Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze Show Their Diamond Rings

(photo courtesy:  Chevrolet.com)

From Chevrolet.com:

The diamond-hard technology that enables razor blades to shave closer and last longer also allows the piston rings of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine, available on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze, to operate with less friction for better fuel efficiency and durability.

This use of diamond-like carbon coating, or DLC, on a General Motors powertrain component marks a first for Chevrolet. Although the advanced synthetic surface treatment is relatively new to automobiles, it can be found on a variety of high-end products, such as computer hard drives, orthopedic implants and semi-conductors. GM also is testing its use on machining tools.

In general, piston rings seal an engine’s combustion chamber, support heat transfer from the pistons to the cylinder wall and regulate engine oil consumption. In the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine, the slick, synthetically hardened steel rings do these things with minimal wear and tear.

“Thanks to diamond-like carbon coating, we can use lower tension on the Ecotec’s piston rings to reduce friction, which improves fuel economy,” said Rich Ricchi, GM Powertrain technical specialist. “DLC also reduces oil consumption in high-mileage driving, due to the favorable wear properties associated with the DLC coating.”

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Contact Tyrrell-Doyle Chevrolet for more information on the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic.

Chevrolet Equinox Offers Convenience & Comfort Features

From Chevrolet.com:



Consumers experience universal design every day, from sidewalk ramps to lever-style door handles. For most people, universal design adds convenience, but for people with limited range of motion, it can be a difference maker. A rear vision camera, programmable liftgate and easy-to-use touch screen controls are examples of Equinox’s ease-of-use features.

Ease of use is increasingly important to car design as automakers adapt to changing consumer demographics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 65-and-older population is projected to grow to more than 71 million by 2030, and will account for 20 percent of the nation’s citizenry. That means more car buyers will be dealing with age-related issues that affect range of motion, eyesight, hearing, reflexes and cognition – issues that General Motors has studied in depth and has already begun to address in many of its vehicles such as the Equinox.

“We never design vehicles specifically for older consumers, but we increasingly integrate design solutions that work for all users, regardless of age,” said Carl Wellborn, senior staff engineer and project manager, GM Design and Technology Fusion. “Designs that make life easier for older users also work for younger users. Universal design is the key to unlocking usability solutions and implementing them successfully.”

Wellborn presented GM’s findings on increasing product value for an aging global market at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s national convention last year. The research was based on dozens of interviews with consumers who ranged in age from 21 to 65 and older.

“We are thrilled that GM is interested in better understanding the unique needs of aging drivers,” said Elin Schold Davis, project coordinator of the Older Driver Initiative at the American Occupational Therapy Association in Bethesda, Md. “We are a car-dependent nation and want to maintain our driving independence as long as we can. Vehicles that use universal designs can make it easier and safer for people to have and enjoy personal transportation well into old age.”

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Learn more about the Chevrolet Equinox at Tyrrell-Doyle Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Prepares for 60 Years of Corvette

From Chevrolet.com:

On June 30, 1953, the first of a new kind of Chevrolet – indeed, a new kind of American car – rolled off an assembly line in Flint, Mich.

The car had only two seats. There were no roll-up windows, or exterior door handles, for that matter. Its body wasn’t stamped from steel but, rather, molded from reinforced fiberglass.

While the postwar Baby Boom was in full swing, this was definitely not a family car. This was a very personal vehicle, one that promised a driver and a passenger all of the thrills of the open road.

Skeptics gave the car little chance of lasting beyond an initial run of a few dozen units. However, 60 years later the Chevrolet Corvette survives – and thrives – as an American automotive and cultural icon.  

“Through the years, Corvette certainly offered state-of-the-art features, designs, technologies and performance,” said Tadge Juechter, vehicle chief engineer for Corvette. “However, I think what has made the Corvette such an enduring concept is the exciting experience of driving one.

“No matter what your station in life, when you’re behind the wheel of a Corvette, you’re an Olympic athlete – able to go faster, stop quicker, and turn better than everyone else,” Juechter continued. “Very few cars can match that experience. And no other car has delivered that experience as well, or to more people, than the Corvette.”

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Contact Tyrrell-Doyle Chevrolet to learn more about their selection of Chevrolet Corvettes..

Chevrolet Vehicles Achieve Impressive Initial Quality Scores

Three Chevrolet vehicles achieved impressive Initial Quality Scores in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (sm). 

Chevrolet

• Malibu ranked highest in Midsize Car Segment
• Silverado HD ranked second and Avalanche ranked third in Large Pickup Segment respectively
• Tahoe is third in Large Crossover/SUV Segment

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Visit Tyrrell-Doyle Chevrolet to learn more about these vehicles and the entire line-up of quality Chevrolet models.

Chevrolet Malibu Eco Receives Top Safety Ratings

From Chevrolet.com:

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is the first and only all-new 2013 midsize car to receive double honors for safety including a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both are the highest ratings possible.

The IIHS tests vehicles to determine how well they protect occupants in front and side crash tests, in rollovers via a roof strength test, and simulated rear impacts to evaluate seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries. The Malibu Eco achieved a “good” score in all four types of tests performed and has standard electronic stability control, which the IIHS requires for Top Safety Pick designation.

In achieving the 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the Malibu Eco was tested under NHTSA’s revised New Car Assessment Program.  The overall score is based on frontal and side crash tests in addition to evaluation for rollover resistance. Under the rating system, performances in three test segments are combined mathematically into an “Overall Vehicle Score.” 

"With the Malibu Eco, Chevrolet has earned seven 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK awards," said IIHS President Adrian Lund.  "The IIHS and NHTSA results demonstrate GM's commitment to state-of-the-art crash protection."

Under this methodology, the Chevy Malibu Eco achieved an Overall Vehicle Score of five stars – the highest rating possible - even though some individual ratings, such as rollover, resulted in four stars.

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Contact Tyrrell-Doyle Chevrolet to find out more about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco.

Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Sonic Named Best Family Cars

From Chevrolet.com:

Edmunds.com and Parents magazine say the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Sonic are two of the Best Family Cars for 2012.  Both the Cruze Eco and Sonic deliver fuel economy of 40 mpg or more on the highway and offer consumers the comfort, safety and advanced technology they expect at a value.

“With every new Chevrolet, we are able to deliver the technology and powertrain solutions that offer consumers the best fuel economy, performance and safety, making vehicles like the Sonic and Cruze Eco ideal choices for families,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing.

“The Cruze Eco and Sonic are the best small Chevys ever built,” said Scott Oldham, Edmunds.com editor-in-chief.  “They are fun to drive, attractive, well-built and extremely fuel efficient, making them excellent choices for anyone shopping for a compact of subcompact car.”

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Stop by Tyrrell-Doyle Chevrolet to learn more about the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Chevrolet Sonic.

MotorTrend 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Overview

(photo courtesy:  Motortrend.com)

From MotorTrend.com:

Inside, Chevy is aiming for a more upscale look. Panel gaps are tighter and soft-touch material has been added to the dashboard and upper door panels. Designers also added premium details such as contrast stitching, silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting. The revised center stack is highlighted by a new 6.5-inch touch-screen interface. Chevy's available MyLink system will allow passengers to use a smartphone features including streaming Bluetooth audio and Internet radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher. The Traverse can seat up to eight passengers if customers opt for the second-row bench seat instead of the captain's chairs, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system should help keep the kids quiet on long trips. Front headrests now offer up-and-down, as well as fore-and-aft adjustments.

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