornings often lead to fog, which can greatly limit your driving visibility and perception of distance. Fog tends to occur in low places or areas surrounded by hills, water, mountains, and trees. One common mistake drivers make during foggy conditions is putting on their high beams instead of staying with their low beams. This only makes visibility worse because your high beams will bounce off the fog and create glare.

When driving through fog, slow down and stay well behind the car in front of you so you'll have adequate time to stop if you need to.

Frost
During the fall, temperatures tend to drop dramatically during the night, which can lead to morning frost and icy spots on the road. This is especially common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas of the road.

Sun glare
Fall is also a bad time for sun glare on the roads. Sun glare can impact your sight for seconds after exposure, making it hard to see pedestrians, oncoming traffic, or the car in front of you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers describe being "blinded" after exposure, and this sometimes leads to accidents or near misses.

Sun glare can also cause problems when the sun sets behind drivers. In this case, sunlight can bounce off your rearview mirror or reflect off traffic lights up ahead, and this can blind you for a split second while your eyes adjust. It can also make it hard (or impossible) to see traffic lights, which can prevent you from knowing if you're supposed to stop or go.

Deer
The fall season brings an increase in deer activity because it's their time for mating and migrating. If you live in a deer-heavy area, watch for darting deer, especially when driving at night.

Fall Driving Tips

• Being prepared for fall's inclement weather and hazardous driving challenges is half the battle.
• Watch your speed: Drive a bit slower when faced with fall driving hazards, especially if you're driving around a school bus.
• Keep your distance: Leave a little more space between you and the car in front on rainy or foggy days, during dawn or dusk, and in areas with wet leaves. This will give you more time to react.
• Stick with low beams: Keep your headlights on low when driving in the fog (and rain). High beams will only cause glare.
• Clear frost away from your windows: Frost can reduce visibility and response time on the road.
• Approach traffic lights carefully: Sun glare can make it harder to see traffic lights change, so approach them with more than the normal care.
• Avoid using products that increase gloss: Washing and waxing with these products can magnify the fall's sunny glare and make it hard to see.
• Clean your windshield, inside and out: When your windshield's illuminated by sunlight, dust particles, streaks, and smudges become magnified, making it hard to see the road.
• Watch for wildlife: especially in the early morning and evening hours.
• Check your tire pressure: Since fall weather rapidly changes from warm to cold, your tires will often expand and contract. This can lead to a loss of pressure.

Source: www.esurance.com

2016 Chevy Silverado puts on a better face

When Chevrolet introduced the redesigned Silverado pickup for 2014, you, our loyal readers, gave the new truck's front-end a lukewarm response. Aside from saying it was ugly, one commenter came to the far more damning conclusion that this brand-new vehicle already looked dated. For 2016, Chevy has attempted to address opinions like that, issuing a comprehensive facelift to its bread-and-butter pickup.

Designers cut way back on the chrome for 2016, fitting a body-color strip across the middle of the grille and going to a single-headlight design. Combined with twin LED running lamps, the new look is much more modern while still harkening back to the retro-ish look introduced a few years back. The new truck also gets a much more muscular and aggressive hood, while the front bumper is significantly more modern, and features vertical housings for what look like LED foglights.

The bad news, here, is that there's only one picture, shown above. We have no idea what changes Chevy has made to the rear of the pickup, nor do we know what other versions of the truck beyond the Z71 seen here may be available. The Bowtie brand did, however, confirm that we'd see a wider application of the eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as a new version of the MyLink infotainment system, which will play nice with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Look for much more on the freshened Silverado when it makes its official debut this fall.

Source: autoblog.com

Chevrolet planning new crossover between Equinox and Traverse

Chevrolet is taking a crowbar to its crossover lineup so it can slide in a new entry between the Equinox(shown) and the Traverse, according to a report in Automotive News. The current Equinox, a tweener compared to its rivals, will get smaller when the next-generation vehicle moves to the Delta platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze. The next Traverse will remain full-size, the liberated space between it and the smaller Equinox making room for a fourth offering from the brand.

Designed on a short-wheelbase version of the Traverse platform, AN's sources say it will offer three-row seating, and its architecture will also serve the Cadillac SRX successor, the XT5, and the redesigned GMC Acadia. Yes, the Acadia will also come down a notch in size. Once all the rationalizing is complete, the Trax, Equinox, new crossover, and Traverse would give consumers a quicker, easier way to compare size and features with the competition.

As it stands, the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander are all larger than the Equinox. The future offering and its two- and three-row seating options would take clear aim at those four vehicles, and the Equinox could focus on the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Cherokee segment. The new Chevy is predicted to go on sale at the end of next year as a 2018 model.

Source: autoblog.com

Four Chevrolets Rank Highest in J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality

DETROIT – The Chevrolet Malibu, Equinox (tie), Silverado LD and Spark ranked highest in their respective segments for the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study^SM. Chevrolet has 10 models in Top 3 positions, more than any other brand, foreign or domestic. 

The other Chevrolet nameplates achieving a Top 3 score for their respective segment include the Sonic, Traverse, Camaro, Impala, Silverado HD and Tahoe.

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to bring to market the highest-quality products for our customers, regardless of the type of vehicle they purchase,” said Alan Batey, global Chevrolet president. “Quality studies like this one tell us we are moving in the right direction.”

The IQS announcement for 2015 models coincides with a strong May sales performance for many of the brand’s nameplates highlighted in the study. Overall, Chevrolet U.S. sales are up 1.6 percent over the same period last year.

Malibu: Total sales up 11 percent
Equinox: Total sales up 30 percent
Silverado LD: Total sales up 12 percent
Traverse: Total sales up 2 percent
Sonic: Total sales up 3 percent
Silverado HD: Total sales up 6 percent

The 2015 IQS is based on responses from more than 86,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2015 model year vehicles surveyed at 90 days of ownership. The study includes a 233-question survey designed to provide manufacturers with information they can use to quickly identify problems and drive improvement.

Source: http://media.chevrolet.com/