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Motor Trend Truck of the Year is the 2015 Colorado

Over the past few years full-size trucks got bigger and bigger and midsize trucks began to vanish.  The Chevrolet Colorado went out of production for three years, until recently when it made its triumphant return, completely redone and better than ever.

The Chevrolet Colorado was definitely not the largest truck in competition for the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, but it turned out to be the best in more of the Motor Trend judging categories than anything else.

For many, midsize pickups appeal to a more modest sense of size, and when the Colorado reappeared it trounced the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier in a comparison test, clearly marking itself as a segment leader.  No other vehicle tested stands out as much as the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado.

Motor Trend editors praised the Colorado test models for not only out-performing the other Truck of the Year contenders, but for doing so while being the least expensive truck tested.  In fact, the Colorado was three times less than the Ford F-450 tested.  The lower price never left the editors wanting for more, proving good things do come in small packages.

For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, visit Moritz Chevrolet at 9101 Camp Bowie West in Ft. Worth or give them a call at 817-696-2000 today!

Next-Gen Chevy Volt

Chevrolet has made the charging system in the next-generation Volt even easier for customers to recharge the battery – and to check the charge status. The next-generation Volt debuts in January at the North American International Auto Show. Owners will now be able to set their charging preferences exclusively for their “home” charging location and the vehicle will automatically adjust to that setting when it is at that location. (read more) http://qoo.ly/4bfx9

Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo Concept Coming Soonmo

When Chevrolet teased a new Vision Gran Turismo concept on its Chevrolet Corvette Facebook page, we assumed the topless concept car was Corvette-based. Now, the automaker has revealed that its entry in the Vision GT series will be the Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo Concept.

“Jim Hall and Chaparral blended the art of racing with science in an unprecedented way, changing the sport forever and inspiring a new generation to experiment with aerodynamics and unconventional materials,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, in a release. “His race cars were four-wheeled physics projects that proved innovation -- and a strong Chevy race engine -- could drive you to the winner’s circle.”  Jim Hall and Hap Sharp founded Chaparral Cars in 1962 and turned the racing world upside down with a combination of wild aerodynamics and Chevrolet engines. 

Chaparral Cars and Chevrolet Research and Development worked to develop composite monocoque chassis, lightweight alloy powertrain pieces, racing automatic transmissions, and active aerodynamics. The 1966 Chaparral 2E featured a large wing that produced as much as 240 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. The Chaparral 2E and 2F were successful in the 1966 and 1967 race seasons, respectively. By 1970, the big-block V-8-powered Chaparral 2J had reached a high point of aerodynamic downforce. A pair of fans sucked air from underneath the car, creating suction and more downforce. 

To see more of what Chevy has up its’ sleeve, come by today Moritz Chevrolet 9101 Camp Bowie West Ft. Worth, TX or give us a call at 817-696-2000 today!

Camaro Z/28 is Motor Trend’s Best Driver’s Car

2014-09-25

DETROIT –Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is Motor Trend’s 2014 Best Driver’s Car. It’s the first American-brand car to win the 7-year-old award.

The Best Driver’s Car contenders are selected from all new or significantly revised performance cars launched in the 12 months prior to the test. To pick the winner, the editors of Motor Trend conduct objective and subjective testing – including digitally instrumented laps at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and high-speed driving up and down a 4.3-mile hill climb on a closed rural highway – to determine which car delivers the most engaging experience behind the wheel.

After completing that battery of tests, the editors of Motor Trend wrote:

“The transformation of the fifth-generation Camaro from ‘muscle car that handles pretty well’ to Best Driver’s Car winner is astounding. You feel the superior engineering in how the car responds to inputs both internal and external. From within, the car reacts immediately and precisely to your commands but doesn’t punish your mistakes. From the outside, the Z/28’s suspension attacks bumps and dips with an unbridled passion for keeping the tires on the pavement.”

Previous winners of Motor Trend’s Best Driver Car award were:

•     2007 Porsche 911 GT3
•     2008 Audi R8
•     2009 Porsche Cayman S
•     2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
•     2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 2S
•     Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

“The mission for the new Z/28 was to create the most capable, best-handling Camaro in our history,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors’ executive vice president, Global Product Development. “As such, I can’t think of a better validation of that mission than for the Z/28 to be named Motor Trend’s Best Driver’s Car.”

The Camaro Z/28 builds on the legacy of the original SCCA Trans Am-series contender introduced in 1967. Its unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the car against the track for greater grip and faster lap times. Comprehensive chassis and suspension changes, including a lower center of gravity, specific stabilizer bars, higher-rate coil springs and other chassis and suspension features have been optimized for the track – enabling more than 1.08 g in lateral acceleration and 1.5 g in deceleration.

Racing-bred dampers, tires and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes play important roles in not only maximizing performance, but making it more predictable and consistent with every lap. Engineers also made sure the Z/28 was as light as possible to maximize its power-to-weight ratio. Everything from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass is used to reduce curb weight and improve the overall weight balance. The carbon ceramic brake rotors, for example, collectively save more than 20 pounds of unsprung weight, compared to the Camaro SS.

In fact, 100 percent of the unsprung mass – suspension, wheels, tires and brake system – has been changed from the Camaro SS, dramatically enhancing the balance and overall driving feel of the Z/28.

A 7.0L LS7 V-8 rated at 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm) complements the lightweight vehicle components to give the car an enviable 7.6:1 power-to-weight ratio. It was bred on the racetrack, with features designed for high-rpm performance and durability, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves.


About Chevrolet
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 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About Motor Trend:
Motor Trend®, a media brand of TEN: The Enthusiast Network was founded in 1949 and is internationally recognized as one of the leading brands in the automotive category.  The Motor Trend brand is comprised of  Motor Trend magazine; the award-winning website MotorTrend.com; Motor Trend Auto Shows; Motor Trend Audio; Motor Trend en Espanol; Motor Trend India; and the renowned Motor Trend Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Best Driver’s Car awards programs.

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network:
TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world’s premier network of enthusiast brands, such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Surfer, Transworld and GrindTV. With more than 60 publications, 100 websites, the world’s largest automotive VOD channel, 800 branded products, 50-plus events, and a wide array of TV and radio programs, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit www.enthusiastnetwork.com.

2015 Chevy Cruz Remains Leader

The 2015 Chevrolet Cruz is celebrating its 5th year in existence and it is doing so as the undisputed leader in the compact four door sedan segment.  It is still considered a compact even though the sheer size would convince you otherwise.  The 181 inch overall length along with its huge trunk, wide range of adjustability and excellent seats would make you think you are in a mid-size sedan.

Although the exterior is very conservative and not very flashy, it is sporty enough.  The interior is what causes it to lead the category.  The materials give it an upscale feel, the twin cockpit dash design are rich and luxurious.  You have a couple of engine and transmission options out there and the right combination could earn you an astounding 42 mpg on the highway.  It offers superior ride quality and great steering and handling.  In this ever demanding world needing options they also give you a diesel option if it suits your liking.

If safety is your concern, don’t worry.  It has won more than its share of awards as well as the top five star from the government in every subcategory.  It even won the IIHS Top Safety Pick status which makes it one of the safest vehicles for its size and weight on the global spectrum.  The safety features are staggering with rear side airbags and front knee airbags in addition to all the usual features you would expect to see in this class.

For the ultimate in comfort, safety and sheer joy, come get more information today at Moritz Chevrolet 9101 Camp Bowie West Ft. Worth, TX or give us a call at 817-696-2000 today!

Chevrolet Sells 3 Millionth Cruze

Global compact car is brand’s best-selling nameplate

2014-08-28

Source: GM

DETROIT – Eleven plants. One-hundred and eighteen countries. Eighty-eight awards. And now, 3 million sales for the Chevrolet Cruze.

The best-selling Chevrolet model crossed the milestone this month, just 16 months after selling its 2 millionth model. From the U.S. and Canada, to Laos and the Philippines, to Lebanon and Qatar, the Cruze has proved itself a global player among small cars.

“The Cruze is an extremely adaptable car that can cater to the demands of nearly every market in the world,” said Alan Batey, GM executive vice president of Global Chevrolet. “It is a testament to Chevrolet’s global focus and capabilities to offer a car that is so highly regarded in so many places.”

Since launch in 2008, the Cruze has collected 39 product awards in China, 27 in the U.S. and 12 in Brazil, and others.

Chevrolet is committed to building product in – or near – the markets where they are sold. Cruze is built in 11 different countries on five continents and sold in 118 countries.

“Small car sales around the world have been growing exponentially as emerging markets, in Asia and South America, increase car ownership while mature markets, like the U.S., downsize for fuel economy,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for AutoTrader.com. “Small cars like the Cruze are driving sales globally and will continue to do so.”

The Cruze endured intensive durability testing, including extreme weather tests and more than 210 crash tests tailored to the regulatory demands of the countries where it is sold.  

To appeal to the different markets’ tastes, the Cruze is available in in three body styles, including a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and station wagon. Cruze is powered by five different engines, 1.4-, 1.6-, and 1.8-liter gasoline engines, and 1.7- and 2-liter diesel engines.

“The cost of energy is going to be an issue for a long time and in most markets that’s a big consideration,” said Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting in Andover, N.J. “If you can offer someone very affordable, high quality transportation at an affordable price with a substantial package of safety equipment, that’s a big plus.” 

Chevrolet recently launched a new version of the Cruze catering to the styling and packaging demands of Chinese customers. Cruze sales in China lead all countries with 1.13 million sold since launch in 2009.

For the U.S. market in 2015, the Cruze will have OnStar with 4G LTE standard, providing passengers with a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven devices. The 2015 Cruze will also have Siri Eyes Free integration, allowing users to text, call, ask for directions and even send email while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The U.S.-market 2015 Cruze has an available 2.0L turbocharged clean diesel engine, allowing drivers to cruise 717 miles on one tank of fuel.

Chevrolet Traverse Named As One of the 10 Best Family Cars for 2014

For the second year in a row, the Chevrolet Travers has been named one of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2014 by Edmunds.com and Parents magazine.  The Traverse, which competed in the SUV category, met the judge’s criteria for safety, efficiency, style, and value.

As with any family vehicle, one of the most important sections is safety.  The Traverse has the segment’s only front seat center airbag, which inflates in the middle of the two front seat occupants for additional protection.  It was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2013 and is offered with crash-avoidance technology such as forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

The 3.6-liter V6 in the Traverse is producing 288 horsepower and can return 24 mpg on the highway.  In addition to great fuel economy and safety, the Traverse was also recognized for its usability.  Designed for families, it has easily cleanable seats, multiple USB ports and an available power lift gate and rear seat entertainment system.  The second row seats can be either 1 person captain’s chairs or a three person bench, while the third-row bench can accommodate another 3 passengers.

“Traverse’s winning combination blends the capability and roominess of a traditional SUV with the attributes of a crossover, including a car-like driving experience, low step-in height and good efficiency on the highway,” Steve Majoros, marketing director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers, said in a statement.

The accolade adds to the Traverse’s awards received so far this year.  It was also named one of Kelly Blue Book’s 12 Best Family Cars for 2014, joining the other bowtie—branded car which made the list, the 2014 Chevy Impala.

For more information about the best family cars and everything in the star-studded Chevrolet line-up visit Moritz Chevrolet at 9101 Camp Bowie West in Ft. Worth, Texas or give them a call at 817-696-2000 today!

2015 Chevrolet SS gets available stick shift

July 29, 2014
Sam Thetard
Source: Autoweek

The 2015 Chevrolet SS will receive an optional manual transmission unlike the above 2014 model.

Chevy muscle sedan also adds in-car tech, keeps 415-hp V8

Chevy’s only rear-wheel drive four door sedan, the SS, will be receiving several upgrades for the 2015 model year to compete with the likes of the Dodge Charger and…well, pretty much just the Dodge Charger.

Performance enhancements include the addition of Magnetic Ride control as a standard feature, as well as rear Brembo brakes to complement the already standard front Brembos. Optional for 2015 is a six-speed manual transmission that should have driving enthusiasts (us included) excited. Also optional for the coming year will be OnStar’s 4G LTE connectivity with a built in Wi-Fi hot spot so you can upload your burnout videos to Facebook straight from your car. 

Power will still be dished out from Chevy’s 6.2-liter LS3 V8, making 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Automatic versions of the SS accelerate to 60 within 5 seconds, and Chevrolet claims that the more aggressive axle ratio (3.70) used with manual transmission models will make for even quicker times.

Five exterior colors have been added for 2015 including two different greens (Regal Peacock and Jungle Green), as well as blue, red and purple options so you can stand out from crowd.

With no release date as of yet, expect the Australian-made 2015 Chevy SS to arrive sometime later this year.

Chevrolet SS Receives Five New Color Options For 2015

BY SAM MCEACHERN — MAY 19, 2014

If you don't want red, then the 2014 Chevrolet SS doesn't leave you many choices in the way of standout color options. The current color palette includes red, black, silver, white and the unique “Mystic Green”, but if you want something a little more out-there, then you’ll welcome the arrival of the 2015 Chevrolet SS.


According to order guides posted on SSForums.com, the 2015 model-year SS will receive five additional color options on top of the existing five. The new colors are Regal Peacock Green, Some Like It Hot Red, Jungle Fever Green, Alchemy Purple and Perfect Blue. All new colors have been offered on the Chevy’s platform mate, the Holden Commodore, at some point in time.
Some reviews have criticized the SS for its anonymous looks, but if the SS didn’t catch your eye before than these new color options should grab your attention. We also assume some of the less conventional colors, such as Alchemy Purple, will end up being very rare on the low-volume SS in the future.

To see the new colors, head over to SS Forums.