This 1971 ad for the muscle car coupe shows the classic vehicle taking off down a mountain road, while skillfully displaying a redesigned back end and luggage rack, which were all the rage when bellbottoms were too.

The advertisement’s top graph displays Corvette Stingray’s unique suspension and drivetrain, something GM is still proud of today.

The ad goes on to breakdown facts about Stingray’s construction, and help us understand why it is just as good on flat surfaces as it is traversing mountain roads:

“Corvette’s suspension uses upper and lower A-Shaped arms, with anti-dive geometry built into the upper arms. Variable rate coil springs up from cushion small bumps, yet maintain firm control on rough roads.”

See folks, it’s science! Stingray’s unique design allows each tire to form to the road, which made it one of the most easily driven and best to control in all conditions kind of cars. That is something many auto makers should look into today. And as this photo reminds us:

“A lot of sports cars may look good on top. None look as refined as Corvette underneath.”

Larger versions, which can be used for desktop backgrounds, are found on flickr.

Want to schedule a test drive in that sexy new 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, but don’t know where to start? Using a clever web app from GM, the Build Your Own tool via Chevy’s official website, getting a better idea of what YOUR Cruze will look like, and cost, is only a few clicks away.

Getting started: A base model 2012 Cruze, with 138-hp 1.8L DOHC I-4 engine and six-speed manual transmission, is available for $16,800. This makes it one of the least expensive vehicles in its class on the market today. But don’t let bare bones driving get you down. Opt for the fully stocked ECO with extra horsepower (as well as better gas mileage and more transmission options) for just under $20,000 Still a bargain!.

Next: After choosing your interior and exterior color schemes, click through the different tabs and upgrade transmission to automatic (or stick with manual for even greater MPG’s), super-size those alloy wheels to 17″, pick additions like all-weather floor mats and upgraded audio system.

As the box in the lower right hand corner updates with live price changes, it’s time to check those accessories. Fog lamps or molded splash guards add personal touches to your all new Cruze.

Finally: Request a quote, and let the Chevy app guide you towards a local dealer, who has that exact Cruze model and trim level ready for you. With 42 MPG, the 2012 Cruze ECO is a purchase you won’t ever regret.

Information on these labels will hold details on fuel-saving technologies, vehicle recycling options, and several key “green” aspects of the manufacturing process.

It’s a combined effort on behald of GM and independent sustainability firm Two Tomorrows, who will produce these labels. This label will NOT hold the same information as the EPA’s sticker redesign, which prvides more detailed feul econonmy numbers.

GM said it will “go the extra distance so that consumers could get additional information.”

Customers are right in wanting companies to be “honest and transparent about their environmental efforts and sustainability goals,” added GM North America President Mark Reuss.

Source: 4wheelsnews.com

Chevy Apocalypse 2012, feat. Miss Evelyn | Super Bowl XLVI Ads

Here’s the original TV spot:

Chevy Silverado 2012 Apocalypse | Super Bowl XLVI Ads

All you need to survive the end of days is a fully loaded Chevrolet Silverado, and a box of Twinkies. At least, according to this Super Bowl XLVI commercial. This ad is a funny stab at Ford.

America Vs. Japan – sounds familiar, eh? This time, it’s car against car, muscle against engineering. The upcoming Chevrolet Corvette Z06 battles it out with a Nissan GT-R.

Dual-clutch and twin-turbo shoot down a 1.8-mile course at Willow Springs, just north of Los Angeles, in this Inside Line clip! Check out the Video below:

But the NHTSA investigation of GM’s lithium batteries (those used in plug-in electric vehicles) concluded this week. It showed the batteries were completely safe, when charging.

Aside from these investigations, NHTSA conducted “three additional side-impact crash tests with three more Volts,” in November 2011. Two out of three batteries sparked or caught fire. New designs and features to the packs are being implemented to stop this.

Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO, testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about Volt fires. Akerson’s five-page written testimony has him defended the EV’s safety against the Obama administration.

“The Volt is safe. It’s a marvelous machine,” said Akerson. “The Volt seems, perhaps unfairly, to have become a surrogate for some to offer broader commentary on General Motors’ business prospects and administration policy.”

Akerson added the Volt became “a political punching bag” and that the handling of the fires cast “an undeserving damaging light on a promising new technology.”

Republicans accuse President Obama’s administration of favoring Volt, saying the EV receives “special treatment” due to GM’s 26% government-ownership.

“The Obama administration has tied the political reputation of the president closely to the success of GM generally, and to the Chevy Volt specifically,” the committee’s report stated. Hopefully, Volt, Obama, and the US automotive industry won’t go down in flames.

General Motors wants to ship more Volt EV cars to dealerships, but the dealers are saying no, and with good reason. Sales of the hybrid electric sedan are lower than originally anticipated. Higher pricing (Volt is, on average, $5000 more than foreign hybrids) and stories of EV batteries causing vehicle fires turn customers away from this green Chevy.

In the New York City market, GM allocated 104 Volts to 14 dealerships last month. Dealers took 31 of them, while snatching over 90% of the other vehicles they were eligible for.

Brett Hedrick, an employee at Hedrick’s Chevrolet, said he sold only 10 Volts last year. GM’s “thinking we need six more Volts is just crazy,” Hedrick adds. “We’ve never sold more than two in a month.”

GM recently announced a “voluntary repair” to protect the battery pack. NHTSA officials stated in its now closed investigation of the battery pack, saying it “poses no significant fire risk.”

Although, at the Detroit Auto Show, GM said they wouldn’t follow with their production target set for 60,000 units in 2012. GM sold 7,671 Volt EVs in 2011, short of the 10,000 goal.

Source: Auto Week

Tru is not a production concept that will be on dealer lots anytime soon. Instead, 140S serves as a design study, and direction that General Motors and Chevrolet might take in future models.

We can see this becoming a next-gen Corvette or Camaro, can you?

John McFarland, Chevy’s senior manager for Global Marketing, stated in Detroit, “At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”

Tru 140S is dubbed the “affordable exotic,” and will be sharing platforms with Cruze and Volt as a front-wheel-drive three-door hatchback.

Tru is powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, with stop-start technology “for maximum fuel economy.” Numbers have yet to be released by the auto maker or EPA officials.

Inside, Chevy includes WiFi connectivity, smartphone integration, MyLink infotainment system, and heads up display.

Source: The Motor Authority

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.