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2013 Camaro 1LE: 426-hp, 1g cornering, under $40,000

1LE features Camaro ZL1-inspired chassis and suspension enhancements
2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models available with MyLink infotainment system

DETROIT – The road-racing inspired Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2013 with unique gearing, suspension tuning, and tires that makes the model capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration and a sub-three minute lap time at Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course. It is offered on Camaro SS coupes with manual transmissions.

"The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer."

In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.

For 2013, all Camaro SS models including the 1LE will feature standard variable-effort electric power steering and an available dual-mode exhaust system. Both features were introduced on the ZL1. Additionally, 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models are available with Chevrolet's color touch radio with MyLink infotainment system.

"With the 2013 model year, Camaro offers something for almost every driver, including: the 323-horsepower, 30-mpg 2LS; the all-new, 580-horsepower supercharged ZL1 convertible; the COPO Camaro for drag-racing; and the new 1LE for amateur track days," said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro marketing manager. "We expect the range of choices, and enhancements for 2013, will help Camaro remain America's most-popular sports car."

Camaro sales were up nearly 20 percent for the first two months of the year, building on an 8.5-percent gain for all of 2011. The 1LE package goes on sale this fall with the 2013 Camaro line. Pricing will be released later this year.

A heritage of handling

The Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro's involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

For 2013, the 1LE package is offered only on 1SS and 2SS coupe models, featuring a 6.2L LS3 V-8, which is rated at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb-ft of torque (569 Nm). In addition, 1LE is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

While the Camaro SS features a Tremec TR6060-M10 for all-around performance, the Camaro 1LE features an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance. As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.

The 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:

Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 11-inch aluminum wheels
285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance
ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-cornering

Visually, the 1LE package for 2013 is distinguished by its matte-black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car's on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

Inside, the 1LE package incorporates the ZL1's flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded microfiber.

Electric power steering and dual-mode exhaust bring ZL1 technology to SS models

All 2013 Camaro SS models, including the 1LE, will benefit from performance technologies that debuted on the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1.

The improvements began in 2012, when all SS Coupes incorporated the ZL1-derived chassis element: Stabilizer bars with drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This made the stabilizer bars four times more effective than in previous models, for improved control of body roll and crisper response to steering input.

New for 2013, the electric power steering system developed for the ZL1 will be standard on all 2013 SS models. The variable ratio, variable effort system provides light efforts for easy maneuverability at parking-lot speeds as well as increased resistance at higher speeds. This provides more feedback, and a more direct steering feel, to the driver.

Also new for 2013 is an available dual-mode exhaust system, available on Camaro SS models with the LS3 V8 engine and six-speed manual transmissions. Similar to the systems found on the ZL1 and Corvette models, this vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound at high engine speeds.

MyLink connects you

Chevrolet's color touch radio with MyLink infotainment is available on all 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models. The color touch radio, with a 7-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.

The color touch radio with MyLink gives customers a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. The high-resolution, full-color touch screen display makes media selection easy to navigate.

MyLink also retains all the capabilities of today's entertainment functions, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, auxiliary and USB inputs.

 

Courtesy of GM

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Replacing Your Timing Belt

Replacing your timing belt regularly is essential

A significant element of the “brain” of a car engine, the timing belt (aka cam belt), controls your vehicle’s valve timing. The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of valves necessary during the internal combustion process. On some engines, it may also turn the water pump. According to Wikipedia, the first car to use a timing belt was in 1945, and the timing belt first went into mass production in 1962 with the German Glas 1004 car. It hit America with the 1966 Pontiac Tempest, and the 1966 Vauxhall introduced the modern-day use of the timing belt with the four-cylinder overhead cam design that is common to most cars today. Auto manufacturers recommend that the timing belt be replaced at regular intervals, so it is wise to consult your owner’s manual and keep accurate records.

Make changing the timing belt part of regular maintenance

All automotive belts are important to an engine’s proper function, and the timing belt is no exception. It’s made of rubber, so it’s relatively inexpensive. However, it can also snap without warning. Depending upon whether you have the “free-wheeling” type of engine (as AutoMedia.com puts it), a snapped timing belt can cause the engine pistons to bend the valves, which requires the head to be removed. That’s an expensive repair procedure, so have your timing belt replaced regularly. As the timing belt is typically covered up and not easily visible, it’s generally a good idea to have a trained professional perform the inspection and replacement. However, mechanic-savvy consumers can perform the procedure at home. See About.com’s detailed instructions for more info on the procedure, and be careful not to over-tighten.

How long will a timing belt last?

This varies by manufacturer. It could be about 10,000 miles for a belt tension check, or as many as 100,000 miles before total replacement. If there’s any doubt, preventative maintenance is better than waiting until it snaps and the valves warp. If you drive hard and live in a warm climate, you will probably have to change the timing belt more often, as excessive heat causes rubber to crack over time. Exposure to oil or antifreeze can also wear down the rubber, so if you have a leak, you’ll want to inspect the belt. Since the cost of a new water pump is relatively low compared with the cost of having a mechanic go in and check the timing belt, many experts recommend replacing the water pump at the same time as the timing belt.

 

Courtesy of CarDealExpert.com

Chevy Sonic Turbo Now Available with Six-Speed Automatic

DETROIT – The Chevrolet Sonic’s fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission, bringing the increased torque of turbocharging to drivers of automatics.

“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”

Sonic’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission achieved a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, according to independent AMCI testing – faster than the comparable 2012 Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent. The Sonic with the turbo-automatic combination went from 0 to 60 in about eight seconds.

“Traditionally, turbocharging was used to enhance the performance of engines, but today it is as much about fuel economy as a 0-to-60 time,” said Bob Benedict, assistant chief engineer for the Ecotec 1.4L engine. “The turbocharger provides high-pressure airflow for high torque to boost the vehicle and give the driver a fun driving experience with improved fuel efficiency.”

The 2012 Chevy Sonic Ecotec 1.4L turbo six-speed automatic delivers an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg in the city, while the manual gets 40 mpg on the highway and 29 in the city.

To learn more about the all-new Sonic, visit the Chevy Sonic Facebook page; follow on Twitter at @ChevyLife or check out letsdothis.com.

Courtesy of GM News

In celebration of Corvette's 60th anniversary, watch as the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible blows out 60 candles with style.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Courtesy of FuelEconomy.gov

Your Say: What Should A Next-Gen Chevrolet Camaro Be?

The adage lightning doesn’t strike twice isn’t much of an inspiring one, so Chevrolet engineers are hoping it’s wrong. We hear that as the release date for the next generation of Chevrolet Camaro comes closer, engineers are pondering–and worrying–about exactly what the new car will do.

Camaro fans will be keen to add that the next generation of Camaro won’t be the second–it’ll actually be the sixth–but it will be the second version of Camaro after the car faded into obscurity in 2002 and came back to life in 2010.

That reincarnation has paid dividends for Chevrolet: the Camaro sits high atop the heap of American muscle cars, outselling its chief competitor, the Ford Mustang, by about 18,000 units last year. It sold more than twice as many units as the Dodge Challenger.

So how do you make a Camaro better?

Al Oppenheiser, the chief engineer at Chevrolet for the Camaro line, said that reducing weight is definitely a factor. The Camaro SS coupe is more than 200 pounds heavier than the comparable Ford Mustang GT. Pit the Camaro LT against a comparable Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and the American is a whole 300 pounds heavier. We expect some mass to be shed as the next-gen Camaro will almost certainly utilize General Motors’ new Alpha platform, which also underpins the new 2013 Cadillac ATS.

Also a question mark: engines. Oppenheiser told AN that Chevrolet must also consider displacement and cylinder count in its next car. Seeing as the Ford Mustang will reportedly get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the future, it might not be a bad idea for the Camaro to follow suit with a hot version of the Malibu’s new 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo four.

Perhaps the biggest issue, however, is styling. Despite creating a couple of issues (like a lack of outward visibility), the Camaro’s styling has been acclaimed and is one of the reasons it sells so many units. Chevrolet could follow the original Camaro’s design trajectory and go from a modern interpretation of the first generation to an updated version of the second one. That, or attempt to update its current styling theme.

Either way, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that General Motors is walking on eggshells in looking to the next Camaro, which will reportedly drop late in 2015.

SOURCE: motortrend.com

Stop in Holz Motors and get your fluids checked for free for the month of March!

Have a road-trip planned for the month of March?  Stop in and get your fluids checked for free!  We will check fluid levels, check to make sure your tires are properly inflated, inspect for wear, as well as determine your remaining oil life percentage.

Click http://holzmotors.dealerinventoryonline.com/LandingPage.aspx?show=ServiceAppo...">here to make an appointment today or call 414 425-7180.

 

Has Chevrolet Just Confirmed a Civilian Caprice PPV for 2013?

Chevrolet announced late Tuesday that it will replace its Impala NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racecar with an all-new model. Both the Cup car and a street version are scheduled to make their debuts in 2013. A Chevy spokesman says the announcement is designed to confirm that the brand would move its NASCAR Cup racer to a new design and nameplate, and that it would not be named for anything in the current lineup. Therefore, Impala, the current Cup car name, is off the table.

“Taking advantage of new NASCAR rules, which allow manufacturers to display more of their brand identity in their racecars,” the automaker says in its press release, “the new Chevrolet racecar will closely resemble the production version. Both cars will be unveiled in the coming year.”

It won’t be named for the new-for-’13 Malibu, either. That car competes in the marketplace with the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry, both the bases for their brands’ Sprint Cup entries. Chrysler’s Cup car is a NASCAR Dodge Charger, the only rear-wheel-drive car among current competitors.

Next year is too early for a production version of the RWD, Alpha-platform Chevy 130R. A new, FWD Impala goes on sale next year, and a Cadillac, Chevrolet, and possibly a Buick are expected in the 2016-17 model years off the next-generation Zeta RWD platform. It’s hard to believe this car would be a clean-sheet design, especially considering it needs to be ready for next year’s NASCAR season.

Then-General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson thwarted Bob Lutz’s efforts to sell a RWD Zeta-platform Chevrolet Caprice in North America after the automaker pulled the plug on Pontiac. Late last year, Chevy introduced its Caprice PPV, the rear-drive model on the longer wheelbase version of the Pontiac G8.

GM Australia engineered the current Zeta platform to underpin the current Holden Caprice (basis for the Canadian-built PPV) and Commodore. Holden-built Chevy Caprices are sold in parts of the Middle East and as the Buick Park Avenue in China. The North American Caprice PPV is available to cop shops with the 6.0-liter small block V-8 and the 3.6-liter V-6. Any new car, if it were to be based on the Caprice PPV, would likely have to be updated over the present-gen cop car in the styling department.

What about the name? Caprice doesn’t sound very sporting, and the version of that car fondly remembered post-1980 is known as the Impala Super Sport. Our money is on this name: Chevrolet Super Sport.

SOURCE: motortrend.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

Tires tend to lose air over time. You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.  Buy a digital tire gauge and check your tires once a month and before a long trip. Proper inflation pressures can be found in your owner's manual or on a sticker on the car.  Remember to check tire pressure only after the car has been sitting for several hours in order to ensure that the tires are cold -- the friction of driving heats the tires and increases pressure, which can hide an under-inflated tire.

Courtesy of fueleconomy.gov

Thank you James & Melody for your kind words!

"We bought our 2012 Impala LT through Ron Barber. The first time we looked it was cold and snowey but Ron was out there with us. He was very knowledgable and curtious to us and answered all our questions. My wife and I talked about the car during the week and we came back the next weekend. We talked to Ron again and we went for a test ride. We loved the Impala. Only one thing, it didn't have a sunroof. We asked Ron and he had one there. So he went and got it out for us to drive. We took it home. I would recommend this dealership and Ron Barber. What a great experiance, thanks Ron and thanks Holz! We even brought a friend of ours to Ron who was looking for a used car. Thanks!" - James & Melody

Chevy Volt's Fuel Economy | Volt | Chevrolet

Understanding the new fuel economy ratings for plug-in electric vehicles can be a daunting task, but thankfully, this video about the two MPG ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt is here to help you make sense of them.

Chevrolet Road Trip Challenge Teams Travel to Festival

SXSW participants to uncover unsung innovators and celebrate what drives America

AUSTIN, Tex. – For the third year in a row, Chevrolet is sending five teams from across the country on the Chevy SXSW Road Trip to the interactive portion of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. Each team is being provided with a Chevrolet equipped with OnStar navigation to guide them on their journey.

The teams left for Austin on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6, and are slated to arrive in the city by nightfall on Thursday, March 8. During the three days, the teams will explore the country’s roads, be inspired by unsung innovators and report on what they find driving them and driving America.

The 2012 Chevrolet SXSW Road Trip teams include:

• Music City Geeks from Nashville, Tn.
  • Team Members: Brenda and Ray Smotherman, Kristin Parsons and Teri Modisette
  • On Twitter: @MusicCityGeeks and #MusicCityGeeks
  • Team Bio: Combing geek culture with pop culture while representing the Music City.  
• RVA Epic Tales from Richmond, Va.
  • Team Members: Kate Hall, Kate Semp, Kelly Vance, and Monica Horsley
  • On Twitter: #RVAEpicTales and #RVAEpicTales
  • Team Bio: Ready to represent Richmond, VA, RVA Epic Tales is four hip moms whose goal is to tell their epic road trip stories on their way to Austin.
• Fresh Squeezed SXSW from Orlando, Fla.
  • Team Members: Jeanette Scott, Meghann Anderson, Nick Cicero, and Joshua Johnson
  • On Twitter: @SXSWfresh and #SXSWFresh
  • Team Bio: Fresh Squeezed SXSW is a group of social media young professionals who keep it fresh from Florida.
• D&P: The SXSW Road Trip from Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Team Members: Darin “Doc” Berntson and Scott Duehlmeier
  • On Twitter: @SLCSXSW and #SLCSXSW
  • Team Bio: Doc and Scott are two friends who have been experts in the communications industry for years. They are regular dads who enjoy a cold beer and a laugh as much as the next guy.
• Team Fit Fluential from Chicago, Ill.
  • Team Members: Kelly Olexa, Danielle Liss, Tori Greene
  • On Twitter: @FitFluential and #FitFluential
  • Team Bio: Fit Fluential is a group of everyday fitness enthusiasts who will be staying fit throughout a Road Trip.

To check in with the teams along the way, visit Chevy.com/SXSW to view the OnStar Road Trip map, a real time update of each teams’ route to Austin that includes links to the latest blog posts or videos. Teams will share photos and updates, and fans will be asked for their input as well, suggesting places for the teams to experience along the way.

For all the details on what Chevrolet is up to in Austin, visit Chevy.com/SXSW for regularly updated videos and photos from SXSW. Chevrolet will also be active on Twitter @ChevyLife and Facebook.com/Chevrolet sharing updates from the festival. Join the conversation at #ChevySXSW.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Courtesy of GM

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Exterior Car Paint Maintenance

Exterior car paint maintenance is as simple as washing and waxing, but oftentimes, an overlooked part of car care. Maintaining the paint helps to retain value by keeping a car in its best possible condition while also protecting the paint from the environment.

·         Thoroughly washing the car is one of the most important aspects of exterior paint maintenance. Dust, mud, and acid rain can scratch and dull the paint surface. Frequent washing with a high quality car wash formulated for automotive use will remove surface contaminants and help maintain the shine.

·         Experts recommend using only a microfiber cloth designed for automotive applications to dry a car. Microfiber cloths are specifically designed to trap any residual dust and dirt to reduce scratches on the paint surface.

·         Cleaner waxes can be used on older cars to remove swirl marks or oxidation. However, it is usually suggested that this sort of product not be used on newer cars or cars that have recently been repainted.

·         Car paint sealant or polish is a product that generally only needs to be applied a few times a year, prior to waxing. It is great for helping to protect the paint surface. However, it does not provide as much gloss as wax.

·         Traditional paste or liquid car wax is most often carnauba based and while it will provide an outstanding shine, it must be frequently reapplied in order to maintain protection. Cars that are housed outdoors will need more frequent applications than garaged cars. However, all cars should be waxed regularly.

Most automakers offer their own line of exterior paint maintenance products designed for use on their vehicles, which can take some of the guesswork out of what products to use. Regardless of the products used, it is important that they be applied following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Maintaining car paint will not only keep the car looking great, it will also increase value when it is time to trade in or sell.

 

Courtesy of Autos.com

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Takes on VIR

Watch as the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1 carves up Virginia International Raceway's "Grand Course" in 2:52.4.