Chevrolet Powers Way to Pair of Engine Honors

The all-new, high-tech Small Block 6.2L V8 powering the 2014 Corvette Stingray and the 2.0L turbo diesel for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze are among Ward’s 10 Best Engines.

WardsAuto reviewed 44 engines from 16 automakers in this year’s competition, which looked at power, fuel efficiency, new technology, refinement and compared it with data for similar engines.

“At GM – our goal is to design, build and sell the world’s best powertrains – this recognition from the experts at WardsAuto provides two additional proof points that we are on the right track,” said Steve Kiefer, vice president, Global Powertrain.

“The fifth generation Small Block V-8 in the new Stingray, is an iconic brand in itself, and our new 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine in the Chevy Cruze is redefining the market with outstanding performance, strong low end torque, low emissions and segment-leading highway fuel economy – a real winner.”

LT1 6.2L V8 Small Block technology, power, efficiency
“The arrival of a completely re-engineered Small Block engine family is truly momentous,” says Tom Murphy, executive editor of WardsAuto World magazine. “The critics can say what they want about the relevance of pushrod engines, but how can more than a hundred million buyers of small-block engines since 1955 be wrong? The new Corvette couldn’t exist without this magnificent V-8.”

The all-new LT1 Small Block technologies contribute to making the new Corvette the quickest, most powerful and most fuel-efficient standard Corvette ever. The engine delivers an SAE-certified 460 horsepower helping propel the car to a 0-60 time in 3.8 seconds while offering 29 EPA estimated mpg highway.

The all-new engine is the most significant redesign in the Small Block’s nearly 60-year history. The LT1, part of the new Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, combines several advanced technologies – direct injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing – to support an advanced combustion system.

Direct injection is new to the engine architecture and is a primary contributor to greater combustion efficiency by ensuring a more complete burn of the fuel in the air-fuel mixture. This is achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. Direct injection also keeps the combustion chamber cooler, which allows for a higher compression ratio.

Increased power and efficiency result from more than 10 million hours of computational analysis including computational fluid dynamics, to make the most of the combustion system, the direct injection fuel system, active fuel management and variable valve timing systems that support it. The combustion system itself benefited from 6 million hours of dedicated CPU analysis time.

Other variants of the Gen 5 Small Block include the 4.3L V6, 5.3L and 6.2L V8 truck engines offered in the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The LT1 is manufactured in Tonawanda, N.Y., which is also home to last year’s WardsAuto 10 Best engine winner – the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the Cadillac ATS.

2.0L Turbo Diesel winning design, global expertise
“The Chevy Cruze diesel is everything you want it to be: astonishingly efficient, whisper-quiet on the highway and shockingly fun to drive,” says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel delivers an SAE-certified 151 horsepower (113 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). Notable is the engine’s high torque level of 250 lb-ft (339Nm) from 1750 - 3000 rpm. The rich torque provides for a sustained feeling of power on demand at almost all speeds – particularly when passing or entering a freeway onramp.

The 2014 Cruze Turbo Diesel engine delivers a segment leading EPA-estimated 46 MPG on the highway and range of 717 highway miles on one tank of fuel, based on fuel tank capacity and EPA estimates – your range may be less. That is  better than any non-hybrid passenger car in America. The engine has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft (380 Nm), for stronger acceleration periods of about 10 seconds.

Cruze’s 2.0L turbo-diesel is based on a proven architecture used in European models. Collaborating with Italian and German engineering groups, GM’s diesel experts in the United States adapted the engine to accommodate more stringent diesel emission standards, diagnostics and a wider range of driving conditions – including colder and hotter climates and higher altitudes – for the United States and Canada. The engine is manufactured in Kaiserslautern, Germany and also used in the Opel Astra, Cascada, Insignia and Zafira Tourer.

Come test drive a Corvette or a Cruze at Connell Chevrolet and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

Chevrolet to Introduce 2015 Corvette Z06 at Detroit Show

Chevrolet will introduce the 2015 Corvette Z06 next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It will be the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance through unique powertrain, chassis and aerodynamic features.

The Corvette Z06 will complete Chevrolet’s performance car lineup, which will also see the addition of the Corvette Stingray Convertible, Camaro Z/28 and SS sedan.

“Chevrolet is America’s favorite performance car brand, and for 2014 we are going to offer enthusiasts more choices than ever before,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet. “No other manufacturer will be able to match the breath of performance cars from Chevrolet.”

Chevrolet sells one out of four performance cars in 2013
For the first 11 months of 2013, Chevrolet has accounted for about 25 percent of all performance car sales in the U.S. as Corvette and Camaro continue to lead their respective segments.

Corvette outsold its closest competitor, the Porsche 911, for the first 11 months of 2013. This is all the more remarkable given Corvette production was halted for six months as the Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant prepared to build the 2014 Corvette Stingray. In November, Corvette sales jumped 229 percent year-over-year, as demand for the new Stingray continues to outstrip supply.

Camaro also outsold its closest competitor, the Ford Mustang, for the first 11 months of 2013. Camaro enters December with a 4,093-unit lead in total sales. More importantly, Camaro has an estimated 10,000-unit lead in retail sales. If that lead continues through the end of the year, 2013 will be the fourth consecutive year Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in the U.S.

Four new performance cars for 2014
The sales lead for Chevrolet is expected to accelerate as the brand adds four new performance cars to the lineup, including:

• First full calendar year of sales of the 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan: The all-new SS, which went on sale in October, is based on a race-proven, global platform that underpins the Camaro, Caprice police vehicle and, in Australia, the high-performance Holden VF Commodore. Elements including lightweight aluminum hood and deck lid panels help give the SS a nearly 50/50 weight balance, while the performance of its 6.2L V-8 – rated at 415 horsepower – and six-speed automatic transmission enable 0-60 mph acceleration in five seconds flat.

• First full year of sales of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible: The Stingray Convertible, which goes on sale this month, shares identical chassis tuning and performance technologies with the coupe, with structural changes limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. As such, the Stingray Convertible requires no sacrifices for a drop-top driving experience, offering up to 460 horsepower /465 lb-ft with the available performance exhaust system; capable of more than 1 g in cornering; and sprinting from 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

• Arrival of the 2014 Camaro Z/28: The Camaro Z/28, which arrives in dealerships in the second quarter of 2014, will be the most track-capable Camaro ever. Recently, the Z/28 logged a 7:37.40 lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course, a time comparable with some of the world’s most prestigious sports cars – and the Z/28 lap was completed in the rain.

• Debut of the 2015 Corvette Z06: The all-new Corvette Z06 will make its public debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Production is expected to begin in late 2014.

Come check out a 2014 Corvette Stingray at Connell Chevrolet and be sure to stay up to date on Facebook and Twitter for news and updates.

Top 10 Ways to Give the Gift of Corvette

From a scale model to the real car, there are many ways to give America’s iconic sports car, the Corvette, this holiday season. This Top 10 list, with prices from $12 to $77,450, should make it easier to find the perfect gift for any Corvette enthusiast.

Topping the list is the all-new Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition Convertible. Production will be limited to 550 all top-of-the-line 3LT models, all in Lime Rock Green exterior and Brownstone suede interior. The vehicle also includes suede-wrapped interior trim, carbon fiber accents, variable tuned performance exhaust system, Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

The Premiere Edition also features unique wheels with “Stingray”-logo center caps, “Stingray”-logo interior sill plates and a five-piece set of Corvette-branded luggage from Thule – all from the Corvette Accessories catalog.

These collectible cars will have a unique VIN sequence and unique dash plaques commemorating their limited-edition status. The Premiere Edition Convertible will cost $77,450, including destination and delivery fees, and will arrive in dealerships in early 2014.

If that doesn’t fit into your Black Friday budget, here are nine other ways to give the gift of Corvette:

1. Corvette Stingray Rollerball Pen ($12) – With the look and feel of luxury, be inspired to author handwritten notes. The Corvette Stingray Rollerball Pen has a sleek design with a solid brass cap and barrel, and rubber accents.
2. Monopoly Empire Game ($20) – A shortened version of the classic board game, players can purchase brands instead of properties and choose the 2014 Corvette Stingray game piece to travel around the board.
3. 1:18 2014 Corvette Stingray ($38.50) – Sleek and sculpted, this die cast rendition of the 2014 Corvette Stingray will make a great addition to any collection. 
4. Corvette Stingray: The Seventh Generation of America's Sports Car, by Larry Edsall ($40) – A must-own for any Corvette fan, this book is the complete inside story of the all-new Stingray, including more than 300 historical and behind-the-scenes photographs.
5. Fisher Price® Power Wheels® ($275) – Modeled after the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the Fisher Price® Power Wheels® Corvette features the all-new design with the same sporty “chrome” wheels. It is also the fastest Power Wheels in the product line.
6. The Seventh Generation Corvette Watch ($775) – Designed exclusively for the Corvette Collection, this limited-edition chronograph watch features the next-generation Corvette crossed flags and Corvette logo against a real carbon fiber dial face.
7. Corvette Stingray Luggage ($910) - Travel in style with a specially designed Corvette five-piece luggage set, including two roller suitcases, a backpack, duffel bag and messenger bag.
8. Corvette Heritage Neon Sign ($5,000) - Developed in collaboration with retired GM Vice President of Design, Chuck Jordan, this sign was designed to reflect the first-generation Corvette - clean, simple and straightforward.

Finally, for those looking to enjoy the exceptional driving experience of the Stingray first hand:

Performance Drive Schools – Learn to drive with the speed, confidence and finesse of a professional road racing driver at one of two performance drive schools – Ron Fellows Performance Driving School (prices begin at $2,995 for a two-day school) or the Bob Bondurant School of Performance Driving (prices starting at $1,225 for a 1-3 day course).

Come on in and test drive a Stingray today at Connell Chevrolet and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Costa Mesa Chevrolet Car Repairs - Connell Chevrolet Service.

 

Maintaining your Chevrolet properly is the key to vehicle longevity and our Costa Mesa Chevy car repair and service department is standing by to keep your car, truck or SUV running smoothly for years to come.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

The truck you've always wanted! Come test drive this 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD!

A durable pickup truck seating as many as 5 occupants with ease! Turbocharger technology provides forced air induction, enhancing performance while preserving fuel economy.

Visit Connell Chevrolet for a test drive. 

Chevrolet is ready for Sema.

Chevrolet has a great line up for this year's Sema Auto Show in Las Vegas, NV. Today we wanted to give you a look at the The performance-oriented Sonic RS. This is one of the many vehicles by Chevy that will be at the show. Stay connected with Connell Chevrolet for more Sema Show updates.

Rely on Connell Chevrolet Service.

Maintaining your Chevrolet properly is the key to vehicle longevity and our Costa Mesa Chevy car repair and service department is standing by to keep your car, truck or SUV running smoothly for years to come. Our auto repair department at our Chevrolet dealership has more master service technicians than any other Chevrolet dealer in Orange County. Our highly-trained car repair technicians will maximize your Chevrolet vehicle's performance.

Last minute creative costume ideas for Halloween.

Halloween will be here before you know it. It's a fun and exciting holiday for both young and old. The hard part is finding a costume to wear. We decided to give you a couple of do it yourself costume ideas.

 You can be a bottle neck.

 Tape one dollar to each ear and be a Buccaneer.

 Wear cat ears with whiskers and hold a paper bag to be a cat out of the bag.

 You can be a ceiling fan.

 The fork in the road.

 Iron Chef

 Pumpkin Pi

 Place an empty frame around your head to be a self portrait.

You can be tickled pink by wearing a pink feather boa.

Last but not least a split P.

80 Years Later, the Suburban is Still Going Strong!

The Chevrolet Suburban arrived on the scene back in 1934 as a sort of crossover between a station wagon and a pickup truck (model year was 1935). The idea was clearly popular, as the Suburban is still going strong all these years later! Find out what improvements the latest models have at Connell Chevrolet today!

Learn the Art of Tailgating.

 Football is starting and that means it's time to ready your tail gating game. Tail gating is a fun American tradition. You can enjoy it even more by following these simple steps.

1. Make sure you keep zip lock bags handy. This is helpful with packaging any meat in marinade. Freeze the meat the night before and it well stay nice and cold in the cooler until it's time to cook.

2. Using aluminum foil on your grill can make cleaning up quick and easy.

3. Freeze bottle water for an ice cold drink or ice packs.

4. Having a unique drink cup can help you keep track of your drink.

5. Using an easy-up canopy can help keep the elements and sun away from your family and friends.

6. Making sure drinks are cold before placing them in the cooler can help reduce the melting of ice.


Visit Connell Chevrolet for the perfect tailgating vehicle.

Tips to Tow in Your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

We’ve heard the buzz about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado for some time now.  The roomy cabin gives everybody more space and makes the family trips more of a delight. What will you do in your new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado?  If you said tow your family boat or camper, then today’s post is for you. 

This should go without saying, but the best way to get your family safely to the vacation destination while towing, is to adjust your driving.  No need to put unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle by speeding.  Take turns slower than you normally would and last but not least, merge with the consideration of the additional length of your tow.  Safety is just as important as the way you attach the cargo to your vehicle.

Size matters in operating a vehicle for a specific task.  Make sure you have the proper size truck for the proper weight.  If you are looking for a truck to tow something already in your possession, be sure to bring along the specifications to the dealership while you are shopping.  Your consultant will be able to better assist you with your needs.  If you have a truck and you’re looking for a boat or camper, make sure to research what your vehicle is capable of handling before a major purchase. 

The hitch on your truck is just as important as knowing the tow capacity.  A class III hitch can handle up to a 5,000 pound capacity and a class IV hitch can handle up to 7,500 pounds.  The hitch will have a receiver bar that you connect the draw-bar to.  Then a pin slides through both pieces and then holds them in place with a clip.  If your vehicle is too tall, you have the option of purchasing a draw-bar that drops so your tow is level.

If you need further assistance we are always here to help: http://bit.ly/186aAbF

This is a Test, a Test of Your MPG

With gasoline costing a pretty chunk of change, we see a lot of people choosing economical cars with more miles per gallon.  Smaller cars with more bang for the buck at the gas pump has an appeal to us. What happens when the miles per gallon start to decrease over time? 

It is good to test your actual miles per gallon from time to time and this is the best way to find out for yourself:

  - -  Next time you fill up your tank, reset your odometer.

    - You can fill up your tank any time after and it doesn’t have to be on empty.  However, the latest EPA’s considerations for mpg are per 100 miles.  

  - -  Take the number of miles listed on your car’s odometer and divide that number by the amount of gallons listed on the pump or the receipt.  

- -  Write down the number of miles per gallon in your car log. 

     - This reading can be tested as much as possible, but it’s good to perform at least once a month.

If you notice fluctuation or that the number of miles per gallon is decreasing, you might want to bring your vehicle in for a checkup.  It could be as simple as a tune-up to fix the issue, but it’s good to get the diagnoses from a pro.  Here is a link to our service center: http://bit.ly/WyfrOq

Getting Out of a Ticket

Just when you think you know all the laws in your state, you might be surprised.  There are many ins and outs of the state’s driving rules and regulations and laws can change without any notice.  Who has the time to know which laws passed and which ones didn’t?  Knowledge is the best policy in preventing a costly ticket. Let’s talk about how to avoid a ticket.

The best way to get out of a ticket is to not get a ticket at all.  That’s right; it is our responsibility as drivers to avoid getting a ticket by knowing the local laws.  When you move to a new state, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the laws of the land.  Every state is different, so knowledge is power.  Tickets are an unnecessary expense that can easily be avoided.  Get to know your state’s laws here: http://bit.ly/14dX3PI

 

There are many online resources that you can utilize to familiarize yourself with the need to know information.  Your local DMV will have this information readily available for you.  If you are uncertain after reading up on the requirements, you may want to take a driver’s education class.  Being proactive in a driving situation is better than being reactive to a moving violation. 

Remember, you may need to service your car to comply with state law, feel free to schedule a service appointment with one of our certified technicians and we are more than happy to assist: http://bit.ly/WyfrOq

Appearance Modifications

There is something to be said about modifications on a Chevrolet.  For an owner it’s a sense of pride as they ride in a vehicle with personalized style.  We might enjoy our cars the way they are, but a modified car can bring out the character in our cherished metal.  Today we will touch base on appearance mods. 

There are many choices in the appearance modification genre.  Some of the choices are:

 

- Different lighting like optional under glow.  This is one modifier you might want to be cautious of because in some states it’s illegal to have a certain colors for your lighting choice. This could be helpful to see if there are any monsters lurking beneath your ride at night.

 - You can add a body kit to your vehicle to change the appearance altogether, like the above Disney Turbo promotional Camaro.  This modification speaks for itself. 

 -There are doors that will open up, instead of open out. This could make it much easier for parking in tight spaces.

- There are bumpers, hoods, scoops and tires that will drastically change the look of your car. In some cases, modifications such as these, could improve performance.

There are many different choices you can choose from when you want to style your ride.  What kind of modification would you choose for your favorite car in our inventory? Browse online and take the first steps to your dream car: http://bit.ly/186aAbF

Road Rage - Safety

Do you know what to do in cases of road rage?  Most of us spend approximately an hour in our car every day to and from work.  We love our freedom so much that we hop in our car for weekend getaways adding additional hours spent in the confines of its cabin.  It is probable that, in the estimated 356 hours on the road, we’ll experience somebody’s road rage in one form or another.  How we react in these situations has more of a bearing towards the outcome than we think.

If you’re a victim of road rage, don’t get aggressive towards the perpetrator.  Reacting towards their aggression can make matters escalate further.  It is best to obey all traffic laws and be in the right.  Don’t return their gestures, their poor driving habits and definitely don’t react hostile.  If somebody gives you the bird, give them a smile.   It's better to kill people with kindness than to put yourself in harm’s way.    If they continue to act aggressively towards you, right down their license plate number, year make and model of the vehicle and call the authorities.  It might be helpful to have a passenger take a picture with their phone for reporting purposes.  Remove yourself from the situation and get to safety. 

The psychology of an aggressive driver can stem from negative events throughout their day.  People who act like monsters on the road are humans too.  They could’ve had a bad day at work, horrible news or maybe their pet hamster just died.  Send a good vibe their way and don’t partake in the obnoxiousness of the situation.  Even if they’re not thinking about their well-being, sometimes you have to think and react for yours and others’ safety.

If you are the perpetrator of road rage, take a deep breath and relax.  Use your drive time as your time to decompress from the stress, but if it is your vehicle that is stressing you out, maybe it’s time to get a new one: http://bit.ly/186aAbF

Summer TLC

Summer is upon us and the hot temps are beating down on our cars.  Your car’s well-being needs extra special TLC to get you from point A to point B.  Here are some helpful tips in preventative maintenance that will help you achieve the longevity of your needed transportation:   

Check your battery for a chalky substance around the terminals.  Make sure your battery is clean and free of debris.  If your battery is bulging out, it might be time to replace it with one that doesn’t pose a danger of exploding under your hood. 

Check your tires for even wear on the tread.  If it is not even, you might want to bring your car in for an alignment inspection or maybe it is time to balance your tires.  Needless to say if your wear and tear is at the point of balding, you should get new tires. 

Your car relies on a proper cooling system during the hotter months.  Bring your car into a mechanic for a proper inspection of belts, hoses, pressure cap, thermostat and coolant levels with proper ratios. 

Feel free to schedule a summer maintenance inspection with us: http://bit.ly/WyfrOq