In the news: The Chevrolet Camaro concept was one of the vehicles that received high praises during the 2006 American Auto show. And for this year, it is expected that the Camaro will once again reign. This time however, it’s going to be the Camaro convertible.
The Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept is to debut on the eve of the North American International Auto Show at GM Style which is an exclusive fashion-splashed event that combines celebrities, couture and automobiles. Chevrolet is optimistic with its new Camaro convertible and announced that they already made production plans for it. They further stated that if things will go smoothly with the production then the US auto market can expect it by 2009.
The Camaro convertible concept was derived from the original Camaro concept with little changes to make way for the convertible body style. In terms of exterior dimensions, the Camaro convertible and the original Camaro concept basically are the same L/W/H: 4,730/2,022/1,344 mm. Their only difference is the windshield since the convertible concept’s features a bright anodized finish and altered slightly to make room for the convertible top. The Camaro convertible concept is going to be equipped with a potent V-8 engine that powers the rear wheel via manual transmission. It will also feature a four-wheel independent suspension system and a four wheel disc brakes.
The convertible will also feature sophisticated Chevrolet Camaro accessories with some additional design details that include: tonneau cover, “Halo” headlamps, LED tailamps, rear spoiler with LED-lit CHMSL, racing-inspired fuel filler door, front-inlet hood scoop (inspired by the Corvette Z06), and a heritage-inspired rear fender grills. The Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color of the Camaro convertible was more of a contemporary update of the classic hue offered in 1969.
The twin gunmetal gray sport stripes together with its classic color accentuate the Camaro’s heritage and help it in portraying a contemporary look. The Camaro convertible is equipped with 21 inch front wheels and 22 inch rear wheels that have a deep-dish, five spoke design with charcoal center sections with bright outer edges and an orange outline on the wheel edge.
According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice president, Global Design, “The best follow-up to last year’s award-winning Camaro concept is a Camaro convertible. The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response – it’s a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage.”
Auto Shows February 18th 2010
Thieves are becoming quicker, savvier, and more advanced. Vehicles, which are equipped with computer-based security system, keyless entry and ignition systems, can now be stolen in just a few seconds.
How do you steal a car in 15 seconds? Some thieves force the window of the car to have a good opening. The car door is later unlocked and locked. They then pop the hood, disconnect the battery and look for the ignition cable. If still, the method does not work, thieves have ample time to manipulate car alarm. The next thing the car owner knows is that his fancy car is nowhere to be found.
This manner of stealing a car is prevalent in Europe. Thieves further employ decrypting the 40-bit code sequence to unlock the car’s door, disengage security system and – transfer ownership. This is for the reason that the owner of the code becomes the owner of the car.
How do you steal a car in less than 15 seconds? To steal a keyless car, all it takes is the know-how on Basic Encryption 101. In the Johns Hopkins/RSA study, the authors simulated the car’s ignition system using a laptop. They made several scans in less than 1 second without the victim knowing. They use the laptop to try various combinations until the right combinations were yielded. Finally, they gained entrance to the car and started it.
Advanced Anti-theft system is a necessity. Nonetheless, they have to really serve their purpose. These days, OEM and aftermarket immobilizers are now integrated in Chrysler, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Ford accessories. Other cars with this safety feature are Dodge Neon, Lincoln Continental and Town Car, Plymouth Breeze, Toyota Landcruiser and 4Runner, Ford Windstar, Crown Victoria, and Contour, and the Mercury Marquis. Jeep Cherokee accessories and Nissan Pathfinder accessories also integrate sophisticated immobilizer systems.
The immobilizer contains a transponder. The latter also contains unalterable identification code. It works by employing radio frequency and signal powers.
As technology develops, thieves as well, become more and more advanced. Moreover, car owners clamor for cutting-edge ignition keys that no one or nothing can copy.
Auto Shows February 7th 2010
The auto industry has gone green with the threat of global warming continually increasing. Automakers have started developing and manufacturing green vehicles or automobiles designed to have limited greenhouse gas emission. General Motors is one of those automakers pushing through with their promise of introducing eco-friendly vehicles in the auto market.
Recently, The Auto Channel reported that the Chevy Equinox, another green vehicle being developed by the Detroit automaker received the Green Car Vision Award from Green Car Journal. This is the first time that the said award was given. The Chevrolet Equinox was named for the award at the ongoing Washington Auto Show.
The Chevy Equinox beat four other nominees for the award. These are the BMW Hydrogen 7, the Honda FCX Clarity, the Phoenix Electric SUT, and the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. These four vehicles and the Chevrolet Equinox are classified as advanced limited production vehicles.
Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, said that the Chevrolet Equinox is the best vehicle out of the five to show the way forward in making the industry greener. “The Equinox Fuel Cell is visionary on many levels,” said Cogan. “Zero-emission vehicles destined for our highways in the years ahead will take many forms, from small car platforms to large. Powering a popular crossover model with a future fuel such as hydrogen, and doing so seamlessly with an efficient powerplant that creates no CO2 greenhouse gases, is exemplary and Chevrolet should be commended for this.”
The Chevrolet Equinox got the award thanks to its highly advanced powertrain. The said vehicle is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. This powertrain is complemented with features which consumers in the future will be seeing as standard features like StabiliTrac and OnStar. Apart from those features, the Equinox is also equipped with front and roof rail side impact airbags designed to protect the occupants of the vehicle in the unfortunate event of a crash.
The Equinox also caught the attention of the panel of judges by the fact that it is already being offered to fleets and customers to try it out. Over 100 units of the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell will be made available to consumers in California, New York City, and Washington D.C. for three months.
The Chevy Equinox receiving the award at the said motor show is further indication that Detroit automaker General Motors is serious in its promise to manufacture green vehicles with auto parts as reliable as Dodge bumpers.
Auto Shows January 24th 2010
