Throwback Thursday: Awesome Camaro Edition

It's time for us to take a look back at the incredible Chevrolet history. For this week's Throwback Thursday, we're going back to the magical time of Rubix Cubes, ALF and Member's Only Jackets.

Feast your eyes on this 1982 Chevrolet Camaro. What do you think? Would you still drive this Chevy around town?

If this post has you excited to take a new Camaro for a test drive, visit our Chevrolet dealership website to see what models we have available!

The 2014 Impala is Your Ideal Wingman

In many cases, the first date can be quite nerve-racking. You can feel your stomach fill with butterflies as you scurry to make sure everything is perfect. But if you drive a Chevrolet Impala, don’t worry, you’re already ahead of the game. Here are three ways your 2014 Impala can help your date night go off without a hitch:

1. Ventilated Front Seats – Avoid giving her the cold shoulder and make sure her seat is nice and comfy.
2. Chevrolet MyLink – Set the mood with a romantic playlist from Pandora and make sure you stay on course with the navigation system.
3. Plenty of Storage – No one likes a cluttered car. There’s smart storage in the door panels and armrest, as well as umbrella storage in the front doors, and integrated cup holders and phone storage in the console.

If you don’t have an Impala yet, be sure to visit the Thompson Chevrolet website to see what models we have in stock and take one for a test drive!

Survive the Zombie Apocalypse with a Chevy Camaro

As we watched Brad Pitt fight zombies in this summer’s movie blockbuster, World War Z, we got to thinking… How could the Chevrolet Camaro help you survive the zombie apocalypse? After some careful thought and deliberation, here are our top three benefits:

1. EPA-Estimated 30 MPG – It won’t be long before gas becomes a scarce commodity, so a car that gets a lot of miles per gallon is a must.
2. 426 Horsepower – You’ll need to get somewhere safe as soon as possible, and the Camaro has plenty of power to get you there.
3. Remote Start – Time is precious, especially if you’re being chased by zombies. Starting your car and unlocking the doors remotely could be a life saver.

If you don’t have a Camaro yet, visit Thompson Chevrolet's website and stop by to take one for a test drive!

2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray good for up to 30 mpg*

With each bit of advance information that trickles out about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, we can't help but be more amazed and eager to drive it. First, it was announced that the C7 would start at a reasonable price and then Chevy revealed the LT1 V8 will generate 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, but now we're getting the latest piece of the Corvette puzzle: fuel economy.

Few people buy a Corvette for fuel economy, but recent generations have offered downright impressive consumption figures considering the model's performance envelope. And now owners of the new Stingray Coupe will be able to save a little bit more money at the pump thanks to fuel economy ratings of up to 30 miles per gallon when driven in Eco mode – that's an 11-percent improvement over the C6's already robust number. *EPA window sticker ratings will be 17 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg highway when equipped with the standard seven-speed manual gearbox, with the latter figure representing something of an average between the 28 mpg when the car is in Tour mode and the 30 mpg when it is in Eco mode using cylinder deactivation. There is still no word as to what the fuel economy will be on cars with the optional six-speed paddleshift automatic, but at least on paper, this is a big win for the Corvette over key rivals.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

2014 Corvette Stingray does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 1.03g on the skidpad

When pricing of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was announced back in April, Chevrolet promised that 'Vettes equipped with the Z51 Performance Package would be able to hit impressive figures that include "0-60 mph in under four seconds and more than 1g in cornering," and now it has backed these numbers up. While metrics for a stock Stingray weren't released, checking the Z51 box will get you a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a skidpad number of 1.03g.

Between its 460 horsepower and now its 3.8-second 0-60 time, the Stingray Z51 is positioned directly in between its competitors while costing significantly less than both. In addition to this, Chevy is promising a quarter mile time of 12 seconds and 60-0 braking in just 107 feet.

As an extra little bit of bragging rights, Chevy says that an almost-stock Z51 (with a racing seat, harness and fire extinguisher added inside the car) with Magnetic Ride Control was able to lap the Virginia International Raceway Grand Course in 2:45.78. Wondering how that compares with other known hi-po models? So are we...

Although there are no official VIR lap times to compare against, we did find that FastLaps.com has an unofficial collection of times for the track that places the new Stingray in the number two spot, just behind a 2008 Corvette ZR1. If accurate, that's mighty impressive.

Courtesy of Autoblog

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel Delivers Classic Muscle Car Torque

Imagine quick off-the-line acceleration reminiscent of a classic muscle car combined with the efficiency of a fuel-sipping compact sedan. Dream on? Believe it. The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel uses a turbocharging feature called “overboost,” but still gets the best highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid passenger car in America.

Cruze Diesel’s turbocharged 2.0L engine delivers a segment-leading SAE-certified 151 horsepower (113 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm), but overboost can increase torque to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) for about 10 seconds of stronger acceleration. That’s the equivalent torque delivered by the 1972 Camaro Z28’s heavier 5.7L V8.

Unlike the muscle car era, Cruze Diesel marries that quick burst to a segment-leading EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway, and demonstrated range of 717 miles on one tank of fuel.

“Overboost provides increased performance when the driver demands it, like when passing on the highway,” said Mike Siegrist, GM 2.0L diesel assistant chief engineer. “When the driver leans on the throttle, the turbocharger increases the air and fuel intake over and above what the engine needs for normal torque demand.”

So taking the “muscle” analogy one step further, overboost is to Cruze Diesel as oxidation is to athletes when their muscles use oxygen to break down carbohydrates, fat and protein to produce energy. The more oxygen they take in, the better their performance. Cruze Diesel can sprint from 0 to 60 in about 8.6 seconds – half a second faster than its chief competitor, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI.

Cruze’s 2.0L turbo-diesel provides greater fuel economy than a comparably sized gasoline engine through greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process. It features an iron cylinder block and a forged steel crankshaft, each designed to stand up to the greater cylinder pressures that come with a turbo-diesel engine.

A lightweight aluminum cylinder head and aluminum intake manifold contribute to the engine’s ability to deliver balanced ride and handling.

Turbocharging is an increasingly popular choice with automakers and car buyers. According to LMC Automotive, a provider of automotive forecasts, turbo-charged passenger vehicle production in North America is expected to double by 2018, from 14 percent in 2013 to 29 percent, mainly due to increased diesel production, as well as four-cylinder turbo gas engines replacing V6 engines.

“Cruze’s turbo-diesel engine is powerful, efficient and clean,” Siegrist said. “It will change perceptions of what a diesel car can be while giving customers another fuel-efficient choice in the Chevrolet lineup.”

Courtesy of media.gm.com

2013 Chevy Spark

The Spark – in one name or another – has been on sale in other markets since 2009 and has sold relatively well, but in the name of globalization and diversifying its lineup, Chevrolet brought it to our shores for 2013. General Motors hasn't marketed a car this small in the US since the Geo/Chevy Metro, and just like the Metro was the product of a collaboration with Suzuki, the Spark is a product of GM's South Korean operations. With its addition to the lineup, Chevy's menu of passenger cars is now bursting with options, but can this pint-sized hatchback ignite any interest with buyers here in the US? We spent a week with one to find out if it could hold our attention – and our stuff.

Maybe it's just the segment in which the Spark competes, but Chevy's minicar doesn't appear to scream for attention with its shape or dimensions as much as its rivals. As American buyers are still warming to these micro machines, though, we don't consider being the segment's wallflower such a bad thing. Resembling something like a scaled-down Chevy Sonic, the only thing about the Spark that truly grabs your attention is its flamboyant color palette. Our tester came in Jalapeno Green, but there are also a handful of pastel hues including pink, blue and yellow.

Although a little rhinoplasty wouldn't hurt the Spark, it's a rather good-looking car for its size. Sure, it's shaped like a doorstop, but its arched roof, sharply rising beltline and boxy rear end give it a more conventional appearance in a segment where quirky designs have become the norm. After factoring in the car's standard look, our tester added the 2LT trim, which tacks on unique facias with fog lights up front and a chrome exhaust tip poking out the rear, sportier rocker panels, silver roof rails, small amounts of chrome trim and 15-inch aluminum wheels with black accents, all of which help further differentiate the Spark in this class.

The biggest distinction for the Spark is, of course, its extra set of doors. Rather than squeezing between the front seats and B-pillars, the doors make the two-passenger rear seating much more accommodating. In total, there is plenty of room for four adults to travel comfortably with short road trips only limited by cargo space rather than passenger comfort. Rear occupants are separated by a cupholder and storage bin ensuring generous amounts of hip and shoulder room to go with a decent amount of head and legroom. Cargo space with the seats in place is limited to just 11.4 cubic feet, but folding the rear seats down practically triples available cargo space.

Equally surprising as its passenger space, the Spark has a pleasantly styled interior. Again, the Spark borrows some styling cues from the Sonic, including its motorcycle-like gauge cluster with a large speedometer and small multi-function digital display. Unlike what we were taught to believe about inexpensive cars, the Spark is no stripper – air conditioning, power windows and power door locks all come standard.

Hoping to attract younger buyers, all LT trims get the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system as standard equipment, which provides popular apps like Pandora and Stitcher and a well-integrated navigation system. Stepping up even further, the 2LT adds heated front seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and leatherette on the seats. The latter feel just like vinyl, but there is a fancy pattern and exposed stitching to spice up the look a bit more. Certain exterior colors (including Jalapeno Green) get body-color matching interior pieces for extra flair.

Even though the Spark is the largest minicar currently offered, its fuel economy is still class competitive with official EPA numbers of 32 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg highway. Keep up with the Spark's tach-mounted shift light, and you'll have no problem meeting or exceeding those official numbers. We averaged just over 34 mpg during our week of mixed driving with the Spark.

Thanks to its added size, the Spark is arguably the best daily driver in this segment, mostly on account of the fact that it feels more stable on the highway where crosswinds or passing tractor trailers aren't religious experiences. While the Spark isn't scary to drive at higher speeds, it is undeniably a city car, as evidenced by the transmission gearing that leaves the low-power engine racing at more than 3,000 rpm at 70 miles per hour. Speed isn't the Spark's specialty, though, as this little hatchback really excels in city driving where its small size equates to excellent maneuverability.

The Spark has the whole segment nailed when it comes to balance and ease of driving. For starters, the Spark's electric power steering is perfectly suited for low-speed parking maneuvers, while the standard hill start assist makes stop-and-go traffic easier to bear, especially in hilly cities. The suspension tuning leans toward the firm side, but not so firm as to make its short wheelbase hop all over the road. Potholes, cobblestones and speed bumps are all taken in stride by the Spark's suspension.

After about a year on the market, the Spark has found the most success, according to Chevy, in cities like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. This makes sense for anyone who drives and parks in such dense cities. The small size and relatively high level of comfort that the Spark provides leaves this car feeling less like the big fish in a small pond of minicars, and more like a small car designed just for the big city.

In the not-too-distant past, "inexpensive" and "cheap" were interchangeable words among GM's lineup of small cars, but the 2013 Chevy Spark is proof that this automaker can build a quality car that is also affordable.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

US customers seem to be growing more interested in the technology that has been the primary mode of propulsion in most of Europe for many years now. Chevrolet has finally maneuvered to repurpose its European 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine for US specification, which means it's cleaner here than overseas.

The first application of this rather impressive diesel engine is in the compact Chevy Cruze, which I spent a recent morning testing out. General Motors as a whole has high expectations for its new TDI-buster. Here's why:

Driving Notes:

• Chevy's diesel displaces 2.0-liters, makes 151 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque (with an overboost mode that allows for brief moments of 280 lb-ft), consumes an EPA-estimated 46 miles per gallon on the highway and 27 in the city, and launches the Cruze from 0-60 miles per hour in 8.6 seconds.
• Turn the key on the Cruze Diesel and, if the windows are down, you'll hear a rather loud, clattering noise from the engine bay, at idle. The sound isn't worse than other small diesels we've heard, but it is surprising since the sealed-cabin quiet of the Cruze is remarkably high. With loads of attention paid to refinement at speed, the Cruze is all but silent on the highway (there's some wind noise), and the exhaust note only intrudes when approaching the 5,000-rpm redline.
• Power from the diesel engine feels super strong from even very low revs, as is expected, I guess. Peak torque is available at just 2,600 rpm, and a full 250 lb-ft can be had over the broad expanse between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The Cruze isn't fast from a dead stop, but the acceleration from middle to high highway speeds (60 to 80 mph, let's say), is fantastic.
• I drove or rode for about 90 miles in total over this very short preview program, but early returns on the fuel economy are good. Cruising at around 75 mph on the highway saw the fuel econ meter settle at around 44 mpg after just 15 miles, so my guess would be that the estimated 46 mpg or better is easily within reach. On the second leg of our trip, which started on country roads and headed back to the highway, I saw roughly 30 mpg after starting really aggressively and then settling into speed-limit driving around 40 mph. Again, with an EPA City rating of 27 mpg, I'd guess that the Cruze is set to have better real-world numbers than its window sticker would suggest.
• The overall ride characteristic of the Cruze matches its noiseless cabin, insofar as the car really smoothed out the road underneath me. I drove over some pretty broken down Michigan backroads in the car, and found that only the worst potholes and pavement breaks filtered through the softish suspension setup.
• That softness in the suspension, combined with low rolling resistance tires, meant that when I did try to corner aggressively in the Cruze I was met with a lot of vertical motion from the corners and loss of grip. The small Chevy does have a nicely balanced front-wheel-drive chassis for the most part, but handling is only satisfying up to a warmed-up point.
• This diesel Cruze will need some time to penetrate the land of enthusiasts and diesel geeks, I'm guessing, but it's a fine sedan in its own right, and worth at least a look from even the most ardent TDI supporter.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green

It's been a while since Chevrolet offered its Corvette with green paint – well over a decade, in fact. We've known for a while that the new C7 Stingray would be available in Lime Rock Green, but haven't seen it up until now in anything but the antiseptic studio shots offered up on the Corvette's configurator. Well, we can now cross it off the list – at least online – as the first production example has been caught on video at the Lone Star Classic Corvette show by the folks at NCM Insurance.

According to CorvetteBlogger, the last production model to feature such verdant paint dates to 2001, when Chevy offered its sports car in Dark Bowling Green Metallic. But when we think of Vettes in this color spectrum, we tend to think of the Polo Green C4, a deep shade this paint reminds us of. This particular Stingray is fitted with the Z51 performance package, along with the 3LT Brownstone interior. As we think Z51-equipped cars tend to look better in darker shades (which better integrate/disguise the package's additional ductwork), this Lime Rock Green looks pretty good to our eyes.

What do you think, does the C7 look good in green?

Courtesy of autoblog.com

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

No one's underestimating the importance of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The GMT900 platform that's rolling along under the 2013 model has been underpinning fullsize GM trucks since 2007, and while the Silverado has stayed competitive through most of the intervening six years, the past two haven't been kind to the machine.

Chevy engineers stood back and watched this happen, biting their tongues and whittling away all the while on the next-generation 2014 Silverado. There are only a handful of carryover parts from old machine to new, and the result is a pickup that offers more power, efficiency and refinement than the previous generation while holding the pricing line. This is, without a doubt, the best Silverado ever built, but does that make it the best pickup?

The half-ton pickup now wears the bold, vertical face of its heavy duty predecessors, complete with an all-aluminum hood boasting a set of twin power domes that stretch from cowl to grille. As a result, the Silverado looks considerably less pokey than the previous truck from head-on. Throw in those handsome projector headlamps and the black two-tier grille of our Z71 tester and the new model looks both clean and modern without turning its back on the nameplate's history.

The 2014 Silverado is now 0.4 inches wider than before, and that small nudge in track helps give the machine a more planted look. Designers took advantage of the added width by slathering the sides with massive, exaggerated fender swells. The squared-off wheel arches of the previous generation have stuck around, but the look makes sense paired with this more angular design. The inset doors help give the truck a more modern, clean appearance from the side, while smaller Z71 badges show Chevy is capable of demonstrating some restraint when it comes time to apply stickers.

While base models ride on attractive 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, our tester came saddled with hefty 20-inch chrome rollers. The Z71 trim affords buyers Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, no matter the wheel size. The rubber lands more on the civilized side of the all-terrain spectrum, but makes sense for a truck that will likely spend the majority of its time on paved surfaces or light gravel roads.

Move to the rear and the Silverado shows off a massive Bowtie badge as well as a standard corner step bumper in LTZ guise. The bumper offers a foothold for climbing into the bed, and engineers reworked both rear stake pockets to accommodate a gloved hand for an easier, more secure way to get to cargo. More importantly, the tailgate now features a torsion spring that cuts the effort of closing it by half. Opening the tailgate is as simple as unlatching the lock and letting it drop. The spring gently lets the whole contraption down and into the open position without any help. We owe whoever came up with that one many, many beers. The design is brilliant.

But it's indoors where the 2014 Silverado really differentiates itself from its ancestors. Here, designers finally gave the truck some much-needed attention. The dash is both more attractive and better thought out than before thanks to a simple-to-use center stack. Buttons and dials have been kept to a minimum, and those present are easy to locate and read at a glance. All of the controls have been moved higher up on the dash than before, and those that are set low are still within arm's reach without having to lean forward or take your eyes from the road. We love the big piano key toggles for traction control, cargo lighting, lane departure and the like.

But the driver gets a more substantial steering wheel with new redundant controls, and the redesigned gauge cluster is both good-looking and easy to read. The big, clear TFT screen mounted between the tachometer and the speedometer delivers a spate of vehicle information, from fuel economy and trip readings to the status of the engine's cylinder deactivation.

Speaking of cylinder deactivation, GM threw every efficiency trick in the book at the new EcoTec3 engine family. In addition to active fuel management, which can drop from V8 to V4 power to save fuel, the engine now boasts a direct-injection fuel system and variable valve timing for the first time. As a result, this is the smartest 5.3-liter V8 to ever find its way under the hood of a Silverado. With 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the engine delivers 40 more horsepower and 48 more pound-feet while returning 16 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway. That's an increase of 1 mpg in both categories over the comparable 2013 model.

On the road, the 2014 model is a few millennia ahead of its predecessor. The cabin is phenomenally quiet thanks to a cornucopia of tricks. The frame is both lighter and stiffer than before. Crew and Double Cab models boast both sheer and hydraulic body mounts to banish solid axle freeway hop. Acoustic fender liners keep tire noise at bay while triple door seals make wind noise an unpleasant memory from this truck's past. Throw in spray-in sound deadening along the firewall and transmission tunnel, and this is the quietest truck on the road, hands down. There are luxury SUVs with worse noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

Unladen, the 5.3-liter V8 delivers excellent power, hustling the truck to 60 miles per hour quicker than should be feasible. Shifts from that old six-speed are solid and well sorted, but the Silverado offers a more pleasant surprise in the brake system. While the 2014 model technically uses the same size stoppers as before, the entire system has been recalibrated. As a result, the pedal feels more confident with positive bite and excellent response. Considering the previous generation had all the stopping prowess of a hog on ice, the change is more than welcome. The rotors now use GM's Duralife coating, which helps keep rust at bay and significantly increases rotor life in the process.

GM has also done an excellent job of implementing an electronic power steering system on the 2014 Silverado.

Throw 5,000 pounds worth of empty horse trailer behind the Silverado and you'll never know it's there. Chevrolet says that depending on configuration, the 2014 Silverado will be able to tow up to 11,500 pounds safely, and engineers worked to make the truck more stable while doing so (for the record, as optioned, our tester could only tow a maximum of 9,600 pounds). While the marginally wider track is part of that recipe, so are new wheels and higher specification tires with stiffer sidewalls to reduce squirm and wander under a load. Of course, a number on a page hardly tells the whole story. Like most tow ratings, the closer you get to the ceiling, the harder the truck has to work. We put 8,600 pounds of trailer and skid steer behind the new Silverado, and while the truck could confidently pull the load about, we'd think twice about knocking on that 11,500 number's door.

GM has done an impressive job with the 2014 Silverado, building the truck back into the contender it once was. The remarkably refined driving dynamics and quiet cabin are enough to earn it a special place in our hearts.

Courtesy of autoblog.com

Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country

It's no secret that fullsize pickups are the financial engines that power Detroit automakers – it's been that way for decades. In recent years, though, growing consumer appetites for dolled-up trucks has meant even more opportunities for manufacturers to line their coffers while pleasing increasingly discerning customers.

General Motors has been content to let its GMC brand harvest top-shelf pickup buyers for some time now – particularly with its high-line Denali models – but it's hard to turn away easy profits. GM says over 30 percent of new pickup sales now transact above $40,000, and that figure is growing by the year. Thus, it's no surprise that execs are finally letting Chevrolet get in on the action with this new range-topping High Country trim for the 2014 Silverado. Officials tell Autoblog that it's the first premium-branded Chevy pickup since the Cameo Carrier of the 1950s.

Sitting above the LTZ and Z71 off-road model, the Silverado High Country sets itself apart with trim-specific chrome grille and body-color bumpers front and rear – the only fullsize Chevy so equipped – along with unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a few bits of chrome frosting to go with the usual complement of badges. Available only in crew cab configuration, High Country will be offered in both two- and four-wheel drive with the buyer's choice of V8 engines – 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter – along with either a 5-foot, 8-inch or 6-foot, 6-inch box. There are no specific powertrain or suspension calibrations for the model.

Inside, the changes continue the somewhat restrained Western theme, with saddle brown leather (a grade nicer than what's found in lesser Silverados) lining heated and cooled bucket seats that have the High Country logo embroidered on the headrests. We've already had the chance to sit in the truck, and it's a comfortable, high-quality environment that's perhaps a notch or two down on the cowboy overtones compared to something like an F-150 King Ranch. GM knows they need this model to perform well in Texas, the nation's largest truck market, but they're also hoping the model plays well on the coasts.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but options will be few. A High Country Premium Package with driver alert technologies (read: lane departure and collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and haptic seat), power pedals, trailer brake control and heated steering wheel figures to be the big-buck bundle, while other options will include navigation, sunroof, rear-seat entertainment, and GM's new CornerStep bumper finished in chrome.

Interestingly, Chevy's research suggests that pickup buyers at this elevated price point are less brand-loyal than those under $40k, so the company is eying more conquest sales than it might with lesser models. Yet officials say they don't think High Country will cannibalize GMC Sierra Denali buyers, because despite their close mechanical and visual kinship, the two brands support different owner demographics (GM labels target High Country buyers as "Everyday Hero" and Denali customers as "Disciplined Achievers"). As it is, the High Country will be priced above the starting price of well-equipped Sierras but fall short of Denali models. The latter will also keep some exclusive features to ensure it remains GM's most prestigious pickup, including a reconfigurable eight-inch screen in the instrument cluster. Chevy Truck director of marketing Maria Rohrer says the two GM divisions are working "closer than ever," presumably to make sure the divisions don't step on each others' toes as they approach each other at the high-dollar summit of the truck market.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

You've Got To See This Certified 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Today at Thompson Chevrolet Buick GMC!

This gorgeous like-new Certified 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is waiting for you to schedule at test drive today at Thompson Chevrolet Buick GMC! Click HERE to see details and get an online price quote.

Chevrolet Spark Most Efficient U.S. Retail Electric Vehicle

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is  the industry benchmark in retail electric vehicle efficiency with a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent.

Compared to the average new vehicle, the Spark EV can potentially save its owners up to $9,000 in fuel cost over five years. The Spark EV goes on sale this summer in California and Oregon.
“Being able to provide our customers with the best overall efficiency of any retail EV has always been a key target for the Spark EV engineering team,” said Pam Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer for electrified vehicles. “We’re poised to deliver to the market an EV that’s not just efficient, but also thrilling to drive thanks to the 400 lb-ft torque output of its electric motor.”

The Spark EV’s 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will continue Chevrolet’s tradition of offering industry-leading limited warranty protection – eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Spark EV will be the first vehicle on the market to offer as an available option the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. The capability, available shortly after launch, will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. The battery system is capable of handling multiple DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. A 120V charge cord set comes standard.  Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for three years.

"The Chevrolet Spark EV is a great city car which blends technology, functionality and style in an unexpected package" said Cristi Landy, director of Chevrolet small and electrified vehicle marketing. "We built on the success of the Volt and the gas-powered Spark to offer an affordable, fun and efficient mini car our customers will love to drive."

The Chevrolet Spark EV will set an acceleration benchmark for an urban city electric vehicle – 0-60 mph in under eight seconds due to the mating of a permanent magnet electric motor, which produces more than 100 kW (130 hp), with the coaxial drive unit.

The GM designed oil-cooled, permanent magnet motor is the heart of the Spark EV’s propulsion system.  Putting more than half a million road miles on development versions of the Spark EV enabled engineers to make the performance of the electric motor the best it could be by using a bar wound copper stator and unique rotor configuration.

The motor and drive unit are assembled at GM’s Baltimore operationsplant in White Marsh, Md. Last week, the plant celebrated Spark EV motor production, marking the first time a major U.S. auto manufacturer has designed and built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.

2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray order guide hits the web

The official debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is only part of the excitement for fans of Chevy's virtuoso sportscar. Although we got to see the car and some of its preliminary specs in Detroit and Geneva, there is still no word on pricing and some of the juicier data points we've been waiting for – such as confirmed power output, EPA estimated mileage figures and performance numbers. Until then, CorvetteBlogger has gotten its hands on the order guide for the coupe version of the car – in both base and Z51 iterations – revealing tidbits like standard and optional features and available color combinations.

Some other new details made it onto the order guide, such as our first interior specs for the coupe including slightly less hip room and headroom, more shoulder room and the same amount of legroom. To see the full order guide, head on over to CorvetteBlogger. From what we can gather, it sounds like more information will be revealed on April 25 during a party at the Corvette Museum, and for those sun worshipers patiently waiting for a convertible, it would appear you've got another model year to wait through.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

First production 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible auctioned for a cool million

Barrett-Jackson auctioned off the first production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible in Palm Beach this evening, with the open-top two-seater commanding a huge winning bid of $1,000,000 from Rick Hendrick, owner of NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports.

While the Geneva Motor Show C7 prototype is pictured here (it also was shown at Barrett-Jackson), Hendrick won rights to the first retail production model (VIN undetermined at this time), allowing him to choose both color and options before his V8 sports car rolls off the assembly line in the near future. Hopefully, by the time that happens, we will all know more about its soft convertible top, double-bubble tonneau and the mechanism that opens and lowers the fully automatic roof at speeds upwards of 30 mph.

It is worth mentioning that proceeds from the sale of this first C7 droptop will benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer institute, one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States that strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. The General Motors Foundation is a longtime supporter of Karmanos, with nearly $6 million in support over the last 15 years.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

2014 Chevy Impala production commences

Production of the tenth-generation Chevrolet Impala began today, with the first 2014 model rolling of the line at the company's Ontario's Oshawa Assembly plant. The new Impala, which will be produced at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck plant in addition to the Canadian location, is expected to make an appearance in showrooms later this month. Impala assembly in Detroit will begin in May of this year.

The full-size Impala will come to market with an engine lineup that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.4-liter four with the company's eAssist mild hybrid technology, and the 3.6-liter V6 that we sampled a few weeks ago. Sadly for the trivia buffs among us, Chevy didn't provide any specification information or other facts about the first-ever 2014 Impala.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

Chevy offering Camaro rolling chassis for drag racers

There sure has been plenty of drag racing machinery to report about lately, but General Motors has another quarter-mile racer up its sleeve with a new rolling chassis version of the Camaro. While the COPO is a turn-key racecar with a price tag pushing six figures, Chevrolet announced that it is also going to start offering a factory-built Camaro drag car similar to the COPO but stripped of most of the drivetrain components.

The Camaro rolling chassis will feature a complete body, race-ready interior including a rollcage, a solid rear axle (without the gearing), racing wheels and Hoosier drag tires, and it will be built at the same Detroit area facility where the COPO Camaro is assembled using mostly production parts. The owner will need to provide an engine (and wiring harness), transmission, driveshaft and rear differential gears (the "third member"), which is all available through the Chevrolet Racing parts catalog.

Chevy will build a limited number of the Camaro rolling chassis, but it isn't clear if production will be as limited as the COPO Camaro's 69-unit run.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

2014 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet is getting ready to roll out an all-new Impala with improved comfort, styling and technology, hoping to turn the tables on its retail-to-fleet ratio. We headed to sunny San Diego to see if this totally new Impala can stand on its own without the assistance of fleet companies and rental agencies.

Although the new-look Impala hasn't won over the entire Autoblog crew just yet, it's an undeniable improvement over the past two generations of the big sedan. As safe as Chevy played its hand with its recent Malibu redesign, we are pleased to see that the Impala has received a completely modern wardrobe. The car we drove was the mid-level LT trim, which Chevy expects to be the volume seller, so while we missed out on trendy add-ons like LED daytime running lights and the integrated exhaust outlets from the top LTZ trim, there was still plenty to appreciate about its design.

The broad grille and narrow headlights were purposefully designed like that to give a wider appearance, while the sculpted hood adds an athletic shape. 20-inch wheels are available on the LTZ, but the 19s that came on our LT definitely seemed to fit the overall look of the new Impala. One element carried over from recent Impala designs is a lower beltline that rises sharply behind the rear door to create an arrow-shaped quarter window.

At some angles (especially in profile), Chevy's efforts to maximize aerodynamics and interior volume has resulted in some odd proportions and a massive rear overhang, but in a class full of competitors that have only recently started to push the limits of design, the new Impala has a great look to it. One minor disappointment is the lack of available LED taillights that would have added some style in the rear, but the Impala's rump is far from bland with a short, shapely decklid and our tester's optional rear spoiler. Chevrolet paid close attention to the details, including the use of brushed aluminum trim around the windows and small Chevy Bowtie emblems etched into the headlight. One could even argue that the arched rear fenders are somewhat reminiscent of the original 1958 Impala.

GM's design team hit a home run inside the new Impala, seemingly focusing on correcting the shortfalls present in the Malibu by creating a nearly flawless cabin. Buyers looking for a bench-seat Impala will be the only people who are disappointed by this interior. Chevy's dual-brow instrument panel is definitely the focal point of the interior, which in LT form adds stitched leather accents to the gauge hood and along the top edge of the dash. Chrome accents provide some added dimension to the dash, which can be equipped with blue backlit ambient lighting that is invisible during the day provides soft, subtle lighting at night. The shape of the instrument panel's chrome strip was mimicked on the new four-spoke steering wheel, which has a refreshingly small number of buttons on the front of it by adding the audio controls to the backside of the wheel. It will be interesting to see what the Impala's base interior looks like – our Impala LT tester was blessed with with dark leather on the seats with suede inserts.

More than just a stylish environment, the new Impala provides plenty of space for five occupants. Compared to the departing model, the 2014 Impala has had its headroom and legroom stretched by a remarkable 3.5 inches and 2.2 inches, respectively. Including a GM representative, our tester spent the entire day with three occupants, which provided plenty of rear-seat time. At over six feet tall, your author had no problem with legroom and was even able to sit cross legged.

In terms of interior technology, the highlight is Chevy's next-generation MyLink system. The new MyLink provides new ways to connect and customize while doing away with many of the capacitive touch issues that plagues the Cadillac interface. For starters, there are 10 hard buttons and knobs that act as redundant controls. Chevy has also added features like 3D mapping, Bluetooth pairing for up to 10 devices, better voice recognition with natural speech commands, four different background/button themes and a configurable home screen with five customizable top buttons and up to 60 "favorite" buttons (for phone numbers, navigation destinations and audio settings such as stations, artists, albums or genres). The coolest feature might be the new valet mode that uses a four-digit code to lock out the vehicle's MyLink and information systems. The large center screen (which has a storage cubby beneath) is complemented by a 4.2-inch digital screen inside the gauge cluster. The latter is controlled by a five-way button on the right side of the steering wheel, and it displays infotainment and vehicle information to the driver in a clear and easy manner.

The new Impala also has three USB ports, an SD card slot and, in the "What took so long to figure this out?" category, the navigation operations and Bluetooth pairing can take place while driving when there is a passenger in place – with the assumption that drivers will not be doing the work. There are still some sluggishness issues with the latest MyLink, as well as the fact that some of the screen colors are not easily seen on various backgrounds, but GM promises a fix for the latter before the car goes on sale.

Eventually, the 2014 Impala will offer a base 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine as well as a 2.4-liter eAssist mild hybrid model, but for this test, we drove the car with the engine that customers will see first, the 3.6-liter V6. This direct-injected engine is the essentially the only part carried-over from the 2013 Impala, but its output has been tweaked ever so slightly, raising horsepower and torque to 305 hp and 264 pound-feet (up from 300 hp and 262 lb-ft.). Unlike the closely related XTS, the Impala will not offer all-wheel drive. Instead, the front wheels are powered through a six-speed automatic transmission. Weighing in at 3,800 pounds, the Impala V6 should have a good balance of fuel economy (with estimates of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway) and acceleration, which GM claims will take just 6.8 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.

Before we even had a chance to bring the engine to life, the solid "thud" of the closing door also brought with it a calming silence inside the Impala, even as big trucks and city traffic whizzed by. GM proudly explained the Impala's quiet interior, calling out its additional door seals, acoustically treated front and side windows and the strategic placement of sound deadening, but on the road, it was just plain impressive how library quiet the interior is regardless of vehicle speed or road conditions. Models equipped with the four-cylinder engine will also get Active Noise Cancellation technology, so they'll have a shot at being serene, too. Another noticeable enhancement was the Impala's taut body structure. Driving along some bumpy roads and crossing transitions in downtown San Diego, very little noise or vibration made it inside.

Once outside the city, our driving route provided a good mix of twisty roads and wide-open Interstate driving, and while the Impala is no canyon carver, it was at least up to the task of allowing us to have a little fun. Despite its size, acceleration proved ample at just about any speed, and braking was impressive thanks to big, GM-patented rotors that are resistant to rust and warping (they're expected to last twice as long as current GM rotors). At slower speeds, we did notice that the electric power steering felt a little jerky, but it smoothed out to become fairly responsive at highway speeds. Even driver visibility was better than what we've come to expect from some of today's full-size sedans. Just in case, however, the 2014 Impala offers options including forward collision warning, rear cross traffic, lane departure warning and blind spot detection. We did have a chance to drive another car with the available adaptive cruise control, which is easily identifiable by unique front grille that integrates a massive black insert with a sensor that allows the car to automatically brake all the way down to a full stop.

When the 2014 Impala goes on sale next month, sales will likely take a substantial dive from the fleet-heavy numbers of recent years, but GM will at least be replacing volume with quality. If you're a rental car agency or a fleet manager for your company, though, don't fret. GM isn't going to cut you off cold-turkey. The outgoing generation of Impala will live on for another year as the Impala Limited (a move Chevrolet has done in the past with the Malibu and Silverado), but its eventual departure will mark the end of the road for GM's W Body, a platform that dates back to the late 1980s.

It isn't clear which (if any) vehicle will replace the Impala for fleet customers in 2015, but along with the performance-oriented SS sedan and a sooner-than-expected refresh for the Malibu, the all-new Impala could very well give Chevrolet its strongest, most competitive retail sedan lineup ever. 

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

Happy Monday fans! Don't miss your chance to win FREE lift tickets to Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows from us! There's FOUR chances to win!

It's easy! Just click the "Enter to Win" tab at the top of our Facebook page. Make sure you've "liked" us, scroll down and fill out your information. We appreciate our valued customers! You can also click this link: http://a.pgtb.me/xmHB2Z

Happy Monday fans! Don't miss your chance to win FREE lift tickets to Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows from us! There's FOUR chances to win!

It's easy! Just click the "Enter to Win" tab at the top of our Facebook page. Make sure you've "liked" us, scroll down and fill out your information. We appreciate our valued customers! You can also click this link: http://a.pgtb.me/xmHB2Z

More happy Thompson Chevrolet customers! Thank you for your business!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Get excited fans! Thompson Chevrolet will be giving away a bunch of lift tickets to Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows very soon!

Each ticket is for a 1 Day, any day adult pass Valid during the 2013 Winter Season!  Be sure you've "liked" our Facebook page, share this with your friends and stay tuned!

Check out the progress on our remodel, we can't wait for it to be completed!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Women Drive Success on the Track With Chevrolet SS!

DAYTONA, Fla. – Chevrolet kicked off Speedweeks with outstanding performances from Team Chevy race teams and the all-new Chevrolet SS race car. Seven of the top nine starters for the Daytona 500 will be Chevrolet SS race cars. On the track and behind the scenes, women passionate about cars and racing are key in driving this success. 

Danica Patrick last Sunday made history behind the wheel of the No. 10 GODADDY Chevrolet SS by being the first female to win the pole for the 55th running of The Great American Race.

“We are so proud of Danica Patrick and her team for putting the No. 10 Chevrolet SS on the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500," said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Danica was focused and drove a great line to secure the pole. She gave tremendous credit to crew chief Tony Gibson and her entire No. 10 team for preparing such a fast and well-balanced car. Danica is an accomplished racer, determined, and a team player. We are very proud to have her on Team Chevy.

“Danica and her team have put in countless hours testing, evaluating and helping finalize the development of this new Chevrolet SS. Her determination both on and off the track helped put her on the pole for this weekend’s race.”

Patrick's accomplishment marks the first time in the 64-year history of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series that a woman will lead the field to the start of any race – let alone the Daytona 500. Patrick’s lap of 45.817 seconds – 196.434 mph – was the fastest among all 45 qualifiers.

Off the track, Alba Colon, Chevrolet Racing program manager, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been pushing the limits as well. For the past two and a half years, she’s helped develop what is seen on the track today.  
 
“On the track, the SS is really showcasing its performance power. We are seeing the hard work we put in the lab and pre-track testing come to life with all of our Chevy race teams,” said Colon, Chevrolet motorsports engineer. “To see the car’s winning ability and the great reaction from our fans has been outstanding.”

“It takes perspectives like Alba Colon’s to push our engineering development of race cars to the next level. Her leadership abilities and her passion for motorsports and performance really shine through on the SS race car,” said Campbell.

Colon joined Chevrolet’s motorsports program in 2001, and has an engineering degree from the University of Puerto Rico. It was during her university days that she developed a love of mechanical engineering and racing.

“We are looking forward to this race weekend, where we can showcase all of the capabilities of the SS race car,” said Colon. “We can prove to the world and our NASCAR fans that we have a winner on and off the track.”

The new Chevrolet SS production car will pace the Daytona 500, leading an all-Chevrolet front row to the green flag. The 2014 Chevrolet SS production sedan will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, with pricing to be set closer to the on-sale date.  When it arrives in showrooms, the SS will join the Corvette and Camaro, whose combined sales have made Chevrolet America’s favorite performance brand for the past two years.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Courtesy of: Chevrolet News

Construction is still in progress and moving along nicely with these recently installed windows! We can't wait for our valued customers to see it all finished!

Congratulations Felipe Marroquin who recently entered a $15 raffle at the local Sacred Heart Church and won a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze!

The raffle was for a vehicle valued at $25,000 that our dealership donated. He chose to go with this $21,000 2013 Chevrolet Cruze and will donate the extra $4,000 back to the church! Congrats to Felipe, our entire staff was thrilled to get involved with Sacred Heart!

Enjoy a white-hot winter with this 2013 Camaro at Thompson Chevrolet!

http://bit.ly/15dtzR8

President's Day is quickly approaching and we're pleased to announce great Sign and Drive offers on the entire family of Buicks!

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$0 security deposit, $0 first month's payment, $0 due at signing!

Contact Thompson Chevrolet Buick GMC for more details!

http://www.thompsonchevrolet.com/

Check out the new Chevy Silverado HD, because the things you carry are heavier than the things you haul!

Congratulations to Talena Ducheneaux on your new 2013 Equinox! We appreciate your business!

We have the perfect 2013 Buick Verano waiting for you! Come test drive today!

Click here for more information: http://bit.ly/Ybn2jr

Super Bowl XLVII MVP Takes Home Chevrolet Corvette Stingray!

NEW ORLEANS – The honor of awarding the Super Bowl XLVII MVP Award was given to Rick Flick of New Orleans’ Banner Chevrolet, who knows a thing or two about comebacks. Banner Chevrolet, a part of Flick’s family for 40 years, was wiped out by Hurricane Katrina and was the first business to reopen in New Orleans East after the devastating 2005 storm. On behalf of Chevrolet, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl XLVII MVP Award, Flick presented quarterback Joe Flacco with a 2014 Corvette Stingray on Monday in recognition of his effort in leading the Baltimore Ravens’ to a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. 

“Banner Chevrolet and the entire city of New Orleans have been through so much since the storm, we felt this was a small gesture to bring the comeback story full circle,” said Alan Batey, GM vice president of U.S. Sales, Service and Marketing. “With the Super Bowl in his backyard, we couldn’t think of a better guy to have the honor of awarding the MVP with his Corvette Stingray.”

Banner Chevrolet was of the largest losses ever recorded for a dealership in the United States and recently completed a massive multimillion-dollar renovation with state-of-the-art technology. Banner is the only Chevrolet dealer in Orleans Parrish.

“We lost our entire inventory of 650 new Chevrolets and 120 pre-owned vehicles during Katrina,” Flick said. “I’m happy we are still a vital part of this community today and I can be here to represent the people of Chevrolet and its dealerships as we celebrate the Super Bowl MVP.”

The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Corvette Stingray.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

Courtesy of: Chevrolet News

Happy Monday fans, start your week off right with this helpful maintenance tip!

Your cooling system needs both coolant-antifreeze and water, so don’t pour undiluted coolant into your cooling system. Dilute it with water to the commonly recommended 50-50 ratio. Similarly, don’t use straight water in your system either.The coolant protects against corrosion and freezing.The water ensures good heat transfer from the coolant to the radiator.

Courtesy of: Reader's Digest

We tested the all-new Silverado in the mountains of Yuma, AZ, where the grades are extreme and the roads are windy, to prove it can do more than pickups have done in the past!

http://youtu.be/CeDa-_x7FAM