Filed under: Motorsport “My Chevrolet Cruze is wicked today!” Reigning champion Jason Plato left Brands Hatch a happy man after winning two of the three British Touring Car Championship races on Sunday to leave the championship wide open with just one meeting remaining. Having arrived at the Kent circuit 24 points behind joint leaders Gordon Shedden and arch-rival Matt Neal , the Silverline Chevrolet driver quickly made his intentions clear when he took pole position in the heat of Saturday, something he knew was necessary if he was to stand a chance of winning ahead of his turbo-charged rivals. “Hopefully it will be as hot again tomorrow which could sap the turbo cars like the Hondas of a bit of power,” he said. “Catching them is a big ask but this is the best way to go about it.” Brands has been good to Plato in the past 12 months. It was here he clinched his second title on the final weekend last year with two race wins and where he started the 2011 campaign with another two victories. If he is to rack up successive BTCC titles, strong results – essentially race wins – were required. True to his word, Plato took a lights-to-flag victory in the opening race as the Hondas of Neal and Shedden were left trailing in his wake after both suffered punctures. In one fell swoop, Plato had cut the championship deficit to the joint leaders to just six points. Neal and Shedden finished well out of the points in 18th and 19th after starting from third and eighth respectively, Shedden having lost several places after earlier sliding off the track at Graham Hill Bend. More significantly, it meant they started race two well down the order and facing a tough battle to climb into the top 10 and the points. Plato again started in pole for race two, although this time he was carrying success ballast and faced with a tougher task of claiming a second win. Alongside him was Mat Jackson in the Airwaves Racing Ford Focus and that was how it stayed throughout the race as the leader kept the chasing pack at bay. Jackson looked to be closing on Plato in the early parts of the 15-lap race but then the Chevrolet eased ahead and was more than two seconds to the good after nine laps around the same time that Chevrolet team-mate Alex...

Although most modern junkyards automotive recycling centers are full of fairly boring and generic cars, when they are located in another country like this facility in Russia the cars are a lot less commonplace and a lot more interesting—at least to us. More » Original post:  Scenes from a Russian junkyard [Junkyards] View original post here:  Scenes from a Russian junkyard [Junkyards]

According to the infallible news source that is TMZ, the 1957 Chevrolet 150 that was the focus of a night of predictable cross over shows on the History channel was damaged when it burst into flames yesterday. More » More here: ‘57 Chevrolet 150 featured on History Channel bursts into flames [Car Fires] See original here: ‘57 Chevrolet 150 featured on History Channel bursts into flames [Car Fires]

The compact to mid-size truck segment in the United States is pretty uncompetitive and has taken a back seat to the full-size market. It is a pretty stagnant segment – Ford is discontinuing the ancient Ranger, the Chevrolet Colorado (and GMC Canyon) have been left without any updates, and the same holds true for the Dakota. The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling and freshest truck in the segment. Today, Toyota has released a pre-production performance version in Texas. What better place to release a new truck than Texas? It is pretty much as truck-country as you can get, which is why Toyota builds trucks there at its San Antonio plant. While the Tacoma isn’t a real competitor to the Raptor, you’ve got to give Ford credit for reviving interest in performance trucks with that truck. The new Tacoma is developed by the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) division, and is dubbed the Tacoma T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series. Toyota is currently planning on offering the Baja Series line on the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4×4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. Expansion to the PreRunner line is being considered. The front suspension has been upgraded with 60 mm piston Bilstein race shocks and a one inch increase in wheel travel. Other upgrades beneath the skin include a TRD cat-back exhaust and TRD coil springs with a protective zinc-plated body. The rear suspension gets new 50 mm piston Bilstein race shocks that also have a zinc–plated body. The shocks include a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity. Rear wheel travel is increased by 1.5 inches. Overall ride height has been increased by two inches, and the Tacoma Baja Series features Gun-Metal gray bead-lock style wheels with BF Goodrich T/A KO tires. Exterior changes are mainly limited to Baja Series graphics. Power comes from the Tacoma’s 4.0-liter V-6 manual that is mated to a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The Baja Series builds on some of the other features of the existing TRD Off-Road package, including Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and an electronically-controlled locking rear differential. The package will be offered on the 2012 model Tacoma, which has recently been fretted with a...

Drivers and front passengers in crossover vehicles made by General Motors could soon get another layer of protection during collisions. Today, GM announced it will offer a new centrally-mounted air bag that is said to better protect occupants in side-impact crashes. The air bag is mounted in the space between the driver’s and front passenger’s seats and deploys during side collisions. GM says the in-board air bag—an industry first, says the company—provides cushioning between drivers and front passengers. And although such an air bag is not required by federal safety standards, GM says it is adding the safety device as standard equipment to its 2013 model year versions of the Buick Enclave , and Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles equipped with power seats. The GM line of crossover vehicles all received “good” ratings for side-impact protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Check out: Read the rest here:  GM introduces a front center air bag for crossover vehicles

There have been many important advancements in automotive safety over the past few years. Thanks to technology and a relentless engineering focus, new automobiles are much safer today than they were five and ten years ago. The efforts are paying off in saving lives; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports traffic fatalities on American roads are lower than ever. That is something to applaud, but as long as people are dying there is more work to be done. Today General Motors is releasing an industry-first center front airbag system. It was developed in partnership with GM supplier Takata. The system deploys between the driver and front passenger, and provides an effective cushion between the driver and front passenger during driver- and passenger-side collisions. The aim is to limit the impact of the two colliding. When the driver is alone it serves to limit travel of the neck and body over into the passenger seat, something likely to reduce neck injuries. The center airbag adds to the plethora of airbag systems already available to maximize passenger protection. The system will be available on GM’s updated 2013 model Lambda crossovers, which include the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. It will be standard on Acadia and Traverse models with power seats, and on all Enclave models. The Lambda crossovers are quite popular, and it makes sense to debut on these models given most are used as family haulers. Ford recently made airbag advances of its own with the seat-belt airbag on the new Explorer. We’re glad to see this kind of industry-leading effort from GM, and this new system looks to be a strong selling point for GM’s crossovers. GM has released footage below showing side impacts without the system and with it. It’s an interesting watch and gives us a look at some of the benefits it will provide. Related posts: Buick Envision Concepts Previews Future Crossovers BMW Debuts Standard Incorrect Fuelling Protection System For Diesel Models 2013 Chevy Malibu Debuts at Shanghai Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Originally posted here:  Industry First: GM Debuts Center Front Airbag on 2013 Lambda Crossovers

There have been many important advancements in automotive safety over the past few years. Thanks to technology and a relentless engineering focus, new automobiles are much safer today than they were five and ten years ago. The efforts are paying off in saving lives; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports traffic fatalities on American roads are lower than ever. That is something to applaud, but as long as people are dying there is more work to be done. Today General Motors is releasing an industry-first center front airbag system. It was developed in partnership with GM supplier Takata. The system deploys between the driver and front passenger, and provides an effective cushion between the driver and front passenger during driver- and passenger-side collisions. The aim is to limit the impact of the two colliding. When the driver is alone it serves to limit travel of the neck and body over into the passenger seat, something likely to reduce neck injuries. The center airbag adds to the plethora of airbag systems already available to maximize passenger protection. The system will be available on GM’s updated 2013 model Lambda crossovers, which include the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. It will be standard on Acadia and Traverse models with power seats, and on all Enclave models. The Lambda crossovers are quite popular, and it makes sense to debut on these models given most are used as family haulers. Ford recently made airbag advances of its own with the seat-belt airbag on the new Explorer. We’re glad to see this kind of industry-leading effort from GM, and this new system looks to be a strong selling point for GM’s crossovers. GM has released footage below showing side impacts without the system and with it. It’s an interesting watch and gives us a look at some of the benefits it will provide. Related posts: Buick Envision Concepts Previews Future Crossovers BMW Debuts Standard Incorrect Fuelling Protection System For Diesel Models 2013 Chevy Malibu Debuts at Shanghai Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Original post:  Industry First: GM Debuts Center Front Airbag on 2013 Lambda Crossovers

Some days are better than others, especially if they are spent at a private test track with dozens of new cars. Several members of the Consumer Reports Cars team went to the Monticello Motor Club last week for the annual International Motor Press Association (IMPA) track days, sampling the latest cars on a 3.6-mile race track. Naturally, the staff found some favorites from among these high-speed first impressions. The Monticello, NY, facility caters to a well-heeled clientele, providing a first-class track experience for its members. For two days this month, more than 100 automotive journalists descended on the high-octane playground to network and sample new models. The Consumer Reports editors and engineers in attendance got to revisit some models and take a hot lap with high-performance cars that will not be bought for our test program. Collectively, we learned a lot on the twisty road course and had some fun along the way. Below, we share our personal picks among the cars we flogged, uh, drove. Liza Barth: Looking at the practical side, I checked out some of the more mainstream models on the track. Yes, most expensive sporty cars will be fun driving fast, but what about models you drive every day? How would they fare on a challenging course? Recalling my experiences, I keep going back to the new Volkswagen Beetle, which I drove a few times on the rural roads and the track at Monticello. The Beetle is an easy car to live with and the turbo model is quick and fun to drive, aided by more power and the independent rear suspension. I was also surprised that it was quite comfortable inside, as well. Many of the recent small cars I’ve driven recently don’t feel as supportive or roomy. The seats in the VW are wide and well padded, the cabin felt spacious (granted I didn’t use the backseat), plus the touch-screen controls were easy to use. If I didn’t have a family of four and needed more space, I would consider purchasing this fun, cute car. At least I can look forward to more time driving our test Beetle in the coming months. Jeff Bartlett: Track day started in the rain, so cones were placed to help the attendees learn the long course and stay on the racing line. Given how close some cones were placed as gates, I choose a narrow ride to start...

Filed under: Road Tests When you’re facing a 1,000-mile road trip there are a few things that are necessities: A diesel engine for a start, lots of room for luggage, and a relaxing drive. Unfortunately the Corvette Grand Sport offers none of the above – but it does, however, have one overriding factor that makes all others pale into insignificance: The Cool Factor. The Corvette is one of the motoring world’s icons – up there with the original Mini and Mustang – so the opportunity to drive one all the way to the Frankfurt Motor Show and back was too good an opportunity to pass up. Granted it was never going to be the most economical form of transport. In fact, the 6.2-litre V8 lump (probably) consumed as much fuel as an EasyJet flight to Germany – but I doubt those passengers were having as much fun as I was. Official consumption is 22.4mpg, but we doubt we got anywhere near that… The Corvette Grand Sport isn’t like European sportscars. It’s not lithe or nimble, like a Ferrari or Porsche, instead it feels almost industrial in its execution. It’s big, brutish and heavy-handed… a bit like the Americans. Switchgear is tough and chunky, the interior cramped, and performance all about huge displacement power. Producing 437bhp and 575Nm of torque, the Grand Sport can hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. Obviously, being in Germany and driving on its derestricted Autobahns, it would have been rude not to test those claims. Off slip roads it sounded fantastic as it shifted up through the six-speed autobox, but you needed to keep your foot planted to avoid lazy changes. I managed to top 140mph on one limitless section and it felt extremely planted at these speeds. You get to know a car intimately over 1,000-miles and I found the Corvette comfortable and a competent grand tourer companion. However, there’s not much room inside and the quality of some of the interior fixings doesn’t match the £73,228 price tag. It certainly turns heads though – I got easily as much attention as when I’ve driven exotic European rivals – however if it was a decision between this and a similarly priced, and performing, Porsche, as cool as the Corvette is I just couldn’t...

Filed under: Road Tests When you’re facing a 1,000-mile road trip there are a few things that are necessities: A diesel engine for a start, lots of room for luggage, and a relaxing drive. Unfortunately the Corvette Grand Sport offers none of the above – but it does, however, have one overriding factor that makes all others pale into insignificance: The Cool Factor. The Corvette is one of the motoring world’s icons – up there with the original Mini and Mustang – so the opportunity to drive one all the way to the Frankfurt Motor Show and back was too good an opportunity to pass up. Granted it was never going to be the most economical form of transport. In fact, the 6.2-litre V8 lump (probably) consumed as much fuel as an EasyJet flight to Germany – but I doubt those passengers were having as much fun as I was. Official consumption is 22.4mpg, but we doubt we got anywhere near that… The Corvette Grand Sport isn’t like European sportscars. It’s not lithe or nimble, like a Ferrari or Porsche, instead it feels almost industrial in its execution. It’s big, brutish and heavy-handed… a bit like the Americans. Switchgear is tough and chunky, the interior cramped, and performance all about huge displacement power. Producing 437bhp and 575Nm of torque, the Grand Sport can hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. Obviously, being in Germany and driving on its derestricted Autobahns, it would have been rude not to test those claims. Off slip roads it sounded fantastic as it shifted up through the six-speed autobox, but you needed to keep your foot planted to avoid lazy changes. I managed to top 140mph on one limitless section and it felt extremely planted at these speeds. You get to know a car intimately over 1,000-miles and I found the Corvette comfortable and a competent grand tourer companion. However, there’s not much room inside and the quality of some of the interior fixings doesn’t match the £73,228 price tag. It certainly turns heads though – I got easily as much attention as when I’ve driven exotic European rivals – however if it was a decision between this and a similarly priced, and performing, Porsche, as cool as the Corvette is I just couldn’t...

Filed under: Road Tests When you’re facing a 1,000-mile road trip there are a few things that are necessities: A diesel engine for a start, lots of room for luggage, and a relaxing drive. Unfortunately the Corvette Grand Sport offers none of the above – but it does, however, have one overriding factor that makes all others pale into insignificance: The Cool Factor. The Corvette is one of the motoring world’s icons – up there with the original Mini and Mustang – so the opportunity to drive one all the way to the Frankfurt Motor Show and back was too good an opportunity to pass up. Granted it was never going to be the most economical form of transport. In fact, the 6.2-litre V8 lump (probably) consumed as much fuel as an EasyJet flight to Germany – but I doubt those passengers were having as much fun as I was. Official consumption is 22.4mpg, but we doubt we got anywhere near that… The Corvette Grand Sport isn’t like European sportscars. It’s not lithe or nimble, like a Ferrari or Porsche, instead it feels almost industrial in its execution. It’s big, brutish and heavy-handed… a bit like the Americans. Switchgear is tough and chunky, the interior cramped, and performance all about huge displacement power. Producing 437bhp and 575Nm of torque, the Grand Sport can hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. Obviously, being in Germany and driving on its derestricted Autobahns, it would have been rude not to test those claims. Off slip roads it sounded fantastic as it shifted up through the six-speed autobox, but you needed to keep your foot planted to avoid lazy changes. I managed to top 140mph on one limitless section and it felt extremely planted at these speeds. You get to know a car intimately over 1,000-miles and I found the Corvette comfortable and a competent grand tourer companion. However, there’s not much room inside and the quality of some of the interior fixings doesn’t match the £73,228 price tag. It certainly turns heads though – I got easily as much attention as when I’ve driven exotic European rivals – however if it was a decision between this and a similarly priced, and performing, Porsche, as cool as the Corvette is I just couldn’t...

Filed under: Road Tests Nissan took a decisive leap into the future this year, making electric motoring a reality with the new Leaf. Nissan describes the £25,990 Leaf as the first, affordable, purpose-built, zero-emissions car from a major manufacturer. I spent almost a week with this charged Nissan to see what the Leaf’s like to live with on a daily basis. Tuesday The Leaf arrived whilst I was out at a launch, but the all-electric car proves to be a draw for friends and I end up taking a mate for a late night spin in the charged Nissan. I’ve not driven this car since the UK launch , but the giant-killing acceleration and massive 280Nm of torque still impresses, despite the negative effect hard acceleration has on the Leaf’s range. The Leaf is wonderfully relaxing to drive too; at first I missed the engine note, but then marvelled at what a refined drive the current Car of The Year is. It handles well too. Wednesday I attend another car launch today in Marlow, Bucks which is a 120 mile round trip from my home. Normally, I’d have taken the Leaf, but because of its 100 mile range and lack of nearby public charging points, the electric Nissan spends most of the day on my drive. I end up borrowing my wife’s Volkswagen Golf and it makes me think that the Leaf is probably best suited to urban environments, so you’d need another car for long journeys. This is where the Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera score over the Nissan, with their range-extending 1.4-litre petrol hybrid generator power. Wednesday evening means the usual Collins’ weekly pilgrimage to the supermarket. Over 80 miles of battery power is still left in the Leaf and with just a 30 mile round trip, it’s the electric Nissan that we’re going to take shopping. My son’s baby seat easily fits in the back of the spacious interior, as there’s plenty of head, leg and shoulder room and we’re off. As we sit in rush hour traffic, I look around to see if the Leaf is getting any interest from other motorists. It’s not, which is a shame considering how ground-breaking this car is. Maybe Nissan has played it too safe with the exterior styling? There are some neat features of the design including the huge, blobby headlights at the front...

Chevrolet’s latest subcompact isn’t subar and Cadillac is preparing the upcoming 2013 ATS. Gas prices are falling and Nissan is taking iAds to a new level while the first 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sells for $250,000. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on TheCarConnection. We drive the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic and realize this is one… Continued here: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 2013 Cadillac ATS, Gas Prices: Car News Headlines

One of the occupational hazards of being an automotive journalist is that friends, neighbors and relatives come to you for car advice on a regular basis. They don’t really want your advice, since in most cases they’ve already decided on purchasing a specific vehicle. Instead, they want validation, and they want expert opinion telling… Read more here: Choosing A Car? Go With Your Gut

On Thursday, we told you about OnStar’s new terms of service, which go live this December. Among the more controversial features in the company’s new customer agreement, OnStar now reserves the right to share details about owners’ location, speed, and other factors with third parties. Worse: OnStar says it will continue collecting that data even… See more here: OnStar Committing ‘Brazen’ Invasion Of Privacy, Says Senator