chevrolet

If there's truth to the rumors, General Motors' next -generation in-car cabin tech suite may be powered by Google's Android operating system. Sources at MotorTrend say the automaker and search giant are in negotiations over just that sort of thing.

The Android/OnStar infotainment hybrid would go head-to-head with the likes of Ford's Microsoft Sync suite, offering access to a user's connected media, allowing two-way communication between a connected smartphone of any brand, and potentially replacing GM's OnStar turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps navigation. Perhaps there's even room for an in-car app store of … Read more

In an effort to increase fuel economy, General Motors announced that the Chevrolet Cruze will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either choice, the Cruze will deliver impressive fuel economy and performance, the company said in a press release.

The Cruze Eco model is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 10 seconds and deliver a class-leading 40 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the manual transmission (estimates for the Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission will be available closer to launch).

"Our advanced six-speed … Read more

I figured since we gave lip service to Ford, we'd do the same for one of America's other automotive competitors: Chevrolet. The gang at GM has been working hard to deliver an updated version of its signature pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado, and not too long ago the production version of this heavy-duty truck was delivered. So what's different or notable about this year's model? This video from PickUpTrucks.com has got the scoop.

One of the highlights covered in this clip includes the Silverado HD's brand-new chassis; in fact it's so new that … Read more

Chevrolet has taken the yet-unreleased Volt extended-range electric vehicle in an odd direction for the Chinese market, making it bigger and less efficient with the newly revealed Volt MPV5 concept. The concept takes the styling cues of the Volt sedan that we're already familiar with and super-sizes it into a five-seat crossover.

The Volt MPV5 is only 0.6 inches longer in wheel base, but overall it is 7 inches longer than the sedan version. Height has been increased by about 7 inches and width has spread by 2.9 inches. The result is a vehicle that gives its five passengers a bit more elbow room.

Under the hood is the same Voltec powertrain consisting of a 111 kW (150 horsepower) electric motor that twists the Volt MPV5's front wheels to the tune of 273 pound-feet of torque. Electric power is supplied by the same T-shaped 16 kWh lithium ion battery that juices the sedan, but the heavier MPV5's EV range has been reduced to 32 miles (down from the 40-mile zero emission range of the Volt sedan).

Once the battery is exhausted, a 1.4-liter gasoline range extender takes over supplying electricity and keeping the electric powertrain spinning until the battery can be plugged in and recharged.… Read more

General Motors today announced the company has made its final payment of $5.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury and Export Development Canada, paying back its government loans in full, ahead of schedule.

Company Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre made the announcement at GM's Fairfax, Kansas facility.

"GM is able to repay the taxpayers in full, with interest, ahead of schedule, because more customers are buying vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse and Buick LaCrosse we build here in Fairfax," said Whitacre. "We are now building some of the best cars, trucks, and … Read more

In this video, we take a behind-the-scenes look inside the Anthropomorphic Test Device Laboratory at General Motors to see how crash test dummies are used for vehicle safety.

Jack Jensen, a GM technical fellow, explains how new technology, such as data recorders inside the dummies, gives technicians more accurate information.

General Motors will double the size of the Global Battery Systems Lab on the GM Technical Center campus. The $8 million expansion will increase the existing 30,000 sq. ft. facility to 63,000 sq. ft. The addition will be located adjacent to the existing lab inside the Alternative Energy Center facility. Areas previously used for engine testing will be renovated for battery development. Construction will begin this month and is scheduled for completion in the summer, the company said in a press release.

"GM is building on its commitment to lead the development of electric vehicle technology--from battery … Read more

NEW YORK--According to Chevrolet, its new Cruze Eco, at 40 mpg highway, gets as good or better mileage than a hybrid. Chevrolet further showed its contempt for hybrid technology by insisting the Volt is not a hybrid, but an electric car with a range extending gas engine. Semantics aside, Chevrolet optimized the Cruze's fuel economy by including some new aerodynamic elements, using low rolling resistance tires, and cutting its weight.

The Cruze Eco edition was shown at the New York auto show. Like other Cruze models, it uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, its 138 horsepower enough to … Read more