Chevy Introduces Six-Speed Automatic on UK Market Cruze 2.0 VCDi

Buyers of Chevrolet's top-of-the-range Cruze 2.0 VCDi LT in the United Kingdom now have the option of a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift function.

Powered by a 2.0-liter common rail diesel engine delivering 150 horsepower, the automatic version of the Cruze sedan accelerates from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 9.9 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 124mph or 199km/h.

It offers up to 51.4mpg UK on the extra urban cycle and 42.2mpg UK combined, with CO2 emissions of 177g/km.

The Cruze 2.0 VCDi LT Auto is priced £17,145 on-the-road and comes with several standard features including full climate control, parking sensors, cruise control, front fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain sensitive wipers, automatic headlights, a six-CD autochanger and MP3 socket, and an alarm system.

First 2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible Arrives in Middle East

We're still more than a year away from the launch of the convertible version of the new Chevy Camaro, yet a luxury car dealership in Abu Dhabi called 'Princesscar' has put on sale what they describe to be the first drop top example of GM's muscle car to arrive in the Middle East.

However, since the odds of GM having supplied the Middle Eastern dealer with the yet to be revealed in production guise Camaro SS Convertible are less than the probabilities of discovering alien life in our solar system, we'll just assume that this example was built by an independent coachbuilder like NCE or Drop Top Customs. More pics after the jump.

Hat tip to George.L! Link: Princesscar

Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept Previews GM's New Ford Fiesta Rival

The 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week will host the world premiere of the Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept car handing us our first look at the next-generation Aveo that will be sold on both sides of the pond competing with superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.

Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the five-door concept adopts several styling cues including the dual element grille, round tail lamps and fender flares from other Chevrolet models such as the Spark and Cruze.

Being an RS version, the concept model sports several unique features like the 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels that cover the large Boracay Blue brake calipers, a roof spoiler, a specific front bumper with large air vents, exposed motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps that feature tinted aluminum housings and a rear diffuser with a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips.

Though virtually production ready, the concept model's interior has been adorned in leather with contrasting blue stitching, special decorative trim and a pair of sport front seats.

Under the hood, the Aveo RS houses the same 138-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four Ecotec engine that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Needless to say, the series production model will be far less aggressive in the details inside and out, though there is a chance that we might see a similarly styled and powered sporty RS model added in the Aveo's range.

GM said that the production Aveo will be manufactured at its Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Michigan starting from 2011.

GM Recalling 22,000 Corvette C6s Because... Targa Top Could Fly Off

Owners of Chevrolet Corvette Coupes from the 2005-2007 model years and Corvette Z06s from the 2005-2006 model years equipped with a detachable roof panel will soon have to pay a visit to their local dealers as GM is recalling approximately 20,090 Vettes over a problem with the top.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate either partially, in which case the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when going over bumps, wind noise and poor roof panel fit, or worst case scenario, the targa top may completely detach from the vehicle - no need to explain the dangers in this case...

General Motors said that the safety recall on the Corvette C6 is expected to begin sometime in January 2010 with dealers installing a newly designed roof panel free of charge. For more information, owners can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

GM to Auction Special Edition Corvette Z06 to Benefit Haitian Earthquake Relief Efforts

General Motors is joining in the efforts to help the people of Haiti after a catastrophic earthquake by auctioning off a limited edition 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z6 at this weekend's 39th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. All proceeds from the sale will go to the American Red Cross relief fund, while the GM Foundation said that it will offer an additional $100,000 cash donation to the Red Cross.

According to the automaker, the special edition Corvette was the last of 427 cars built specifically for North America and the only 2008 Z06 available in Crystal Red Metallic Tint Coat.

Powered by a 7.0-liter V8 with 505HP, this 'Vette also comes with spider design chrome Z06 wheels, Z06 plates, a Stinger-style stripe on the front hood and fascia, chrome exterior badges and a painted Z06 spoiler and body color door handles.

Inside, it boasts a Dark Titanium leather-wrapped interior and special Crystal Red center trim plate.

GM added that all 427 units of the limited edition Corvettes were signed and numbered in the center console area by Will Cooksey, the Corvette plant manager who retired in 2006 after 15 years running the plant.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Sunergy: Limited Production Version Inspired by SEMA Show Concept

As promised at the SEMA show last November, General Motors announced the launch of a special edition version of the 2010 Camaro that's distinguished by a never-before available, unique green hue. The Synergy Green exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 SEMA show with a concept model.

The limited edition production car is based on 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT powered by a 304HP 3.6-liter V6 coupled with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It will be produced in limited quantities from February to May with pricing starting at $26,790.

In production form, the special edition Camaro's unique Synergy Green finish is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the hood and rear deck while other exterior features include a rear spoiler and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.

The same color scheme is found on the interior, with Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Furthermore, Synergy Green stitching accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.

The Special Edition model also gets the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, with Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models equipped with an automatic transmission, fitted as standard.

Those that found the concept model alluring, can further modify the production Camaro Sunergy with a ground effects kit, 21 inch alloy wheels with a black center finish and polished rim and a performance air intake, all of which are offered through Chevy dealers.

The only parts from the concept car that are not offered by Chevy are the Pedders coil-over lowering kit, larger Brembo brakes and high wing rear spoiler.

2010 Camaro Sunergy Limited Edition

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2010 Camaro Sunergy SEMA Concept