2013 Chevrolet Volt Increases EV Range to 38 Miles

The all-electric vehicle range of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt will be 38 miles on a single charge. That gives owners a three-mile EV range increase from the 2012 model. Where would you go in 38 miles?

The all-electric vehicle range of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt will be 38 miles on a single charge, providing owners with a three-mile EV range increase from the 2012 model. The miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) will increase from 94 miles to 98 miles and the total range, including extended range operation, will be 380 miles.


Based on real-world experience by Volt owners since the vehicle launched in late 2010, engineers made minor changes to the material composition of the battery cell chemistry, resulting in improved performance and durability. Manganese spinel chemistry remains the foundation for the Volt’s battery system, but the amount of each material has been slightly modified to provide better life performance.


“The best way to explain what we’ve done at the cell level is to compare it to a cake batter recipe.  Sometimes if you use more sugar and less vanilla you get a better tasting cake. We’ve done some work at the cell level to modify the ‘ingredients’ to make a better end result,” said Bill Wallace, GM director of Global Battery Systems Engineering. “This attention to detail will allow our customers to experience more pure EV range, which is the true benefit of owning a Volt.”


In addition, the total storage capacity of the Volt battery has been increased from 16 kWh of energy to 16.5 kWh, and engineers have expanded the state-of-charge window to use 10.8 kWh of the total battery energy – up from 10.3 kWh used in the 2012 model.  The battery system maintains a buffer to ensure battery life, but that buffer has been reduced.


The improved EV range capability will result in slight increases to the Volt’s charge times. A full recharge using a 120V could take 10.5 hours and 4.25 hours using a 240V charging unit.

Cells with improved chemistry have accumulated 150,000 test miles to date. The tests have revealed less battery degradation, the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius and less impact by energy throughput. 

For the first 38 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 65 million miles since the vehicle launched late 2010. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.

Read more at media.gm.com. 

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 2012 Hyundai Azera Earn Top Safety Ratings

The new 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco received the best safety ratings from the Insurance Institue for Highway Safety. In fact, it almost swept the board, scoring high ratings in  ALL of the IIHS subcategories! If you are looking for a safe car for the family, look no further.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, and the 2012 Hyundai Azera—both recently redesigned family-size sedans—have earned top crash-test ratings across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also taking into consideration their standard safety equipment, they've been named among the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks.


The 2012 Hyundai Azera, which went on sale earlier this year—and is quite highly rated here at The Car Connection, especially due to its standout design and luxurious, full-featured interior—already has an impressive set of standard safety features. There are a total of nine standard airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and rear side-impact bags, and the front seat design is one that's impact-reducing in itself. Also, the Azera includes a rearview camera system in each of its trims. And in new IIHS tests, it completely swept the ratings matrix, with top 'good' scores in all the subcategories of frontal and side-impact testing.


The new Malibu Eco almost swept the board, with top ratings in all of the IIHS's subcategories; the sole exception was an 'acceptable' score for driver torso injury. In the relatively new roof strength test—a measure that correlates to the likelihood of injury in a rollover accident—the Malibu Eco was able to withstand 5.22 times its body weight in a particular test area of the roof.


Withstanding 4.76 times its weight, the Azera also earned a 'good' rating. In any case, that was a substantial improvement over the previous (2011) Azera, which had earned 'acceptable' ratings for rear and side impact.


The Malibu, on the other hand, has been a top performer for several model years. Although we should caution that these results don't extend to the rest of the (non-Eco) 2013 Chevy Malibu lineup, which hasn't yet gone on sale.


Neither of these models has yet been rated by the federal government, as part of its new-car assessment program (NCAP) crash tests, but we'll update our review pages as soon as they're available. In the meantime, if safety is one of your top priorities, both of these roomy sedans deserve to be on your shopping list.


And go here to see the full list of 2012 Top Safety Picks.


Read more at The Washington Post.

Subaru Impreza the best of both worlds; AWD powers small car to excellence

Many things in life come down to an either-or choice. But that’s no fun. With the Subaru Impreza, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Soup or salad? PC or Mac? Lace-ups or loafers? Why do so many things in life come down to either-or?



Take vehicles. Say you're shopping for a car and, since you want to save gas, you've decided to go compact.


But the security of allwheel drive is also on your list, so you've narrowed your search to the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza is one of the few small AWD choices available and, happily for you, extensively reworked for 2012 to deliver better fuel economy.


Fine. But now you must choose between hatchback and sedan. Like a lot of compact cars, the Impreza comes in two distinct body styles.


The key strength of a hatchback, especially a fourdoor hatchback, is versatility. Need hauling space? A big useful chunk of it awaits your easy access. Need an efficient people-mover? It's that too.


But some car buyers, especially in North America, continue to look down their hoods at hatchbacks. Too down-market, they think. (You'll notice that most manufacturers even avoid the H-word and instead call these models "five-doors.")


For this group, the automakers offer traditional four-doors-and-a-trunk versions like the $22,995-as-tested Impreza 2.0i Touring sedan that showed up for our one-week test. There's less cargo room - the Impreza provides a compact-typical 12 cubic feet under its trunk lid - but maybe you don't need to carry more than a grocery bag or two.


Regardless of configuration, you'll note some significant styling changes with this fourth-generation Impreza. They start with a hexagon-shaped grille that's a corporate salute to Subaru's larger Legacy, and narrowing hawk-eye headlamps perhaps inspired by the MASH character or The Last of the Mohicans.


The overall shape is sleeker, for improved aerodynamics. The sharply raked windshield is reminiscent of the Honda Civic's, with the same small triangular side widows at the base of the windshield posts. The wheelbase has been extended and the roof is higher, allowing more passenger and cargo space, yet this Impreza is lighter than the old one.


But the biggest gamechanger for efficiency is the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It's still in the Subaru-standard "boxer" format, but displacement has dropped by a full half-litre from the last Impreza's flatfour. Horsepower falls to 148 from the previous 170 and torque is down as well, but hey, mileage, right?


Subaru says the new Impreza is 30 per cent more fuel efficient.


According to the "real world" ratings from the U.S. Energy Department that we prefer to Canada's testing methods, it's good for 8.7 L/100 km city, 6.5 L/100 km highway.


Be aware, though, that optimum mileage requires the $1,300 continuously variable transmission that is an updated version of the CVT automatic in the Legacy. Gone are the days when manual gearboxes were always more efficient. Choosing between manual and automatic in the Impreza isn't quite an either-or, however, because the CVT comes with those steering column paddles that let you upshift and downshift through six preset ratios.


Our tester had the CVT, which we largely left to its own logarithms. This is a perky enough car - perkier than we expected, given the revised engine output - with a nice sense of balance, quick steering response and firm brake feel. But it's not sporty enough to encourage manual shift overrides. You want sporty, Subaru has the carry-over WRX and STI, now offered as a separate model line.


If we did pull on a paddle, it was mainly to avoid the droning, fixed-r.p.m. engine note that is an unfortunate hallmark of CVT powertrains. Manufacturers, tune those exhausts!


Heated seats are usually another either-or item, since most manufacturers make you pay for leather to get that nice warm feeling. But Subaru, bless it, includes heated front seats in the cloth-upholstered Touring model that is one level up from the base $19,995 Impreza 2.0i.


Leather trim is available, of course, along with dualzone climate control, highintensity discharge headlamps and other upscale features in a Limited model that starts at $26,975.


Lower down the model scale, the Impreza interior is rather plain, with some hard plastic surfaces and a 1980s-like fuzzy headliner. Also old school is the squarely wrought instrument panel layout, though we found its clean arrangement of gauges and dials a relief from the whirls and swirls of some competitors' dashboards. And we liked the solid chachunking feel of the Impreza's controls.


Solid is a good word in general for the Impreza, both for its construction and its range of features that extends to cruise control and heated mirrors even in the base model. And then there's the standard all-wheel drive. Not everyone feels they need the four-corner grip of AWD, but some people won't drive without it.


Buy an Impreza, or any Subaru, and you get AWD, no either-or. Hatchback or sedan, though, is up to you.


THE SPECS


Type: Compact four-door sedan, all-wheel drive


Seats: Five


Price as tested: $22,995 plus $1,595 delivery (base 2.0i: $19,995)


Engine: 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder, dual overhead camshafts, dual active valve control; 148 h.p. at 6,200 r.p.m., 145 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 r.p.m.


Transmission: Continuously variable automatic with manual shift paddles (option)


Tires: 205/55R16 Yokohama Avid all-season


Suspension: Struts (front), dual wishbone (rear)


Wheelbase: 2,645 mm (104.1 in.)


Curb weight: 1,350 kg (2,967 lb.)


Passenger volume: 2,744 litres (96.9 cu. ft.)


Trunk volume: 340 litres (12 cu. ft.)


Notable standard features: Telescopic steering column, driver-side knee airbag, multi-function display, stability and traction control, power heated mirrors, power windows (driver-side auto-up), air conditioning, cruise control


Options as tested: Automatic transmission, Touring package (heated front seats, auto headlamps, rear stabilizer bar, cloth door trim, rear centre armrest, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free system, iPod/ USB media hub, 16-inch alloy wheels, windshield wiper de-icer, illuminated glove box and ignition ring)


Fuel consumption, L/100 km (m.p.g.): City 8.7 (33), hwy. 6.5 (44) - (U.S.


Energy Dept. rating) Fuel type: Regular


Warranty, yrs./km: Basic 3/60,000, major components 5/100,000

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/cars/Subaru+Impreza+best+both+worlds/6676136/story.html

Teton Motors' Jason Williams, a Spartan in the Making

Summer is a time for relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with friends and family…and, for some of our employees, for scrambling over rope courses, charging through water, dragging through mud, scaling walls, writhing under barbed wire, and leaping over pits of fire…all voluntarily.

Teton Motor’s very own Jason Williams, E-commerce manager extraordinaire, spent a full week in May in the Spartan Race in Colorado, the world’s leading obstacle race series known for its exhilarating but often brutal obstacles.

So what exactly is Spartan Race?



Jason says he first got interested in the race when his brother invited him to do some Special Forces training. This is the first year he’s participated.

When asked about the experience, he kept it simple: “It was awesome!” he says. He describes crawling through the mud under barbed wire with an M16 rifle in tow as the hardest part of the race. "We started out clean, by the end you and everyone else was brown," he laughs. Spartan Race isn't just about charging to glory alone, however. Jason describes the most satisfying part of the race as helping others get through the obstacles. He also got to finish the race with his younger brother. "That was very cool."

Would he participate again? “Without question,” he says. “Besides, I get to have a Mohawk for a week.”

Want to be a Spartan? Check out www.spartanrace.com for more information. Maybe you'll see Jason at the next race!

Subaru tells all in new BRZ documentary

The BRZ was built as a "driver’s car." It's got an affordable price point, exceptional handling, and great ride comfort. It introduces the absolute joy of driving to a new generation of car enthusiasts. Read on to see how much effort and detail went into making Subaru's fantastic new sports car!

Every so often, a car comes along that is different from anything else out there, and the 2013 Subaru BRZ is one of those cars. It may not be the fastest or have the most powerful engine, but for those who appreciate a well designed and engineered car, you’re going to love this car. It might not look too impressive on paper, but once you see this video from Subaru, you can see why it’s a special car.


Subaru set out to do something they have rarely done in the past, produce a rear-wheel-drive sports car and make it affordable for just about anyone. Subaru has been known for their legendary Symmetrical All-wheel-drive system and it's one of the best in the business. But building a rear-wheel-drive car is a departure from their recent lineup of cars.


Subaru accomplished their goal of introducing the joy of driving to a new generation of enthusiasts, and to design a car with exceptional handling and great ride comfort, all at an affordable price. They started by taking their already proven opposed-four “boxer” engine, with a low center of gravity, which is the ideal thing if you are designing a sports car. And then they reduced the weight wherever possible which helped in the performance and handling.


The Subaru 2.0-liter four is an all-new engine and features Toyota-sourced direct injection. The engine drives the rear wheels through a choice of two Aisin six-speed transmissions, one a manual, the other a conventional planetary automatic with manual actuation using steering wheel-mounted paddles. The transmission is the same one used in the Lexus IS 350. Front suspension is MacPherson strut, while the rear gets a complex multilink setup, with disc brakes on all four corners.


While Subaru has heard from their customers that they would like a turbocharged version, it isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. But the Japanese automaker is listening and is working on a faster version. But the BRZ was designed from the ground up as a driver’s car, built to an affordable price point, and Subaru has certainly accomplished their objective.


The videos put together by Subaru shows just how much effort and detail went into making the new sports car from Subaru. The Japanese automaker has put together 22 minutes of behind-the-scenes chats with the engineers who made the BRZ to show you how they did it, and how they designed all of the handling and safety features and still made it one of the sportiest cars to drive.


Unfortunately, the video is in Japanese with English subtitles, but it's worth the extra effort. It's in two parts and you'll find both below.






Read more at TorqueNews.com.

Six Lucky Bands are Cruze-ing to Vegas with Chevy and Billboard

The 2012 Billboard Music Awards are this month in Las Vegas, and guess who’s sponsoring the Battle of the Bands?

Cars and music just seem to go together. And when you’ve been mentioned in over 500 songs, who better than Chevrolet to sponsor Billboard’s Battle of the Bands?


This is one rockin’ good time: 18 hand-picked and up-and-coming bands from across the U.S. took a shot at national TV exposure, a career milestone to be determined by your vote, fan engagement and live performances through a contest aptly called “Cruze-ing to Vegas.”


During the contest, 18 bands were narrowed down to six. Now, Chevy has loaned each of the six finalist bands an all-new Chevrolet Cruze for a road trip that will take them from their home base to Las Vegas for the Battle of the Bands competition. It will be the ultimate road trip too, beginning on May 10, as film crews will document their every move.



Six Bands: Giggin’ for Gas in Their Chevy Cruze
The bands will have to be as inventive on the road as they are in their music. They’re not receiving any gas money. They will “gig for gas” whether it’s at local venues or playing on street corners. Maybe they’ll crank up the Pioneer® nine-speaker premium audio system2 and Sirius XMTM Satellite Radio3, open the doors, and stage outdoor karaoke, complete with air guitars. How they scrap for gas money is up to them. One thing is for sure - thanks to Cruze’s 36 MPG4 highway, they might not have to earn as much as they would with another car.


We’ll see how resourceful they are in packing their gear into Cruze’s cavernous interior and ample cargo space. And we’ll find how skillful they are at using the OnStar® Turn-by-Turn5 navigation to plan ahead and reach their destinations.

Follow Them on the Ultimate Road Trip
From playing gigs along the way, to tweeting and blogging their adventure with fans, to creating playlists, to the final Battle of the Bands on May 18 in Las Vegas, you can see the bands videos on www.billboard.com/battle.


You can also see the winning band get the ultimate prize: a chance to be honored as the “Dreamseeker Artist of the Year” at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards airing live on Sunday, May 22, on ABC.


Kevin Mayer, Chevrolet’s director of advertising and promotions said, “Chevrolet has long been associated with music. Partnering with Billboard.com on ‘Cruze-ing to Vegas’ is the next link in connecting our brand with music.”


Just visit www.billboard.com/battle, check out the videos, listen to the music and be a part of “Cruze-ing to Vegas.”


Read more: http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/billboard/

2013 Subaru Outback: Walkaround Video

Interested in the 2013 Subaru Outback? Here's a run down from The Car Connection on what the new model does differently and what features stay the same.



Subaru had a trio of new models on display at the recent 2012 New York Auto Show including the all-new Outback Sport as well as facelifted versions of the Legacy and Outback.


Today we’re looking at the Outback, which for the 2013 model year has been given refreshed styling, a more fuel-efficient engine and extra safety features.


Unless you’re a Subaru die-hard you’ll probably not notice the styling changes.


Visually setting the latest 2013 model apart from the previous Outback are new headlights, a revised grille and a sharper front bumper.


The base 2.5-liter engine also looks the same but it’s actually a brand new unit. It puts out 173 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, with more torque at the low end of the range for better responsiveness. A six-speed manual is still standard but customers can now opt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which comes with paddle shifters behind the wheel to simulate manual mode when needed.


The EPA hasn't yet rated the 2013 Outback for gas mileage, but Subaru projects that the new engine with CVT will achieve 24/30 mpg city/highway and 26 mpg combined. The previous model rated in at 24 mpg combined, so the 2013 Outback already looks quite impressive on paper.


The Outback 3.6R is still available and its engine is largely unchanged for the 2013 model year. It still displaces 3.6 liters and is rated at 256 horsepower. Note, it’s only available with a five-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage is around 20 mpg combined.


The other major addition on the 2013 Outback is Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assist system, which offers a host of safety features like pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control. Combined with the vehicle’s surefooted all-wheel drive system, stability control and roster of airbags, the EyeSight system should ensure the 2013 model retains the Outback’s top marks in independent crash testing.


For a closer look at all that the 2013 Subaru Outback has to offer, check out our extensive preview.


Read more at thecarconnection.com/news/1075252_2013-subaru-outback-walkaround-video