Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Chevy Performance Rolls with Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour®

Copocamarro
"2012-05-25 DETROIT Road trip! It’s that time of year again for the annual automotive pilgrimage known as the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour® and Chevrolet Performance helps get it started on Saturday, June 2, at General Motors’ Milford Proving Ground. The Power Tour winds up in Arlington, Texas, on June 9.

With more than 3,000 hot rods, muscle cars, classic trucks and late-model performance vehicles and approximately 12,000 enthusiasts accompanying them, the Milford kick-off represents the largest-ever group of “civilians” to visit the secure test facility.

“This is a great opportunity for enthusiasts to get a glimpse behind the curtain at GM and for us to get in touch with our performance customers,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Performance Vehicles & Motorsports. “It also allows enthusiasts to get a closer look at our product development and the people behind our engines, performance parts and vehicle accessories.”

The Milford Proving Ground is the automotive equivalent of “Area 51,” serving as the primary testing facility for GM’s future products. When it opened in 1924, MPG was the world’s first dedicated automotive manufacturer testing facility. Today, it covers approximately 4,000 acres and contains more than 130 miles of driving surfaces of all types, including a 3.8-mile oval track and a 4.5-mile circle track with steep banking that enables vehicles to be driven around it at up to 120 mph without the need for steering input. The “Black Lake” area is a 67-acre pad of blacktop used for a variety of vehicle dynamics testing. Special certification is required for drivers on some of the tracks.

MPG is also home to GM’s Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness Lab, where vehicles are crash-tested during development, as well as vehicle-build facilities, where prototypes of future vehicles are built by hand prior to testing. 

With untold prototypes of far- and near-future models prowling its roadways in camouflage, spy photographers continually try to capture the goings-on in MPG. The current chase is a glimpse of the next-generation Corvette, which is known to be under development.

Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour participants and visitors to the Proving Ground on June 2 will have to follow strict security guidelines – including where they can and cannot take photos – but GM is offering unprecedented access, including tours and ride-and-drives on several of the tracks.

Chevrolet Performance will offer a host of activities and special features, including:

  • A heritage engine display
  • A collection of heritage vehicles
  • Powertrain demonstrations
  • A GM Design Center display.

The kick-off event also marks the official public debut of The BLOCK – a unique, online social community for car enthusiasts of all stripes. Participants can register on site and upload a profile of their car, and they’ll also receive a custom “QR” code decal that can be affixed to a window. Fellow enthusiasts who scan the code will be taken directly to The BLOCK’s home page on their smartphone.

Representatives from The BLOCK will be combing through the cars at Milford, looking for interesting rides and individuals for future stories. The BLOCK, powered by Chevrolet Performance, enables consumers to create profiles, post content and drive discussions.

A trio of popular concepts will be on display:

  • The Camaro Hot Wheels SEMA show car – inspired by the “Custom Camaro,” the dazzling Spectraflame® 1:64-scale toy that was one of the original 16 Hot Wheels cars released in 1968. This dazzling Camaro was collaboration between GM Design and the Hot Wheels Design studio. It features a brilliant, chrome-green finish.
  • The prototype COPO Camaro drag car – What started as a concept is now reality: The 2012 COPO Camaro specialty drag-racing model. Production was recently announced and only 69 will be built to shake up NHRA’s Stock and Super Stock ranks. Chevrolet Performance’s official video of the COPO prototype undergoing testing on the drag strip has been viewed more than 60,000 times. 
  • The Sonic Boom SEMA show car – introduced at the 2011 SEMA Show, it is a sound system-based concept that delivers high performance of an auditory type. A high-tech head unit controls the system, which features a pair of 15-inch subwoofers and 10 six-inch mid-range speakers. The concept Kicker system delivers 4,000 total Watts of power.

Also at Milford will be a display of Cadillac performance vehicles, including the CTS-V Series.

Representatives from Chevrolet Performance will be preparing a caravan of 14 specialty vehicles that will do the “long haul” – driving the entire distance of the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Highlights include:

  • 2012 Camaro ZL1 coupe – a production version of the new, daily-drivable supercar that features a 580-hp supercharged 6.2L engine and technically advanced drivetrain – including third-gen Magnetic Ride Control – to deliver 0-60 performance of four seconds, 11-second quarter-miles and a top speed of 184 mph.
  • 2012 Camaro SS “Synergy” convertible – a specially equipped production package with a body-color grille, ground effects, “gill” graphics, hood stripes and flangeless 21-inch wheels. Inside is a gray leather interior accented with a Hurst short-throw shifter.
  • 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Centennial Edition – commemorating Chevrolet’s 100th Anniversary and featuring Carbon Flash Metallic paint, satin-black graphics, satin-black wheels, unique badges depicting Louis Chevrolet and a special-trimmed interior.
  • 2013 Corvette ZR1 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car – the car used to pace the 2012 Indianapolis 500 – and driven by celebrity chef Guy Fieri – will run with the Power Tour field.
  • 2012 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle – a specially decked-out demonstrator of Chevy’s new, rear-drive Caprice police car will “monitor” the Power Tour. Powered by a 6.0L V-8 rated at 364 hp, Michigan State Police tested the Caprice PPV and recorded 0-60 performance of less than six seconds with a  top speed of 154 mph.
  • 2012 Sonic five-door – equipped with a bevy of popular accessories, this eye-catching sport-compact suggests a Power Tour contender for a new generation.
  • 1953 Suburban – riding on TrailBlazer SS frame with rear-wheel drive, this orange-and-black supercharged Suburban is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LSX376 crate engine fitted with an LSA supercharger kit that makes 665 horsepower. The cargo area is filled with a full complement of vehicle detailing equipment in custom storage bins.
  • 1970 Dale Jr. Chevelle – designed in cooperation with Dale Earnhardt Jr., this modern muscle car debuted at last fall’s SEMA Show, introducing the industry’s first Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems. It features Chevrolet Performance’s factory-engineered LSA/4L85-E engine and transmission combination, matched with all the electronic control modules, wiring harnesses and other key components.
  • 1955 E-Rod Chevy – Chevrolet Performance’s groundbreaking hot rod that introduced the emissions-compliant E-Rod crate engine systems. It features a Corvette-based LS3 engine package, with components including a fuel tank evaporative emissions canister, which helped it earn EO number D-126-30 from California Air Resources Board – the first ever for a performance crate engine.

Chevrolet Performance will also use a 2012 Suburban and a uniquely outfitted “Motor Medic” support vehicle, equipped with tools and parts to help Power Tour drivers in need keep their cars on the road. Last year, the Motor Medic helped more than 300 cars and their drivers.

Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour cruisers and hot rod enthusiasts who don’t make it to the MPG kick-off from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. can catch up with the Chevrolet Performance cars, parts and personnel at these stops:

  • June 3 – Muskegon, Mich.
  • June 4 – Champaign, Ill.
  • June 5 – Madison, Ill.
  • June 6 – Miami, Okla.
  • June 7 – Stillwater, Okla.
  • June 8 – Arlington, Texas."

http://bit.ly/JTWUCz

Friday, May 25, 2012

Rancho Motor Company is the Place to Be This Memorial Day Weekend.

Come in and See How You Can Get Over $10,000 Off Selected Chevrolet Silverados or a Chevrolet Cruze Starting at $13,995. But Hurry, This Will All Be Over By May 31st!

Memorial-day-2012
Click for details.

http://bit.ly/JiZJ04

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Another Satisfied Neighborhood Customer!

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"Great car buying experience! I would recommend this dealership to anyone looking for a Chevy, new or used! Rancho Motors has been in the community forever!"

http://bit.ly/wzqH2X

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Packing It In: SRX Designed for Summer Road Trips

2012srx
Cargo Management System offers unique packing solution

2012-05-18

"DETROIT – The summer road trip season is near, meaning millions of drivers are planning getaways – with lots of stuff. The Cadillac SRX crossover’s unique Cargo Management System is designed as an ideal companion for long weekends and driving vacations.

“We put a lot of thought into what kinds of items Cadillac customers would want to bring into the SRX and where they’d want to put them,” said Elizabeth Pilibosian, SRX chief engineer. “The philosophy was not just to maximize total space but to have a place for everything and everything in its place. That makes a huge difference on longer trips.”    

The rear compartment Cargo Management System uses a segment-exclusive U-Rail track system with an adjustable cargo fence that segments the area to contain items of various sizes and restrict their movement when the vehicle is in motion. The fence is sturdy, but also easy to move around the U-shaped track to adjust to a variety of positions to suit a range of items and packing arrangements.

The cargo fence can be removed, retracted and conveniently secured beneath the load floor when not in use. An optional cargo net, organizer or area divider may be used in place of the tubular fence. Four steel loops positioned in each corner of the compartment provide convenient connection points for nets or bungee cords that a driver might bring into the vehicle.

The rear compartment’s load floor has a latch that reveals a waterproof bin, measuring 26 by 12 inches by eight inches deep. This easy-to-clean bin is ideal for storing damp or dirty items from a beach trip, or it can be used as a cooler, or to house smaller items under the floor and out of view. A smaller secondary bin holds the vehicle’s tire inflator kit that can be used as a pump for bike tires and beach toys depending on valve compatibility.

Flanking the main bin are two smaller discreetly covered compartments designed to be ideal for stowing small tools, such as a tire pressure gauge. Regular use maintains proper tire pressure, which can help maximize fuel economy.

A two-position cargo shade can be used to conceal the rear compartment when the hatch is closed.

In SRX’s passenger area are several additional storage areas. Each door has upper and lower bins, as does the glove compartment, which can cool fruit and beverages when the air conditioning is on. The center console offers an upper level for small items like an MP3 player or mobile phone, and a lower level for larger items.

The cup holders between the front seats are dual-level as well, with a retractable floor that lets the user go from a small coffee to a “grande” at the flip of a switch The false floor also creates a secret compartment that can hide a wallet or wristwatch.

In front of the cup holders is the SRX’s smallest bin, designed expressly to house mobile phones and sometimes known as the “phone throne.”

Open SRX’s rear programmable liftgate and more than 29 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row seating awaits, more than enough room for four rolling suitcases, sports equipment and sundries. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat, the cargo area grows to more than 61 cubic feet to accommodate items like a bike or baby stroller.

“We know that SRX customers are active people who value enriching experiences,” Pilibosian said. “They expect their journey to be just as enjoyable as their destination, and the SRX is tailored to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.”"

http://bit.ly/KJgfYg

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Chevrolet Will Add New Small SUV to Global Lineup

Trax
2012-05-14

Trax will debut at Paris Motor Show and be sold in more than 140 countries

DETROIT – "The Chevrolet Trax, an all-new small sport utility vehicle, will join the Chevrolet global portfolio and make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.

With room for five passengers and class-leading cargo space, Trax will meet the needs of customers in more than 140 markets.  Mexico and Canada will be the first markets to launch the crossover in the fourth quarter of this year. Because of the strong position of the Equinox, there are no plans to introduce the Trax in the U.S. market. 

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require,” said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development. “After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.”

Chevrolet has recently introduced a new Malibu mid-sized sedan, Colorado pickup, TrailBlazer mid-sized SUV and Cruze station wagon. When it joins its siblings in the showroom, Trax will possess the same pioneering spirit and expressive design that defines each new Chevrolet. 

Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. While its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic, Trax’s interior and details will be executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles. 

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality."

http://bit.ly/KKZuOP

Friday, May 4, 2012

We appreciate this rave review! Many thanks to Rosemarie for the feedback.

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"The service department was very professional and organized. My time is valuable and they stuck to their estimated timeline for the service I had completed. The waiting area was very clean and accomodating. I was able to work while I waited as they had wifi available, as well as coffee and snack vending machines. Great experience for auto care needs. Thank you."

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Self-Driving Car in Cadillac’s Future

Cad

‘Super cruise’ technology could be ready by mid-decade

DETROIT – Cadillac is road testing a semi-autonomous technology it calls “Super Cruise” that is capable of fully automatic steering, braking and lane-centering in highway driving under certain optimal conditions. The system could be ready for production vehicles by mid-decade.

Super Cruise is designed to ease the driver’s workload on the freeway, in both bumper-to-bumper traffic and on long road trips by relying on a fusion of radar, ultrasonic sensors, cameras and GPS map data.

“Super Cruise has the potential to improve driver performance and enjoyment,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “Our goal with advanced technologies, like this and our CUE system, is to lead in delivering an intuitive user experience.”

Many of the building block technologies for Super Cruise are already available on the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS and ATS luxury sedans, as part of the available Driver Assist Package. It is the first Cadillac system to use sensor fusion to provide 360 degrees of crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features, including:

  • Rear Automatic Braking
  • Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control 
  • Intelligent Brake Assist 
  • Forward Collision Alert 
  • Safety Alert Seat 
  • Automatic Collision Preparation 
  • Lane Departure Warning 
  • Side Blind Zone Alert 
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
  • Adaptive Forward Lighting 
  • Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines 
  • Head Up Display

The key to delivering semi-autonomous capability will be the integration of lane- centering technology that relies on forward-looking cameras to detect lane markings and GPS map data to detect curves and other road characteristics, said John Capp, General Motors director of Global Active Safety Electronics and Innovation.

Even when semi-autonomous driving capability is available on vehicles, the system will have operational limitations based on external factors such as weather and visibility of lane markings. When reliable data is unavailable, the driver will need to steer.

GM and its research partners recently conducted a study funded by the Federal Highway Administration on human factors in semi-autonomous vehicle operation. When asked, some study participants expressed strong interest in having a vehicle that could drive itself, particularly for long trips when lane centering and full-speed range adaptive cruise control could help lighten the driver’s workload.

“The primary goal of GM’s autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle development is safety,” Capp said. “In the coming years, autonomous driving systems paired with advanced safety systems could help eliminate the crash altogether by interceding on behalf of drivers before they’re even aware of a hazardous situation. More than ever, consumers will be able to trust their car to do the right thing.”

 

Courtesy of Media.GM - Cadillac