2011 2012 Chevrolet Orlando Minivan live presented in Paris 2010

On the first day of the international automobile salon in Paris, 30 September 2010, the company Chevrolet showed just 4 premiere. One of the most striking was a completely new car in the line of Chevrolet - minivan Orlando.

Concept car, which was created on the basis of a new model was first shown here - in Paris in 2008. Serial machine will please future owners of the seven-seat interior, a practical and flexible "interior and" off-road "look.

The new car, on a plan the company's management should strengthen the position of the Chevrolet brand in Europe. "We believe that Orlando will bring fresh impetus to the class of the family mini-vans and help us to increase sales volume and level of presence in Europe, attracting more potential customers to the brand Chevrolet», - said Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe .

Designs are applied when creating a Chevrolet Orlando, the car made a spectacular and enjoyable time. Fairly compact appearance combined with a spacious cabin. Low roofline Chevrolet Orlando supplemented extended wheel arches, under which can accommodate wheel sizes 16-18 inches. Three rows of seats arranged one above the other, forming a kind of amphitheater, which is surrounded by numerous capacities to store small things. However, when it comes to cargo, "theatricality" disappears: the seats fold down, and Salon Orlando partially transformed into a large boot (one of the largest in class). With regard to the front of the console, then it is arranged as comfortably as possible, ie equipped with a large container for small items, and is also equipped with audio system and USB-port for charging an MP3 or IPod.

Basis for Chevrolet Orlando were taken of development, which are already known to motorists who are familiar with the current "hit" Sales - Chevrolet Cruze. The latter is popular in many European countries due to ride, good handling and excellent design. According to these characteristics Chevrolet Orlando will not assign a dynamic colleague for the brand. Under the hood of the family minivan are planning to install three choices of engines to choose from: one petrol, the volume of 1.8 liters and 141 hp, and two-liter diesel engine (131hp and 163 hp). The standard equipment includes the Chevrolet Orlando: electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning, power mirrors.

2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible - A beautiful cabrio

It is not the World Cup, it will be for 2012 but it will be unveiled a world premiere at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show which opens its doors on November 17. Here is the first official image of the new Chevy Camaro Convertible unveiled by the manufacturer in Detroit.
The new Chevrolet convertible will be offered to customers with 3.6 L V6 engine of 312 hp and the 6.2 L V8 indestructible 426-horsepower. The customer has the choice of a BVM6 original or new BVA6 optional. The Camaro Convertible is advertised from $ 30,000 (€ 21,985) is still $ 3,000 more than a Mustang convertible, its direct competitor. A nice car for next summer we'll find more details in the coming weeks.

2011 Updated Chevrolet Captiva Design and engine update for the SUV

The Chevrolet Captiva presented at the Auto Salon in Paris for the first time in a revised form. The SUV received a new front end, an upgraded interior, new engines and gear donated.

Recognizable, the new Chevrolet Captiva is mainly on his new face. The new grille is now split so powerful. adapted to it was the shape of the bonnet. Also new are the Prism the headlights and turn signals integrated into mirrors. Newly shaped side vents and new fender flares round out the visual review.

Under the hood of the newly formed four new engines Captiva brings to the Paris Motor Show. The new top engine is a three-liter V6 petrol engine with 258 hp. Alternatively, the Captiva will be equipped with 171 hp with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. 2.2-liter turbo diesel found at 163 and 184 hp. Shifting in each case with six-speed manual transmissions or automatic versions.

The revised chassis is therefore now standard with ESP, traction control and brake assist. Depending on the engine Catipva relies on front-wheel or an electronically controlled four-wheel drive.

For more value in the interior to provide new surfaces and fabrics. The instruments are now backlit in blue. There are also revised audio and multimedia components. Prices for the new SUV has not been named, dated, but the market starting in spring 2011.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Cruze RS

The valiant mission of the 2011 Cruze Eco is to realize the magic 40-mpg highway fuel-economy number, thus giving Chevrolet a Cruze that offers what it calls hybrid-like efficiency without the expense of actually making a Cruze hybrid. (That, in a way, is the Volt, which utilizes Cruze architecture.) The Eco model pairs the 138-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission packed with what are likely to be some pretty tall ratios. An optimized axle ratio helps stretch the Eco model’s legs. And low-rolling-resistance tires also come along for the ride (if not the handling).

Automotive minutae-philes may remember that Chevy also pulled those same stunts to squeak an extra three to five mpg from the Cruze’s predecessor, the Cobalt, with its XFE model. With the Cruze Eco, however, aerodynamics have been made a bigger priority, resulting in less open space within the upper grille and a lower-grille shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce drag. And—get this—the Eco model rides on a dropped suspension. Equipped thus, and riding on unique—and not altogether unattractive—multispoke 17-inch wheels, the Eco model actually winds up being one of the nicest-looking Cruze models we’ve yet seen.

GM India Launches Chevrolet Beat

GM India today launched the much awaited Chevrolet Beat, the next offering from the 300 series after the Chevrolet Cruze, at a ceremony presided over by its President & Managing Director, Mr. Karl Slym. Based on GM's global mini-vehicle architecture, the experts took 27 months to develop the Beat. Chevrolet Beat will be launched in over 150 markets around the world including those in Europe, other parts of Asia and North America in the coming days.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Slym said "with its best-in-segment design, performance and safety, the Chevrolet Beat is destined to become an industry benchmark and a winner among consumers in India. Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets in a competitive environment, the global vehicle was put through over 1 million kilometers of intensive durability tests in extreme weather conditions and crash tests both in India and abroad. It has high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over key areas of the body to ensure segment-leading occupant protection. And with a revolutionary design, advanced technology, unique features and benchmark safety, the Beat offers much more than an ordinary mini, Mr. Slym added.

The Beat comes in three trim levels of 1.2, 1.2LS and 1.2LT. In addition, an Option pack is available on the LT variant which consists of ABS, Alloy wheels, Dual Airbags and Seatbelts with Load limiters.

Sexy Beat:
Segment-Leading Size and a Dynamic Exterior
The Beat is a car that is ideal for those with a modern lifestyle. With the styling of a sporty hatchback, it showcases the new direction of Chevrolet design and a new trend in the design of mini-cars. The clear goal from the very beginning was to create a revolution in size and design despite the restrictions of the mini segment. The vehicle is destined to make a statement with an innovative design that would go far beyond a typical mini-vehicle and set new standards for the segment.

The Beat's roomy proportions and dynamic styling are courtesy of its segment-leading length of 3,595 mm, height of 1,520 mm, wheelbase of 2,375 mm, and width of 1,595 mm combined with its "body-in/wheels-out” stance. Dramatically sized headlamps that literally stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, with clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated bezels, resemble diamonds, adding an upscale appearance and glamour.

A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline and sharp sidelines bring a sporty yet edgy look, a rarity in the segment. Secret vertical rear door handles located in the C-pillar are another unusual feature in this car. They give the Beat a unique, sporty three-door coupe appearance without sacrificing five-door utility.

A first-in-segment offering of an integrated rear spoiler as standard equipment essentially extends the rear roofline, for enhanced aerodynamic performance and provides a stable stance in high-speed driving as well as increased fuel efficiency. Round tail-lamps with clear polycarbonate lenses add to the Beat's strong rear impression.

A chrome-coated radiator grille and fog lamps, outside mirrors with two-tone color, and a refined-looking roof rail are other design cues that transport the Beat's styling beyond that of a conventional mini.

Beat buyers have a larger palette of exterior colours to choose from. They may select one of the seven colours - Olympic White, Linen Beige, Caviar Black, Misty Lake, Moroccan Blue, Green Cocktail and Super Red.

Unique Interior Defined By Fun, Fashion and Functionality:
The design revolution continues inside the Beat. While pursuing a harmonious theme with the dynamic exterior, the interior is more about functionality. With its wider track and longer wheelbase, the Beat provides best-in-segment front legroom, rear legroom, front headroom and rear hip-room, resulting in generous space and comfortable accommodation for five adults.

The flowing interior weaves together the instrument panel, front seats and door trims, creating an environment that is harmonious, uninterrupted and inviting to the senses.

The most striking design element in the interior is a Steering Column mounted motorcycle-inspired dynamic meter cluster which is also a first-in-segment and combines analog and digital systems, contributing fun and unique styling as well as enhanced visibility and convenience. Adding to the refined look is an integrated center stack design that eliminates the traditional "picture framing” layout and results in a contemporary stylish relationship. LED-lit ice blue illumination which is a signature Chevrolet adds to the urban, edgy styling.

Pattern-printed semi-bucket seats provide a stable feeling when cornering. With high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, they also enhance the luxurious interior atmosphere.

SMART Beat:
Segment leading fuel efficiency with high power output engine
Newly developed for the next-generation global mini, the S-TEC II engine - a 4-cylinder, 16-valve 1199cc DOHC engine delivers a best in class mileage of 18.6 kmpl. The Beat is Smart because it does no compromise on performance as it delivers an excellent peak power of 80.5ps. The S-TEC II engine includes a series of advanced features that enhance performance. The first-in-segment application of the PDA (Port De-Activation) system ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency. In addition, the PDA system contributes to a reduction in emissions, making the Beat a truly eco-friendly vehicle.

Another first-in-segment application is an automatic temperature controller inside the engine, which helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary heat loss. A dome-type long-skirt cylinder block narrows the space between intake valves while the application of four resonators reduces engine noise. Mated with the efficient S-TEC-II engine is a 5-speed manual transmission tuned to GM's global standards that provides enhanced shifts for an outstanding ride.

Segment first & Premium Features Go "Beyond Mini":
The Beat features an array of premium comfort and convenience amenities that one would expect in more expensive vehicles, including:
- Automatic Climate Control
- Integrated Center Stack Audio with USB and Aux-in Port
- Tilt steering
- Steering Column mounted LED back-lit speedometer & LCD digital tachometer
- 60:40 Split folding seats
- Tubeless Tyres
- Satin Silver Roof rails

TOUGH Beat:
Solid Structure and Advanced Chassis Ensure Pleasurable Ride and Handling
The ride and handling of the Beat also set it apart from any other vehicle in its segment. Adopting the body-frame integral (BFI) system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, resulting in better feel of the road along with a heightened sense of firmness and stability, and enhanced connectivity between the driver and vehicle. A McPherson strut front suspension combined with a four-point mounted long engine cradle and a width power reduction spring enhances the solidity of the entire chassis, for improved crash safety and driving performance. A rear compound crank torsion beam incorporates a tubular V-beam for more effective tuning and dynamic performance.

A first-in-segment triple acoustic absorbent structure and special underbody structure prevent noise inflow from outside for optimal quietness. Wind noise is minimized through the Beat's aerodynamic body line and detailed door sealing structure.

Class-Transcending Use of High-Strength Steel:
A host of structural enhancements combined with a full offering of active and passive safety systems make the Beat a segment leader in its class.

Its body is the stiffest and toughest in the mini segment; 66.5 percent of its body is constructed of high-strength steel and over 16 percent is made of ultra-high-strength steel. This ensures the highest level of protection in the segment. The solid structure played a key role in securing EuroNCAP rating in crash tests.

In addition, ultra-high-strength steel applied to the side structure minimizes the chance of the structure deforming in the event of a crash. High-strength steel is also used in the rear body structure to protect passengers as well as the fuel tank, minimizing the possibility of fuel leakage during a collision. The four-point mounted long engine cradle protects passengers in the event of a head-on collision by optimally dispersing crash loads. The collapsible steering column helps protect driver's chest in frontal collisions

The use of H-spider type ultra-high-strength steel bars in the underbody prevents severe deformation caused by a side crash. The tailor-welded blanking method used in the B-pillar ensures maximum protection of passengers' upper bodies. High-strength steel in the rear and rear crash boxes minimize the impact of whiplash.

The roof is especially stiff, for maximum rollover protection. The Beat has been developed to withstand up to four times its weight - which goes far beyond industry regulations. Safety features include driver and front passenger air bags a 4-channel/4-sensor EBD-ABS system and seatbelt with load limiter.

The Chevrolet Beat comes with a high localization content and the parts have been very competitively priced in line with Chevrolet's philosophy to provide low cost of ownership experience to the owners. It also comes with a segment best warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kms (whichever is earlier).

Chevrolet Cruze LTZ road test

GM India intends to change the perspective of the Indian consumers by setting up Chevrolet as a young brand. The Cruze is the first one with the distinct new Chevrolet family look. The current Chevrolet range in India has different origins from different brands owned by General Motors across the globe like the Subaru, Holden, Chevrolet, Daewoo etc. Does the Cruze have what it takes to give GM a brand new identity?

The Chevrolet Cruze is based on the new Global Delta Platform or the 300 series platform with the Cruze’s project name being J300. This is GM’s new platform for compact front-wheel drive sedans and hatchbacks. The Delta platform uses independent suspension for the front and torsion-bar type suspension at the rear. The upcoming Chevrolet Beat is also based on the 300 series platform.

The Chevrolet brand in North America retains a family look which is what GM India is trying to do for the Indian market also. The new family look will retain a similar front fascia with a dual port grille with a new bowtie logo.

The Cruze carries a very bold and modern hood with a high crown and prominent strakes led by a large bowtie Chevrolet logo. The front grille is a black honeycomb mesh separated by a body-coloured crossbar with chrome surrounds, and dual bezel headlamps which protrude till the front fenders. The headlamps aren't capable enough considering the speeds the car is capable of. They need improvement.

The roofline of the Chevrolet Cruze is very coupe-like and the crisp swage line makes the shoulder of the Cruze look low. The apparently low shoulder and large wheels give the Chevrolet sedan a sportscar-like look, and the C-pillar reminds us of the old Audi TT. The sedan’s long wheelbase of 2685mm with little overhang front and rear, shallow greenhouse, flared wheelarches, seven-spoke alloys and the lightline above the rocker panels all make the Cruze look sporty.

The Cruze’s monocoque has a Body-Frame Integral structure made of high-strength steel. The Chevrolet Cruze has scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP ratings. The Cruze scored well in both occupant and pedestrian safety. Look the EuroNCAP’s Chevrolet Cruze assessment video.

To enter the Cruze, all you have to do is walk up to the car with the key in your hand or pocket, and pull on the door handle. The PEPS system will detect the key and unlock the doors automatically! The Cruze's interior looks modern and eye-catching. The dashboard is clearly divided into sections for the driver and the passenger, with the passenger getting a clear two-tone light and dark blue expanse of plastic which looks good but doesn't feel so good to the touch. The instrument cluster is dominated by the speedometer and tachometer, which sandwich a multi-function display that gives the driver all the information he could require. Above the display are the temperature and fuel gauge.

From the driver's seat, everything feels good - the car doesn't feel big except for the long bonnet. The steering wheel feels meaty and is just as big as we'd like it to be. The mirrors are usefully large, but we'd have preferred them to be a little bit bigger for our crowded traffic conditions. We don't like the seats of the Cruze too much, because they seem to be bolstered a little too much at the sides - only thin people will not feel a little uncomfortable in these seats. However, the Passive Entry/Passive Start system makes the driver feel like a million bucks, with a button to start or stop the engine present on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. This feature is a segment first. There is an emergency slot in the cubbyhole behind the gear lever into which the key can be inserted, but getting that flap open can be quite a task, as we discovered when we tried it. We recommend keeping a flathead screwdriver handy if you own a Cruze.

The centre console is topped by the display for the audio system. This blue-on-black display is easy on the eyes, especially at night. The controls for the six-disc changer are situated underneath the display. The system plays clearly and loudly - however, we'd have liked more punch at the low frequencies. The audio system also has an auxiliary input in the centre armrest, but no USB or iPod connectivity. The design element that makes up the 'V' at whose centre the hazard button is is an eye-catching one. The door locks can be activated or deactivated with the button on the right and on the left the button is blank. We assume that it is for the ESP switch that other markets have. The last row houses the controls for the climate control, which is quite effective. It chills the cabin sufficiently in a reasonable period, but directing the airflow wasn't something easily achieved.

There is more than enough legroom and headroom for the front passenger, although a tall driver who likes to sit high might find his head quite close to the roof. It's a different story in the back, however - not only is getting in and out hard thanks to the car being low, the big wheel arch and dipping roofline contribute towards a shape which is not conducive to weak knees, bad backs or graceful exits. Once inside, things don't get much better - the roof is quite low, and the lack of legroom is quite shocking. This car will sell in a primarily chauffeur-driven segment in our market, which is something the Cruze needs to cater to as well if it needs to be popular. Boot space is reasonable, although the high sill can make putting heavy objects into the boot a task for short people.

A feature worth a special mention is the lighting: our test car's exterior color matched the ice-blue lighting of the dials, which looked good. The dashboard illumination looks good at night, and a nice touch are the backlit buttons on the steering wheel.

Powerplant

The Cruze is powered by a transverse 2.0-litre VCDi motor (engine code: RA 420 SOHC) which even does duty on the Chevrolet Captiva. This common-rail diesel engine is designed by V.M. Motori S.p.A. which is an Italian based manufacturer. The engine is currently produced under license by GM Daewoo and not V.M. Motori; and the engine is BS-IV ready and is already serving in European nations with Euro-IV norms. This is a 16-valve belt-driven SOHC 1991cc engine which churns out 150bhp@4000rpm power and produces a maximum torque of 327Nm @2600rpm powering the front wheels of the Cruze through a 5-speed manual transmission.

The turbo lag can be felt as the engine struggles to push when at speeds lower than 1800rpm. However, when the speed crosses 1800rpm and the variable geometry turbocharger spools up, the engine surges forward as it unleashes its power and it is highly responsive within its powerband. Twin gear-driven balance shafts and the four-point cradle engine mountings cut down on noise and vibration.

The engine is quite clattery at idle but is otherwise refined. During testing, the Cruze galloped from 0-100kph in 10.3 seconds which is only 0.2 seconds slower than a Civic and completed the quarter mile run in 17.5 seconds and clocked a top speed of 201.8kph.

Transmission

The Chevrolet Cruze in India is available only with a five-speed manual transmission (D33 transmission). The gearbox has been designed with tall gear ratios to obtain the maximum efficiency from the powerhouse of an engine.

Accelerating from very low engine speeds can become a problem and shifting to lower gears is the only option to overtake quickly. The short-throw lever makes shifting easy; however, due to a very close gate, the driver can mis-shift into the wrong slot. During our testing, the Cruze clocked 30-50kph in the third gear in 6.1 seconds and took 11.2 seconds in the fourth to attain the same speed, in the fifth gear in the 50-70kph, the Cruze took 15.3 seconds. The overdrive gear is a very tall gear and perfect for highway cruising.

Fuel Efficiency

The Chevrolet Cruze returned us an overall fuel efficiency of 11.2 kpl and in our test, which is mostly pedal to metal drive, the Cruze travelled 10.5 kilometres on a litre of diesel.

The suspension of the Cruze comprises front McPherson struts and rear torsion beam with gas-filled dampers which gives the occupants a firm and composed ride at both low and high speeds. The gas-filled shocks absorb most of the ruts and jounces well without affecting ride quality. Chevrolet India offers only a single tyre size (205/60/R16) compared to the Australian variants which have an additional option of 215/50/R17s.

The engineers in Chevrolet have tweaked the handling characteristics of the Cruze. The Cruze handles brilliantly and is one of the best handlers in its segment. Whether on straight roads, sweeping corners or winding hills, you won’t be let down. Our test car rode on JK Vectras which gripped well but squealed loudly at high cornering speeds, undermining driver confidence. However, the long wheelbase of 2685mm and a wide front track of 1544mm kept the Cruze firm on most surfaces. Even at speeds in excess of 190kph, the car felt well planted with no signs of nervousness. We would have loved to see the Cruze on a softer tyre compound like the Michelins or the Pirellis have which are also quieter on concrete roads compared to the Vectras. The U-shaped suspension with torsion beams at the rear help to reduce the body roll which is quite negligible due to the long wheelbase and low ride height; and the roll steer is designed to cut out tyre slip angle while cornering as the Cruze has wider rear track of 1558mm compared to the front track of 1544mm.

The steering wheel of the Cruze is connected to the wheels by a simple rack-and-pinion steering linkage system. The steering wheel is light at low speeds and weighs up a little at high speeds. Even though the steering is light, it doesn’t feel artificial at any point and is always responsive. The powerful motor along with excellent ride and handling characteristics make the Cruze stand out in its segment. The Cruze has a ground clearance of 165mm which isn’t bad; however the approach and departure angles of the car can cause some moments of worry for drivers.

The disc brakes at the front and rear of the Cruze are quite effective and brake progressively. Brake feel is good and in our brake test, the Cruze travelled 36.5 metres from 80kph to a complete halt.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Live From Los Angeles 2009

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Los Angeles 2009

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car promises to redefine fuel efficiency for the small-car segment, and its 1.4-liter four-cylinder range of engines could herald a new era of fun-to-drive cars for Americans, even if the SS version of the Cruze never materializes.

Europeans are, of course, neck-deep in such cars, but American buyers have only recently come to appreciate the virtues of such vehicles--and U.S. fuel economy regulations have only recently come to incentivize their production and sales.

But beyond the efficiency of the car, Chevrolet hopes to make the Cruze something of an enthsuiast car, seeking "excellent fuel efficiency and durability--while also being fun to drive." That bodes well for the Cruze-based Buick sedan also expected to be coming soon. That car will take its place below the recently revealed Regal in the new Buick lineup.

Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a globally engineered and designed car with strong levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail.

There will be three different time levels, LS, LT and LTZ trims. The engine lineup includes both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including a 1.4-liter turbo and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available.

The turbo is standard on LT and LTZ models, with power ratings estimated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill, meanwhile, will be rated at 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque.