USA - Got $75,000 ? then get the new Camaro Z/28, the muscle car of the year.

Chevrolet today announced the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will go on sale this spring with a suggested retail price of $75,000, including a $995 destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.

The new Z/28 is offered in five exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White. Only a single option is available: A $1,150 package that adds air conditioning and a total of six audio speakers. The standard Z/28 package includes one speaker.

“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars, including a revamped Camaro SS and supercharged ZL1, as well as the SS sedan, Corvette Stingray convertible and 2015 Corvette Z06, which we’ll introduce at the North American International Auto Show next week."

The Z/28’s unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the tires against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times. The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a  lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course that was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1’s and beat published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Power comes from the 7.0L LS7 engine, with dry-sump oiling, rated at an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm). The engine will be built by hand at the new Performance Build Center within GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant.

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs, for optimal traction. The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of throttle and braking intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range also allows dramatically greater damper stiffness without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer spring and bushing rates for improved cornering response.

Lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires reduce unsprung weight by 49.6 pounds (22.5 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1.

The massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires represent the first production-car application in the industry and are believed to be the widest front tire on any production car. To fully exploit their grip, the Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kg) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve at least 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use.

Interior details

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish called Octane, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts. The seats feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. Nine pounds, or four kilograms, were saved by eliminating the seat-back pass-through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

Additional examples of weight savings include:

• Elimination of the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
• Removal of some interior sound deadener, as well as trunk carpet
• Use of a smaller, lighter battery
• Thinner  rear-window glass – 3.2 mm vs. the standard 3.5 mm
• Elimination of high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and fog lights
• No air conditioning except as part of the single option package.

The Camaro Z/28 will be available to order in late January with the first cars delivered to customers in the spring. Rights to the first Camaro Z/28, VIN 0001, will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. on January 18.

USA - Saleen legend lives on with 10 car limited editions from Ford, Chevy and Dodge

Ten Car Limited Runs for Saleen 302 Mustang, 620 Camaro, and 570 Challenger on the Way

Saleen Automotive, Inc. An American specialty manufacturer of high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel, is pleased to announce that to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Steve Saleen as a specialty vehicle manufacturer, the Company will be producing three variations of its SA-30 model.

As the sixth edition in the SA series, the Saleen Anniversary series vehicles have become well known and coveted among collectors and enthusiasts for their exclusivity and extremely low production numbers. Each anniversary edition vehicle also traditionally boasts a balanced blend of Saleen legacy and future enhancements.

"Every five years, I celebrate the achievements with the automotive community through a commemorative vehicle," said Steve Saleen, CEO, Saleen Automotive. "This year I am delighted to release three variations of our SA-30 model that will capture the essence of Saleen style and performance that will truly place elegance and power in the hands of the very few."

A total of thirty Saleen SA-30 vehicles will be produced with ten of each model; Saleen 620 Camaro, 570 Challenger, and 302 Mustang. Although each Saleen model is based on a different platform, all Saleen SA-30 vehicles will share a common theme: Saleen Racing Heritage.

With such limited production for each car, availability is expected to end quickly for these exclusive models. MSRP for the SA-30 model is set at $95,000 before options. Orders for this and other Saleen vehicles can be placed today at Saleen dealers nationwide, or by contacting Saleen directly for a personalized ordering process which concludes at the nearest Saleen Authorized Dealership. For more information visit www.saleen.com

FRANKFURT - Chevrolet + Corvette

• World and European debut of Chevrolet Camaro convertible and coupe, respectively
• Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible celebrate German premiere
• New MyLink radios introduced on Cruze, Orlando, new Camaro and Corvette
• Chevrolet expands powertrain offer, introduces radar-aided warning system and advanced parking aid

The debut of the new Camaro convertible and coupe, the German premiere of the all-new Corvette Stingray, the expansion of the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio offering, as well as many new features for multiple passenger cars are Chevrolet's highlights at the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show.

Whether you are a sports car fan, an early adopter of new connectivity technology, or a driver intent on getting more value for your money, the Chevrolet stand (B03 in hall 9) at the IAA 2013 offers plenty of relevant themes and attractions. Spread over nearly 1800 square metres, it includes a store offering branded and product-specific merchandise as well as a meeting point where visitors can try out fun activities and obtain give-aways.

During the press days (September 10 and 11, 2013), representatives from Chevrolet's app partners TuneIn, Stitcher and BringGo will be available on site to explain the functionality and wide range of benefits their systems offer to drivers.

New Camaro features enhanced aerodynamics

Boasting a low-slung silhouette and Chevrolet's newest MyLink connected radio, the latest model of this famed American muscle car represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept vehicle in 2006.

It also features improved high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The front fascia has a wider lower grille and a narrower upper grille, while the functional hood vent helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. At the rear, a sculptural deck lid, horizontal lamps and a diffuser complete the new design.

Power is supplied by the proven 6.2L V8 engine which is mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission.The manual transmission version churns out 432 hp (318 kW) at 5,900 rpm and delivers a torque of 569 Nm at 4,600 rpm. 0-62 mph acceleration is 5.2 seconds for the manual coupe and 5.4 seconds for the manual convertible.*

Remote keyless entry is standard as are a new colour heads-up display, one of the two new Chevrolet MyLink connected radios and a rearview camera.  

Corvette Stingray takes performance and customisation to new level

Shown for the very first time at an auto show in Germany, the new Corvette Stingray will be equipped and tuned to meet the needs of customers in the highly competitive European market. It will feature the Z51 performance pack and the latest magnetic ride control suspensions as standard.

While sales of the Corvette Stingray will kick off in the U.S. shortly, select Chevrolet dealerships across Europe are gearing up for the arrival of the coupe toward the end of this year. In the UK, prices for the coupe and convertible variants start from£61,495 and £64,495,respectively. The convertible will be available in Europe as of early 2014.

The new 6.2L LT1 V8 engine provides 460 hp (343 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque at 4,600 rpm with the performance exhaust system (SAE-certified data). In fact, the Corvette Stingray has achieved the highest standard power ratings ever for the Corvette; performance figures include 0-62 mph acceleration of 4.2 seconds and more than 1g in cornering grip.

The host of advanced technologies incorporated in the new Corvette Stingray includes:

• a new 7-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching which anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
• Active Fuel Management, which enables the Corvette Stingray to cruise on only four cylinders during light load conditions such as highway cruising
• an all-new aluminum frame that is 57 percent stiffer and 45 kg lighter than the steel frame used in the predecessor model
• dry-sump oiling system, differential and transmission cooling
• a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver's environment
• launch control: available in Track mode, for maximum off-the-line acceleration
• an entirely new exterior design that boasts race-track-proven aerodynamics, a new interior offering genuine carbon fibre and aluminum trim, as well as hand-wrapped leather materials.
• A new tablet-inspired state-of-the-art Chevrolet MyLink connected radio allows drivers to personalise a host of their car's functions to match their ride every day, from relaxed highway cruising to high-performance laps at the track. The system consists of two eight-inch liquid crystal (LCD) display screens with a screen personalisation option, USB port, SD card as well a centre screen that lowers for device storage.

Chevrolet is one of Europe's most connected car brands

Its innovative technology and ease of use have won the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio many fans since it was introduced in Europe in summer 2012. This autumn, Chevrolet is bringing two new versions of the radio to market that will further evolve the system's capabilities and appeal to consumers.

Chevrolet MyLink technology has a lot to offer to modern connected consumers, whether these are drivers who want to mirror the functions of their smartphone in the car or tech aficionados who wish to customise their individual ride experience.

Built around a 7 or 8-inch high-resolution full-colour touch screen, Chevrolet's MyLink radios allow users to easily access media, including specialist apps, from their portable device. This includes phone books, personal playlists, photo galleries, and other stored data. Mass storage devices, including MP3 players, iPod, iPad can be connected through USB, Bluetooth or aux-in jacks.

The system currently on offer is available on select trims of the Chevrolet Aveo, and Trax. It has a 7-inch high-resolution full-colour touch screen and can store the pairing information of up to 5 smartphones at one time. Owners of a compatible iPhone are able to use Siri Eyes Free, an intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking. The radio also enables users to take advantage of three dedicated smartphone apps – BringGo, TuneIn and Stitcher.

The first of the two new Chevrolet MyLink radios will be offered to buyers of the latest models of the Chevrolet Cruze, the Orlando family car, and the new Camaro. It features an enhanced icon-based navigation menu on its 7-inch touch screen. In addition to voice recognition for select languages, this system has text-to-speech capability, which allows users to listen to text messages from their smartphone**.

A rearview camera provides improved vision during parking maneuvers. Depending on the carline, trim level and market, the package may incorporate an integrated navigation system with coverage of all of Europe.

Owners of a Corvette Stingray will be able to use atablet-inspired state-of-the-art system featuring two 8-inch liquid crystal (LCD) display screens.

The screen above the integrated centre stack offers full capacitive control with an animated human machine interface. The liquid crystal display screen in the centre of the instrument cluster can provide up to 69 unique sources of information, ranging from an interactive performance timer to a tyre tread temperature display.

It is organized into sport, tour and track themes that can be changed using the Driver Mode Selector. Each display theme is designed for a specific driving scenario and can be configured through applications found in the “app tray.”

The Corvette Stingray's MyLink connected radio, too, enables voice recognition and text-to-speech**. Up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled devices can be paired and several of them connected at one time; connectivity is also possible through USB and aux-in jacks. A rearview camera is standard, and customers can opt to add an integrated navigation system.

As is the case for all Chevrolet MyLink connected radios, owners of the new systems will be able to upgrade their device with specialised apps once they become available.

More value for the money: fresh design, new powertrain options and enhanced safety

With the new model year, one of Chevrolet's most successful European cars, the Spark, will provide improved safety, thanks to standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and meet Euro5+ emission criteria. Inside, the instrument cluster and trims have been restyled. A new radio with Bluetooth connectivity, CD player, USB and aux-in jacks is standard on most trim levels.

In select European markets, customers can order the new Spark Bubble, a special edition of the popular city car. It carries a sporty bumper, side rocker moldings, 15-inch white painted alloy wheels as well as frisky white or pink-coloured Bubble decals on the front fenders.

Customers buying an Aveo with the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio will get a standard rearview camera. In addition, higher trims of the Chevrolet Aveo will have stylish LED turn signals mounted in the outside mirrors.

Starting this autumn, a choice of four petrol engines will be available on all body styles of the Cruze – a naturally aspirated 1.4L (100 hp/75 kW), a 1.4L turbo (140 hp/103 kW), a 1.6L (117 hp/86 kW) and a 1.8L (141 hp/104 kW) engine. The diesel line-up, currently consisting of a 1.7L (130 hp/ 96kW) and a 2.0L (163 hp/120 kW) unit, will be complemented by a 110 hp (81 kW) variant of the1.7L diesel. The latter has the smallest carbon footprint of all engines offered on the Cruze – with just 99 g of CO2 per km for the saloon body style.

The Cruze's outside rearview mirrors sport integrated LED turn signals. On higher trims of the Cruze family, Chevrolet is introducing Side Blind Zone Alert, a safety feature that spots approaching vehicles in the side blind zone by means of radar.

The Orlando is available with Side Blind Spot Alert and Advanced Parking Aid with the new model year. The former has ultrasonic sensors that detect approaching vehicles in the blind spot and warns the driver through an illuminated icon in the outside rearview mirrors. The Advanced Parking Aid identifies suitable parallel parking slots at low speeds and gives the driver instructions on how to steer the vehicle.

Changes to the exterior include LED turn signals in the outside rearview mirrors as well as new 16-inch wheel covers and 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. Under the hood, the Orlando's proven 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine can be now matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The turbocharged petrol variant (1.4L) of Chevrolet's small SUV, the Trax, will become available with a front-wheel-drive layout as of this autumn. When matched to a six-speed manual transmission, this variant of the Trax is capable of 0 -62 mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds. Fuel consumption on a combined cycle is 47.1 mpg with Stop/Start, which translates into 139 g of CO2 per km. An automatic gearbox is also available for this powertrain option, in selected markets.

Chevrolet dealerships across Europe have started offering the upgraded version of the 2.0L diesel-powered Malibu. The manual transmission variant has standard Start/Stop and delivers a reduced fuel consumption of 60.1 mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 125 g per km. Further enhancements include a rear view camera on upper trims as well as an emergency stop signal that is activated on all variants during emergency braking.