Chevrolet releases the first official image (above) and some basic info of its brand new Trax, a compact SUV that is bound to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show (September 29 - October 14) to then enter the European markets in the Spring of 2013. The model comes with a pretty muscular and compact design and will able to accommodate up to 5 people (driver included) with 533 litres of boot capacity (a feature that can go up to 1,372 litres with the rear bench folded).

Chevy doesn’t really like to go public about that, but the Trax descends from General Motor’s B-SUV range, which already enlists both Opel Mokka and Buick Encore in its ranks. The Trax is expected to come with the same engine range as the Mokka, which includes a 1.4-litre petrol engine delivering 138 hp as well as a 1.7-litre turbo-charged diesel unit producing 128 hp. Two and four-wheel drive versions will be offered.

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require - said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development - After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.”

The worldwide popularity of Chevrolet Camaro’s latest generation surely got some extra boost from having gome a regular feature in the Transformers movies, mainly because the main character got himself one and it can turn into the “Bumblebee” Autobot. In the wake of this successful sci-fi film, Switzerland’s O.CT-Tuning has created a special package for the model specifically dedicated to the “Transformer Edition” Camaro, which was released by the American carmaker to celebrate the success of the saga on the silver screen.

The aesthetics of the car are absolutely loyal to the model starring in the movie directed by Michael Bay, but under its bonnet there’s a spiced-up version of the already frighteneing standard 6.2-litre V8 unit: with the addition of a add a supercharger and a new stainless steel exhaust system, the good guys from O.CT managed to boost its output of 602 hp and 681 Nm (503 lb/ft) of torque up to 630 hp with 730 Nm (538 lb/ft) of peak torque.

However, if you don’t own a Camaro Transfromer Edition, you don’t need to worry as OC.T-Tuning can take care of that too, providing a movie-based paint-job inclusive of Autobot logos on center caps and front quarter panels. Add a set of 20″ black-painted alloys, some black stripes and a flashy high-wing spoiler and there you have it. Flying robot conversion not included.

View the full Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition by O.CT-Tuning photo gallery

After releasing the first official pictures Chevrolet has released a video on the restyled Impala. Initially the American saloon will be offered in three different engines: a 2.5-litre with 195 hp and 253 Nm, a 3.6-litre V6 with 303 hp and 358 Nm and a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with eAssist mild-hybrid system with 182 hp and 233 Nm of torque.

This last engine is combined with an electric motor, which keep fuel consumption to a minimum, travelling up to 15 kilometers on the motorway using only 1 litre of petrol. As for the transmission, all engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to a much more graceful design, compared to previous version, the interior has been revamped by using the new leather for upholstery and soft touch plastics. This mix offers stylish yet comfortable interiors. Among the various technological systems we find: Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Brake System with Collision Alert and Chevrolet MyLink system with 8-inch touchscreen display.

View the full Chevrolet Impala gallery

The TV program Super Power Beat Down has organised an exciting drag race between two legendary cars, to fulfill every fans dream. On the starting grid are the Batmobile used in the television series Batman (aired between 1966 and 1969) and the prototype chosen by director Tim Burton in 1989, for his Batman movie. The first Batmobile was actually a Corvette C4 mounting a 6.0-litre V8 L98, with output ranging between 305 and 325 hp. Reaching a top speed of 240-257 km/h can cover a quarter of a mile in 9.5-10-5 seconds.

The Batmobile driven by Michael Keaton, instead integrates the front section of a Chevrolet Camaro to a specially crafted frame, boasting a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 290hp. It reaches a top speed of 290 km/h and takes 10-11 seconds to finish the quarter mile.

Chevrolet will show up at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show (March 26 - April 8 ) with the second generation of its successful Trailblazer SUV model, a car clearly inspired by the latest concept version of the model that was displayed in Dubai a few months back. The new Trailblazer uses the same platform of the Colorado pick-up truck and will come in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. There will be two Duramax engine options: a 2.5-litre delivering 150 hp and 350 Nm of peak torque and a 2.8-litre producing 180 hp and 470 Nm. Both units can be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed auto, but the latter would cut down the torque of the 2.8 engine down to 440 Nm.

The cabin of the new Trailblazer can accommodate up to 7 people - driver included - over three rows of seats, all of which can be folded in order to adjust the inner space according to the needs of the moment. Besides, if you fold the middle and rear benches, the rear sides will form a flat surface that can be used as the floor of a much wider loading area. General Motors points out that even the occupants of the last seats will have enough space to face long trips with maximum comfort. From a technical point of view, it is worth mentioning that the model uses a body-on-frame structure and 5-link suspension, while a number of safety and aid systems are available as part of the standard equipment or upon request (ESP, TCS, Panic Brake Assist and the new Dynamic Rear Brake Proportioning just to name a few). The new Chevy Trailblazer will not be imported in the US and will enter the Thai market in June.

Chevrolet has chosen the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to unveil the new Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon. In addition to this long awaited model, the American firm will also present two concept cars and a range of technology solutions that will feature on future models. The main attraction remains the Station Wagon, the new variant of the Cruze range, which brings an aesthetical update to it: among the details are a new front bumper and lateral LED daytime lights. Despite its rather compact size (4.68m), the new model, available from summer 2012, retains the spaciousness typical of these cars.

At launch, in addition to the current range, the Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon will be available in two new engines: 1.6 petrol and 2.0 diesel. Later, a new 1.4 petrol and 1.7 diesel will be added as well. All engines are Euro 5 compliant. The Cruze estate is equipped with keyless entry and starter, rear view camera and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. Externally, the front has been slightly renewed, especially in the lower part of the fascia.

The MyLink connectivity device is one of the new features offered by Chevrolet in Geneva. This piece of equipment allows the integration of smartphones, transforming the car into a docking station. It has a 7″ touch screen, USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth. It will be available on Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Aveo. The General Motors manufacturer will also display two new concept cars: Code 130R and Tru 140S. These are two four-seat coupes: the first is a square shaped car with turbo engine and rear-wheel drive; the second has front-wheel drive and sporty lines.

The commercial starring the Chevrolet Silverado that will be broadcasted tonight during the XLVI SuperBowl is set in sort of post-apocalyptic scenario, where the pick-up truck from Chevy emerges from a pile of rubble and begins traveling through the ruins of town with a pale gray sky and fuming volcanos in the background. The ad is obviously focusing on toughness and vigour of the model, and is scheduled to air during the first quarter of the game.

The Chevrolet Silverado is powered by a 6.6-litre V8 Duramax engine that develops 370 hp and allows this heavy beast to reach 100km/h (62 mph) from standstill in less than 9 seconds. The vehicle comes with a Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission, which is replaced by a Hydra Matic gearbox on the less powerful 6-litre V8. The Silverado has been designed to deliver in any situation and weather condition, to the point that it can be switched on even at -30 degrees.

During the imminent XLVI Superbowl, Chevrolet is going to show the TV audience a new ad featuring a few extreme stunts performed by the Sonic, the recent subcompact model known as Aveo on the European side of the pond. The commercial shows some of the crazy numbers arranged by Chevy for the model’s commercial launch, including the recent, breathtaking kickflip, bungee jumping, sky diving and also a few glimpses of another brand new ad, that will be premiered during the ‘big game’ as well and featuring L.A. rock band OK Go. Just as a quick reminder, Chevrolet Sonic/Aveo’s engine range is made of a 1.2-litre petrol unit available in two power configurations (70 hp or 86 hp), a 1.4 petrol delivering 100 hp and a diesel unit, a 1.3-litre available in power steps of 75 and 95 hp.

A while ago we told you about Chevy offering 10,000 $ to the person who was going to share most videos of the finalists of its ‘Chevrolet Route 66′ global contest, meant to select one of the five commercials that Chevy will broadcast during the next XLVI Super Bowl. Now we have a winner. No, we don’t know what happened to the 10,000 bucks, we have the ad that defeated the other 197 entries (from 32 different countries) and won itself a slot during the most watched TV show of the planet, coming up next February 5th.

The victorious commercial is called “Chevy Happy Grad”, by 26 years old director Zach Borst from Long Island, NY. The video is indeed pretty funny, and we would like to congratulate Mr.Borst as well on its well-deserved triumph. The title of the ad is somewhat revealing, but we won’t tell you anything else in order to avoid spoiling the surprise. By the way, the featured car is a Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, just in case you were wondering..

Chevrolet releases a new official photo gallery picturing the new Camaro ZL1 in both coupe and convertible body types. The car is pushed by a 6.2-litre V8 engine delivering 580 hp and 754 Nm (556 lb-ft) of peak torque and coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox with dual clutch, but an automatic transmission option will also be made available. The model goes from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds and reaches 296 km/h (184 mph) of top speed.

The new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is equipped with the Performance Traction Management, a new traction and stability system borrowed from Corvette ZR1 that includes launch control and allows drivers to tailor a range of electronic management systems, from traction to stability to steering. The model made the headlines just a few months ago when it recorded a staggering 7′:41″.27 lap time at the Nurburgring, leaving the likes of the likes of Porsche 911 GT3, Corvette ZR1 and Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV behind.

The coupe version of the Camaro ZL1 will enter the US market this coming Spring with a price-tag of 54.995 $ (approximately 43,000 € / 35,700 £), while its convertible counterpart will become available in the Summer with a price in the 60,000 $ area (47,000 € / 39,000 £).

View the full Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 photo gallery

GM will begin the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of its Chevrolet Corvette with a special edition 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible, equipped with the monstrous 7.0-litre LS7 V8 engine of the Corvette Z06, and here are the first pictures of the model with a special cameo from one of its illustrious ancestors. During the transplant, the unit did not lose any of its 513 hp and 637 Nm of torque as the 6-speed manual gearbox of the Z06 as well as its Magnetic Ride Control suspension have been transferred to the Corvette 427 Convertible too. The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, with a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of more than 190 mph (306 km/h).

The model uses 19″ wheels on the front and 20″s at the back, all of which fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres. Bonnet and fenders are made of carbon fibre, a material that has been used to build many other components of the vehicle, resulting in an overall weight of 1,525 kg (3,361 lb).

The new Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible can also be customized with the “60th Anniversary Package” - which will be made available for all other Corvette models in 2012 - which include a white-blue paint job (with the signature two blue stripes stitched on the fabric of the roof as well) and blue leather upholstery for the interior. The very first model will be auctioned off for charity at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson classic car auction. to find out more about the new Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible, check out the official press release after the jump.

View Corvette 427 Convertible official images

Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible

DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.

“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6′ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.”

The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.

Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:
• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package

The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s better than:
• Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90
• Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58
• Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82
• Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31

The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top.

Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.

For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.

Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick. Proceeds from the sale will benefit AARP’s Drive to End Hunger initiative.

Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet which aims to address the growing problem of hunger among older Americans.

A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.

The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30″ version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.

The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71″ and “L88″ options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435″ cars, these ‘67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars.

The “L88″ delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.

In 1969, a special “L89″ 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1″ 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers.

By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance

These are the first spy-shots of the long awaited 10th generation of the Chevrolet Impala. The historic Chevy model debuted in its first incarnation as far back as 1958, whereas the current version debuted on the market in 2006, and since the latter was not a huge step forward in comparison to the previous one, we agree it’s definitely time for a change. Possibly a radical one. Judging by these excellent shots though, it seems like the good people from Chevy share the same opinion as the mule, even with that heavy camouflage on, looks way more sporty than the current version, also thanks to those grille inserts that somewhat remind us of the Camaro.

Moreover, there is also a sneaky, very interesting close-up shot of the interior that shows quite a dramatic improvement over the current model, with a stitched dashboard, aluminum accents and a pretty large LCD screen right in the middle.

As for now, there are no official info in regard to the engine range that will equip the new model, although it is rumored that a 3.6-litre V6 will definitely be part of the list. Good chance the new turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine developed by GM will find its way in the new Impala’s line up. Hybrid powertrains are also in the cards, but they will probably become available after the commercial launch. The production of the model should begin in January of 2013.

View the full 2013 Chevrolet Impala spy shots photo gallery