truth about domestics

Dodge released this ad during the Super Bowl to try and convince men that they need a Dodge Charger.  Here’s to hoping it works, without offending women everywhere.

We previously reported that General Motors could be moving the next generation Chevy Camaro to the same platform as the new Cadillac ATS and future CTS.  This move would help them spread the development costs of the new platform over a broader range of products, meaning greater profits per car.  Well now Motor Trend is reporting that Chevrolet could be developing two new vehicles off the Cruze platform.  Those models would be a Cruze SS to take the place of the much loved Cobalt SS, and a 4-door coupe, much like Mercedes CLS line.  While there isn’t much available yet, here’s to hoping that the Cruze could take both forms because, if well executed, GM could have two real winners on their hands.

It is pretty incredible to see the amount of testing that goes into making a car survive what most drivers will put their automobile through in the course of its life.  From hitting potholes and running over rough roads, to crash testing and component level testing, cars are some of the most throughly engineered products in the world.  The video above gives you just a tiny glimpse at some of the testing the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is going through to ensure that it’s ready for the real world.

All you Volt fans have another milestone to look forward to.  This time, that milestone is none other than the official production kickoff date, or Job 1 as it’s called in the car biz.  November 1st, 2010 is the date you will have to wait for if you are in line for a Volt.  This date could move back of course, but GM has been promising for the last few years that the Volt would see production by the end of 2010, so there would be a lot of really disappointed fans and even more happy nay-sayers if the Volt doesn’t make that deadline.  For more on the story, head on over to GM-Volt.com!

(Image source: GM)

I think this video is a really creative way of showing people what’s at stake if you chose to drive without wearing your seatbelt.  Please, take the 2 seconds and put on your seatbelt!

In a recent Motor Trend article, some speculation has begun on the next generation Camaro.  That’s right, the 5th gen hasn’t been out much more than a year, and already GM is thinking ahead.  Could this be a sign of a new and improved GM?  Lets hope so.  Anyway, the Trend as I’m going to call them, is claiming that GM could move the 6th generation Camaro to the same platform as the upcoming Cadillac ATS.  The ATS will slot in below the CTS (which will also be on the platform) so this could be a good way for the General to help lower per vehicle costs on the as yet unnamed platform.  This strategy seems pretty smart as all three cars will need to lower their weight to improve fuel economy and performance figures.  For more, head on over to the Trend.

(Image source: GM)

News about the 2011 Mustang GT500 has begun to leak out from all corners of the internet and the news is sounding more and more sweet.  First came news that the ‘11 GT500 would feature an aluminum block.  Then came word that a glass roof would be an option.  Now we have rumors spreading that the car will feature 10 more horsepower than the 2010 model, bringing the total up to 550.  There is also an SVT Performance Package available that offers up a 3.73 rear gear ratio, 19″ and 20″ front and rear wheels respectively, and special stripes.  For more details, as well as a teaser video, head on over to Autoblog.

The Chicago Auto Show may not be starting until next week which means preparations are being set as we speak!  Ever wonder what is going on at an auto show to prepare for all of the people who will be in attendance?  Well now you can see it first hand with the Chicago Auto Show webcams!  That’s right folks!  By clicking this link right here, you can see all that goes on when setting up a massive car show!  I can’t wait to bring you shots from the show floor myself, so stay tuned right here for all the latest Chicago Auto Show coverage!

(Image source: h-e-r-a.org)

The video above describes an issue Consumer Reports found with the Fusion/Milan hyrids where the brakes could switch over to conventional brakes earlier than necessary, giving the perceived notion of braking loss, even though Ford says you still have braking control over the car.  Here’s to hoping that Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and any other automaker with a severe recall or quality issue gets it fixed ASAP!

General Motors has decided that it needs its people to be on board with the new products it’s putting out.  After all, if the employees who make the cars won’t drive them, how can you get the rest of the buying public to?  Well to solve that issue, GM is letting employees at the Renaissance Center take home vehicles at the end of the day.  The program is called “The Company Vehicle Ambassador Program” and about 500 employees have already signed up!  This sort of free marketing is just the thing GM could need at a time like this.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)