2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS

May 2011 has been a very big month for Americans. Not only is it "National Military Appreciation Month," but our military even succeeded in killing one of the most hated men in America - Osama Bin Laden - as a bonus. Now, in honor of all of the soldiers that have protected us for all of these years, General Motors is expanding their $500-$4,000 discounts off of selected Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles to include military spouses and retirees. Vehicles purchased by these families will get an “Honor” badge and donations of $100 will be made to Cell Phones for Soldiers for each eligible vehicle sold with a military discount.

In addition to the added discounts and donations, Chevrolet will also be debuting a special edition Camaro SS called Honor and Valor. This special edition will be limited to only 99 units and will make its world debut during the Indianapolis 500 military personnel parade on May 28, 2011.

"We are committed to offering military professionals and their family members the best value in the industry," said Dan Akerson, General Motors Chairman and CEO. "As a former Navy man, I hold the highest regard for the men and women of our Armed Forces – past and present – who help keep our country safe and preserve our precious liberties."

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2010 CAMARO SS

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Pontiac GTO Judge Resurrected…Sort Of: Tuner Prepped Model Based on the Camaro

The makers of the fire-breathing Phoenix T/Athat we saw at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas are back with yet another proposal for a Pontiac model based on the latest iteration of Chevy’s Camaro pony car. This time the people over at Trans Am Depot will give birth to a modern day interpretation of Pontiac’s famed 1969 GTO Judge. The tuner named its creation “The GT9 Goat”.

The teaser renderings and photos of the faux-Pontiac reveal a bespoke front end with a split grille and a revised hood with air scoops, while at the back we find new tail lamp and bumper designs as well as a restyled trunk sporting a prominent wing. The characteristic profile side stripes, quad tail pipes and the newly styled alloy wheel options round off the exterior changes. There’s no word yet if there will be any kind of upgrades to the interior and the mechanical hardware of the Camaro.
Trans Am Depot said that the GT9 Goat will be available for order this fall. “The 6T9 Goat concept was created by designer Kevin Morgan to capture the look and feel of the classic '69 GTO Judge,” the company said in a statement.
As we mentioned here previously “The 1969 GTO is considered by many to be one of the top ten muscle cars of all time. Available this fall, this modern day version incorporates the look of yesteryear with the modern convenience and technology of today.”

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GM Recall Chevrolet Cruze Models for 2011

After the initial 2,100 inspections triggered by a detached steering wheel, General Motors announced a new recall involving 154,112 units of the 2011 model year Cruze - pretty much all models built for North America since production started in summer 2010.
The reason for this action is related to a steering issue as well, with GM saying it wants to check that the steering shaft was properly installed. The company didn't say whether or not the two recalls are related, but added it will use the latest one action to check on another issue that might affect some 120,000 models with automatic transmission. In this case, GM wants to verify whether the transmission shift linkage was properly installed.
GM stressed in a statement that “very few” of the recalled models should have both problems and that it has already made quality process changes to make sure neither error occurs again. According to a GM spokesman, the steering shaft issue was discovered when a customer lost steering control in a parking lot, without being involved in any type of accident. As for the automatic transmission problem, the carmaker says it was discovered when customers brought in their cars under warranty.
The company added that no accidents or injuries related to the Cruze recall have been reported. Built in Lordstown, Ohio for the U.S. and Canadian markets, the compact sedan was GM's second best selling vehicle in April.

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Chevrolet 2012 Corvette new Design

Chevrolet will improve the Corvette’s performance capabilities with a series of enhancements for the 2012 model year aimed at offering better on-track performance and on-road comfort. The subtle performance improvements concern the Z06 and ZR1 models, while the rest of the Corvette lineup receives modest interior and equipment updates.

New for the 2012MY are the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available for the 505HP Z06 and the supercharged 638HP ZR1 models. These competition-oriented tires promise to increase cornering and handling capability during warm, dry conditions. Combined with the Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology, the Michelins are said to offer an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration (more than 1.1 g) and shorter braking distances.

The new Michelins are included in the optional Z07 performance package for the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The tires come with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes that are about 5 lbs (2.2 kg) lighter and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel.

Another upgrade is the racing-style spoiler included in both Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 will also get the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension technology and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with the Z07 package. Additional optional extras include the carbon fiber hood on Z06 models and taller gearing for the ZR1 in 5th and 6th gear for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy.

Inside, all 2012 Corvette models will get new seat and steering wheel designs. Chevrolet says the seats will feature larger bolsters for improved lateral support and optional microfiber suede inserts. In addition, all models receive contrasting color stitching (red, blue and yellow), and padded center console and armrests.

In terms of equipment, there will be a new Bose audio system with nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011), better tuned to the cabin's acoustics. The 2LT trim level will feature a new Technology Package that includes navigation, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port. Finally, customers will be able to chose brake caliper colors from red, yellow, silver or gray.

Chevrolet will reveal the 2012 Corvette models alongside the Chevrolet Centennial Edition at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Production begins this July.

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