Throwback Thursday!

It's time for another installment of Throwback Thursday! Today we found this trippy Chevrolet commercial from 1961 that couldn't be more of its decade if it tried.

The Corvette and the "100 Hottest Cars of All Time"

In a recent article of the "100 Hottest Cars of All Time," Popular Mechanics ranked the second generation Corvette at number nine, noting that "the split rear window, which was featured only in 1963, is instantly recognizable" (http://bit.ly/WrXTRr). "+1" if you think classic Corvettes will always be the best, or share if you think the new 2014 Stingray will be the best Corvette yet!

The Corvette Stingray Driving Experience

Excited about sitting behind the wheel of the new 2014 Corvette Stingray? Well then watch this video see the "new level of electronic integration" that can be found inside, totally changing the driving experience.

GM Puts AT&T 4G Service in All its Models Starting in 2014

Welcome to the future, where we care as much about how fast a new car can download data as we do about how fast it can go. This turning point comes courtesy of General Motors, which announced today that late next year most of the cars and trucks it sells in the United States will come with AT&T 4G cellular service built in — which could be used for anything from mobile WiFi to streaming video. AT&T's chief says cars will soon be "just a big smartphone on wheels," which should set off a few alarms among distracted driving crusaders.

GM has long had cellular service built into its vehicles via OnStar, but that setup used Verizon's older 2G system — which didn't allow for voice and data calls simultaneously, and couldn't provide as much data as a typical driver's cell phone. Luxury automakers — Audi, BMW and Tesla — have already been selling models with cellular data connections for dashboard apps; Audi and Chrysler have planned mobile WiFi rollouts, allowing up to 8 passengers to surf and ride.

But those efforts pale to the scale of the shift GM described today, saying that most 2015 models sold by Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC in the United States and Canada would come with a 4G LTE AT&T receiver, which should provide about 10 times faster data than a 3G receiver. "Should" being a key term, because as anyone who's ever had a cellphone knows, data service remains hit-or-miss in many areas, from rural roads to cities where the airwaves grow overloaded for several hours a day. (AT&T vowed it would be ready for the extra business.)

Aside from pitching gadgets like mobile WiFi or video, the step also lets GM save costs by handling vehiclular software updates over the air rather than requiring owners to drop into dealerships. But the move will also raise questions among safety advocates who claim data distractions are causing a greater share of accidents; the National Transportation Safety Board has even called for an all-out ban on cellphones and data use while driving.

GM emphasized the potential safety benefits of more connected vehicles, and automakers contend having the car act as the data center for navigation, phone and messages is far safer than drivers steering with one hand while thumb-typing on their iPhones in another. But with the advent of WiFi hotspots on wheels in mainstream vehicles, the question may turn out to be not whether gadgets distract us too much from driving, but how driving distracts us from staying online, all the time.

(Courtesy of Yahoo! Autos)

It's Daytona 500 Weekend!

It's finally Daytona 500 weekend! Danica Patrick won poll position with her Chevrolet SS earlier this week; "+1" if you think she'll win it all, or feel free to let us know who you think will be the victor!

Throwback Thursday!

It's time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today we've uncovered this old Chevy Camaro Berlinetta commercial from 1985!

2014 Chevrolet Impala Gets Valet Mode!

Anyone who has ever felt trepidation about handing their car keys to a valet will appreciate the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The redesigned flagship sedan offers a “valet mode” that lets someone unknown take the wheel but shields personal items and information from prying eyes.

The new Impala’s available 8-inch center stack display is an interactive touch screen for the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink system but doubles as a PIN-activated retractable faceplate over a secure storage bin large enough to hold valuables like a wallet, MP3 player and smartphone. Addresses and contacts stored on MyLink also remain PIN-protected.

“Valet mode is the kind of feature that Impala customers will appreciate,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of Global Marketing. “It is one of many great new features on our newest MyLink and a small part of Impala’s overall technology package.”

Impala owners will be able to access valet mode through MyLink’s Settings menu via a four-digit code, much like on a hotel safe. A confirmation entry of the code simultaneously locks the bin and secures personal information.

Chevrolet customer clinic participants showed avid interest in valet mode, particularly young car buyers who valued MyLink’s information privacy protection feature. Impala’s hidden bin also addresses customers’ frequently expressed need for a secure place to keep personal items out of sight.

“We were able to move the MyLink system’s electronics to another location in the vehicle, effectively creating the space behind the touch screen,” said Matt Highstrom, General Motors human-machine interface designer.

In addition to privacy protection, Impala’s next-generation MyLink system allows for increased personalization. Owners can click and drag icons on the home screen located in the center stack, similar to operating a smartphone or tablet.

Using consumer research, including interviews and online voting, designers of the award-winning MyLink developed four specific graphic appearances or “skins,” selectable through the Settings menu, designed to appeal to distinct customer group personalities. They include:

•         Contemporary – A simple interface that’s neither overly colorful nor busy, geared to busy moms and families.
•         Edge – Youth-oriented, dynamic feel with vibrant colors and pop culture-inspired icons.
•         Velocity – Sleek, with carbon fiber background appearance and glowing neon, aimed at driving enthusiasts.
•         Main Street – An all-around, crowd-pleasing design using primary colors.

These and other functions, including valet mode, will be rolled out to other Chevrolet models featuring the next-generation MyLink system.

“We can’t design a custom Impala interior for every customer, but we can give them the next best thing – an infotainment system that reflects their tastes and features that meet their needs,” said Matt Fuligni, design manager, Chevrolet User Experience.

The 2014 Impala will begin production this spring and eventually will be offered with three engine choices. A 3.6L V6 will be available at launch, starting at $30,760 including destination charges.

(courtesy of GM)