Chevrolet’s all-time famous Colorado has undergone only minimal changes for the 2008 model year. This is because just this year, the Colorado was equipped with a new engine.

The Colorado’s base models are driven by a 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine that can deliver up to 185 horsepower. On the other hand, the optional in-line five-cylinder engine is powered by 3.9 liters four-cylinder engine that can produce a whooping 242 horsepower. The Colorado is available in either rear- or four-wheel drive, in short-wheelbase regular-cab and long-wheelbase extended- and four-door crew-cab versions, and can seat up to six passengers.

There are also three different suspension packages that are available, along with a long list of options that allows for maximum customization. An “Xtreme” appearance package features a one-of-a-kind style matched with lowered stance and exclusive wheels. For the LT models, a Sun and Sound package that comprises a six-disc in-dash CD stereo and a power sunroof is also available.

The Chevrolet Colorado’s standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding exterior mirrors. Additional options also include traction control, XM, fog lamps; leather seats; and a sliding rear window.

GM has unveiled the redesigned hatchback version of the Chevrolet Aveo for 2008 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. (In Europe, GM sells only rebadged Daewoo cars, like the Aveo, as Chevrolets.) The new Aveo Hatchback actually deviates from the Aveo sedan in design, with a new design marked by a large, horizontally split grille with a color-keyed cross bar to show off the brand logo. But just like the previous hatchback, the new model was engineered and designed by GM Daewoo and will continue to be built in South Korea.

In Europe, it will be powered by a 1.2 liter 84 horsepower gasoline engine or 1.4 liter 98 horsepower engine. It will hit European dealerships in March, 2008. There now are two available gasoline engines: a new 84-hp 1.2-liter and the existing 98-hp, 1.4-liter engine that is available with an automatic transmission.

General Motors presents eleven world and European premieres at the 62nd IAA in Frankfurt. The Opel, Chevrolet, Saab, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer brands also show their current diverse model portfolios at their stands. Over a display area of around 8000 square meters in hall 8, IAA visitors can find information about GM – from the new Opel Agila to the future of the automobile, such as the new E-Flex architecture and latest fuel cell vehicle HydroGen4.

These vehicles highlight GM’s environmental strategy, which is to reduce CO2 emissions in the short term and introduce new propulsion technologies in the long term. In the future, customers will have a choice of vehicles with many different energy sources, enabling them to decide which propulsion system is best suited to their life.

GM: Alternative propulsion concepts presented to IAA visitors

At the GM stand, four enormous windswept trees abstracted by metal plates symbolize GM’s approach to sustainable protection of the environment. Four vehicles and models with alternative propulsion systems show what future mobility could look like. The electric car Volt and HydroGen4 fuel cell vehicle, which makes its world premiere at the IAA, are presented to the public in Frankfurt along with two chassis variants of the E-Flex electric vehicle architecture.

In one of the E-Flex cutaway models, hydrogen-powered fuel cells create additional electricity, while in the other a combustion engine provides an increase in operating range via an electric generator.

Specially trained experts are available at the GM stand to explain the environmental strategy and details of GM’s environmental initiative to visitors – an interactive approach that has met with great success at other motor shows. Four touch-screen monitors are also available to provide IAA visitors with information about the “Well-to-wheel” chain, the process of fuel production from raw materials through to its actual use in a car.

GM’s computer workstations at the IAA also highlight the use of alternative energies, as the computers are powered by fuel cells installed directly at the stand.

Chevrolet Europe: Award-winning uniform designs from students

It is not just cars like the new Aveo or the Camaro Convertible that take center stage at Chevrolet’s stand. The hostesses are also eye-catching, wearing exclusive uniforms designed and produced by students from the “Private Modeschule” fashion school in Düsseldorf, Germany. The project is part of a pan-European event called “Young? Creative? Chevrolet!”. This competition among students at schools for the applied arts began last March in Geneva and takes place in eight European countries. “Young? Creative? Chevrolet!” is comprised of five categories: photography, video, performing arts, design and fashion.

The winner was Sina Schumacher, a twenty-year old fashion design student. As a participant in the “Young? Creative? Chevrolet!” competition, she designed the award-winning exclusive uniforms worn by the Chevrolet hostesses at the IAA.

(Source: www.duemotori.com)