More on the 2008 Chevy Cobalt XFE

We had many commenters question our first post on Chevy’s revamping of the Cobalt base model with a manual transmission and renaming it the XFE. We felt we needed to clarify. XFE will be an additional badge added to distinguish newly manufactured Cobalts that have revised engine tuning and low-resistance wheels and tires to help them achieve better mileage. Mileage in the XFE is better by 3 mpg on the highway and 1 mpg in the city.

These XFEs come with the exact same equipment as the non-XFE Cobalts. All Cobalts — again, including the XFE — come with air conditioning, a CD player, XM Satellite Radio, 15-inch steel wheels and side curtain airbags standard.

They also come with one more thing other Cobalts do: Rebates. XFEs get the exact same rebate as all other Cobalts. Nationally, that’s at least $1,000, but the amount may vary in your area. Check our incentives page for your region.

Chevy Cobalt XFE Bests Segment, 36 mpg

How badly are fuel prices impacting car sales? So badly Chevy has gone under the hood of the Cobalt economy car and magically found 3 more mpg on the highway. Dubbed the XFE — Xtra Fuel Economy — the revised Cobalt is on sale now and delivers 25/36 mpg equipped with a manual transmission. The XFE replaces the base offering in both coupe and sedan versions of the LS and LT1 trim packages. Prices still start at $14,885.

Hitting the magical 36 mpg number propels the Cobalt XFE past the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus in terms of mileage for their manual transmission and represents a 9% gain in highway fuel efficiency. The Honda Civic with an automatic also gets 36 mpg.

How was the magic done? According to Chevy, “it uses revised engine calibration, low-rolling-resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio and other technologies.” Meaning, they didn't have to do too much.

We’re glad automakers are adding more efficiency, but we’re not sure how we feel about slapping a special badge on what isn't a dramatically different vehicle. It will save confusion on the lot, though, where older 2008s that didn't receive the tweaks will look identical to the XFEs.

Chevy Raises Prices on 2008 Malibu

What do you do after winning Car of the Year honors and having to add a second plant that works two shifts just to keep up with orders?

Why, you raise prices, of course. That’s exactly what Chevrolet did, upping the price of its 2008 Malibu sedan by $300 for cars built after April 2. The company's website is already showing the new price predominantly while the old price is still showing up in certain areas as shown above.

Chevy would only say that periodic "price adjustments" are common, but Aaron Bragman, an analyst with Global Insight, said the reason for raising the price of a car whose sales were up 110% in the first quarter of this year is obvious.

"Chevy has a hot model that they think they can get $300 more for, and they’re right,” Bragman said. "Chevy isn't getting the revenue it used to get from trucks because trucks aren't selling as well. They have to replace money not coming in from trucks with revenue from somewhere else, and that's what cars have to do for them."

Chevy also raised prices on the Cobalt, HHR and Impala, but wouldn't say how much. Dealer sources said they were far less than the Malibu.

"As the market shifts from trucks, cars are going to have to account for more profit at Chevy," Bragman said.

Chevy Adds Six-Speed, Four-Cylinder Malibu

When the new Malibu was announced last year, its four-cylinder engine was paired to a four-speed automatic, much to the chagrin of the automotive journalist community. After driving the four-speed I didn’t really see anything wrong with it, but that didn’t stop Chevy from apologizing for it profusely and announcing a six-speed was on the way. Now we get the final details about the more refined transmission. 

Unlike the four-speed, the six-speed will only be available in the top-of-the-line LTZ trim with a starting price of $25,895, not including a $650 destination charge. The power plant returns mileage of 22/32 mpg city/highway. That takes it just beyond the five-speed automatic Honda Accord — 21/31 mpg — and ties it with the 2009 Hyundai Sonata as the class leader. A similarly equipped Honda Accord EX-L starts at $25,860, while the Sonata Limited starts at $23,970.

Lesser Malibu trims — the LS and LT — retain the four-speed four-cylinder and its measly 22/30 mpg for the foreseeable future. The new four-cylinder LTZ goes on sale this spring.

Related
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Videos (Cars.com)
More Malibu News (KickingTires)

Photo Proves Volt is Not a Doorstop

After much hemming and hawing, we are relieved to see that the Chevy Volt can at least move. The photo above was provided by GM to AutoblogGreen and shows the body of a last-generation Malibu. According to Autoblog the engine under the lopsided hood is the Volt's E-Flex powertrain, proving, at the very least, the Volt will be able to drive around a test track a few times.

Many unknowns remain for GM, including the lithium-ion battery, the automaker's own 2010 deadline, and the final sticker price. The battery — still in development by two different companies — must be able to get the car 40 miles on a single charge. Whether or not GM can accomplish this before the quickly approaching deadline is up for debate. In the meantime, the price has floated up to $35,000, and may even go beyond that as designers struggle with various technological issues.

Still, we have proof the Volt is a driveable vehicle. That's a start.

Clarification of the Chevy Volt mule spy shots (AutoblogGreen)

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

The much-heralded Chevy Malibu faces one tough critic in Tom from Las Vegas. Overall, Tom likes his new Malibu quite a bit, but he does have a few complaints. Read his review to find out why he thinks the Malibu has some improvements to make if it wants to catch up to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. You can also submit your own review here.

Midsize Cars Improve in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently concluded crash tests on seven midsize sedans and discovered that while they had improved in side crash tests, they still lacked enough head protection to earn top marks in rear crash tests.

Tested were the 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Infiniti G35, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant (which was updated for the 2009 model year on sale now), Nissan Altima and Saturn Aura.

Only the Kia Optima did not earn the top score of “good” for side impact crash tests – it received the second highest nod, “acceptable.” However, the Optima was the only car in the test to receive a “good” score in rear crash tests.

The difficulty in scoring the top rank in rear tests involves head and neck protection for those rear-end collisions that produce whiplash. The IIHS claims that those types of accidents and injuries lead to losses of $8.5 billion annually. Most vehicles need to equip active head restraints to pass this test.

The Audi A3, A4, Honda Accord, Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy – with optional stability control – earned good ratings in all tests previously and earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick designation for midsize cars. 

A full chart of how the cars scored is below.

Cars.com Reviews 2008 Chevrolet Suburban

Even in these days of sky-high fuel prices, there are still folks out there who need to tow and need room for cargo and kids. That’s where the Suburban excels. Check out the latest review of the model that was redesigned for 2007 and see if it’s the right fit for you.

2008 Chevrolet Suburban Expert Review

Plug-In Volt Hitting the Road

GM is ready to test the much-hyped Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid that everyone in the automotive media can’t seem to stop talking about. The Volt’s propulsion system — the parts that make it go — will be put to the test in a mule vehicle. A mule is an industry term that describes a new car being tested under the guise of an older one. In this case, the Volt will look like a last-generation Chevy Malibu.

A number of journalists checked out the Volt program in Michigan last week, and AutoWeek came away with some tidbits about the interior resembling the new Malibu’s dual cockpit setup. It even went so far as to call the styling reminiscent of 1960s Corvettes.

These road tests are important, but GM still doesn’t expect to have a fully drivable version until 2009. The on-sale date is still projected as 2010. A GM spokesperson said the Volt is the company’s “No. 1 priority.”

GM to road-test Volt propulsion systems this month (AutoWeek) 

New Chevy Malibu Gets Conquest Cash

Do you, or does anyone in your household, own or lease a 1999 or newer non-GM car or light-duty truck? Yeah? Then you’re eligible for a $1,000 incentive on the newly redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu. This is what those in the biz call “Conquest Cash,” because the company hopes to woo drivers who own one of the competition’s cars.

This unknown (but certainly large) base of eligible shoppers has until May 21 to take advantage of this offer. Unlike similar offers, you don’t even have to trade in a vehicle to get the $1,000, nor do you have to be the person in the household whose name is on the title of the non-GM vehicle.

The only group of folks who really can’t take advantage of this offer are … well, loyal GM owners. Don’t be worried, GM loyalists, because GM is offering $1,000 off the cost of a Malibu (and a slew of other vehicles) for any owner of a 1999 or newer GM. There are currently no other cash back incentives on the Malibu. The other vehicles included in the loyalty offer can be found below.

OnStar Adding Live Directions to Nav Systems

When GM rolled out turn-by-turn directions for navigation-less models, we were impressed with the thrifty idea even if the execution wasn’t pretty. Now the company is making the obvious leap to adding live operator-provided directions to models equipped with factory-installed navigation systems.

Yep, using Destination Download you’ll be able to call an OnStar operator and get them to send directions to your navigation screen instead of having to type them in yourself.

Chevrolet Offers Cash Back on 2008 Impala, Avalanche

It’s a new month, and new April incentives are gradually rolling out. GM’s the first to post, and thus far the deals are slightly underwhelming.

Chevy is offering $1,500 cash back on its Impala sedan, a perennial best-seller despite its otherwise bland personality. The carmaker is also giving back $2,000 on the 2008 Avalanche, which Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays lauded in his review when the truck first hit the scene. Both cars also have 36-month, 2.9% financing offers.

Chevy is continuing its usual high-dollar truck incentives in April, offering between $1,500 and $3,250 cash back on its various Silverado trucks. Incentives expire April 30.

What Would Make the Perfect Winter Police Car?

Chicago’s new police superintendent is discussing converting the city’s fleet of Ford Crown Victoria police cars to four-wheel-drive Chevy Tahoes. The thinking is that the Tahoes would be better able to handle winter weather than the rear-wheel-drive Crown Vics.

Chicago’s budget probably can’t afford a new fleet of Tahoes, but after too many months of winter weather this past season, we here at the Cars.com offices wonder if it’s not such a bad idea to get rid of the ancient RWD Crown Vics. The story linked below says the Crown Vics and Tahoe get the same mileage, about 11 mpg. That must be for special models equipped for police use, though, because city mileage for the Crown Vic is 17 mpg and the Tahoe is 14 mpg. Maybe Chicago can get some Tahoe Hybrids to keep its green-focused mayor happy.

What would your choice for a winter police car be? And what the heck do they use in Alaska?

Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis pushes upgrading cops' equipment (Chicago Tribune)

GM Pays Out for Coolant-Related Repairs

Any chance you bought a GM vehicle between 1995 and 2004? If so, GM might owe you as much as $800 as part of a settlement in one of the largest product-liability lawsuits a U.S. automaker has ever faced.

The problem stems from an engine coolant known as Dex-Cool, which caused engine malfunction in an estimated 35 million vehicles. Even if you bought your car used, you could be entitled to compensation for repairs linked to the faulty coolant.

The details break down like this: If you paid for a repair because of Dex-Cool on any 3.1-, 3.4-, 3.8-, or 4.3-liter V-6 engine in the first seven years or 150,000 miles of the vehicle’s life, then GM owes you some amount of money. If the repair came in the seventh year, you're owed $50, in the sixth year $100, and any repair in the first five years earns you $400. Any damage to the car beyond the engine's cooling system, and you're looking at up to $800. Finally, if you had to pay for multiple repairs, you’re entitled to multiple repayments.

Now you're beginning to see how this could add up for GM.

Claims can be submitted until Oct. 27 of this year. For more information, or if you think you qualify for repayment, go to www.dexcoolsettlement.com. Read the models after the jump.

Camaro Accessories on the Way

Suppose you’re thinking that the upcoming Camaro needs more pizzazz: Maybe a ground effects package, larger wheels, a spoiler or even a new grille. Don’t get ahead of yourself just yet, there’s still a good deal of time before the Camaro hits dealerships in early 2009. But when it does finally arrive, General Motors’ accessories division is going to have all those extras for the Camaro.   

Larry Sully, Global Accessories Design manager, gives us a peek at the development Camaro the company is using to design those parts in the GM Next video below; at the 2:24 minute mark, there’s even a quick view of the prototype rear body kit. We’re especially curious what the accessory grille and spoiler will look like. You can spot the basic shape of the spoiler, as there’s a cloth draped over it, and it looks huge.

Related
Chevrolet Camaro News

Chevy Cobalt SS Priced at $22,335

Chevrolet has priced its 2009 Cobalt SS at $22,335, plus a $660 destination charge. With a 260-hp turbo engine under the hood and a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds, the coupe has plenty of get-up-and-go, but as is so often the question: What else ya got?

Features at this price include stability control, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio, none of which you can really argue with. Additional features for an added price include a sunroof for $750, a high-wing rear spoiler for $195 and a sound system for $295. The five-speed Cobalt also gets a decent 30 mpg on the highway.

Chevy expects the Cobalt SS to arrive at dealerships by late April.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Ready in a Year

For months, Chevrolet has hinted that the remake of the Camaro sport coupe would arrive in January of next year as a 2009 model, but Chevy general manager Ed Peper says, nope, it will go into production in February of next year and won’t be in showrooms until March 2009 — as a 2010 model.

Rather than a January intro and a short 2009 model run before switching to a 2010 designation in the fall, the Camaro will have a long run as a 2010 model before switching to a 2011 designation in the fall of 2010.

Peper said only the coupe will be offered for the first nine months of the model’s life, with a choice of a 400-plus-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 or a 300-plus-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. He said mostly V-8s will be produced, for enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the first ones off the assembly line.

The convertible will be added at the end of 2009, also as a 2010 model.

Batteries Vying for Future of Car Industry

Much has been written about Chevy's 100 mpg Volt — a gamble that, if it pays off, could send shockwaves through the automotive industry, especially with the price of oil going nowhere but up.

The key to the technology behind the Volt's promise to go 40 miles on a single charge is the development of its lithium-ion battery. GM has staked a lot on having this battery — and thus the Volt — ready by 2010, but questions still remain.

The company behind the Volt's battery is A123 Systems, and it’s charged with creating a product that will not only reliably power the vehicle those crucial 40 miles, but can also last the life of the car and not burst into flames if punctured.

Currently, most hybrids use nickel metal hydride batteries. The promise of lithium-ion batteries involves packing more power into a smaller package, but obviously this comes with technical issues, not to mention a hefty price tag.

Friday Fleet Notes: 2.29.08

This week, we have input from staffers on multiple vehicles, including the Mazda RX-8, Jeep Patriot, Subaru WRX STI and the always-coveted Chevy Malibu. Check out what our staff had to say, then take a look at our latest Expert Reviews for each vehicle for more in-depth coverage.

2008 Honda Odyssey

• Unlike many minivans, the Odyssey doesn't forget about the driver. The V-6 engine is a smooth performer, and the van's responsive handling is much appreciated. Cabin quality is impressive, and seat comfort is good in all three rows. If I were shopping for a minivan, I'd spend my money on this one. – Mike Hanley, Cars.com reviewer

Presidential Cash Back from GM

GM has been steady, if not spectacular, in doling out cash back incentives offers over the last six months. Those incentives are getting a sudden spike this week, according to Bloomberg News: The automaker is offering an additional $1,000 cash back on 15 models in an attempt to further boost sales in the typically difficult winter climate.

The promotion includes the 2008 Saturn Vue and Aura, bumping those vehicles’ offers to $2,500. Also receiving rebates, according to Bloomberg, are Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Silverado, Pontiac G5, and 2007 Corvettes.

The sales are timed to coincide with Presidents’ Day, and if there’s a better way to honor American history than buying a Buick Lucerne or a Chevy Silverado, we’ve yet to hear of it.

For a full list of incentives, check out Cars.com’s Incentives Page and Top 10 Rebates list.

Recall Alert: 2006-08 Chevrolet HHR

GM is recalling more than 180,000 Chevy HHRs due to poor crash-test ratings — an unusual cause. The company is going to insert energy-absorbent materials into the headliner of all models not equipped with roof-mounted airbags.

Model year 2006-08 HHRs are included in the recall. It’s extremely rare for a car company to fail a standard federal safety test, and we’re surprised it took so long for the recall to take place, since it involves a 3-year-old model. For more information, contact Chevrolet at 800-630-2438.

GM Recalling 180,000 Chevrolet HHRs (NHTSA via Autoblog)

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Muscle Cars

So I started off this year's Chicago Auto Show with one goal in mind for this feature: Photograph the 2008 Dodge Challenger. That goal? It was achieved with smashing success. Dodge even put three different-colored models on the floor for us to crawl around in. After fighting off crowds of onlookers and pushing my way to the front of the pack of gawkers, I decided it was time to give the domestic car companies their due by producing a Through Ian's Lens post that highlights my three favorite modern muscle cars. So without boring you with more jibber jabber about design lines and aesthetic mumbo jumbo, here are the 2008 Dodge Challenger, the 2008 Ford Mustang GT500 KR, and the Chevrolet Camaro "Bumble Bee" concept. A full set of photos is below.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Chevy Traverse Video

Cars.com's managing editor and our own resident Suburban Dad, Patrick Olsen, has taken on one of the most significant family vehicles to debut at the Chicago Auto Show this year. The 2009 Chevy Traverse is similar to corporate cousins like the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, but Patrick manages to find some of the real differences in the Traverse. Share this video via YouTube.

More info and photos on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Up Close: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet insists its version of GM's three-row crossovers — the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave — is more than just a new badge. Vehicle line executive Anna Kretz characterized the Traverse's ride as the sportiest of the group, with a direct-injection V-6 that makes incrementally more power than the others.

Indeed, the crossover's two-tier grille lends a taller visage than the Outlook's, and the beady, high-mounted taillights reinforce the stance. I found the LTZ show car's abundant chrome accents a bit distracting, especially against its silver paint. Get one in red or black; I suspect that will look better.

GM Crossovers to Get Improved Mileage, More Power

At the Chicago Auto Show today, GM officials said to expect the automaker's three-row crossovers to receive similar engineering improvements as the just-introduced Chevrolet Traverse. That means slight gains in power and gas mileage for the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.

The improvements come thanks to GM's direct-injection V-6, a potent engine we've driven in the new Cadillac CTS. In the Traverse, the engine makes an estimated 286 hp, slightly more than in the other crossovers. Vehicle line executive Anna Kretz said she expects it to migrate to the Outlook, Enclave and Acadia, though she didn't specify a timetable. We imagine it will happen for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

Gas mileage should also improve, though GM has yet to release exact figures.

"Any time you do a direction injection [engine], you're going to improve your efficiency," Kretz said, adding that she expects the mileage gain to be "certainly one that is noticeable."

With front-wheel drive, the Outlook, Enclave and Acadia get 16/24 mpg city/highway. In the CTS, gas mileage is slightly lower for the direct-injection V-6 versus its port-injected equivalent, but that engine makes 304 hp. If the Traverse's variant can raise highway mileage to 25 or 26 mpg while providing a bump in passing power, it should be a win-win for all.

2009 Chevy HHR Gets First E85 Four-Cylinder

This morning at the Chicago Auto Show, GM announced that the 2009 edition of the Chevy HHR will feature a four-cylinder E85 engine standard, making it the first four-cylinder that can run on the renewable fuel.

There will be two versions of the engine: a 2.2-liter and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, both of which will be E85-capable flex-fuel engines, meaning they can run on regular gas or ethanol-derived E85. The 2009 HHRs will go on sale later this year.

Mileage estimates weren’t released, but other Chevy flex-fuel engines deliver roughly 25% worse fuel economy when running on E85 than when running on regular gasoline. The current HHR gets 22/30 mpg city/highway and 20/28 mpg for the 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines, respectively, on regular gasoline. A 25% drop would knock those city numbers well into the teens.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

• Competes with: Mazda CX-9, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot
• Looks like: Chevy’s new big-mouth look is spreading to every new release
• Drivetrain: 286-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

If you’re a long-time reader or otherwise know your way around the GM family, you might be surprised to hear that Chevrolet is rolling out its own three-row crossover — one that’s nearly identical to the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. It also shares a lot with the more upscale Buick Enclave. The average person would ask why there’s a need for such a similar vehicle. The answer is simple: Chevy loyalists don’t have a large crossover option.

Dealers demanded a three-row crossover, and GM delivered. The Traverse does bump up the power in the same V-6 shared with the other three crossovers. The Traverse gets 286 hp — versus 270 in the Outlook and 275 in the Acadia — through some slight tweaking of the engine. GM is also saying it will get better mileage than any other vehicle in its class, but because of the long wait before it goes on sale there are no official numbers yet. The Outlook and Acadia get 16/24 mpg city/highway. 

The Traverse comes with stability control, rollover mitigation, a tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and 17-inch wheels standard. IIHS hasn’t crash-tested any of the GM three-row crossovers, but NHTSA has given them five-star awards for crash tests and four-star rollover ratings.

Did we mention the Traverse’s looks? Oops. The silver car in these press images really doesn’t help us come to a final conclusion. The new Chevy grille doesn’t look as good here as it does on the new Malibu, but slightly better than it does on the Aveo. The profile is totally boring but borrows its wavy shape from the Enclave, not the Acadia and Outlook. The backside is interesting, including taillights inspired by the upcoming Camaro. Still, we want to see another color. See what you think of the photos below. We’ll have more on the Traverse from the floor of the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: Chevy Decides to Show Off Camaro After All

Yup, Chevrolet reads KickingTires.

Chevy officials read the recent item here that the Camaro sports coupe concept would be absent from the Chicago Auto Show that opens Friday, and how the move perplexed us when there would be another new muscle car rolled out nearby.

Chevy said the coupe and convertible concepts had already done the rounds at the major shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York, and now it was time to feature it at smaller shows, like in Philadelphia, this year.

But at a time when GM could use visible enthusiasm for its cars, why not bring the Camaro to Chicago, the auto show on the circuit that attracts the most consumer interest and historically serves as a barometer of potential popularity?

"We read the item, asked some GM folks about why we couldn't show Camaro in Chicago and got permission to have it at the show; the yellow Bumble Bee Camaro from the movie ‘Transformers,’" said Chevy spokesman Terry Rhadigan.

So, Bumble Bee will be part of the Chevy display in the GM exhibit, where all GM divisions will be housed in the North Hall at McCormick Place. You can thank us in the comments below.

Chevy Opens Hydrogen Test-Drive Program

If you live in metropolitan Los Angeles, New York or Washington, D.C., you may be eligible to be one of roughly 500 testers for GM’s new hydrogen fuel-cell technology. The program, called Project Driveway, will take place over two years and give ordinary citizens access to GM’s fleet of 100 fuel-cell vehicles. The first two test drivers — both from the D.C. area — were announced today at the Washington Auto Show. 

Each test subject gets to live with a fuel-cell Chevy Equinox for two months and report back on life driving on hydrogen. If you’re interested, all you need to do is fill out a simple survey on Chevy’s website here. It takes a few minutes and asks about everything from household stuff — how many people live in your house, how much you make — to driving habits and, interestingly enough, “Are you proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English?”

We’re guessing that question is simply so researchers can make the most out of the testers’ feedback. Would you sign up for such a program? If you go to the site and take the survey, leave your reactions in the comments below.

Production Camaro Not Coming to a Major Auto Show Near You

Even if you search the bowels of McCormick Place when the Chicago auto show gets under way next month, you won't find the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro that goes into production a year from now.

One reason, Chevy folks say, is that it was already shown as a coupe concept two years ago and as a convertible concept one year ago at the major Detroit, Chicago and New York shows, so now it's time for folks in smaller markets, like Cleveland and Philadelphia, to get an in-person peek at their local auto show. There aren't a host of pre-production cars built to travel to all shows in the country.

Part of the fear is that the Camaro was unveiled as a concept two years ago but won't go on sale for another year. If you show the vehicle too much before it actually goes on sale, you run the risk of having it look old even before it bows as a new car. What’s odd is that GM fears overexposure at the same time it's showing pictures of the Camaro — minus any pre-production camouflage — on its own website and asking enthusiasts who spot one undergoing testing around the country to post their photos on the site, too.

GM Says Traverse Will Bow in the Fall

A GM spokesman has confirmed that a new Chevrolet crossover known as the Traverse will go on sale this fall. Although he didn't name a price, internet rumors have it that the Traverse will be the cheapest of the three-row crossovers it shares a platform with, including the Buick Enclave (shown here), GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. The Traverse will also help fill a hole left by the discontinuation of the Chevy TrailBlazer.

GM expects the Traverse to be among the best-selling of its new vehicles and plans to move between 80,000 and 100,000 in its first year. This would put it well ahead of sales for any of its cousins, which totaled 137,000 this past year. Because of the Traverse's lower cost, however, the vehicle may end up being light on features.

Confirmation of the Traverse raises the next important questions: Where and when will the Traverse debut? The Chicago Auto Show now seems like the most obvious venue, although GM has yet to announce anything concrete.

GM to Begin Selling 2009 Traverse Crossover (Detroit Free Press)

Camaro Front End Spotted

GM’s Fastlane blog has run what it says is a picture “captured” by a reader at a test track, supposedly in response to the company asking fans to take shots of test models when they see them on the road. Great idea, but this shot looks like it came from a company insider. Regardless, we get a little more info on what the front end might look like when the car is finally introduced. We’re guessing that will happen this week.

More Camaro News

Video: 2009 Corvette ZR1

Can’t stand waiting until summer to drive one of the limited-edition Corvette ZR1s with 620 hp? No, neither can we. That’s why we took some footage provided from the kind folks at GM and put it on YouTube for all to enjoy.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Chevrolet  Corvette ZR1 info and photo gallery

How Ford Lost The #2 Spot to Toyota

We fired up the email this morning, per our usual, only to read lots of people asking why we hadn’t posted about Toyota overtaking Ford for the No. 2 automaker in the U.S in 2007. Frankly, we had thought that had already happened. Just kidding. Still, we didn’t digest all the numbers until now and there are some interesting things to note.

Toyota Division — Toyota-branded vehicles only; no Lexus or Scion — sold 2,291,648 total vehicles in 2007, the company’s best number ever.

Ford Division — Ford-branded vehicles only; no Lincoln or Mercury — sold 2,101,244 total vehicles, down 13.6 % from 2006’s figure of 2,433,086.

Conclusion 1: Yes, Toyota is now the No. 1 nameplate. GM as a company is still really No. 1, but its Chevrolet nameplate is the No. 2 brand now, with 2,265,641 vehicles sold in 2007. That’s down 6.2% from 2,415,428 in 2006. GM as a company — including Cadillac, Hummer, and so on — is still tops with 3,833,611, versus Toyota Motor Company at 2,620,825 and Ford Motor Company at 2,572,599. The new Chrysler group — Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep — was down 3% to 2,076,650.

First Look: Production 2009 Chevy Camaro!

Numerous blogs have been posting images of the upcoming production Camaro in camouflage. Car camouflage does what the name implies: it hides the true shape of the car from prying eyes and photographers. The latest shots have showed off pretty much all there is to know about the Camaro — except, of course, a clean image. So GM decided to upload this uncamouflaged shot to its own Fastlane blog to put a stop to all the rumors. Now we just want to know one thing:

Is it coming to the Detroit auto show in two weeks?!

More Camaro News (KickingTires)

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Corvette ZR1

• Competes with: Porsche 911 GT2, Audi R8
• Looks like: Mattel added some flair to a Corvette
• Drivetrain: 620-hp, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Sometime in 2008

Yep, this is the super-Corvette you might’ve been reading about for, oh … the last three years. Once nicknamed the Blue Demon Devil, the ZR1 is now official, in the flesh and bare for all to see. Weighing in at a scant 3,350 pounds, the ZR1 is based on the aluminum chassis of the Corvette Z06 we all know and love.

It adds things like a silly supercharged 6.2-liter engine capable of a 200 mph top speed, carbon ceramic rotors and standard magnetic ride control, plus carbon fiber roof, front fenders, rocker moldings and more. This is no toy. This is a super car. A supercar that hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

We’re a bit unimpressed with the look, though. It isn’t as subtle as the Z06, but owners might not care. There will be plenty of ZR1 badging on this sucker, and even the VIN will be unique to each model made. Chevy didn’t say how many that will be, but threw around the number 150 in the description of the VIN setup. Hmmm…

We can’t hazard a guess at the price, but Chevy says it will “trump exotics that cost two, three or four times as much.” The Z06 costs $70,175. The ZR1 would be a deal under $100,000. That’ll be what we’re waiting to hear when the car debuts in person at the Detroit auto show in a few weeks.   

Specs and photos below.

First Drive: Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell

Even though hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may be a long way from appearing in a showroom near you, they are already starting to populate America's roads thanks to test programs from manufacturers like Honda and Chevrolet. Chevrolet's effort, called Project Driveway, aims to place about 100 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell SUVs in the hands of ordinary drivers for extended loans. I recently had the chance to take a short drive around La Jolla, Calif., in the Equinox fuel cell, and I came away impressed.

The Equinox fuel cell offers strong, smooth acceleration, easy handling and natural brake pedal feel. After driving it for a while, it starts to feel like a hybrid that's been forced to stay in electric mode all the time, only it's more powerful. The Equinox fuel cell's electric motor drives the front wheels (there is no transmission) and it has 236 pounds-feet of torque ready whenever you touch the gas pedal.

Chevrolet has also engineered in little things that will help any driver of a conventional gas-powered car feel comfortable in the Equinox fuel cell. Lift your foot off the brake pedal and it will creep forward like a regular car with an automatic transmission. In fact, the Equinox fuel cell doesn't really ask the driver to change anything about the way they drive in order to operate it. That's sure to be a plus for the people who have been selected to test it as part of Project Driveway.

Chevy to Introduce Malibu Hybrid in Just 11 States

Citing limited numbers of the 2008 Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet has announced it will restrict the debut of the vehicle to 11 states, concentrating sales on the West Coast and in the Northeast. That means that if you’re interested in a new Malibu Hybrid but live in fly-over country, you’re out of luck for the time being.

Chevrolet says it doesn’t want the hybrid vehicles sitting on low-volume dealerships gathering dust, but after the anticipation for the vehicle, some would-be Malibu fans are left scratching their heads. Of course, this move could be just a stop-gap as the company develops a more efficient full-hybrid version of the sedan.

Right now, Chevy’s schedule for the Malibu looks like this: The standard gasoline version debuted in November, and the gas-electric hybrid version will hit those key markets in January. If you live in the Midwest, Southeast or Mountain West, however, you may have to wait until that full hybrid comes along.

GM to Limit Malibu Hybrid to 11 Markets (Autoweek)

GM Continues to Tweak Volt Design

We heard not too long ago that GM had to rethink the design of its Chevy Volt concept car for production because it wasn’t nearly aerodynamic enough to get the mileage it was aiming at. Further evidence that GM is actually going to make the Volt comes to us in the form of the sketch above. It’s a sketch of one of the models being tested in a company lab. It doesn’t look radically different than the concept, but the headlights, grille and lower bumper all look more refined than before. It also looks a bit more “Chevy” to us.

Truck Outlook Gloomy, Tied to Housing Market

Pickup trucks are the lifeblood of the auto industry, contributing an estimated $5,000 to $15,000 to automakers’ coffers for each one sold.

But trucks are in need of a transfusion, and the outlook isn't very bright this year or next.

People staying put in their home — fearful of moving up in a dismal market — might have money to spend on a new car. But those who build homes can't afford to buy new trucks when there are no homes being built. 

General Motors has a 150-day supply of unsold Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups in stock, more than twice the normal 60-day supply. Dodge has a 120-day supply of unsold Rams, while Ford is at 91 days of F-Series pickups.