Revisions for 2012MY Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck is entering the new model year with some modest changes.

On the outside, there's a new chrome mesh grille matched with either a chrome surround on LS and LT models or a body-color surround on the LTZ, while LS and LT models now sport a silver-painted lower bumper fascia and a new 20-inch alloy wheel design.

GM also introduced four new exterior colors, including Silver Ice Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Carbon Flash Metallic, and Graystone, plus two new interior color combinations, Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Dark Cashmere/Light Cashmere.

For the 2012MY and with the exception of Hybrid models, all Silverado 1500s now feature Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist as part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, while cruise control and a spare tire lock are now standard on all Silverado 1500 models.

There's also a new White Diamond Edition package that is available in LT or LTZ trim, It adds a unique White Diamond Tricoat exterior color, chrome mirror caps and door handles, and body side moldings with chrome accents on LT models. Furthermore, the LTZ version gets the Z60 suspension package, 20-inch alloy rims, touring tires and a chrome tow hook and exhaust tip package.

Finally, Chevrolet has re-introduced the Custom Sport Truck package with updated content that includes:

• Vortec 5.3L V8 engine
• 6-Speed automatic transmission
• Heavy-duty trailering package
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Heated power-adjustable, manual-folding outside mirrors with chrome caps
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• Bodyside moldings with chrome accents
• Chrome door handles
• EZ-Lift locking tailgate
• Power driver seat
• Steering wheel controls
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Audio system with USB port
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Fog lamps

GM noted that the Custom Sport Truck package is available throughout the country on Silverado 1500 Extended Cab models and in California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida and select counties in Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi on Silverado 1500 Crew Cab models.

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Chevy, SEMA show page on Facebook

This year's edition of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas is a still long way off but some tuners have already begun teasing their custom creations.

This strange photo of an unnamed project car appeared on a dedicated SEMA show page on Facebook. There are no details about the build other than it will appear at the show in first week of November.

While it's evident that the five-door hatchback model sports the face of the Chevrolet Cruze, we're not sure about the body (and no, it's not the Cruze hatch). If you have any ideas or thoughts, skip the jump and head over to our comments section to share.

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GM Recall 2012 Chevy Impala and Buick LaCrosse Separate Issues Problem

General Motors announced today that it is recalling 11,905 2012MY Chevrolet Impala and 4,293 MY2012 Buick LaCrosse sedans sold in the US and in Canada over two separate issues.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, the 2012 Impala recall affects certain cars manufactured from April 19, 2011 through July 29, 2011 and concerns the installation of the power steering hose. If misplaced, the hose could be damaged and leak power steering fluid onto the engine compartment and the catalytic converter, with the risk of a fire.

From the 11,905 Chevys recalled, 10,334 have been sold in the USA and the rest in Canada. So far, there have been no recorded accidents or injuries related to the issue. GM dealers will inspect the upper power steering hose to ensure it is routed properly and, if necessary, make all repairs free of charge.

 

The recalled 2012 Buick LaCrosse sedans were manufactured from June 9, 2011 through July 2, 2011. The reason for the recall is failure to conform to federal motor vehicle standard No. 126 about the operation of Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC).

More specifically, the Stabilitrak system, as Buick calls its ESC, has an incorrect calibration that may not detect that a sensor has malfunctioned and, thus, not illuminate the warning light as required. This may cause the ESC to falsely activate, making sudden changes of direction and/or decelerating and possibly leading to loss of vehicle control and an accident.

GM dealers will reprogram the module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin before the end of August.

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2012 Chevrolet Orlando to go on Sale in Canada this October, Priced from $19,995

General Motor's newest proposal in the minivan segment, the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando, is so close but yet so far away for U.S. consumers. You see, the Detroit-based automaker today announced Canadian pricing for the Orlando before it arrives in dealers across the country in October 2011.

The South Korean-built people carrier hit European dealerships in the beginning of the year and even though the bigwigs over at GM had initially made plans to bring it over to the States, they reconsidered and decided to offer the 7-seater model only in Canada.

The 2012 Orlando will be available in Canada in three trim levels, with pricing set at CA$19,995 (US$20,260) for the LS model, CA$22,295 (US$22,591) for the LT and CA$29,735 (US$30,130) for the flagship LTZ model.

Power for all models comes from a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology that delivers an output of 174-horses.

When hooked up to a six-speed manual, it delivers an estimated fuel consumption of 6.7lt/100km (35.1 mpg US) on the highway and 10.1 lt/100 km (23.3 mpg US) in the city, while the 6-speed automatic delivers 6.9 lt/100 km (34 mpg US) on the highway and 10.6 lt/100km (22.2 mpg US) in the city.

"The new Orlando builds on the transformation of Chevrolet's fuel efficient and versatile product portfolio, offering a family-friendly vehicle in a key segment in the Canadian market," said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada. "With its expected segment-leading fuel efficiency and standard 7-passenger seating, Orlando should be a popular choice with Canadian families."

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GM Investing $163 Million to Increase Volt, Cruze Engine Capacity

General Motors is planning on building 10,000 Chevrolet Volts for the 2011 model year. While some are convinced that may not meet consumer demand, GM is looking is making sure it can meet engine demands. The automaker has announced a $163.2-million dollar investment in plants located in Flint and Bay City Michigan and Defiance, Ohio. This investment is being made to ensure GM has enough engines for the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Cruze and a new small car, expected to be the new Aveo.

The 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder is the base engine for Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient vehicles. The naturally aspirated version of the engine gives the Volt its extended operating range, and a turbocharged Ecotec variant is an option for Cruze models, including the Cruze Eco with its 42 mpg highway number. GM has not announced if expanded production will mean consumers will see the Ecotec in even more platforms.

Forced induction allows the smaller engine to deliver the power and tractability associated with a larger engine while delivering up to 42mpg on the highway, based on initial EPA estimates for the Cruze Eco. The 1.4-liter Ecotec delivers 138-horspower and 140 pound-feet of torque and will be available in the Cruze Eco, LT and LTZ trim levels. At the moment, GM has not announced plans to use the naturally aspirated version in anything other than the Volt.

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2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition Reportedly Priced at $90,960

In March, Chevrolet announced the 2010 Corvette Zo6 Carbon Edition would be available by the end of the year. The track ready special was to begin production in late summer and would hit dealers not long after. Production was pushed back to November, which was again rescheduled. Now, the guys over at Corvetteblogger.com have announced production will actually start in January or February of next year, with a base price is set at $90,960

If you check every box that price will reportedly jump to reported $99,925. This puts the Carbon Edition on the high side of splitting the difference between the standard Z06 at $74,305 and the flagship ZR1 at $111,100. Performance seems to be split down the middle as well.

The Z06 Carbon Edition starts with the same 505-horsepower 7-liter V8 engine found in the standard Z06. Handling and braking is where the Carbon Edition really puts the distance on the Standard Z06. Although not any lighter, it is equipped with the carbon brakes and magnetic ride suspension found on the higher-end ZR1.

On the outside, the Carbon Edition will include a carbon fiber hood, rockers and front splitter. A body-colored spoiler is also standard on the rear and a carbon fiber roof panel is available. The interior receives loads of suede upholstery on the seating surface, steering wheel and shifter and is complimented by either blue or orange contrasting stitching.

While many customers will enjoy the exclusivity and high-tech look of the Z06 Carbon Edition, we have to wonder how many will simply decide to pony up the extra $20,000 and get the supercharged ZR1. Chevrolet is obviously betting there are a large number of people who don’t need the straight line performance but still want a track ready Corvette.

READ MORE - 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition Reportedly Priced at $90,960