If you’re thinking about taking the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse along Tulsa streets during a storm, or Tuscon back roads, Chevrolet’s base model might not be enough. Upgrading to the LTZ AWD trim is highly recommended.

With MSRP price tag nearing $38,765, the 2012 Traverse is equipped with a Direct Injection 3.6L V6, which produces 288 horsepower when matted to a 6 speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is steady at 16 mpg city, 23 hwy. AWD capabilities kick in on command, and are able to tackle rough roads or the occasional snow storm and icy evening. Traverse LTZ rolls on 20″ aluminum wheels.

With today’s economy, local infrastructure is not what it used to be. Owning a vehicle like Traverse with All Wheel Drive can prepare you for those unexpected bumps, potholes, and un-plowed roads this winter.

Traverse LTZ AWD is ready to take on the badlands, or super market parking lots, near you.

For your viewing (and desktop background decorating) pleasure, we give you 16 shots of classic Corvette rides, representing its first four generations:

First Generation Corvette C1 (1953–1962)

Second Generation Corvette C2 (1963–1967)

Third Generation Corvette C3 (1968–1982)

This concept is from Corvette Summer, a cult-movie starring Mark Hamill (aka, Luke Skywalker).

The “Aerovette” was a concept from DMC owner and visionary / coke dealer John DeLorean.

Fourth Generation Corvette C4 (1984–1996)

Our favorite motoring magazine recently pulled this classic bit from its archives – where they put a 1975 Chevrolet Monza up against Ford’s Mustang.

If you don’t remember Chevy’s Monza that’s ok – it’s no Malibu. But Monza contained a powerful V8 engine, which competitor Ford also had in its current (at the time) Mustang. Both ranged around 300-cubic inch (not liters, inches) powerplant, though Ford’s was more powerful – in fact it was the strongest available at the time.

From a design angle, well the 70′s were not a fantastic for any auto maker. Mustang took its look partically from the less than popular Pinto. Chevy created a more unique front end for its 1974-75 Monza, giving it a closed grill and large (especially for the time) front logo. The rear ends of both vehicles sloped down, giving each a hunchback appearance. Were they bent over like sprinters, ready for that starting gun shot? More like two old men who wanted to take a nap. Inside, Chevy’s Monza lived up to the phrase bare necessities. You had your steering wheel, tach/speed/odometer and a radio. Oh…and a glove compartment. Bucket seats were barrowed for Monza from the same generation Chevy Camaro.

And you thought your dash was boring...

At the time, a best in fuel economy mention went to Monza, which much like today was all that really mattered. As America sped into another economic crisis, car buyers were less worried about style and muscle, and more about how much they’d pay at the pump, and how may stops they’d make. Chevrolet Monza, for the time, was a reliable, economic and affordable two-door car. But does it, and Ford’s Mustang from that period, signify in part the death of Muscle Car? Probably.

Is Chevrolet’s Cruze the gas powered (i.e.: non-hybrid) version of Chevy’s Volt? Or is it just the next Cobalt? The Chevy Cruze is a fuel efficient vehicle for the masses. Sure, we’d probably all love a hot hybrid Volt, but not everyone can afford the supposed $35k price tag, plus the cost of (battery) charging and regular repairs. If you’re looking for a new car with plenty of gas mileage, over 40 MPG total according to General Motors, than Cruze is your best bet.

A 4-cyl turbocharged 1.4 liter engine, which is all internal combustion, produces the power to this little next generation Cobalt-esque vehicle. There will be a diesel version for the European audience available in 2009, and America will have their shot at the Cruze in full gasoline mode by late 2010. No official price has been set, but even if we’re talking low-to-mid $20′s the Cruze will win back the hearts of waning Chevrolet fans.

Under the hood sits an LS7 aluminum-block 7.0-liter V8 engine that is capable of generating 505 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition to the engine powerhouse, the makers used racing-derived machinery to give this vehicle to give it extra elegance. A couple of these features include titanium valves, a high-profile cam and a Computer Numerical Controlled machined heads for better overall performance. The ZO6 exhaust system features a bimodal shutoff and reduces the cars noise output while retaining performance that contests the racecars. In addition, the Magnetic Selective Ride Control uses electromagnetic forces to adjust the damper force on each wheel, resulting in the surprisingly accurate responsiveness to all road conditions.

The 2008 ZO6 model has two available seats; dual-stage frontal and side-impact airbags keep both protected if the worst-case scenario happens. The unique Head-up Display actually projects the vehicle diagnostics on the windshield, so the driver can keep their eye on the road; of course, the standard extensive instrumentation is also present in the vehicle. An eight-quart dry-sump lubrication system comes with the ZO6 gives the engine additional security with an extra oil reservoir in case your normal container runs dry.

All of these fancy mechanisms support the luscious interior of the ZO6. An available custom leather-wrapped interior allows the most elegant look to the insides of your racing machine. Nothing is too good for this awe-inspiring automobile.

Standard on the SS model is a 5.3L small black V8 engine with Active Fuel Management that can conjure up to 303 hp @ 5600 rpm and up to 323 lb.-ft. torque @ 4400 rpm. A heavy-duty four-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission makes the handling on this machine that much smoother. Double the power of the engine and transmission with space for up to six passengers, cruise control, and instrumentation for optimal comfort, and you have yourself a useful automobile that suits everyone in the family.

You and the rest of your crew stay safe with dual-stage frontal airbags and head-curtain side-impact airbags on top of that. In crash tests performed by the NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet Impala passed with caliber. A StabiliTrack Electronic Stability Control System, Antilock brakes and traction control are all standard on the 2008 model. No worries about the safety of your passengers should burden you with this Impala.

The spacious interior also features the comforts of dual-zone, manual, front temperature controls to keep everyone in the ride satisfied. An abundance of vehicle instrumentation, electronic cruise control with set and resume speed and various other features mold this 2008 car into a superior full-size sedan.

The 2008 Tahoe LS also features the StabiliTrak Control module. What this does is monitor your steering input with the vehicle’s actual response. If the AI deems it necessary, it will formulate calculated brake formations to effectively control the vehicle and keep you safe. This is useful in situations of loss of lateral traction or fishtailing. To provide even more safety, all passenger rows are guarded with head-curtain side-impact air bags; there are also the traditional driver and front passenger air bags as well. All of this integrated with the extensively detailed monitors, including ones for oil, tire ressure, and more!

The 2008 Tahoe offers an aesthetically pleasing cabin, a safe and effective powertrain, a pleasant ride and accommodations that are able to fit up to nine passengers. This omnipotent vessel is one vehicle you don’t want to pass over.

The interior passenger compartment is spacious enough for two large box seats to comfortably fit two travelers. The box seats allow each seat to individually fold down and allow the flat cargo floor to fold down. That’s right, you can increase the storage while still leave one of the two passengers box seats accessible. As an added bonus, two large storage compartments are positioned on the folded down cargo floor above the location of the passenger seats. This allows versatile storage and passenger transportation.

The 2008 Panel LS comes standard with a 2.2L DOHC ECOTEC engine that provides 149 hp at 5600 rpm. The fuel economy is one of the top in its class with an estimated average of 26 MPG. A five-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch system comes standard in this model, with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic as an option. The speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering unit measures and acts upon various variables and adjusts the steering assistance to offer exact control and reaction.

Combine all of this with an enormous amount of interior monitors, such as tire pressure, boundless safety features, and an array of customizable options, and you have a quality compact wagon on your hands.

The standard 3.4L V6 engine hosts chrome-silicon valve springs; this allows it to endure higher engine stress and speeds than most vehicles. The 4-speed automatic transmission with front wheel drive gives the ride an added boost in performance and comfort as well.

Not only is the power under the hood impressive, but the vehicle itself offers some pretty tempting features. The interior is outfitted with dual zone air conditioning and an air filtration unit. Also, there is power steering with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. For further convenience there is a useful overhead console in the vehicle vessel with storage capabilities. The 5 people able to fit into the seating arrangement are all protected with airbag systems and are kept out of harms way.

Combine the various interior comfort features, the exceptional power excerpted from the mechanics and useful driving mechanics, and you have yourself a dazzling little chariot for your personal transportation.

This eco-friendly vehicle is capable of using the E85 Flex Fuel, reducing CO2 emissions into our planet’s atmosphere. To further its economic usefulness, it uses solar-ray deep-tinted glass, with light-tinted windshield, driver, and front passenger window panes; this decreases UV ray absorption in our fragile skin.

The safety features on this vehicle include dual-stage frontal airbags, head-curtain side-impact air-bags for the potential 7 people in the passenger compartment, one-year package with the OnStar Safe & Sound Plan, an ultrasonic rear packing assist, and a range of other options. The interior also includes informative monitors ranging from the tradition speedometer to an engine temperature gauge. This commodious sports utility vehicle is a must have this year!