William Maley

Previous Page Next Page Once again, Chevrolet is heading off to SEMA to show off the latest COPO Camaro. But the COPO won't be the only Camaro dragster on display as Chevrolet will have a test vehicle showing off the Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program. COPO Camaro We'll begin with the COPO Camaro. This model is designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes and features a racing chassis and suspension bits to handle drag racing duties. COPO models feature a unique solid rear axle system, a lightweight, adjustable coil-over strut front suspension, manual four-wheel disc brakes, a custom manual steering rack, and a fuel cell system. There will be a range of naturally aspirated and supercharged V8 engines that will come paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. If you're interested in buying a COPO Camaro, you'll need to register at Chevrolet.com/COPO by December 15th to get the chance to be picked to purchase it. The COPO Camaro on display at SEMA is serial number 01 of 69. It features a supercharged 350 V8, custom racing wheels, and a unique version of Hyper Blue Metallic exterior color. Chevrolet will put this model up for auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January with proceeds going to United Way. Camaro SS Drag Race Development test vehicle Chevrolet describes the SS Drag Race Development test vehicles as a way "to mimic the typical stair-step enhancements many amateur racers make with their production Camaro SS models". Enginners started with a standard Camaro SS with an eight-speed automatic and began swapping parts. The test vehicle boasts cam-and-heads package to help boost power of the LT1 V8 to 530 (can be increased 600 with a power adder), higher-stall torque converter, and a set of drag slicks. “The Camaro SS Drag Race Development concept is a work in progress, but Chevrolet is serious about developing parts and packages tailored for drag racers. As we continue to develop the car, we’ll be listening intently to customers’ reactions to it and what they believe would help them the most on the drag strip. This is only the beginning,” The results of this work in progress are impressive with the test car posting best numbers of, 1.425 seconds for the 60-feet time 6.764 seconds at 100.85 mph for the eighth-mile 10.685 seconds at 125.73 mph for the quarter-mile Expect to see various parts coming from the Camaro SS Drag Race Development test vehicle in the near future. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Camaro Conquers the Quarter-Mile Drag Race Development Program, new COPO Camaro advance drag-racing legacy PAHRUMP, Nev. – For 50 years, the Camaro and the quarter-mile have stuck together like a drag slick on a well-prepped starting line, and Chevrolet is pushing that winning legacy forward with the new Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program and the 2017 COPO Camaro. The Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program explores the quarter-mile capability of the Gen Six Camaro with concept parts designed to support 10-second elapsed times in a production-based model. The COPO Camaro offers the first look at the factory-built race car program for 2017. “From sportsman classes to the pro ranks, Camaro has been one of the most popular cars ever to launch down the drag strip,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “For 50 years Chevrolet has supported Camaro drag racers and these new SEMA vehicles demonstrate our commitment to the sport, with parts development and the advancement of the historic COPO Camaro program.” That commitment has helped put Camaro drivers in the winner’s circle, including seven class wins out of eight NHRA Stock classes and a Super Stock class win at the 2016 Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. COPO Camaro racer Jeff Lopez was the Stock Eliminator champion. Drag Race Development The Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program was created to develop performance parts for 2016+ Camaro models. A test vehicle was built to mimic the typical stair-step enhancements many amateur racers make with their production Camaro SS models, including swapping the differential for a numerically higher ratio and adding horsepower-building components such as a cam-and-heads package to push the SS’s LT1 engine to more than 530 horsepower — and about 600 horsepower with a power adder. “More than simply achieving quick ETs in the Camaro, we are exploring the supporting components that help the car to go quicker with great durability,” said Mark Dickens, director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “We’ve tested stronger axles and chassis components aimed at improving launch and traction attributes.” Engineers have made more than 100 passes down the quarter-mile with the development car, including the evaluation of DOT-approved racing and slick tires and a variety of drivetrain combinations. The engineering team also tested a higher-stall torque converter for greater launch capability, increasing the stall speed to 4,200 rpm with the LT1 engine. That’s approximately 30 percent higher than the stock converter. Along with a custom transmission calibration, the prototype converter allowed the car to launch harder, which improved the 60-foot time significantly and thereby improved the quarter-mile elapsed time. The best performance to date includes: 60-foot time of 1.425 seconds Eighth-mile time of 6.764 seconds at 100.85 mph Quarter-mile time of 10.685 seconds at 125.73 mph Consistency in the performance tests came in large part from the Camaro SS’ production eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, which fired off quick, immediate upshifts. “We worked this car just as hard as any serious racer would,” said Dickens. “We made pass after pass, pushing it harder, and were amazed at the capability and durability that came straight off the assembly line.” To support the greater horsepower and channel it to the ground durably, the engineers borrowed some heavy-duty, proven parts from the Gen 6 Camaro ZL1 including the half-shafts and prop shaft and the beefier Gen 5 ZL1 and Chevrolet Performance driveline upgrade with a 250mm, 3.73-geared rear-axle center section. They nicknamed it “Gravedigger,” because they haven’t been able to break it. The parts might be included in a range of Gen Six Camaro drag-racing parts Chevrolet is evaluating. Additionally, the test car was fitted with Chevrolet Performance air induction and exhaust systems, as well as a “small” brake system that features small-diameter brake rotors that fit inside the test car’s 16-inch rear racing wheels and slicks. While the production Camaro SS features 20-inch wheels, optimal traction on the drag strip is achieved with racing slicks that feature taller sidewalls. They wrinkle slightly at launch as the slicks bite the starting line, reducing the chance for traction-killing tire spin. Smaller-diameter racing wheels typically don’t fit over large-diameter production brake rotors. “The Camaro SS Drag Race Development concept is a work in progress, but Chevrolet is serious about developing parts and packages tailored for drag racers,” said Dickens. “As we continue to develop the car, we’ll be listening intently to customers’ reactions to it and what they believe would help them the most on the drag strip. This is only the beginning.” Like other Chevrolet development vehicles, the Drag Race Development concept wears a camouflaged exterior. There is, however, no disguising its performance capability when it’s lined up at the Christmas tree. 2017 COPO Camaro show car The 2017 COPO Camaro program extends the production legacy that was re-started in 2012 and based on the special-order high-performance Camaro models created in 1969 to win on the drag strip. Chevrolet’s 2017 COPO Camaro show car — serial number 01 of 69 — was introduced today and features a supercharged 350 engine, custom Weld racing wheels and a unique “anodized” concept version of the production Hyper Blue Metallic exterior color. It will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in January 2017, with proceeds to benefit United Way. Like the previous editions, the 2017 COPO Camaro is designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes. The production race cars are fitted with racing chassis and suspension components, including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle. Additional details include: Lightweight, adjustable coil-over strut front suspension Four-link rear suspension with double-adjustable coil-over shocks, Panhard bar and stabilizer bar Rear axle with an aluminum center section featuring a lightweight steel spool and 40-spline gun-drilled axle shafts Lightweight, drag-race manual four-wheel disc brakes (unassisted) Custom manual steering rack Fuel cell with built-in high-pressure fuel pump Unique racing wire harness When it comes to horsepower, racers can select from a variety of supercharged and naturally aspirated LS- and LT-family engines, including a supercharged 350 (5.7L), a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) engine and an LT-based, direct-injected 376 (6.2L) engine. The engines are backed by an SFI-approved ATI TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with production hardware, including the same body-in-white used for production models. Racers interested in purchasing one of the 2017 COPO Camaro race cars must register at Chevrolet.com/COPO by Dec. 15, 2016. An independent third party will randomly select from the pool of interested customers. Those selected will be contacted in the first quarter of 2017. Enthusiasts can also follow updates on the 2017 COPO Camaro program at theBlock.com. Previous Page Next Page View full article

Ram Trucks is planning to build the current Ram 1500 well into 2019, even after it launches a redesigned model in 2018. Sources tell Automotive News the decision comes down to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles making a play for fleet customers by offering a lower-priced model in the form of the last-generation 1500. This move also allows dealers to have ample supplies of trucks - both old and new. "Going into 2018, having more pickup capacity will allow us also to satisfy the fleet customers' demand on pickup, which we struggle to do today because we favor retail in the U.S. and Canadian volume, which have higher margins," said FCA CFO Richard Palmer on a conference call last week. Sources say production of the current-generation Ram 1500 will continue at FCA's Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan and Saltillo, Mexico till 2019. The plan is for 200,000 trucks to be built in 2018, with another 65,000 built for 2019. An FCA spokesman declined to comment. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

You're a Volkswagen 2.0L TDI owner who decided to take the buy-back offer. You have a sizeable check in your pocket and decide to go looking for a new car. The folks at Hyundai and Volvo are hoping you buy one of their vehicles and are offering special deals to try and rope you in. CarsDirect has learned about the offers the two automakers are putting forward to former Volkswagen owners. Hyundai's offer is the Hyundai Circle V-Plan - think Ford's X plan pricing for friends and family. This plan takes 3 percent off the MSRP, plus $1,250 V-Plan cash and current incentives. You'll need to break out the calculator to figure how much you'll save, but it appears to be significant. As for Volvo, they are offering 5 years of complimentary "Safe + Secure Coverage" - this includes 5 years or 50,000 miles of warranty coverage, free scheduled maintenance, free roadside assistance, and wear and tear coverage for various components. There is also a $750 credit along with a 7-Year/100,000 Mile warranty with free roadside assistance if you go for a Certified Pre-Owned model. On the face of it, the Volvo isn't as generous as the Hyundai one. But Volvo has existing conquest incentives for Volkswagen and Audi owners that switch over. Case in point, the 2016 V60 has $4,500 sitting on the hood. To qualify for either deal, you'll need to present the Class Settlement letter (Hyundai) or proof of ownership and insurance (Volvo). Don't be surprised if you begin seeing other automakers offer something similar to draw former Volkswagen 2.0L TDI owners in the near future. Source: CarsDirect, 2 View full article

The Lexus IS is one of my favorite luxury sedans on sale today. The styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it helps make the IS stand out in a very crowded field of compact luxury sedans. Paired with the excellent 3.5L V6 and F-Sport package, the IS gives the German competition a run for its money in the twisty bits. Since we last drove the IS back in 2014, Lexus has made some changes to IS’ lineup with the base 2.5L V6 being dropped and a new turbocharged four-cylinder taking its place, along with a new variant of 3.5L V6 producing 255 horsepower badged as the IS 300. Recently, I spent some time in the IS 200t F-Sport and it was a bit disappointing. Read on to find out why. The cause for my disappointment? The turbocharged four-cylinder. The engine in question is the same one that is used in the NX 200t, a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic comes standard on rear-drive models, while all-wheel drive models retain a six-speed automatic. Compared to the NX 200t, I think this engine has gotten worse in the IS. The major problem is turbo lag. I could count to three after stepping on the accelerator before the turbo would spool up and give the vehicle the needed shove to move along. Even with the vehicle in Sport mode, it takes a moment for the turbo to wake up. Once the turbo is spooled up, it moves the IS with some authority. Power comes on at a steady and smooth rate. The engine also very refined with little noise coming inside. EPA fuel economy figures stand at 22 City/33 Highway/26 Combined. Our average landed around 24 mpg, partly due to my foot putting the pedal almost to the floor in an effort to make the turbo was up. The F-Sport package is the ace up the IS 200t’s sleeve. A revised suspension and steering setup, along with a set of summer tires make the IS a joy to pilot around corners. There is no body roll when entering a corner and the steering provides an excellent feel of the road. Unlike the IS 350 F-Sport, the 250 does without the adaptive dampers. This might make some reconsider as the ride can become somewhat rough over bumpy and pothole-ladened roads. Styling is still polarizing with sharp creases, an interesting lighting setup up front, and a grille that looks like it was styled off the Predator. The F-Sport package actually helps balance this design with new front bumper, mesh grille insert, and a set of 18-inch wheels finished in a dark gray. I’m not usually a fan of red on a vehicle, but it actually works quite well for the F-Sport. The IS’ interior hasn’t changed much since we last visited it in 2014. This means the excellent sport seats and well laid out instrument cluster are here. It also means the smallish screen for the infotainment system and the infuriating Lexus Remote Touch controller. The back seat is still quite small for most passengers, though I would say the Cadillac ATS’ back seat is even smaller. The 2016 IS 200t F-Sport begins at $40,870. Our test car came with a few options such as blind spot monitoring (which you need because rear visibility is poor), radar cruise control, navigation, Mark Levinson audio system, and heated front seats. This brought the as-tested price to $45,705. But for only $1,000 to $1,500 more, you can get into a decently equipped IS 350 F-Sport with adaptive dampers and the better engine. The Lexus IS is still an impressive compact luxury sedan and one that deserves more of the spotlight. But the 2.0L turbo spoils an impressive sedan. This is a case of right car, wrong engine. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the IS 200t, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Lexus Model: IS Trim: 200t F-Sport Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L DOHC 16-valve with Dual VVT-iW Inline-Four Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 241 @ 5,800 Torque @ RPM: 258 @ 1,650 - 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/33/26 Curb Weight: 3,583 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $37,325 As Tested Price: $45,705 (Includes $940.00 Destination Charge) Options: F-Sport Package - $3,545.00 Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio System - $2,645.00 Blind Spot Monitoring w/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert - $600.00 Dynamic Radar Cruise Control - $500.00 F-Sport Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with Heat - $150.00 View full article

I doubt the next Regal will have the V6. Holden needed it for their market and I highly doubt Buick wants this. As mentioned in the story, Holden wanted to put in a twin-turbo six, but the E2XX platform is too small to fit one in at the moment. Maybe the follow-up model will change this.

It seems whenever we write a news story about Alfa Romeo, it usually is for bad news. This is no different. Road & Track has learned from various journalists who attended the U.S. launch of the Giulia that there were no manual vehicles available. An odd omission since the U.S. was the only market going to get a manual transmission for Giulia Quadrifoglio and this transmission was available for those attending the European launch. Road & Track reached out to a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' spokesperson to ask what is going on. The answer is that Alfa Romeo has decided against offering the manual for the U.S. market. The spokesperson explained the decision came down to the U.S.' general lack of interest for manual transmission vehicles. A bit of odd turn of events considering that all of major U.S. auto shows that Alfa Romeo has appeared at featured Giulias equipped with a manual transmission. It should be noted that two key competitors of the Giulia Quadrifoglo - BMW M3 and Cadillac ATS-V do offer a manual transmission. Source: Road & Track View full article