The Chevrolet Suburban that is redesigned for 2007 has continued to draw new customers, with sales up more than 10 percent during the first quarter of 2007.

All models receive standard head-curtain side impact air bags and the Suburban 2500 receives significant and noteworthy changes, including a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and available 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Additional changes for ‘08 reflect customer preferences and further refine Suburban’s style. They include a change to a 40/20/40-split bench seat in LS models that provides convenient storage space in the center section; woodgrain trim added to the forward center console and brighter instrument pointers in the gauge cluster. There are also two new exterior colors: Blue Granite Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic.

Returning to Suburban is the popular Z71 Off Road appearance package. This optional package includes the Z71 Off Road suspension with high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off road tires, automatic-locking differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and chrome tubular assist steps, door handle centers, mirror caps and front grille inserts provide a one-of-a kind appearance. On the inside, a brushed metal look replaces the woodgrain accents for a more rugged appearance. Also included are leather-appointed bucket seats that are available in solid Ebony, Ebony with Light Titanium inserts, and Ebony with Morocco Brown inserts.

Suburban also offers power articulated running boards. They blend smoothly with the vehicle’s design, but automatically move downward and outward when the doors are opened, providing a lower step-in height.

(source: www.trucktrend.com)

The new 2008 Chevrolet Colorado just got better!

The 2008 Chevy COlorado is available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab configurations, as well as 2WD and 4WD. The base engine in all but 4WD crew cabs is a powerful, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) that delivers 185 horsepower (138 kW) and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 Nm). Available in all models – and standard in the 4WD crew cab – is a 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT that is rated at 242 horsepower (180 kW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm).

Colorado ’s various body styles and powertrain combinations are available in WT, LS and LT trims. LS models come with a color-keyed appearance for a sporty appearance. There are two suspension systems available on Colorado, namely the rugged Z85 suspension, which is standard on 2WD or 4WD models, and the Z71 off-road suspension, which is available on both 2WD and 4WD models.

Standard features include rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors.

Notable optional equipment includes remote keyless entry,  traction assist (2WD models),  XM Satellite Radio, fog lamps, self-dimming inside rearview mirror, power-heated leather seating, high-back bucket seats, a rear sliding window and power-operated outside rearview mirrors.

Chevrolet had one of the largest displays at the 2007 Woodward Dream Cruise in Birmingham. Among these were the Nascar machines, a Cobalt badged funny car, a LeMans winning C6R Vette, and of course plenty of HHRs and street Corvettes of all vintages. Also, the Chevy Volt world tour also made a stop here with the Volt sitting under a tent next to the Camaro Convertible concept.

There was a wide variety of vehicles from GM employees in addition to a selection from the GM Heritage Center that we profiled a few months back. In the middle of it all was the Astro II concept from the mid ’60s. The Astro II was one of the early experimental mid-engine Corvettes that, as we all know, never came to fruitition. A pair of 1957 Chevys sat on top of towers at one end while several more were on the ground.

(Source: www.autoblog.com)

General Motors Corp. will match a six-speed transmission with a four-cylinder engine on the new Chevrolet Malibu, a fuel-saving combination not currently offered in the United States, the automaker announced today.

The feature could help the sedan achieve fuel mileage in the low 30 mpg range, and is one of many of the automaker’s efforts to improve fuel efficiency. The transmission/engine combination will be available in the first half of next year.

GM said Wednesday it plans to pump more than $100 million into a massive marketing blitz for its upcoming redesigned Malibu sedan, the automaker’s most critical car launch in years.

Chevrolet marketing director Cheryl Catton said that advertising and other promotions for the dramatically remade Malibu will rival Toyota Motor Corp.’s campaign last year for the made-over Camry as well as Chevy’s investment last year to launch the revamped Silverado pickup truck, GM’s best-selling model.

The first new Malibus will hit showrooms Nov. 1 as 2008 models. GM has been working to generate hype around the vehicle since last winter, when the automaker released photos of a striking two-tone interior that will come as an option on the vehicles.

Source:www.detnews.com

The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado placed first and second in Consumer Reports’ tests of four full-sized, crew-cab pickups for the September issue. In separate tests of heavy-duty diesel pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 easily outpointed competitors from Dodge and Ford.

The Tundra slightly outscored the Silverado in CR’s tests, though both achieved “Very Good” overall scores. The half-ton, crew-cab trucks were tested against the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500, which are built on older platforms and received “Good” overall scores.

The previously-tested Chevrolet Avalanche remains Consumer Reports’ top-rated full-sized pickup; the Avalanche, too, achieved a “Very Good” score.

For the first time ever, Consumer Reports also tested three heavy-duty (three-quarter-ton) pickups from Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. Exclusively offered by domestic manufacturers, these trucks have higher towing and payload capacities than the half-ton vehicles. In that group, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 achieved a “Good” overall score. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-250 earned “Fair” scores.

The Silverado is considerably improved over the previous model. It has a fairly comfortable ride and easier access and cargo loading than the others. A new rack-and-pinion setup has improved steering feel and response. Interior quality has also improved and the payload rating is generous. The Silverado 1500 LT ($37,235 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 315-hp, 5.3-liter V8 that delivers good performance. It pulled the 7,400-pound test trailer to 60 mph in 22.6 seconds. The four-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts and is very good overall. Like the Tundra, the Silverado’s brakes were rated “Fair” overall.

Chevrolet’s Uplander minivan receives some significant equipment revisions for 2007. The Uplander’s previously optional 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter V-6 is now standard — a much-needed provision, considering most competitors outgunned the Uplander’s previous 200-hp V-6. An electronic stability system is now also standard, but the Uplander’s previous all-wheel-drive option has been discontinued.

Like other General Motors vans that debuted in 2005, Chevrolet bills the Uplander as a crossover sport van. Though it has sport utility vehicle styling cues — with a seven-passenger seating capacity, a low step-in height and sliding side doors — the Uplander isn’t far removed from the minivans that GM has offered for years, but the company hopes to avoid the minivan’s tame image.

The Uplander is related to the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Saturn Relay. A cargo van is also offered.

Chevrolet offers an optional backseat entertainment system. Known as Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise, the system can store hours of music or movies on a wallet-size 40-gigabyte hard-drive cartridge.

Dealers can install a Sit-N-Lift power seat that rotates and extends outward, operating via a hand-held remote control.

Exterior
The Uplander’s squared-off front fascia features a large grille with a horizontal band. Chrome accents are used on the grille. Chevrolet says special exterior moldings enhance the Uplander’s “SUV-like character.”

Wide, prominent C-pillars are exposed, which is considered another SUV styling cue. The wheels measure 17 inches in diameter, and the optional roof rack has satin-finished side rails. Automatic rear load-leveling shock absorbers are installed. Riding a 121.1-inch wheelbase, the Uplander is 204 inches long overall and 72 inches tall.

Interior
Seven occupants fit inside the Uplander, which features three rows of seats. The second- and third-row seats can be folded and removed. Bucket seats are standard in the second row, while larger captain’s chairs with integrated armrests are optional. A second-row bench seat is not available. Uplevel models feature leather upholstery, and heated cushions are optional.

The Uplander also features a flexible rear cargo system that has three dividers. When the third-row bench seat is folded, the seat and storage system line up to create a level load floor. Total cargo volume is 136.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded and 26.9 cubic feet with all the seats up. The rear bench is split 50/50 and covered in soft vinyl.

Foldable convenience trays sit between the first- and second-row seats. An overhead rail system contains integrated audio and climate controls, lighting and the backseat entertainment system. Entertainment options include a DVD system and XM Satellite Radio.

Under the Hood
A 3.9-liter V-6 generates 240 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque. It teams with a four-speed automatic transmission. Later on in the year, E85-compatible versions of the engine will be available.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes and daytime running lamps are standard, as is an electronic stability system. Optional side-impact airbags are installed in the first- and second-row chairs, but three-row side curtain airbags are not available.

(Source: www.cars.com)