The Auto Blog .ru

The Chevrolet Camaro has been red hot since it was reintroduced for the 2010 model year, and last month, the pony car celebrated a milestone that dates all the way back to 1967. General Motors built the five-millionth copy of the sporty coupe in May. In case you’re keeping track, only 225,844 of those sales come from the current-generation model. The remaining 4,774,156 models arrived between 1967 and 2002.

Typically, when an automaker builds a milestone vehicle, it is optioned to the gills and carries a massive suggested retail price. Not so for Camaro number five million. Instead, The General’s Oshawa plant opted for a 1LS Coupe in black, with steel wheels, six-speed manual transmission and a 312-horsepower 3.6-liter V6.

Want to know more? We can’t name any names, but we do know that the lucky owner of Camaro number five million resides near Lexington, Kentucky.

Chevy Camaro turns 5 million units old

Most pace cars (commonly known as safety cars overseas) are pretty fast road cars. F1 uses a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The American Le Mans Series, a Porsche Panamera. DTM alternates between an Audi R8 and a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. MotoGP uses BMW M vehicles. Indy has used a Chevy Camaro SS the last couple of years. Noticing a pattern here?

Of course, as is true in many other areas, NASCAR does things differently. While other racing disciplines pit the latest technologies against each other on challenging road courses, NASCAR still uses old-school pushrod V8s on big ol’ speedways. So it should come as little surprise that the American stock-car racing series goes a different route with its pace cars, too.

This weekend’s Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 (we don’t name the races) at the Michigan International Speedway saw the Ford Focus make its debut appearance as the official pace car, complete with race livery and light bar but little in the way of other modifications over stock. Which means, as Ford is quick to point out, that while the stock cars behind it would have to pit a number of times over the 400-mile race distance, the Focus could go the whole way if it needed to… and if the driver – Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas – were milking the throttle, undaunted by the grid of rip-roarin’ race cars filling his mirrors.

For what it’s worth, the Focus is hardly the slowest vehicle to pace a NASCAR race. Ford alone has provided Fusion Hybrids and Explorer SUVs to set the pace at previous races as well. Follow the jump for the full press release, including information on Ford’s latest online sweepstakes that will hand out 40 Foci to contest participants if it wins the NASCAR, NHRA or World Rally Championship titles this year.

Continue reading Ford Focus sets the pace for NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway

Ford Focus sets the pace for NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway

Chevrolet Corvette sales haven’t exactly been rocking the charts lately. Last year, the mighty sports car saw its sales drop to a 50-year low thanks to a stagnant chassis, global recession and the arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro. Despite all this, General Motors is set to hike the vehicle’s price by anywhere from $480 to $1,150 depending on the model, according to Corvette Blogger. The site points out that the only Corvette in the armada to see a price decrease is the supercharged ZR1. Don’t think you’ll be getting a steal, though, the Blue Devil saw its price drop by just $75.

In addition, Corvette Blogger reports that the individual equipment packages have also gotten more expensive with the 2012 model. Models like the 2LT Coupe will see package prices increase from $1,195 to $2,095 while 3LT Coupe variants jump from $4,205 to $5,995. Step up to the 4LT trim level and you’ll see an increase from $7,705 to $9,495. Things get more expensive for the Corvette Convertible, too. Head over to Corvette Blogger for the full rundown.

2012 Corvette gets across-the-board price increase

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

At first blush, Munich seems like an awfully long way to travel for the chance to drive a mid-cycle refresh. But Volkswagen has good reason to ask us to schlep across the Atlantic to drive its updated-for-2012 Tiguan: Momentum.

Official: Volkswagen rolls out new Beetle with Black Turbo Launch Edition [UPDATE]

Called the Black Turbo Launch Edition, this limited-run Volkswagen will represent the first 600 examples of the new Beetle to hit American dealerships.

Video: Goodyear “Spirit of Safety” blimp crash claims pilot’s life in Germany

The Goodyear blimp “Spirit of Safety” erupted into flames and crashed on Sunday, claiming the life of pilot Michael Nerandzic.

Also of interest:

• Confirmed: Camaro ZL1 will have automatic option, offer ZR1 traction system
• Video: Subaru driver Mark Higgins has “the moment of his life” at Isle of Man
• Official: Saab signs second partnership with China’s Youngman
• Report: Toyota says there is “no meaning” in being No. 1
• Report: Ford requiring Lincoln dealers to spend $1 million each to renovate showrooms

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

What you missed on 6.13.11

Camaro ZL1 will have automatic option, offer ZR1 traction system

While GM’s once-vast array of worldwide brands operated as separate units in the past, in today’s global economy they’ve all got intertwining roles. Case in point: the new Chevy Malibu.

The new mid-sized sedan is being prepared for its global rollout, but before it is, GM needs to prepare it for the wide variety of different road surfaces encountered in overseas markets. So it’s turned to its Australian subsidiary, Holden, to help fine-tune the chassis.

The work is being undertaken at Holden’s Lang Land Proving Ground in Victoria, Australia, and along public roads in places like the coastal resort town of Phillip Island, where the car is pictured above.

Of course this won’t be the first time Holden has been called upon to help with global products; its chassis have been exported on such products as the Pontiac G8 and GTO, Vauxhall VXR8 and Chevrolet Camaro. But lest you think it’s all give and no take for the Australian marque, the Malibu will be sold Down Under as a Holden, as opposed to the Chevrolet bow-tie it will wear in North America and other markets. The press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development

GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development

The United States government still has a vested interest in the success of General Motors. In fact, the U.S. government is sitting on 500 million shares, which are currently worth about $14.3 billion dollars based on current prices. There is a problem, though, as the U.S. Treasury Department was hoping to get a larger pile of green for its GM investment.

When GM initially hit the stock market with its IPO, the per-share price was $33. Now, it’s down around $28.78, which doesn’t sound like much of a drop, but across 500 million shares, that figure represents a massive hit to the wallet.

For the time being, BusinessWeek reports that the U.S. government is going to sit on the stock in the hopes that it climbs back to IPO levels.

U.S. hesitant to sell its GM stock due to low price

First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

We all want to save our barnacled friends in the ocean and give the whole world a great big polar bear hug. But as enthusiasts, we’ve all got a char-black underbelly, too. Mercedes-Benz understands. AMG really understands.

Official: Mini Coupe prototype teased, full engine lineup revealed

Mini says that its creation should serve as a kick in the pants for the compact sports car segment. And hopefully, for the brand’s sales, too.

Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in

On July 1, 2011, Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon will hit theaters around the country.

Also of interest:

• Spy Shots: Next-gen Mini Cooper spotted testing
• Report: GM CEO Akerson disses Lincoln as “over,” slights hydrogen and ethanol tech
• Official: New pictures of Tesla Model S Alpha show sleeker, more refined look
• 2012 BMW 1 Series M Sport is better by a nose
• Mercedes-Benz unveils crazy Unimog concept to celebrate 60 years

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

What you missed on 6.6.11

On July 1, 2011, Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon will hit theaters around the country. When it does, one automaker in particular will be smiling, as its vehicles take center stage in the film. As it did in previous installments of the mega-popular movie series, General Motors cars and trucks make up a large portion of the cars and trucks seen on the TF3 screen. Chevrolet is jumping on the tie-in, and a new ad has popped up showing the Bumblebee Camaro in action.

While your own real-life Bumblebee Camaro can’t save you from an invasion of angry, shape-shifting robots, it might just protect you in a real-life shunt. Click past the jump to watch the “real” Bumblebee show off the Bowtie badge in Chevy’s new “Getaway” spot – you might even catch a glimpse of a speedster version of the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray concept.

Continue reading Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in

Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in

Chevrolet has inked a three-year deal to sponsor the Woodward Dream Cruise starting this year as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. The arrangement means Chevrolet will enjoy an enormous showing at the next three Dream Cruises, with past, present and future models getting to bask in the limelight.

This year, the company will host a flotilla of its classic models, joined by some of its future performance products and the current Chevrolet Equinox, Volt, Cruze, Camaro and Corvette. To keep things exciting, Chevy will roll out a pre-production version of its upcoming 2012 Camaro ZL1 hot rod. That’s certainly something worth looking forward to.

Sponsoring the Woodward Dream Cruise will put the Golden Bowtie front and center and it means the company will have a captive audience on its home turf to advertise, celebrate itself and get feedback on upcoming models. As always, you can expect a full suite of coverage right on these pages.

Check out the complete press release after the break, along with a video featuring various GM machinery at previous Dream Cruises.

Continue reading Chevrolet sponsors 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise [w/video]

Chevrolet sponsors 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise [w/video]

All day long, boys. All. Day. Long.

To what are we referring, you ask? Well, that’s how long all six muscle cars rounded up by the staff at Motor Trend will eviscerate their tires. Such is the nature of the beast, and, in fact, it’s why many automotive enthusiasts just can’t get enough horsepower at the rear wheels.

What we have here are Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs, gathered in pairs – one vintage example from the height of the muscle car’s reign of terror in 1969 and ‘70 along with one 2011 model. This begs the question: Which era of American performance resulted in the better car?

Well now, that depends on just what you’re looking for…

There’s simply no arguing the fact that the 2011 Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 392 and Shelby Mustang GT500 can accelerate (though the quarter-mile results would be closer if the old bias-ply tires were replaced with something more… modern), turn and stop better than their old-timer predecessors.

But, as the editors of Motor Trend found out, that’s not the whole story. Check out the video after the break to find out what we’re on about.

One last thing: Words cannot express how badly we want the keys to that 1970 Challenger. It’s nothing short of muscle car perfection.

Continue reading Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present

Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present

Quick Spin: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

As the successor to the egregiously disappointing Aveo, the Sonic needs to prove that GM can do more than unload Korean hatches at the dock. We hopped in a pre-production model for a brief spin.

Spy Shots: Toyota’s baby Prius C spotted for the first time

In addition to the larger 2012 Prius V , Toyota is working on a smaller version of its illustrious hybrid. Our trusty spy photographers have just spotted the first Prius C prototypes running about.

Video: This is what getting squirrely in a Camaro at over 240 mph looks like

Josh Ledford lives his life a mile at a time, and in those 25 seconds or less… he’s free.

Also of interest:

• Official: Ford confirms 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder, eight-speed transmission
• Video: World’s first amphibious ice cream truck burbles up in the Thames
• Official: Volkswagen drops Golf R Cabriolet concept at Wörthersee
• BMW offers another special M3 in China with new Carbon Edition
• Report: Ford F-150 V6s outselling V8 models

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

What you missed on 6.2.11

Josh Ledford lives his life a mile at a time, and in those 25 seconds or less… he’s free. Unless a nasty crosswind decides to play with his fast-moving Chevrolet Camaro, and he has to put his other hand back on the wheel to control a puckering 244-mile-per-hour drift. That’s right, we said 244 miles per hour.

Mr. Ledford was driving the Late Model Racecraft-prepped F-Body during last week’s 2011 Texas Mile event. As he passed the finish line, the Camaro started to step out and – well, you can watch the rest by clicking past the jump.

While you’re over there, we’ve got another clip of a Late Model Racecraft vehicle making the mile-long dash. This time, it’s a Chevrolet Corvette, and the coupe runs up to 231 miles per hour before crossing the finish line.

Continue reading This is what getting squirrely in a Camaro at over 240 mph looks like

This is what getting squirrely in a Camaro at over 240 mph looks like

Jeri Ellsworth is a certified renaissance woman. A high school and college dropout, she’s a self-taught computer programmer and an ace welder and circle track race car builder. She has also started her own race car building business while her peers were at prom and went on to open a chain of computer shops.

More recently, Ellsworth has taken to YouTube to show aspiring NASCAR-types how a street stock racer should be built. Ellsworth is extremely careful and meticulous, knocking out some seriously pretty welds on her way to completing a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro racer.

Her work (and plumber’s crack), looks to be enough to impress embarrass all of her male peers, both in the garage and on the race track. To check out Ellsworth’s skill, hit up the video after the jump. It’s the first in a series, so if you like what you see, we urge to watch ‘em all.

Continue reading A woman shows you how to build a proper circle track racer

A woman shows you how to build a proper circle track racer

In observance of Memorial Day…

General Motors officially unveiled the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition to a crowd of dealers and enthusiasts on the eve of the Indianapolis 500. The droptop muscle car boasts a slew of tweaks that are destined to eventually make their way to the greater Camaro lineup, including new soft-touch materials on the dash, a new steering wheel that’s not ridiculous to use, and a few suspension changes. GM tells us that SS models will be equipped with the new FE4 suspension package, born from the development the upcoming Camaro ZL1. V6 Camaros will now pack 323 horsepower, a gain of 11 over the 2011 model-year cars.

GM will produce the Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition to meet demand, so there should be plenty to go around. In addition to the interior and mechanical adjustments, the car wears special logos on the fenders, seat backs, door sills, steering wheel and dash to separate it from the rest of the Camaro stable. Pricing will be available closer to the convertible’s fall launch date. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition shows off at Indy

2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition shows off at Indy

Just when you thought you’d seen every special-edition Chevrolet Camaro out there another model comes along. Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet of Newton, NC has pulled the sheets back on a new Intimidator Camaro. The model follows in the footsteps of the 2001 Intimidator Camaro SS, by throwing a heap of extra horsepower at the already formidable muscle car. Under the hood, a supercharged V8 churns out 704 horsepower and 695 pound-feet of torque, while the rest of the vehicle has received suitable upgrades to cope with the increased performance. The suspension now wears one-inch drop rate springs, adjustable sway bars and new subframe connectors, along with a set of cross-drilled rotors help bring the vehicle down from speed.

A custom, single-piece aluminum shifter is part of the package indoors, as well as suede seat inserts, white-face gauges and an Intimidator logo embroidered into each headrest. Outside, the Intimidator Camaro can be distinguished from its non-NASCAR name-checking counterparts by its cowl hood, race-inspired spoilers and chrome wheels. Hit the jump to check out a video of the car under construction.

Continue reading Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Camaro returns for 2011 [w/video]

Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Camaro returns for 2011 [w/video]

Americans began racing cars just as soon as they started to appear on our streets, as evidenced by the fact that the Indianapolis 500 has been going strong for 100 years. The U.S. Senate wanted to tip its collective hat to commemorate that momentous occasion, so our senators decided to pass a resolution officially recognizing the race for its longevity. And since it doesn’t cost anything to recognize a date, the resolution was passed unanimously.

In other interesting Indianapolis 500 news, the event’s 100-year history also coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Chevrolet. The company and the race are so intertwined that Arthur Chevrolet, who’s brother Louis founded the Bowtie Brand, ran the very first Indianapolis 500. Louis actually ran the race himself in 1915 and 1919, while another brother Gaston took first place in 1920. The 2011 Camaro Convertible will fittingly serve as the pace car for this year’s event.

Senate passes bill recognizing 100th anniversary of Indy 500

Generally speaking, we’re more into the vinyl wraps than the chrome treatment. That’s because most vinyl wraps give a car a nice matte finish that contrasts nicely with the glossiness of your standard factory offering, while your average full-body chrome treatment is – more often than not – little more than an eyesore. This latest innovation from the Czech Republic, however, combines the two.

As you can see from the video after the jump, TinTek has developed a chrome-finish vinyl wrap for the full “Dubai’d out” approach, applied for demonstration to an Audi TT and a Chevrolet Camaro. While a vinyl wrap has its own costs and intricate application process, it’s surely far more cost-effective than chrome-dipping individual body panels. And while it may not be our proverbial cup of tea, who are we to stand in the way of progress, however questionable the result.

Continue reading TinTek offers the full chrome treatment in a vinyl wrap

TinTek offers the full chrome treatment in a vinyl wrap

The crew from Road & Track recently teamed up with NASA astronaut Drew Feustel to create a special-edition issue of the magazine to commemorate STS-134. Along with the infamous April Fools features on both the space shuttle Endeavour and the NASA Crawler, Feustel picked out a handful of his favorite R&T stories from the magazine’s illustrious past.

Those include an epic muscle car shoot out from 1967 that covered the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and the Plymouth Barracuda as well as a stack of choice Peter Egan columns. Feustel also threw in a piece on the Lamborghini Miura S from 1988 as well as another article on the Austin-Healey Sprite 1100 from 1963. All told, the collection sounds like the best of Road & Track history.

A copy of the issue is currently circling above Earth on Endeavour right now, but you can order up a terrestrial copy for your own enjoyment from the Road & Track site. Tell them we sent you.

Own your own copy of the Road & Track Special: The Space Edition