Carl Black Of Nashville News And Events Blog

Don’t get stuck in the cold—bring your vehicle in for a Winter Care Package maintenance today.

Our comprehensive care package will ensure your vehicle is ready for all the challenges winter brings to the road. If you’re already scraping ice off your windshield in the morning, or just hear your neighbor scraping while you rest comfortably under your covers, the time is right to get your vehicle ready for the cold.

We start with a coolant system power flush. Coolant, commonly referred to as antifreeze, absorbs the engine heat created as you zip through town. It travels through the radiator and back through the engine again and again, breaking down over time. It becomes thinner, and can no longer cool the engine or transmission as well as it used to. In addition, it uses up all of its anti-rust agents, allowing corrosion within your engine components. Bring your vehicle in beforehand and you can avoid that whole “signing for an expensive repair bill with frostbitten fingers because your vehicle broke down in the freezing cold” scenario.

Next, we test the battery and electrical system to ensure they are running efficiently. Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s battery capacity, so it’s important that the battery is in peak condition before winter hits. We’ll clean the battery and terminals meticulously to make sure even the coldest starts are no problem at all. Finally, we perform a system pressure test to check for any leaks that may have formed over time. Getting leaks fixed early, especially before the harsh effects of winter, can help save you from a hefty repair bill.

Take this simple preventive measure, and schedule your vehicle for our Winter Care Package. We’ll help make it a little easier in our special promotion, for a limited time only. Save $$$ (Reg. $$$$) when you schedule your vehicle for a Winter Care Package.

Is it time to change your Cabin Air Filter?

Imagine trying to run a marathon with a nasty cold, complete with chest congestion, a stuffy nose, and a nasty cough. Mile after mile, you can’t seem to get enough air in, and you could certainly run faster without this miserable cold.

With a dirty cabin air filter, you’re asking your vehicle to do just that, every single day. The cabin air filter is your vehicle’s first and last defense against pollen, dirt, and other allergens. But it gets clogged as it does its job, cleaning the air you and your vehicle both need, and can no longer perform its duties after countless days on the road. You know that we can hit record-high pollen counts during allergy season, but do you know when you last changed your cabin air filter?

A dirty cabin air filter reduces your fuel economy, as your vehicle cannot take in enough air for the
amount of gas being burned. Your vehicle’s air conditioning system will suffer, as will you on hotter days. Yet replacing the clogged air filter can improve mileage by as much as ten percent. And it’s going to smell a whole lot better inside the cabin, too. Get your vehicle back in the game. Win some marathons, save some money, or both.

Manufacturer requirements state that you should change the cabin air filter to be changed once a year, or every other oil change. This ensures that a clogged filter never holds your vehicle back, never prevents it from doing what it’s designed to do.

Let your car breathe easily, and your wallet will thank you for it. At Carl Black, we want to help get your vehicle into peak performance by offering a $10.00 discount off a cabin air filter replacement service. What are you waiting for—start saving money today!

It’s Wednesday, rush hour, and you’re armed with a coffee and a playlist, ready to battle traffic and get to the morning meeting early. You turn the key, and it’s sluggish, but it starts. Good old girl, she’s never let you down. About halfway to work it starts raining. You catch a strange smell coming from the vents, but that’s probably just the rain. A few more miles, it’s stop and go. And then, nothing. Your engine simply stops, and you’re holding up traffic in the rain. You turn the key, but nothing happens. How could this be happening? You’ve always gotten your oil changes on time!

Next to getting regular oil changes, ensuring your coolant system operates smoothly is the second most important thing you can do for your engine. Old coolant, or worse, coolant that has leaked out will easily end up costing you thousands in repairs. Not to mention your vehicle suddenly breaking down on the highway during rush hour, in the rain.

Coolant, commonly referred to as antifreeze, absorbs the engine heat created as you zip through town. It travels through the radiator and back through the engine again and again. This can be a tough job (you spirited driver, you) and as a result, your coolant breaks down over time. It becomes thinner, and can no longer cool the engine or transmission as well as it used to. In addition, it uses up all of its anti-rust agents, allowing corrosion within your engine components and leading to an expensive repair bill.

You can easily check the level of coolant by inspecting the engine bay. See whether or not the coolant is filled to the recommended level. If the engine is cool, the coolant level should read minimum or fill. If the engine is hot, the coolant level should read max or just below it.

When it is time, you should have your coolant power flushed and replaced by a professional. Simply draining the old fluid and replacing it isn’t enough, as it leaves any rust or other contaminants to wreak havoc down the road. Power flushing ensures that any rust that has accumulated is removed from the coolant system, and that the new system is lubricated properly before new coolant is added. GM recommends a coolant flush every 5 years or 150,000 miles to ensure your engine continues to run as efficiently as it always has. As this will save you thousands in engine repairs, we simply cannot recommend this service strongly enough.

To help you save even more, we’d like to offer you 20% off your coolant service when you bring your vehicle in to Carl Black. Let our expert technicians ensure your coolant system is flawless for the next 5 years!

With gas prices as unpredictable as they’ve been lately, it’s good to have some fuel-saving tips you can rely on. In addition to driving sensibly and efficiently, here are two easy ways to improve your fuel economy.

Check your tires to ensure they are properly inflated. Every 1 psi that your vehicle’s tires are short can reduce gas mileage by 0.3 percent. When multiple tires are not inflated properly, these extra costs can really add up, especially over your weekend vacation to the lake house or daily commutes to work. By inflating your tires to your vehicle’s specifications, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent—that’s roughly 10 cents per gallon. In addition, properly inflated tires wear evenly, last longer, and are safer to drive on. This simple step saves you money and makes for a more enjoyable ride. When inflating, many drivers make the mistake of using the maximum pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall. Instead, look for a sticker on your vehicle’s door jamb or consult the owner’s manual to determine the correct pressure for your tires. Our technicians at Carl Black are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Keep your engine properly tuned. Tune ups ensure that the engine’s various components are in good shape and are working together correctly. On average, fixing an out of tune vehicle or one that has failed an emissions test can improve gas mileage by 4 percent, or approximately 14 cents per gallon. Typically, the more serious the problem, the larger the fuel economy gain will be. Fixing serious maintenance problems, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can increase gas mileage by as much as 40 percent! Regular tune ups ensure that small, inexpensive problems don’t become large financial burdens. Simply bring your vehicle to Carl Black for a tune up, and benefit from the savings in gas mileage and peace of mind that your engine is running smoothly. Our technicians know your vehicle inside and out—we use factory parts to ensure that your vehicle’s engine is running with optimal fuel efficiency.

To help you save even more money, we’re offering $20.00 off our Tune-Up Special or Injector Clean for a limited time. Enjoy all the benefits a properly tuned vehicle has to offer today!

Did you know that you can save 10 cents per gallon just by keeping your tires properly maintained? Keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure and having the alignment checked regularly will save wear, tear and cash. That’s why it’s important to check the tread depth on the inside, middle and outer grooves of your tires. If your tires have low tread, you’ll enjoy several advantages by purchasing some new tires.

• Your car has to work harder when the tread is uneven or if your wheels are out of balance. It’s critical to have them mounted, balanced and aligned by a pro to ensure that your tires wear evenly, last longer and give you the best possible gas mileage.

• Snow tires are great when the roads are wet or muddy. In the summer, however, those meaty, soft tires will reduce your traction and can lessen your gas mileage. If you live in an area that has four widely varying seasons, you should have two sets of tires so that you get optimum performance in any conditions. Hot, rainy locales require a softer tread that will channel the water away from your tires. Ask a pro from Carl Black Chevrolet of Nashville if you need some advice.

• New tires increase the safety of your vehicle for the next 65,000 to 100,000 miles. They also enhance your vehicle’s ability to turn, stop and accelerate. For a minimal cost every seven years, you can keep new tires on your vehicle. That’s a low price for the safety that new tires offer.

• How your car handles in a turn and how long it takes for it to come to a stop depends on the quality of your tires. How much power you can deliver to the tires determines how hard you can brake. Tires are designed for special performance standards, so make sure you choose a tire that is meant for the kind of driving you intend to do.

• New tires also make you feel more confident when you drive. For long road trips, you need deep tread for a smoother ride. New tires are also less noisy than worn tires. The noise and rough ride of worn-out tires can make a daily commute or vacation very unpleasant.

Your tires determine the quality of your ride. Don’t let out-of-balance, improperly mounted or overly worn tires decrease your safety. Get the best mileage you can by purchasing new tires regularly. Count on our team of tire specialists to help you select the right tires for the kind of vehicle you drive and the way you drive it. We’ll take the climate, the terrain, your expectations and your vehicle’s needs into consideration when we make our recommendation.

Carl Black Nashville is having a special to help you make sure that your tires stay in top condition. Everybody who buys four new tires gets free alignments for the life of the tires. Take advantage of our special, and keep your car safe while you save money on gas. New tires are a win-win proposition with our free lifetime alignment special.

Chevrolet is building on the momentum of record breaking global sales and the total transformation of its product lineup by making consumers a bold new guarantee – if you don’t love it, return it.

Starting today participating U.S. retailers will offer the Chevy Confidence program which includes:

• “Love it or Return it” – a vehicle return program on every new 2012 or 2013 model year vehicle purchase. Customers can return vehicles bought during the program, with less than 4,000 miles driven and no damage, 30 to 60 days from the purchase date.  It’s simple – if you don’t love it, return it.
• “Total Confidence Pricing” – all 2012 model year Chevrolets will be offered at special preferred prices in addition to all current vehicle-specific incentives.  No mystery about it – the price you see is the price you pay.
• For full program details and limitations go to chevyconfidence.com.

“We have transformed the Chevrolet lineup, so there is no better time than now to reach out to new customers with the love it or return it guarantee and very attractive, bottom line pricing,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet global vice president of marketing. “We think customers who have been driving competitive makes or even older Chevrolets will be very pleased by today’s Chevrolet designs, easy-to-use technologies, comprehensive safety and the quality built into all of our cars, trucks and crossovers.”

“Research has shown customers respond positively to the confidence companies demonstrate with programs like this and appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have the option of being able to return their vehicle,” said Perry.

With a solid new lineup of vehicles to sell, Chevrolet’s U.S. dealers have worked to elevate the retail experience by undergoing a transformation of their own. The results are new showrooms that better showcase the brand, and more highly trained staffs delivering a greater level of customer service.

“Chevy Confidence adds another element of convenience to the retail experience that is sure to attract consumers to our showrooms, and we know through first-hand experience that once they get behind the wheel of one of our new products, they are more likely to take one home,” said Steve Hurley, co-chair of the Chevrolet Dealer Council.

Chevrolet sold 4.76 million vehicles around the world in 2011, setting a global sales record, and is on track to build on that success in 2012 with its best-ever first quarter global sales of 1.18 million vehicles. The U.S. was the brand’s leading market and was the leader in both passenger car and performance car sales in 2011. During the past two calendar years, Chevrolet has grown faster than other high-volume global brands, bringing its global market share to 6.28 percent.

Chevrolet vehicles are consistently recognized for delivering the quality, features and fuel economy that consumers want. For example, the Malibu was recently recognized as the highest-performing midsize car in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study^SM.  The Silverado HD, Avalanche andTahoe were also among the top three in their respective segments and the Chevrolet brand turned in its best-ever performance in the study with an overall improvement of 8 percent.

Edmunds.com and Parents magazine have also recognized the Cruze Eco and Sonic as two of theBest 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.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Corvette marks its 60th anniversary in 2013 – and it is also the final year for the current generation of the sports car. To commemorate the production milestone and give the “C6” a proper send-off, Chevrolet offers the Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition.

The 427 Convertible Collector Edition blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. It also features a dry-sump oiling system.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:

• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• Carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package.

The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s a better power-to-weight ratio than the Audi R8 Spyder and Ferrari California.

The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 1SA, 1SB and 1SC trim levels and carries a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

Exterior and interior features

The Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition features wide-body styling, with carbon fiber Z06-style fenders and a carbon fiber raised hood, as well as a ZR1-style full-width rear spoiler. The carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package .

Additional exterior features include:

• Dual projector-beam high-intensity discharged headlamps are standard
• Contrasting-color headlamp housings are available in Blade Silver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black
• Heated outside mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming feature are standard
• Machined-face Cup-style aluminum wheels are standard, measuring 19 x 10 inches in front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear
• Black Cup-style wheels and ZR1-style 20-spoke chrome wheels are available
• ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires are standard
• Exterior colors include: Arctic White, Blade Silver Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Torch Red, Supersonic Blue Metallic, Cyber Gray, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Black and Night Race Blue Metallic.

The interior is inspired by Corvette’s dual-cockpit heritage. Seats that were introduced in 2012 deliver improved appearance and larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas to provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving. Sueded-microfiber seat inserts are included with the leather-wrapped interior.

Additional features include:

• Sport steering wheel with leather-wrapped spokes and audio controls is standard
• Head-up display, including Track Mode with g-meter is standard
• An audio system with onboard navigation system with voice recognition is standard. It features a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display
• A Bose Premium audio system with nine speakers, with tweeters located in the instrument panel, and Bose Nd next-generation bass performance is standard
• Keyless access with push-button starting is standard
• Heated seats are standard on 1SB and 1SC trims
• Custom stitching in blue, red or yellow is available on 1SC.

A 427 Heritage Package is available and includes a modern rendition of the classic 427 hood stinger stripe and 427 logos sewn into the floor mats.

Corvette 427 performance

The Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition is propelled by the LS7 7.0L (427 cubic inches), which has been used exclusively in the Corvette Z06. It is rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW), with unique features that include a racing-style dry-sump oiling system, which helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering. The engine also features a durable forged-steel crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, racing-derived high-flow cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and lightweight four-into-one headers.

The high-flow exhaust headers discharge into close-coupled catalytic converters and through two-mode mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power.

The LS7 is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates special processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. Customers can help build the engine that will be installed in their vehicle with the optional Corvette Engine Build Experience package.

At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual six-speed is strengthened to handle the LS7’s substantial torque load. It also incorporates a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission.

The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.

Corvette chassis and suspension

The Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition has a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear deliver low mass, direct response and great driver feedback. The battery is mounted in the rear of the vehicle to help optimize the vehicle’s weight balance.

The standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces, and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. Complementing the suspension system is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355 mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340 mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.

Dark gray metallic brake rotors are standard, with red, silver or yellow calipers available.

Corvette safety and crash-avoidance features

The Corvette is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting the occupants in the event a crash occurs. A strong body structure is designed to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.

Additional safety features include:

• Four standard air bags include side-impact air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash
• Active Handling electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both
• Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with anti-lock
• Pretensioners are standard. They minimize forward movement during a collision, while load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly
• Tire pressure monitoring syst em and run-flat tires are standard
• Standard keyless access with push-button starting.

Corvette and OnStar

Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on all Corvette models. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology.

OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.

Corvette also features new OnStar button icons. Drivers will notice an updated look for the Hands-Free Calling button, blue OnStar button and red Emergency button.

The all-new 2012 Sonic is a small car with a large array of amenities. It is offered in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door, each with distinctive design elements, including motorcycle-inspired round headlamps. Sonic also delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and connectivity features that enhance the driving experience.

The Sonic is equipped with power-dense four-cylinder engines, including an Ecotec 1.4L turbo, and it is designed to be one of the safest vehicles in the segment, with 10 standard air bags.

Production of the Sonic takes place at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, making it the only subcompact built in the United States. The plant received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

Sonic design

• Two distinct body styles: four-door sedan and five-door.
• A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, conveys performance.Progressive, raked body lines suggest movement even when the car is stationary.
• Motorcycle-inspired round headlamps and taillamps.
• Rear door handles on the five-door are located in a C-pillar area, suggesting the style of a three-door hatch.
• Chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models.
• A range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sonic interior

Sonic’s cabin complements the motorcycle-inspired exterior with a detailed instrument cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display.

• The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors (dark titanium and brick) and flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium low-glass finishes.
• The automatic shift knob has a “cobra head” design, while the manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob.
• Tubular outboard climate outlets protrude from the instrument panel surface.
• The interior includes storage compartments in the center stack and doors.
• The rear seats fold virtually flat for carrying larger items.
• Front bucket seats are standard and heated front seats are available.

Sonic powertrain

Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L – the same engines used in the Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.

• The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm.
• The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.
• Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability, including a low-mass hollow-frame cast iron block, dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, chain-driven cams and roller-finger camshaft followers, piston-cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler, a variable-flow oil pump and an electronically controlled thermostat.
• The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in small vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo.

• It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency.
• Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm.
• It is rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) along with 125 lb.-ft. of torque (170 Nm) at 3,800 rpm.

Sonic chassis and suspension

Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic’s ride and handling, giving it a more direct feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America.

• All models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar.
• The rear suspension consists of a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type design – featuring a tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks.
• The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and balance.
• Electronic power steering is standard, and eliminates the need for steering fluid and a pump needed with hydraulic systems. It features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system.
• Sonic’s body structure is designed to be one of the stiffest in the segment and its rigidity enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely.
• A unique “flat top frame” cradle assures optimal stiffness in the front chassis portion of the vehicle.
• The rear axle is essentially a straight axle without contour for packaging restraints and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.
• A range of wheel sizes is available, including 17-inch wheels and sport tires.

Sonic safety and crash-avoidance features

The Sonic is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting the occupants in the event a crash occurs.

• Ten standard air bags include side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash.
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
• Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard.
• Four-channel anti-lock braking is standard and incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.
• Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in all second-row seating positions.
• Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models.
• Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. More than 60 percent of the body structure is composed of advanced steels.

OnStar details

All Sonic models are equipped with OnStar. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.

• OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada.
• Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance on all Sonic models. The feature is easy to use because alldirections are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.
• MyChevrolet mobile app gives owners remote access to vehicle OnStar features including door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, emergency assistance and more.

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco adds a dose of flavor – and efficiency – to the midsize sedan segment. It has class-challenging ride and handling characteristics; a new, sporty design; new premium interior that’s roomy, comfortable and quiet; and it has better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan – a GM-estimated 37 mpg on the highway.

The Malibu Eco is the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup to reach dealer showrooms in North America, starting in the first quarter of 2012. It has an MSRP of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge. The new Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents.

“The Malibu Eco is a smart choice for customers who want a great looking car inside and out with excellent fuel economy, but without the higher price of some hybrid sedans,” said Russ Clark, director of Chevrolet marketing. “In short, it’s an incredible value.”

The exterior of the Eco – and all Malibu models – has a coupe-like silhouette and carries design DNA from Camaro to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment.

A wide stance, broad shoulders, a powerdome hood and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive, planted and sporty appearance. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

Malibu Eco exterior design cues also include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, large swept-back projector HID headlamps with three-dimensional execution, larger Chevrolet bowtie badges front and rear, taillamps inspired by the Camaro and a single hidden exhaust outlet. The look is complemented by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance Goodyear tires.

An aerodynamically optimized design and smart use of fuel-saving technologies helps the Malibu Eco be Chevy’s most fuel-efficient midsize ever, as engineers removed about 60 counts of wind drag from the 2013 Malibu’s design, compared to its predecessor.

Malibu Eco is among the first vehicles in the midsize segment with a standard fuel-saving, active shutter system. Located in the lower grille, the Malibu Eco’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required.

Other aerodynamic features on the Malibu Eco include:

• Dual-port grille upper is closed to redirect air flow up and over the hood
• Outside rearview mirrors designed to maximize efficiency
• Taillamps shaped for aero performance without design penalty
• Four underbody panels – more commonly found on premium-priced cars – cover approximately 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle and provide a cleaner airflow path beneath the vehicle.

The Malibu Eco features an all-new interior that is roomier, more comfortable and premium, and quieter than the previous generation Malibu. It features an all-new dual cockpit design that is three inches wider than the previous Malibu.

The increased width of the new Malibu means a more spacious cabin. Compared to the previous model, it has nearly four cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of shoulder room in front, 3.2 inches (81 mm) more rear shoulder room and nearly three inches (76 mm) more hip room, front and rear. The trunk has 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters) of capacity, or one more cubic feet than the previous-generation Malibu.

The Malibu Eco’s interior features metallic, chrome or wood accents located around the shifter, surrounding the center stack, around the instrument cluster and on doors and the steering wheel. Soft, ice blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel. Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and strategic applications of noise-deadening materials add to Malibu’s interior refinement. Seats are sport-sculpted and bolstered with firmer foam and frames made of high-strength steel for long-distance comfort and durability.

The Malibu Eco also has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that swivels up to reveal a six-inch-deep (152 mm) hidden storage area behind a seven-inch (178 mm) touch-screen radio display. Malibu also offers a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system.

Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package and OnStar are standard on the Malibu Eco. They build on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrate online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed.

(Please see the separate Interior and MyLink releases for more details.)

eAssist technology

Malibu Eco’s eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine is efficient and lightweight, featuring dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control, as well as a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. It is rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (134 kW) and is a variant of the same engine recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010.

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the air-cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

• Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
• Enabling a more-efficient final drive ratio by providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration
• Using electricity instead of gasoline when stopped, with automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality
• Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph for added fuel savings
• Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

The eAssist system captures up to 15kW of power that would be normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The system also shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the motor-generator unit brings the engine to a controlled stop to position it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released.

Thanks to eAssist technology, the Malibu Eco can travel 580 highway miles (965 km) between fill-ups with a 15.8-gallon (59.9 liters) fuel tank.

(Please see the separate eAssist release for more details.)

Driving dynamics

Complementing Malibu Eco’s sporty appearance are its European-inspired driving characteristics.

All 2013 Malibu models have been engineered to deliver ride and handling capabilities that are best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans. These include:

• A solid body structure that’s 20-percent stiffer than previous GM models and built on the global midsize architecture. This allows for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
• ZF Steering Systems premium electric steering gear that ensures smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel
• Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions with aluminum components and hollow stabilizer bar to reduce unsprung weight
• Large, 11.7-inch (297 mm) ventilated front disc and 11.5-inch (292 mm) solid rear disc brakes (with aluminum rear calipers), which are expected to deliver best-in-class stopping distance
• An isolated engine cradle for tuned, refined feedback, without noise or vibration
• Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and precise steering feel at higher speeds
• Chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, panic brake assist and drag torque control.

(Please see the Dynamics press release for more details.)

Safety

The 2013 Malibu Eco is designed to be one of the safest cars in the segment. It delivers safety before, during and after a crash, with features including:

• StabiliTrak stability control system with full-function traction control
• Four-disc brakes with ABS
• Forward collision alert (late availability)
• Lane departure warning (late availability)
• Eight standard air bags – including knee air bags and full-length side curtain air bags – and available rear thorax/pelvis air bags
• Pedal release system.

Malibu Eco also comes standard with OnStar (with six-month Directions & Connections plan), with Automatic Crash Response – a feature that automatically triggers a response from an OnStar advisor in the event of a crash.

(Please see the Safety press release for more details.)

Quietness

The new Malibu is the quietest Chevrolet ever and is expected to be one of the quietest cars in the midsize segment. To achieve that, interior engineers used road testing, sound evaluation tools and vehicle components to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the cabin. Some of the contributors to its quiet driving experience include:

• Malibu’s stiff body structure and isolated engine cradle help reduce noise and vibration from being transmitted to the interior.
• The wind tunnel-tuned exterior has a low coefficient of drag – a low drag count of .30 C d (Eco model) helps reduce wind noise to what is expected to be a segment-best 33 decibels.
• Air leakage into the passenger compartment, a primary noise source for all vehicles, is expected to be the best in the segment, at about 20-25 cubic feet per minute.
• A 5.4-mm acoustic-laminate windshield and 5-mm acoustic-laminated front door glass reduce wind noise by about 3 decibels when compared to conventional tempered glass.
• Sixteen expanding-foam acoustic baffles are placed strategically in cavities throughout the body structure. The foam expands when the body passes through the drying oven in the paint shop, filling the cavities to restrict or eliminate sound paths.
• Liquid-applied sound deadening and melt-on sound deadening materials are used on the floor pan.

(Please see the Interior release for more details.)

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.