truth about domestics

General Motors has decided to go ahead with production of the Camaro convertible.  They predict that around 20,000 units will be sold every year.  The only problem is where to build the new drop top when production time comes around in early 2011.  The answer to GM’s problem is Magna.  Yes, the very same Magna that tried to buy Opel in Europe.  Magna will build the Camaro convertibles at GM’s Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Lingenfelter has decided the stock ZR1 just isn’t fast enough and has added oh, about 150 horsepower at the rear wheels.  All of the modifications are good for a 9-second quarter mile run.  Check out the video above and let us know what you think in the comments below!

We have all heard that GM will begin selling a law enforcement version of the foreign market Chevrolet Caprice here in the next few years but sadly they have stated there will be no public offering of this vehicle.  Well according to Bob Lutz, there is a chance we might see a civilian version of the Caprice as a “high-end Chevrolet.”  Interesting!  Lutz also goes on to say that the vehicle would be thought of as a “four-door Corvette.”  Nice!  Please do!  For more, head on over to Autoblog.  Or read what the Aussies have to say on the matter here.

(Image source: GM)

According to Corvette racing manager Doug Fehan, a new 5.5L V8 is expected to debut at the 12 hours of Sebring in March.  Unlike the 6.0/7.0L engines currently used, the new 5.5L will be derived from the production engine expected to be found in the road-going Corvettes.  This drop in displacement must mean the new engine will be used advanced technologies like direct injection, variable valve timing and more in order to keep the power output high.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

You read that right folks!  The Dodge Challenger has claimed the top spot on Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey with 92% of V8 Challenger owners saying they would buy another Mopar pony car again.  That knocks the Toyota Prius out of the top spot…actually, the domestics knocked it all the way to 5th!  The Challenger is followed by the Ford Fusion hybrid, and Chevrolet Corvette!  It’s nice to see a car from each maker in the top three.  Kinda warms my heart on a cold Michigan December night.  For more details, head on over to Consumer Reports.

(Image source: Dodge)

The Chevy Cobalt SS was a fairly impressive vehicle.  It had rather bland sheetmetal, but it more than made up for that with its 260 horsepower Ecotec direct-injected and turbo charged 2.0L four-cylinder.  The car also had some impressive handling, enough to take down cars like the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STi in track comparisons at major magazines.  Well since the Cobalt is being replaced by the Cruze, people have begun to push for a performance version, a Cruze SS if you will.  Hopefully we will see something sporty come from GM soon, as the Corvette, Camaro and CTS-V could always use more company.  For more details, head on over to the Motor Authority.

(Image source: GM)

Autoblog has all the luck!  Unless I hit it rich and purchase my own ZR1, then this is about as close to the LS9 6.2L supercharged V8 that powers the ZR1 to 205 mph.  *sigh*  Anyway, want to see how this monster of a motor is built up to produce 630+ horsepower all while being covered by GM’s warranty?  Then head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Autoblog)

Sure, this car has been seen in mass quantity over the past year or so.  It originally debuted at the Chicago Auto Show, and was then a member of the cast of the second Transformers film.  Well now GM has decided that more photos were in order, and that a new version of the car will be released.  I’m not exactly sure what that means or of what significance it is, but enjoy the photos anyway, they’re free!  Head on over to Autoblog for more.

(Image source: GM via Autoblog)

Specter Werkes, a Corvette tuning company located in Troy, MI, will release a new Corvette C6 GTR on November 3rd at SEMA. This super-duper Vette is based on the Corvette Z06, but has a few “minor” modifications. The GTR is built in collaboration between Specter Werkes and Lingenfelter…meaning that it is powered by a 7.0 liter LS7 engine generating 800 horsepower.

Additionally, the GTR features some unique bodywork, with some very aggressive fascias, HRE carbon fiber wheels, StopTech STR big-brake package, and some other goodies. Take a look at the press release here.

I’ll take mine in flat black, thanks.

Yea, that’s GM’s latest advertising campaign, and it seems to be working pretty well. Basically, GM is offering those that decide to go for the program, the ability to return the vehicle within 60 days; alternatively, buyers can choose to take a $500 dollar rebate instead. Of the 100 people that choose to opt into the program (of the 150,000 eligible buyers), only one has decided to return the car. The car buyer decided to return his Corvette because it wasn’t sporty enough, and decided to purchase a Toyota Camry instead!

Just kidding! The owner decided to trade in his manual Corvette for an automatic type; which worked out well for him.

Check out the article at Automotive News.