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Chevrolet Revs Up Cute ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ Campaign
Marc Graser
Senior Editor@marcgraser
General Motors has turned to Marvel’s star-spangled superhero Captain America to help promote the launch of Chevrolet’s line up of vehicles, including the newest version of its Corvette Stingray.
The first part of the multi-platform campaign built around “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” out in theaters April 4, launched over the weekend, with kids playing the characters in the sequel, before one climbs into a Chevy Traverse SUV when his mom picks him up from school.
The spot was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who also helmed ”The Winter Soldier” and will return for a third “Captain America” installment planned for 2016.
After having teamed up mostly with Michael Bay and Paramount’s “Transformers” franchise in the past, and TV series like “Hawaii Five-O” and “Nashville,” Chevy wanted to pair up with Marvel because it felt the “Captain America” franchise was a natural way for it to grow the brand around the world, especially as Marvel’s films continue to captivate audiences worldwide. It also wanted a film that offered up strong action sequences for Chevrolet’s line up of cars and trucks.
In addition to the Corvette, the Chevy Tahoe SUV is also featured in the sequel.
“Core brand values such as innovation, young-at-heart, heroism, can-do-spirit and authenticity intersect very well with Captain America’s values,” said Steve Tihanyi, general director of marketing alliances and branded entertainment for General Motors.
In “The Winter Soldier,” the Corvette is mostly associated with Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow character. Harley-Davidson has aligned with Captain America in the first film and “The Avengers.”
“The Corvette represents technology, sophistication, intelligence, performance and beauty just like the Black Widow character,” Tihanyi said. “Being able to align the two made for a great opportunity to include the Corvette in the film.”
Brands typically don’t know how their products will be featured in the final cut of a film.
But Chevy wasn’t disappointed with its presence in the “Captain America” sequel. The Corvette is prominently featured in the first 10 minutes of the movie, with Black Widow pulling up in the American muscle car, impressing Evans’ Steve Rogers.
“Our Chevy products are represented very well and are positioned in wonderful heroic roles and situations,” Tihanyi said.
Chevy developed the marketing campaign with Creative Artists Agency and ad shop Commonwealth, as well as the automaker’s global media agency Carat. Chevy already had a longstanding relationship with Marvel-parent Disney.
Tihanyi said the concept for the ad came from a visual he sent of a little boy in a super hero costume to CAA’s marketing group.
“I asked them to use it as the inspiration for a spot that focused on the imagination of children at play,” he said. The Russos ended up directing the final result, “Rich Imagination.”
“They were always our first choice,” Tihanyi said. “This gave us a true, authentic approach to the development of the spot by placing the kids directly into the role of the actors from the film in the exact same environments. The Russos provided this wonderful take on the scenes from the film with children in an imaginary world of play.”
Chevy’s campaign began rolling out over the weekend, with the spot bowing on YouTube. The tie-in to “The Winter Soldier” will be pushed across key global territories.
The carmaker’s last major movie tie-in was around DreamWorks’ NASCAR-themed “Turbo,” an animated film which wound up disappointing at the box office. Its vehicles will also be prominently featured in this summer’s “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” with the character of Bumblebee once again played by a Camaro.
GM Wins Six ‘Best Family Car’ Awards
DETROIT – General Motors’ brands took home six awards in the 2014 Best Cars for Families from U.S. News & World Report. Ranging from small cars to SUVs, GM’s award winners have the best combination of quality, safety, features and space for families:
- Chevrolet Impala: Best Large Car for Families
- Chevrolet Tahoe: Best Large SUV for Families
- Buick Enclave: Best 3-Row SUV for Families
- Buick Verano: Best Upscale Small Car for Families
- Cadillac CTS: Best Luxury Large Car for Families
- Cadillac ATS: Best Upscale Midsize Car for Families
GM received more awards than any other automaker, and it is the second year in a row GM has the best family vehicles in six different vehicle segments.
The award criteria include top marks in professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and family-friendly features.
“At GM, everything is about providing our customers with the best overall experience in the industry,” said Alicia Boler-Davis, senior vice president GM Global Customer Experience and Product Quality. “Our cars and trucks deliver on all ingredients that create a winning formula for our customers.”
About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
From GM News…
Chevrolet Designs for Pothole Perseverance
DETROIT – Spring hasn’t arrived, but the potholes have. While no one plans to hit them, they are inevitable and in many cases unavoidable. More than an uncomfortable nuisance, they can damage tires, wheels and suspension components.
Chevrolet helps combat the effects of potholes by taking them head-on, testing vehicles such as Malibu and Silverado on carefully engineered roads within the General Motors Milford Proving Ground that are laced with manufactured potholes ranging from mildly annoying to chassis-rattling. The intentionally poor road conditions help engineers thwart the bumps a vehicle takes and tune suspensions to minimize discomfort to passengers.
“We have a wide variety of road surfaces that simulate real-world road conditions around the globe,” said Frank Barhorst, who supervises the Product Usage Measurements and Applications group at the Proving Ground near Detroit. “The range of test road surfaces goes from good to bad, so that we can find the most balanced condition for each vehicle we develop – and believe me, we’ve created some of the worst potholes you’ve ever seen.”
Potholes are most prevalent in the spring because the moisture in the small holes and cracks in the road during the winter alternates between freezing and thawing as temperatures change, causing expansion and contraction of the road surface. Then, the pavement breaks up under the weight of normal vehicle traffic.
One of the major reasons vehicles sustain damage when they hit a pothole is because load is not transferred properly. The engineered potholes at Milford help experts re-create load conditions that occur when a vehicle hits one on a non-controlled surface. GM has collected that data for the past 40 years, using it to design and engineer new vehicles better able to absorb pothole abuse.
The extreme durability tests extend beyond pothole-cratered pavement and includes terrain such as construction sites and off-road-driving environments for Chevy’s trucks and SUVs.
“Every Chevrolet built globally goes through this type of testing. And we design our vehicles to absorb the load when they hit a pothole,” said Barhorst. “The data we collect on our test course helps us to integrate loads between interconnecting parts, and capture and fix potential problems as we design Chevrolets.”
While no technology will help drivers avoid every pothole, Chevrolet models share traits – such as robust body structures – that reduce vibrations generated by sudden, harsh impacts. The strong body structures also enable engineers to tune the suspensions more precisely, for smoother, more controlled driving experiences that help mitigate the effects of smaller and moderate potholes.
Chassis and suspension updates inspired by the all-new 2014 Impala also contribute to the a dynamic driving experience in the 2014 Malibu, including rebound springs in the struts on 2.5L-equipped models. More refined calibration of the dampers results in a smoother overall ride and improves body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning. That helps keep the wheels planted, contributing to a more precise, controlled feel – especially while cornering.
Tire and wheel design and construction also play a vital role in managing potholes. GM engineers its tire technology specifications with an eye toward fuel economy, quietness, tread wear, braking distances and the ability to withstand potholes.
“On the wheel side, we’ve developed a premium process for flow-formed rims,” said Dave Cowger, GM Tire & Wheel Systems Engineering. “On the tire side, we’ve made improvements to the body side including the cords in the tires, which make the tires stronger and allow the vehicle to withstand impact better.”
The team that engineered the new Silverado went to extremes to ensure it would exceed the demands of truck customers. GM’s new full-size trucks underwent more than 6 million miles of durability testing at Milford, over the deserts and mountains of Nevada and across the frozen flats of Kapuskasing, Ontario. That’s equivalent to 240 trips around the earth. In addition, the trucks accumulated more than 7 million real-world miles during final testing, bringing total test miles to more than 13 million.
Chevrolet Certified Service offers these tips for avoiding and managing potholes:
- Always inflate tires to the number on the tire inflation placard on the inside of the driver’s door opening
- Tire inflation should be checked cold, before driving
- Each 10-degree F change in ambient temperature changes the effective inflation pressure by 1 pound. This means during the course of a winter day going from 40 degrees F at noon to 0 degrees F at night, tire pressure can drop 4 pounds, enough to affect its ability to resist pothole damage
- Use winter-rated tires
- Watch for street hazards
- Remember that dirty headlamps and worn wipers hamper visibility
- If you hit a pothole, visibly check your wheel and tire for obvious damage and have your Chevrolet dealer check to see if the vehicle needs a re-alignment or if there is suspension damage.
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….
GM Foundation Donates More than $1.45 Million to Aid Habitat for Humanity
DETROIT – The General Motors Foundation is donating more than $1.45 million to Habitat for Humanity to fund at least 10 new-home builds and 15 neighborhood revitalization projects across the United States, as well as a special veterans’ program in partnership with up to 50 Habitat affiliates.
“An important factor in building stronger families and communities is the stability of a permanent home,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. “This constancy is particularly important for our veterans and military service members, and we are committed to helping them – and the Habitat partner families – realize home ownership and take advantage of programs designed to move their lives forward in positive ways.”
This commitment from the GM Foundation will help give U.S. military service members and veterans access to programs that will help them become homeowners or improve their current living conditions. It will help fund the development of training programs enabling affiliates to better engage and serve their local veteran community. Additionally, it will support construction and revitalization projects in the following cities:
|
Partner Affiliate |
City |
Date |
|
Habitat Bowling Green/Warren County |
Bowling Green, Ky. |
March 25 |
|
Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County |
Lordstown, Ohio |
April 24 |
|
Heartland Habitat for Humanity |
Kansas City, Kan. |
May 21 |
|
Huntington County Habitat for Humanity |
Roanoke, Ind. |
May 22 |
|
Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County |
Seattle, Wash. |
June 19 |
|
Habitat for Humanity of Buffalo |
Tonawanda/Lockport, N.Y. |
July 30 |
|
Habitat for Humanity of Philadelphia |
Philadelphia, Pa. |
July 31 |
|
Habitat for Humanity Detroit |
Detroit, Mich. |
Aug./Sept. |
|
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati |
Cincinnati, Ohio |
Aug. 8-9 |
|
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan |
Flint, Pontiac and Warren, Mich. |
Sept. 8-12 |
|
Carter Work Project |
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas |
Oct. 6-10 |
|
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area |
Fontana, Calif. |
Nov. 21 |
General Motors’ teamGM Cares volunteers, from the company’s operations across the country, will volunteer for each project.
In February, the GM Foundation announced a $400,000 pledge to Habitat for Humanity Detroit in honor of former GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. It also provided a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Michigan to fund volunteer projects in Warren, Pontiac and Flint, Mich., as well as help the Habitat State Support Organization fund its operations.
With this new commitment, the GM Foundation is providing more than $1 million through its national partnership with Habitat for Humanity International to support U.S. Habitat affiliates. This is the second consecutive year the GM Foundation has provided national funding to Habitat for home building and revitalization projects.
The Foundation also provided $500,000 to the organization in May 2013 to assist with cleanup, repairs and new-construction efforts in five Texas counties following devastating tornadoes. Combined, the GM Foundation’s total support of Habitat for Humanity is more than $3 million since 2013.
“Habitat is grateful for the continued support of the General Motors Foundation,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “This new funding will provide opportunities for many families — and veterans in particular — to partner with Habitat affiliates across the U.S. to build or repair their homes. The donation demonstrates a deep commitment from the General Motors Foundation to help Habitat change lives and transform communities.”
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit http://www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.
From GM News…
Modified Chevrolet Bowtie Makes Z/28 Even Cooler
Traditional badge modified in the name of all-out track performance.
DETROIT – In developing the 2014 Camaro Z/28, the team scrutinized every component looking for ways to improve track performance, lap after lap. Even the iconic Chevrolet bowtie faced audit.
During aerodynamics testing, Powertrain Cooling Development engineer Richard Quinn noticed that the bowtie on the Z/28’s grill was displacing air away from the radiator, which can impact engine cooling – an important aspect for all vehicles, especially track-oriented cars.
Removing the bowtie altogether did not seem to be an appropriate solution. Instead, Quinn took a cut-off wheel to the gold fill of the bowtie, leaving the silver outline intact. He installed the prototype on the grill and retested to see the results.
“There are engineers in our team that race as a hobby,” said Quinn, “and we used that racer’s mindset to look for ways small or large to get better performance out of the Z/28. Even the smallest details on the Z/28 were weighed for cooling benefit, and this is one that stuck.”
The “Flowtie,” as the engineers now affectionately refer to it, is just the chrome outline of the traditional bowtie, with the center removed. This simple solution alone was enough to allow three additional cubic meters of air into the engine per minute. Engineers found the Flowtie dropped the temperatures of engine coolant and engine oil by 2°F (1.2°C) during extended track sessions. That seemingly small improvement was enough to justify making the Flowtie standard on every new Z/28.
“The Flowtie is just one example of the team’s focus on track performance,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “That same attention to detail is evident throughout the cooling systems for the LS7 engine, as well as the carbon ceramic brakes and the differential.”
The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1 and 55 pounds lighter than the Camaro 1LE – with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.
“The Camaro Z/28 has more than 190 unique parts, compared to a Camaro SS,” Oppenheiser said. “Like the Flowtie, each of these parts were changed with one objective: to deliver incredible performance on the track – not just for the first lap, but lap, after lap, after lap.”
The 2014 Camaro Z/28 arrives in dealerships this spring.
From GM News…
2015 Chevrolet Big SUVs Get Better Gas Mileage
Tahoe and suburban models achieve nearly 10 percent gain on highway
DETROIT – The new 2015 full-size SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC go farther on a tank of gas than outgoing models, raising highway fuel economy by nearly 10 percent.
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban with the standard 5.3L engine get an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with two-wheel drive – a nearly 10 percent increase in highway mileage over the previous models and 7 percent greater city mileage.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is 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….
GM Foundation Donates $1 Million to Detroit Charities in Honor of Former GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson
DETROIT – The General Motors Foundation is donating $1 million among three Detroit charities in honor of GM’s former Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson and his wife Karin. The donations to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity Detroit and the Coalition On Temporary Shelter, or COTS, further the GM Foundation’s and the Akersons’ commitment to making a difference in GM’s headquarters city.
“Although not natives of Detroit, Dan and Karin Akerson were incredibly moved by the people and circumstances they encountered in the city,” said Senior Vice President of GM Global Public Policy and Communications Selim Bingol, chairman of the GM Foundation. “They changed many lives through their significant personal donations, and we wanted to honor their commitment through these grants.”
Of the $1 million, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen will receive $500,000 to feed Detroit’s citizens and tend to their basic needs. Habitat for Humanity Detroit will receive $400,000 towards both refurbishing and building new homes in Detroit, and COTS will receive $100,000 to continue to provide services to the homeless to foster self-sufficiency.
GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard presented the checks to each organization today. In addition, teamGM Cares Volunteers worked a shift in each facility, serving meals and preparing clothing contributions for the homeless, as well as framing houses for neighborhoods in Detroit.
“We are extremely grateful for the incredibly generous support the Akersons have provided the Capuchin Soup Kitchen during their years in Detroit,” said Brother Jerry Smith, executive director of the organization. “Now we are awed and humbled to receive this large gift from the GM Foundation in their honor. We wish Dan and Karin Godspeed as they journey into this next chapter of their lives; we will miss them.”
During Akerson’s tenure with GM, he and Karin became well known for their philanthropy. Shortly after arriving in Detroit, the Akersons chaired the Karmanos Cancer Institute Annual Dinner, raising more than $868,000. They then chaired the 40th Annual Capuchin “SOCK” dinner, personally donating $250,000 and raising a record $1 million for the organization.
Additionally, as a 40th Anniversary gift to each other, the Akersons donated $1 million to Habitat for Humanity Detroit to benefit the Morningside Community and kick off the “Leaders to ReBuild Detroit” campaign. Akerson also sent his 1958 Corvette to auction, raising $270,000 for the Habitat affiliate. In 2013, the Akersons received the “Sponsor of the Year Award” from Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, which also renamed the award in their honor.
“Once again, the GM Foundation overwhelms us with its generosity,” said Habitat for Humanity Detroit Executive Director Vincent Tilford. This contribution will enable us to continue to build homes, community and hope for hard working families. Dan and Karin Akerson are true champions for Detroit and we are honored to be awarded this gift as part of their legacy.”
Added COTS’ CEO Cheryl P. Johnson: “This gift comes at a critical time for our agency. COTS is in a very important transition as we begin to shift more focus to serving families. I know from my time spent with Mr. Akerson that this work will honor his legacy, as he is such an incredibly family-centered individual. We are grateful to Dan and to the General Motors Foundation for making this investment in our community to help build self-sufficiency and poverty-resistant children.”
After serving as GM Chairman and CEO for more than three years, Mr. Akerson retired from the company on January 15.
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visitwww.gm.com/gmfoundation.
About the Capuchin Soup Kitchen:
Founded in 1929, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen serves Metro Detroit by providing food, clothing, and spiritual counsel to those in need. Frequently preparing and serving 2,000 meals a day, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen also distributes household items and operates a shower program, food pantry, and children’s tutoring and art therapy program. Its Earthworks Urban Farm produces vegetables for Detroit’s hungry, and educates the community in regards to sustainable relationships between human beings and the earth. The soup kitchen’s ROPE (Reaching Our Potential Everyday) ministry is designed to assist individuals “re-entering” society after bouts of incarceration or substance abuse. ROPE’s first social enterprise is the “On the Rise Bakery.”
About Habitat for Humanity Detroit
Habitat for Humanity Detroit is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry providing decent, safe and affordable housing to low-income families in Detroit and its surrounding communities. Since 1986, the Detroit affiliate has rehabilitated and/or built new homes in partnership with more than 350 families. Financial support, gift-in-kind donations and volunteer labor allow Habitat for Humanity Detroit to continue its mission of building homes, community and hope. For more information please visit www.habitatdetroit.org or call (313) 521-6691.
About Coalition On Temporary Shelter
Founded in 1982, Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS) is a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, as well as comprehensive support services for more than 2,000 people in Detroit annually. COTS mission is to alleviate homelessness by providing an array of services which enable people to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain quality affordable housing. COTS also exists to advocate for long-term solutions to the problem of homelessness. For additional information or to support COTS initiatives, visit www.cotsdetroit.org.
From GM News…
28 Ways Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Rules the Road Course
DETROIT – Lightweight, nimble and incredibly powerful, the original Z/28 was designed for road racing. The 2014 Z/28 carries the same spirit, with every detail engineered specifically to create the ultimate track-capable Camaro.
To enable the Z/28 to quickly lap the most challenging road courses, engineers and designers focused on strengthening three key areas during development:
- Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
- Increased stopping power: The Z/28 features Brembo carbon ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap
- Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1 and 55 pounds lighter than the Camaro 1LE – with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.
To enhance the balance and overall driving feel of the Z/28, 100 percent of the unsprung mass – suspension, wheels, tires and brake system – differs from the Camaro SS.
“Like the first-generation Z/28, the new model is a road racer first and foremost. It features a wide range of state-of-the-art exterior performance modifications, and weight-reduction measures. It was bred for the track, pure and simple,” said Mark Stielow, Camaro Z/28 engineering manager.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamics
With the driving goal focused on peak performance capability, nothing on the exterior is without purpose. It shares several racing-inspired, design best practices and lessons learned with the 2014 Corvette Stingray. New and revised exterior content was developed to improve aerodynamics, powertrain cooling and brake-system cooling, helping the Z/28 produce 150 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.
Here are 28 features that helped the Camaro Z/28 lap Germany’s famous Nürburgring road course four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1.
1. Rear spoiler with ‘wickerbill’
The aerodynamic coefficient of drag goal was achieved with original Camaro SS content and an accessory rear spoiler, but to meet the downforce requirements for Z/28, the spoiler was modified with a “wickerbill” – a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler. Although an aesthetically minor change, it helped improve rear lift performance by 70 counts. That allows the Z/28 to handle turns at higher speeds and deliver greater overall high-speed stability.
2. Unique front fascia
The Z/28’s unique front fascia is based on the Camaro SS, but the fog lamps, air dam and the upper-base grille are replaced with covers that reduce weight from deleting fog lamps, an air duct support bracket, an airflow-optimized grille for enhanced cooling and a modified fascia bottom that incorporates provisions for the brake cooling ducts. They funnel air from the lower grille to the wheelhouse liners and the unique splitter.
3. Front splitter
The Z/28’s front splitter is a large aero panel that provides downforce at the front of the car, enhancing cornering capability and high-speed stability. Designed to withstand 250 pounds of downforce at its tip, it is matched with an aero closeout panel under the front of the engine compartment that also enhances aero characteristics – along with molded-in aero features forward of the front wheels.
4. Hood extractor
A functional carbon fiber hood extractor provides increased engine cooling by allowing hot air an exit route. The design is similar in function to the extractor featured on the Camaro ZL1.
5. Rocker moldings and wheel flare moldings
Specific rocker moldings provide aggressive styling and improved aerodynamic performance, while unique wheel flare moldings cover the Z/28’s wide tires. Deflectors at the bottom-front corners of the front wheel flares contribute to the car’s downforce-producing aerodynamics.
6. Front wheelhouse liners
Unique wheelhouse liners with closeouts work with the vehicle underbody to make the most of airflow.
7. Belly pan
The Z/28 underbody incorporates a belly pan that helps reduce front lift. Developed using computational fluid dynamics and wind-tunnel testing. It provides an aero benefit and contributes to drivetrain cooling. Modified NACA duct profiles are designed to draw air into the underbody tunnel area, where the highly energized air provides extra cooling for underbody components affected by the exhaust heat energy of the LS7 engine.
Weight Reduction
Making the most of mass is a key component of the Z/28’s performance capability, contributing to a balanced feel and a high power-to-weight ratio. With a curb weight of 3,820 pounds and 505 horsepower (376 kW), the Z/28 has a power-to-weight ratio of 7.6:1 – or one horsepower for every 7.6 pounds of the car’s mass. That compares favorably to other performance coupes, including Audi RS 5 (8.9:1), BMW M3 (8.9:1) and Porsche 911 Carrera (8.7:1).
The Z/28’s curb weight is approximately 300 pounds less than the ZL1 and about 55 pounds less the 1LE, despite features that add mass, including a dry-sump oiling system with a 10.5-quart reservoir, higher-mass chassis and suspension components such as the support brackets for the front splitter. Engineers offset the mass of those necessary features with a targeted weight-loss program that trimmed the Z/28 to the essential elements of performance.
8. Thinner rear window glass
Reducing the thickness of the rear window glass from 3.5 mm to 3.2 mm saved 400 grams.
9. Lightweight rear seat
Although it looks like the rear seat in the SS, the Z/28’s rear seat is 4.7 kilograms lighter due to reduced seat foam and a fixed seatback design with no folding/pass-through feature.
10. Lightweight wheels and tires
The Z/28’s 19-inch aluminum wheels save 8.7 kilograms compared to Camaro SS wheels. Their thin split-spoke design features a back-cut at the rim, reducing mass at the outermost area of the wheel – and reducing spin inertia by 5 percent, for enhanced performance. They are matched with track-capable tires that save 13.2 kilograms per vehicle, compared to the SS.
11. Carbon ceramic brake rotors
Lighter than comparably sized steel brake rotors, the Z/28’s carbon ceramic rotors save 9.6 kilograms, while also reducing un-sprung weight for immediate, responsive handling.
12. No Air conditioning
Because the Z/28 is intended for the track, air conditioning was deemed non-essential component. The deletion saved 12.9 kilograms. Air conditioning is available as an option.
Powertrain
The Camaro Z/28’s powertrain is rooted in the 7.0L LS7 engine that made the Corvette Z06 an instant performance icon. With an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm), it complements the lightweight vehicle components to give the car its 7.6:1 power-to-weight ratio while delivering the power to accelerate strongly out of corners and achieve high straightaway speeds.
A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. The new design enables the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster, by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction.
The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.
13. LS7 engine with dry-sump oiling
The racetrack-bred LS7includes features designed for the high-rpm environment of the track, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves. It also features a racing-style dry-sump oiling system that helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering.
14. Air intake system
The LS7 uses a unique open air box intake system to make the most of high-rpm airflow into the engine. It features a K&N conical air filter and delivers the highest airflow performance of any production Camaro filter system. The air cleaner seals around bottom of the hood, reducing the chance of recirculated hot air being drawn into the engine.
15. Track-capable fuel system
Engineered to meet the fueling demands of the high-output LS7 engine during aggressive driving maneuvers, the road course-ready fuel system is designed to keep the primary fuel pump reservoir full even under hard cornering and maximize the amount of fuel available during high-performance maneuvers around the most grueling road courses.
16. Active dual-mode exhaust system and high-flow converter assembly
The 2014 Z/28’s dual-mode exhaust system is engineered to provide high-flow and muscular sound character under aggressive acceleration, while attenuating noise levels in cruising conditions. It actively controls valves that change the flow path of the exhaust for the desired performance, depending on transmission gear and engine speed. With the valves open, the system produces less back pressure and more power from the engine. Additionally, the converter assembly has been modified to increase flow and horsepower.
17. TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
Used in the Camaro ZL1 and Cadillac CTS V-Series, the TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual has the capability to stand up to high-performance engines, with short throws, smooth gear synchronization and excellent shift feel. Design features include a combination of double-cone and triple-cone synchronizers on all gears. Double-cone synchronizers have two friction surfaces to affect gear acceleration and triple-cone synchronizers have three friction surfaces – the greater the friction surface, the easier the transmission is to shift.
18. 5.1-ratio short-throw shifter
The Z/28 uses a 5.1-ratio short-throw shifter that provides quicker, more precise-feeling gear changes – similar to ZL1 and SS 1LE models.
Chassis and Suspension
The Z/28’s performance focus is maximum cornering, braking and lap times. Comprehensive chassis and suspension changes, including a lower center of gravity, specific stabilizer bars, higher-rate coil springs and other chassis and suspension features, enable more than 1.05 g in lateral acceleration and 1.5 g in deceleration. Racing-bred dampers, tires and carbon ceramic brakes play important roles in predictable and consistent maximum performance with every lap.
19. Strut tower brace
The Z/28 uses the same tower strut brace as the Camaro SS 1LE to provide extra chassis stiffness by tying the towers together. It transmits the load of each strut tower during cornering via tension and compression of the strut bar, which shares the load between both towers and reduces chassis flex.
20. Zero-preload limited-slip differential
A high-performance, zero-preload limited-slip differential is employed to make the most of cornering capability and cornering exit traction. It features a concentric helical gear set that generates friction proportional to the input torque and allows continuous torque biasing and differentiation to be managed between the drive wheels. A conventional limited-slip differential uses preloaded clutch plates and springs to create a fixed amount of friction that is always present).
As torque increases from the engine, the separation forces in the gears increase to drive increased friction, maximizing the capability of individual-wheel antilock brake function during corner-entry braking, mid-corner speed and corner-exit traction. On the track, that translates into quicker lap times, by allowing the Z/28 to put down more power in the turns, with greater traction, greater handling precision and enhanced steering centering. The axle ratio is 3.91.
21. Differential cooler
The Z/28’s differential cooler pulled from the knowledge gained in developing the ZL1, which is unlike that found in other sports cars. It incorporates an integral heat exchanger, eliminating the need for an external pump, wiring, relays, temperature sensors and fan. This innovative system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger inside the differential housing, which removes excess heat from the differential fluid, reducing temperatures by more than 100 degrees F, helping the differential maintain cool, stable performance throughout the most aggressive road course sessions.
22. Uprated lower control arm ride link “travel limiter” bushing
This higher-durometer part offers 50-percent greater stiffness at high load than the SS, improving steering feel and brake force deflection steer while providing more consistent performance for continuous road-course driving. Additionally, the lower control arm lateral link handling bushing is revised on all 2014 Camaros for more consistent track performance.
23. Uprated rear upper control arm bushing and lower trailing link bushings
The “P-bracket” bushing for the rear upper control arms is redesigned with increased durometer and eliminated voids to improve lateral stiffness during hard cornering, as well as toe-change compliance during braking. The stiffness rate of this part is increased 400 percent, compared with the SS component. Similarly, 25-percent stiffer lower inner and outer trailing links bushings deliver improved lateral stiffness during hard cornering and reduced toe-change compliance during hard braking.
24. Higher-rate coil springs and smaller-diameter stabilizer bars
Engineers increased the stiffness rate of the Z/28’s coil springs – the amount of energy required to compress them – by 85 percent in the front and 65 percent in the rear. The specific tuning of the springs reduces body movement, which allowed the engineers to use smaller, lighter stabilizer bars to maximize grip during hard braking, cornering and acceleration. The solid stabilizer bars are 25mm in diameter in the front and 26mm in the rear – compared to the 28mm front and 27mm solid bars used on the Camaro SS 1LE.
25. DSSV® damper technology
The Z/28 is the first high-volume production road car to employ racing-derived DSSV® or Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology from Multimatic. The dampers rely upon a pair of self-piloted spool valves to control fluid through tuned port shapes rather than conventional deflected disc dampers. The design of the inverted-monotube front strut and aluminum-body monotube rear hydraulic dampers offers maximum response, stiffness and tuning optimized for the track, with the highest level of damper predictability, accuracy and repeatability. In short, they deliver optimal wheel control and vehicle control – and they provide almost double the stiffness when compared to the dampers on the Camaro SS 1LE.
26. Performance Traction Management
Performance Traction Management, or PTM, is an advanced system that integrates the chassis mode selection, Traction Control and Active Handling Systems, tuned specifically in the Z/28 for optimal road-course performance and consistency. PTM allows the driver to press the accelerator pedal to wide open at the exit of the corner and manages acceleration based on the given vehicle dynamics. Five performance levels or modes are available to accommodate a variety of driving conditions.
27. Nineteen-inch wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires
A major contributor to the lateral performance of the Z/28 is the wheel-and-tire combination, featuring the widest front wheels/tires of any comparable sports coupe. Engineers incorporated a comparatively smaller, 19-inch package, with P305/30/ZR19 tires front and rear – mounted on 19×11-inch front wheels and 19×11.5-inch rear wheels – which contributed to lowering the center of gravity 33mm, for enhanced handling. The forged aluminum wheels are lighter and stiffer than comparable SS wheels, and they’re used with Pirelli PZero Trofeo R motorsport compound tires. Designed for summer use on the street, the tires’ unique compound was developed for the track and provides a large contact patch for maximum grip. They also offer a 29.5-pound weight advantage over Camaro SS tires.
28. Brembo® carbon ceramic brakes
Large, robust and track-capable Brembo® carbon ceramic matrix brakes deliver exceptional braking capability, while weighing in 9.6 kilograms under the comparable Camaro SS brakes. The brakes offer unmatched levels of brake feel, lap after lap, with tremendous fade resistance, and the Z/28 is expected to produce 60-0 mph stopping distances of less than 120 feet. The system includes large, 15.5 x 1.4-inch two-piece front rotors matched with fixed monobloc, six-piston front calipers, and 15.3 x 1.3-inch two-piece rear rotors with four-piston calipers. They also feature high-performance pad material with increased pad surface area, and electronic pad-wear sensors.
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…
Impala and Traverse Among KBB.com 12 Best Family Cars of 2014
DETROIT – In a quest to find the vehicles best suited for families, Kelley Blue Book editors collaborated with real families to test an array of vehicles including anything from sedans to minivans.
Two Chevrolets made their way into KBB.com’s 12 Best Family Cars of 2014 recommended list, theChevrolet Impala four-door sedan and the Traverse midsize SUV.
“We designed the Chevrolet Impala and Traverse precisely to offer a wide suite of useful family-friendly features,” said Russ Clark, Chevrolet director of marketing. “It is good to see that KBB.com and the customers they surveyed agree.”
Nominees were chosen specifically for excellence in safety, comfort, driving performance, room for child seats, cargo space, rear-seat entertainment and other family-friendly features.
The KBB.com expert editors started with 21 vehicles top-ranked in their Expert Ratings in various family-friendly categories and enlisted the help of several families to thoroughly test these family haulers. KBB.com editors then recorded the results and feedback to select the winners.
“We were surprised at the number of sedans that made the Best Family Cars list this year,” Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Once upon a time before minivans and SUVs, sedans were the primary family car of choice, and this year’s list proves the modern sedan still makes a fine family car.”
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…
Wheeler Motors Headlines 