The new electric car from Chevrolet is on the way, we think. While we wanted to call it their newest hybrid, the company has consistantly expressed their desire for it to be called an electric with “range extender” – considering they only use gasoline to recharge the batteries. Ok, enough with the history lesson…

GM has been working hard on this new model to get it out in the public eye as soon as possible. Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director at GM, had a few things to say about this interesting new breed at the Detroit Auto Show. “I would like to say this is a electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt is powered completely by GM’s Eflex electric propulsion system, so it is a electric vehicle that only requires an engine generator to turn on to create more electricity”.

Tony also said that the car would be able to run up to 40 miles on a full nights charge which is about six hours. After that the car would only need a small amount of gas to create more electricity through the engine generator in which the vehicle could travel another 640 miles. If all goes well, it’d be a great way to  go Green.

© dave82689 for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: concept, Volt

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Making its first debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto show, the new ZR1 Corvette is notably the most powerful Corvette that Chevrolet has ever made. This super-car tops the American market with an SAE-certified 638 horsepower and 604 foot-pounds of torque, which is a mere 38 horsepower more than the Dodge Viper. That puts the LS9 right at 103 horse power per liter which surpasses General Motors goal of 100 horsepower per liter.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American super-car can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much and does so with exceptional drive-ability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. The new Corvette does this with the all new LS9 6.2L V8 Supercharged engine. This small block engine is a tribute to GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mic., which typically builds racing engines and other highly refined and precise products. The LS9 is a hand assembled master piece complete with an aluminum block and cast iron cylinder liners that is finish bored and honed. The LS9 also boasts an amazing rotating assembly composed of titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons and a forged steel crankshaft.

Siting atop the LS9 block is a sixth generation Eaton 2.3L positive displacement supercharger which uses a unique four lobe design. The supercharger is said to hold consistent boost all the way up to 6,600 RPM at 10.5 PSI. GM couldn’t leave at that, adding an integrated charge cooling system to reduce inlet air temperatures.

The ZR1 has a specially designed six speed manual transmission that was designed and geared specifically for the LS9. This new transmission takes advantage of its gearing, providing a steep first gear ratio to help the car launch and a well engineered sixth gear to help the LS9 push the ZR1 up to a top speed of 200 MPH. The ZR1 was also graced with a dual clutch system that provides exceptional clamping force as well as easy shifting and comfort to drive.

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum intensive chassis as the Z06 and has similar features such as independent front and rear suspension. The ZR1 takes advantage of stronger asymmetrical axle shafts that are mounted on a more horizontal plane that provides as much traction and strength as possible. The new Corvette is equipped with Magnetic Selective Ride Control as a standard option that is tuned specifically for the ZR1. This system helps keep the rear end planted during launches providing smooth launches but also delivers incredible cornering grip and a very street-able ride quality.

Chevrolet put there new super-car on a diet, trying to get it down to 3350 pounds completely dry. A majority of the cars panels are made from carbon fiber, including the roof, hood, front spoiler, front fenders, side rocker panels and rear spoiler. The carbon-fiber parts reduced the ZR1’s weight about 35 pounds from that of the standard Corvette. The most recognizable part of this Corvette amidst all of its carbon fiber is the raised hood that incorporates a clear polycarbonate window that allows oglers to see the the top of the engine.

“Developing the LS9 involved more than simply striving for a great horsepower number. Endurance and reliability testing have shown the engine to be robust and low-maintenance, just like other engines in the small-block family,” said Sam Winegarden, executive director, engine engineering for GM Powertrain. “That it is distinguished as the most powerful engine ever from General Motors is a source of immense pride among everyone involved with the LS9.” And proud they should be, GM is looking forward to reports from the EPA who are currently testing the car. Engineers are confidant that the ZR1 will be the most fuel efficient 600 horsepower super-car on the market. If GM makes there goal of 3350 pounds that will put the Corvette just behind the Ferrari Enzo when it comes to weight-to-power ratios, and a ways ahead of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

The Chevrolet plans on releasing the Corvette ZR1 to the public in the fall. An estimated price tag for this car is $100,000 which is considerably less then its European competition. We can look forward to the new ZR1 becoming the undisputed king of American sports cars.

© omz for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2009 corvette, chevrolet corvette, corvette, LS9, zr1, zr1 corvette

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Saleen is mean and green these days, evident by their latest supercar showing at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Making an estimated 650 horsepower and 630 pounds of torque with ethanol fuel, this American made eco-friendly supercar blisters to 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds en route to an astonishing 200 mph top speed. The “Raptor”, inspired by bird of prey.

The Saleen S5S Raptor’s 2 seater chassis is built entirely of aluminum construction to keep the weight down, with body mouldings crafted from composite material. The supercar is being built by Saleen and ASC in a joint effort (they share ownership) . The E85 burning (official fuel of the 2008 American Le Mans Race Series and the IRL), twin-screw supercharged 5.0 liter mid-engine configuration is making big news – and everyone is watching. It’s shifted by choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional paddle shifting sequential. Stopping the Ferarri killer’s 20″ forged aluminum wheels are the job of 15/13 inch brakes and 6 caliper pistons. They’ve got their work cut out for them…

In a snippet from Saleen’s official press release:

The Raptor is just a glimpse of things to come from Saleen, says Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. Our company is unique in that we have the experience and knowledge behind some of the most exciting performance vehicles built over the past 20 years. Beyond the S7 Supercar, our team members have been involved in the Viper, Prowler, Ford GT, and the products of Chrysler SRT and Ford’s SVT performance groups. These lessons learned are evident in the Raptor concept and we will continue to build upon them as the company evolves.

Pretty much sums it up. Expect an exciting 2010.  Oh, and this bright yellow display just isn’t some far fetched, plastic molded display either - Saleen expects it on the market within 2 years and can be had for a bargain price of $185,000. Well, ok not a bargain - but pretty darn good for a supercar.

© mdvaldosta for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: asc, concept, e85, ethanol, raptor, s5s, Saleen, supercar

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