Hey, Doc! Sewage, Beer and Food Scraps Can Power Chevrolet’s Bi-fuel Impala

DETROIT – Trash to fuel, the stuff of the 1980s sci-fi comedy movie trilogy “Back to the Future,” is now a reality. The 2015 Bi-fuel Chevrolet Impala – not a tricked-out DeLorean – really can run on leftovers, table scraps and, oh, yeah, grains from brewing beer.

Cleveland-based quasar energy group uses organic waste to produce a renewable energy source known as biogas, which is then converted into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – one of two fuels that can power the 2015 Chevrolet Bi-fuel Impala.

Biogas is the raw mixture of gases given off by the breakdown of organic materials kept in an oxygen-less environment. The resulting methane gas is then processed, removing all carbon dioxide and impurities to make Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). When compressed, RNG is a direct replacement for CNG.

Since biogas can be made from most organic materials, quasar insources raw materials, otherwise considered waste, from a variety of industries. For instance, its Columbus, Ohio Renewable Energy Facility processes up to 25,000 wet tons of biosolids from the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities for wastewater.

Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, contributes food waste for CNG-production after it’s been macerated in an industrial-sized InSinkErator Grind2Energy garbage disposal. And don’t forget beer: Anheuser-Busch’s Columbus brewery provides an organic by-product to quasar for conversion to methane gas.

“If you can buy renewable fuel at $1.95 per gallon while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, everybody wins,” said Mel Kurtz, president of quasar energy group.   “quasar’s Columbus facility can produce 1.3 million gasoline gallon equivalents of CNG each year.”

That’s enough to fill the CNG tanks of 163,000 Bi-fuel Impalas at least once.

Though CNG fueling stations are prevalent in states like California and Oklahoma, infrastructure in some states is scarce.

“To avoid feelings of range anxiety common in owners of CNG-only vehicles, we made the Impala bi-fuel, allowing our customers to drive on CNG when available and on gasoline when it’s not,” said Nichole Kraatz, Impala chief engineer.

The CNG tank mounted in the trunk has the equivalent capacity of 7.8 gallons of gasoline, which is expected to offer approximately 150 city miles of range on compressed natural gas based on GM testing. With gasoline and compressed natural gas combined, expected range is 500 city miles based on GM testing. EPA estimates are not yet available.

Impala’s bi-fuel system seamlessly switches to gasoline power when the CNG tank is depleted. Drivers who wish to change fuels while driving can do so by simply pushing a button. A light on the instrument panel indicates when CNG is being used, and there is no interruption in the vehicle’s performance.

Operating on CNG can result in an average fuel savings of nearly $1.13 per gasoline-gallon-equivalent based on a national average of $3.24 per gallon of gasoline as reported by AAA and $2.11 per gge of CNG, reported by CNGnow. Also, CNG vehicles typically have 20 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars, according to the California Air Resources Board.

The Bi-fuel Impala is factory-built so its CNG fuel system is validated by GM and covered by GM’s three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) new vehicle limited bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited powertrain warranty. The Bi-fuel Impala is the only bifuel-capable sedan on the market to offer a factory warranty.

When the Bi-fuel Impala goes on sale later this year, it will have a starting price of $38,210.

Editors’ Note: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination freight charge but excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

About Chevrolet

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 4.9 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.

About quasar energy group

quasar is a Cleveland, Ohio based renewable energy company that designs, builds, owns and operates anaerobic digestion systems. quasar has thirteen operational anaerobic digestion facilities throughout the United States with several more under construction or in the planning stage.  qng (quasar natural gas) is derived from the anaerobic digestion of regional organic waste streams and is available to the public at quasar stations in Columbus, Zanesville and Wooster, Ohio.

Quasar Contact:
Caroline Henry
Quasar Vice President, Marketing
216-409-6713
chenry@quasareg.com

Silverado HD Strong Arms the Competition

DETROIT – How tough are heavy-duty trucks? A recent frame-twisting test found that the use of roll-formed steel in its bed allowed the tailgate of the 2015 Silverado 2500HD pickup to be lowered on uneven terrain while greater twisting of one competitor’s frame kept its tailgate from being lowered.

AMCI Testing, a third-party research firm hired by Chevrolet, recently subjected the 2015 Silverado 2500HD and a Ford F-250 Super Duty to a rigorous frame twist test, in which the truck was driven onto two staggered ramps, where the wheels on one side of the truck hit the ramp before the other, placing a large amount of torque on the frame. Measurements were then taken for the distance of displacement of the cab body and the bed, determining the amount of twist to which the frame is subjected.

AMCI found that during the test, the Silverado HD’s frame allowed 0.26 inches of twist, while the F-250 Super Duty allowed 0.94 inches of twist, 262 percent more than the Silverado. The twist was so great on the Ford that when under stress, the tailgate could not able to be lowered, while the Silverado’s available EZ-Lift and Lower Tailgate operated normally. You can see the test here.

“The use of high-strength steel in the Silverado HD is what allows the Silverado to handle even the toughest of jobs,” said Jeff Luke, General Motors’ executive chief engineer for full-size trucks. “Paired with a fully boxed frame, high-strength steel is what makes the Silverado come from the family of the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickups on the road.”

Roll-formed steel in the Silverado HD vs. the stamped steel bed of most competitors involves using a higher-grade steel that’s stronger, lighter and more durable. The fully boxed frame provides a rigid foundation.

The Silverado’s body is also constructed using similar high-strength steel. Approximately 67 percent of the cab is constructed with high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels. They’re used in the A-pillars, B-pillars, rockers and roof rails, as well strategic sections on the interior structure.

Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody to help improve crash performance. The Silverado uses more high-strength and ultrahigh-strength steel than any competitor’s full-size pickup truck, according to market research firm Ducker Worldwide.

About Chevrolet
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 4.9 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.

From GM News….

Chevrolet Complete Care

YOUR COMPLETE OWNER BENEFIT PROGRAM

 

Chevrolet Complete Care is more than our promise to be with you all the way. It’s our commitment to ensure your satisfaction with excellent service and the support you would expect when purchasing a Chevrolet.
 

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE

Chevrolet Complete Care is committed to giving you the utmost confidence in your Chevrolet vehicle purchase. This comprehensive coverage enhances the overall ease of owning and driving your Chevrolet with benefits such as:

• Included Scheduled Maintenance† by Chevrolet Certified Service Experts
• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• Excellent Warranty Coverage to protect your investment
• Courtesy Transportation
   

2 Years/24,000 Miles of Included ScheduledMaintenance†

No one knows your vehicle better than the Chevrolet Certified Service Experts. They carefully assess and care for your vehicle while keeping a detailed history of your maintenance visits. Included with your purchase of any 2014 vehicle purchased after May 1, 2013, this expert care ensures your vehicle’s overall performance for the long run. Services include:

• Replace engine oil and oil filter (excludes Spark EV)
• A thorough 27-point vehicle inspection provides a detailed assessment from Chevrolet Certified Technicians
• 4-wheel tire rotation (excludes dual rear wheel vehicles, all Corvette models and select Camaro models – ZL1 model and 1LE package cars – due to their unidirectional tires. See the Owner’s Manual for details.)

5 Years/100,000 Miles of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation†

When you’re on the road, you can rest assured that we’re with you all the way. Chevrolet Complete Care gives you the steadfast confidence to make every drive as stress-free as possible. And when you need help getting back on the road, our 24-Hour Roadside Assistance is there for you. This helpful service includes:

• Emergency Towing (to the closest Chevrolet dealer from a legal roadway)
• Jump Starts (at home or on the road)
• Flat Tire Changes (spare installed if equipped)
• Fuel Delivery ($5 worth of fuel delivered on the road)
• Lockout Service (keys locked inside vehicle)
• Courtesy Transportation provides alternate transportation options when your vehicle is undergoing warranty repairs

Warranty Coverage

We’re with you all the way. This is our commitment to maintaining a high degree of quality, dependability and reliability through coverage that protects your investment. Our warranties make sure that you’re covered when life happens. This coverage includes:

• 5-year/100,000-mile† Powertrain Limited Warranty
• 3-year/36,000-mile† Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
• 6-year/100,000-mile† Rust-Through Protection Warranty
• These warranties are completely transferable with your vehicle through ownership changes.

 
CONNECTIVITY

Almost every Chevrolet vehicle is connected by OnStar. This extensive support service is enhanced through your in-vehicle technology. From viewing vehicle diagnostics on your mobile phone to effortlessly navigating your next destination through simple voice directions, OnStar gives you the convenience and control with a powerful array of services, in addition to 24/7 access to a live Advisor with the push of a button.
 

ONSTAR

A 6-month subscription to OnStar† standard on most Chevrolet vehicles† keeps you even more connected to safety, convenience and navigation. Connect your drive with a 24/7 live Advisor at the press of a button. OnStar can help with locating a dealer, Automatic Crash Response and 24-Hour Roadside Assistance by pushing the blue button or sending your Directions & Connections® Plan directly to your car for more convenient access on the go. This useful service includes:

• OnStar Automatic Crash Response with Enhanced Crash Data
• OnStar Directions & Connections® Plan
• Automatic and On-Demand Vehicle Diagnostics
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance

 

• Learn More

ONSTAR REMOTELINK KEY FOB SERVICES

Included with all 2014 vehicle purchases, RemoteLink Key Fob Services† gives you access to other features such as remote start, as well as locking and unlocking your doors even when miles away from your vehicle. This is included for five years after purchase of your 2014 Chevrolet vehicle, with or without a paid OnStar subscription. With RemoteLink Key Fob Services, you can:

• Unlock your automatic door locks remotely if your keys are locked inside (if equipped with power locks)
• Remotely start or turn off your car (if equipped with factory installed and enabled remote start)
• Activate your vehicle’s horns and lights to help locate it in a crowded parking lot

 

Experience another level of control over your vehicle even when you’re not in it. With OnStar RemoteLink®† mobile app, you can view real-time fuel information, track navigation, keep tabs on fuel range, gallons of gas remaining and more. Anywhere you get mobile connections, you can:

• Verify your remaining oil life†
• View your current tire pressure (excludes spare)†
• View hands-free calling information†
• Send directions to your vehicle†
• Immediately connect to help†
• Access account information†

Chevrolet Accelerates to 4G LTE Speeds in 2014

Bowtie brand models in U.S. and Canada to get OnStar 4G LTE by summer

2014-01-05

 LAS VEGAS – Starting this summer, Chevrolet will have some of the fastest vehicles on the roads, and that has nothing to do with horsepower. Chevrolet drivers will be enjoying high-speed data – made possible by a new OnStar 4G LTE connection in the vehicle, running on AT&T’s network, the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Chevrolet today announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt would be the first General Motors’ vehicles to come optionally equipped with OnStar 4G LTE. They will be followed by the Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV. In the Canadian market, OnStar with 4G LTE will be introduced on the Chevrolet Trax as well. The majority of the 2015 Chevrolet lineup in the U.S and Canada will have a 4G LTE connection built-in at vehicle launch. More models will be announced later this year.

“Chevrolet is expected to implement the broadest deployment of 4G LTE in the automotive industry,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet. “The fact that OnStar with 4G LTE will be available in models that range from the Chevrolet Spark to the Silverado to the Corvette, is indicative of our broad commitment to deliver more value and convenience through smart technology applications. This new, purposeful technology solution will make our consumers lives easier to connect.”

Vehicles Equipped with Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot

The 4G LTE rollout will bring a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to most Chevrolet vehicles, which allows passengers to connect their personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless internet. Each vehicle can accommodate multiple devices at one time.

“We know that our customers rely on being connected on a daily, if not hourly basis, and they expect to be provided with the information and content they desire with no interruptions,” said Mary Chan, president, GM’s Global Connected Consumer. “A 4G LTE hotspot that’s built into a car’s architecture will provide a more consistent and powerful Wi-Fi connection than a smartphone.”

With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, the vehicle acts as a mobile hub, giving customers easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed cellular or data connection. The vehicle will employ a wireless connection that does not rely on a brought-in mobile device.

In collaboration with AT&T, the data connection in the car will be fast – and flexible. Current AT&T customers will be able to add their vehicle to a shareable bucket of data through AT&T Mobile Share plans. All drivers can also pay for data as a standalone option. Additional pricing and data packages for OnStar 4G LTE will be announced later in 2014.

Chevrolet AppShop Offers Connected Car Personalization

Chevrolet MyLink will offer consumers an enhancement with the built in AppShop, available on select 2015 Chevrolet models in the U.S. and Canada. AppShop will benefit from the embedded 4G LTE connection.

Chevrolet AppShop is accessible through an icon on the MyLink screen that allows owners to view all available apps and download them directly to the vehicle, then organize, update or delete them as needed. Available apps will connect drivers to vehicle data, music, news, weather, travel information and more.

“The built-in 4G LTE connection will allow our vehicles to be updated with the latest software and apps,” said Chan. “This means that the driver’s vehicle infotainment systems can keep getting better after purchase as customers can continue to add on and customize their features.”

An initial list of planned apps announced today includes Vehicle Health, iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, The Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, TuneIn Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki.

OnStar’s 10^th Generation to Debut

Chevrolet’s 4G LTE launch coincides with the 10th hardware generation of OnStar, a service that debuted in GM vehicles in 1996. The upgrade will allow for voice and high speed data services.  

“We are focused on constantly improving the OnStar service so that the system continues to remain a trusted value-add for GM drivers,” said Terry Inch, chief operating officer, OnStar. “4G LTE will enable the most powerful OnStar connection ever.”

OnStar Advisors currently respond to approximately 185,000 calls every day or more than two calls every second. OnStar is standard across the 2014 Chevrolet lineup. The OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services smartphone app, which allows owners to lock or unlock doors, activate the horn and lights, and remotely start a properly-equipped vehicle, is included for five years for properly equipped Chevrolet vehicles in the U.S.

 

From GM News…

Congratulations to our Employee of the Year!

 

Congratulations to Henry Grondin on being voted 2013 Employee of the Year at Wheeler Motors!

Henry was voted by his peers as the hardest working one of the bunch this year.  The picture above depicts Henry in his natural habitat, unable even to smile for the camera due to his commitment to the job.

Henry came to Wheelers in August of 1994.  He has earned his title of Senior Master Service Technician through his countless hours on the job both with us and before.  After living in 4 other states, he decided on coming home to Brutus and working steadily in Cheboygan.

Thank you for your service and dedication, Henry!

 

Science Bolsters 2014 Chevrolet Impala’s Seat Comfort

“DETROIT – Crafting comfortable car seats takes more than high-tech tools like seat pressure mapping systems and a multi-part mannequin that feeds data into a comfort dimensioning system.

As helpful as they are, there is no substitute for an element of human fine-tuning, or putting butts in seats.

General Motors’ human factors engineers who understand biomechanics, psychology, quantitative research and ergonomics, applied all these disciplines to help make the seats comfortable in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

GM seat comfort lab manager Jill Green uses a robot to test the comfort and integrity of the Chevrolet Malibu seat cushions and frames, a process used for the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala as well. The robots simulate a variety of body types entering, sitting and exiting the vehicle.

Customers for each car segment want more or less support and rigidity in their car seats. What the car will be used for – such as commuting, city driving or track racing – helps engineers establish precise parameters of comfort. Finding the “sweet spot” for each vehicle doesn’t come easy.

For the new Impala, volunteer seat testers ranging from 5^th percentile females (5 feet tall, 110 lbs.) to 95^th percentile males (6 feet tall or taller, 223 lbs.) spent hundreds of hours and logged thousands of miles in prototypes of the redesigned flagship sedan to evaluate seat comfort.

Seat testers typically drive or ride in prototype vehicles for several 60-minute intervals at a time recording initial feedback after the first 10 minutes. At each 60-minute interval, they numerically rate every aspect of the seat: cushion, backrest, lumbar support, headrest and side bolsters.

But tester feedback is subjective and design changes are often subtle because seat designs evolve from past programs and reams of data collected with precision instruments.

“Developing comfortable seats is both an art and a science,” said Jill Green, GM seat comfort lab manager. “Knowing how to translate a physiological impression into tangible design elements is the art, and knowing how to execute the design is the science.”

Seat tester evaluations alone would have been insufficient to achieve such results. That’s where tools like Oscar come in hand. The mannequin-like tool made of steel, plastic and aluminum is assembled in 18 removable parts weighing up to 170 pounds. Early in the Impala’s development, Oscar helped determine the overall dimensional layout of the interior, allowing engineers to make the best use of space.

GM seat comfort engineers, including Jill Green pictured in the driver’s seat of a Chevrolet Malibu, use state-of-the-art digital pressure-mapping technology to scan the rear-end impressions of people of all shapes and sizes over the seat surface, creating a map with more than 4,600 data points

State-of-the-art digital pressure-mapping technology was used to scan the rear-end impressions of people of all shapes and sizes over the seat surface, creating a map with more than 4,600 data points. A laptop computer used the data to generate graphics illustrating how occupants sit in the seat statically or while driving.

The Impala’s front seats are heated and ventilated, and bolstered for greater support. The seat cushions are designed to provide a firm, premium feel. LS models feature cloth seats, while LT comes standard with cloth/vinyl seats. Sueded microfiber-trimmed seats are available on LT and LTZ models, which feature standard perforated leather seating. Standard on LT and LTZ models, rear-seat headrests fold to improve rear visibility when there are no back-seat passengers.

Car reviewers have noticed the attention paid to Impala’s seats.

“After hours in the driver seat, we found ourselves just as fresh as we were before we set out,” wrote Mark Takahashi, automotive editor, Edmunds.com. “The outboard rear seats have enough head- and legroom for the average adult male to remain comfortable for extended trips as well.”

From GM News….