Chevrolet released a photo showing the 2013 Camaro's new navigation system, which will also include the company's MyLink app and voice command systems.
by Wayne Cunningham, cnet.com
Caption: Chevrolet should be making this LCD standard in the 2013 Camaro LT, SS, and ZL1, with navigation an optional add-on. (Credit: GM)
When we saw demonstrations of Chevy's MyLink system last year, it looked like the company finally had a solid competitor to Ford Sync. MyLink not only offered advanced voice command over phones and MP3 players, but also integrated smartphone apps.
However, as we saw in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Chevy hadn't built a MyLink head unit that was compatible with a navigation system. The result: buyers had to choose between having advanced voice command or onboard navigation.
The 2013 Camaro seems to solve that little problem. A press release notes that the new car will come standard with "MyLink and color-touch radio" on LT, SS, and ZL1 models. The release goes on to say that buyers will be able to option navigation into that system, although the parenthetical "late availability" suggests Chevy engineers still have some work to do on the system.
It may be coming out later than the car, but that did not stop Chevrolet from posting a photo of the new navigation system on Facebook. The image shows a very clean interface, something Chevrolet has done well with in the past. The maps look bright and clear, while a translucent information bar along the top shows the current music playback. Along the sides of the LCD are what look like touch buttons, another nice feature for a clean interface.
Enter today online or in person at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet and you could win tickets to see Darius Rucker at Tin Roof in Columbia on October 26 and Meet and Greet Passes after you watch the South Carolina Gamecocks take on The Tennessee Volunteers at Williams-Brice Stadium! Courtesy Capital Records.
Enter online or in person daily to increase your chances!
Contest prize package includes:
Two (2) nights hotel accommodation in Columbia, South Carolina (10/26/12 - 10/28/12)
Two (2) tickets to the Darius Rucker show on 10/26/12 at the Tin Roof Columbia
Two (2) Meet & Greet passes for the winner and his/her guest to meet Darius Rucker
Two (2) tickets to the USC Gamecocks vs. Tennessee Volunteers football game (10/27/2012)
Choose a Song. Upload Your Own. Then Watch & Win.
MTV Iggy is throwing a massive party to mark the U.S. debut of Chevy Spark. After earning rave reviews from Asia to Africa, South America to Europe, Spark is celebrating with MTV Iggy by bringing you a global music showcase featuring some of the hottest emerging artists that the world has to offer.
Cover the World pairs four global artists with iconic music. The four artists, which include All Time Low, Gyptian, The Wonder Girls and Angus Stone, will cover the iconic song that receives the most votes and then create their own one-of-a-kind rendition. It’s up to music fans to vote on their favorite global artist cover. By voting, you’ll be entered to win a custom-wrapped Chevy Spark, plus a trip to see that artist play live.
Want to really get in the driver seat? You can also cover the song yourself then upload it to covertheworld.com and get voted into the top 10 to be reviewed by a panel of judges for a chance to win a Spark and be featured on the MTV Iggy website.
Iconic songs, hot global artists, your chance to become a star AND drive away with the Chevy Spark that’s been built and loved around the world. It’s the kind of action you want to make sure you don’t miss out on. Get all the details on the songs, artists and how you can get involved at covertheworld.com.
If you turn your car key and get nothing, or get anything less than an engine roaring to life, you might be in for a bad day. Starting problems can be very frustrating because there are so many things under the hood that can keep a car from starting. Heck, pretty much everything under the hood can keep the car from starting.
In order to troubleshoot a no-start problem, you need to start at the beginning of the line, the battery, and work your way back. Some tests for a no-start problem are simple, others are a pain in the neck and a technical nightmare. Nonetheless, you need to figure out why the car won't start, so we'll try to help. If your key won't turn in the ignition, try this fix.
Electrical No-Start Problems
Check Your Fuses: Few cars have a fuse associated with the starting system, but before you go monkeying around with everything, check your fuses to be sure it's not that simple.
Battery Corrosion: Over time your battery connections can become dirty, or corroded. This corrosion breaks the connection your battery has with the rest of the car, and it won't start. Try cleaning your battery posts and try to start the car again.
Dead Battery: The most common reason your car won't start is a dead battery. If you have a battery tester that can measure cranking amps, test your battery to see if it's weak. If you can't test it yourself, you can test the battery indirectly by jump-starting the car. If it starts right away, your problem is most likely a dead battery. Replace the battery, and clean the battery connections to ensure good contact.
Bad Igntion Switch: If your battery checks out, but the starter is still silent, it may be a faulty ignition switch. Turn the key to the on position (not all the way to start). If the red warning lights on your dash don't light up (and your battery connections are clean), the ignition switch is bad. If they do light up, turn the key to the start position. The dash warning lights should turn off at this key position (most cars). If you're not sure, turn on the headlights. When you try to start the car, the lights should either dim (a lot) or turn off completely. If they do, your ignition switch should be ok. If not, the switch will need replacement.
Bad Starter Connection: Corrosion can not only keep your battery from connecting, it can affect any electrical component, especially the ones exposed to the elements like the starter. If you have a helper, you can test the connection by holding a circuit tester lead on the wire that engages the starter. This is the smaller of the two wires connected to the starter. Be sure no part of your body is near the moving parts of the engine - it could still start at any time! Have a friend turn the key and check the current. If you're getting current to the starter but it ain't spinning, it needs replacement.
If your starter spins freely when you turn the key, the problem lies elsewhere. Now you begin to check the other systems that could keep it from firing up.
Spark Related No-Start Problems
]With the starter-related causes of your no-start problem out of the way, we continue the search for why your car won't start. If the engine can't get spark, there will be no fire. But don't crawl into the hole just yet. Spark is created by your car's ignition system (ignition means "to ignite). Ignition system troubleshooting isn't too difficult when you're looking for a no-start problem. The first place to check is your coil.
Coil Testing: To properlytest your ignition coil you'll need a multimeter that can measure impedance. If you don't have a multimeter, there is an easier test you can perform using simple hand tools. Test your coil and, if it's bad, replace it.
Distributor Cap: Your no-start problem probably isn't caused by your distributor cap, but occasionally, especially during wet weather, a faulty cap can keep your car from starting. Remove your distributor cap and check the inside for moisture. If there is even a drop or mist of water inside, wipe it out with a clean, dry cloth. Inspect the cap for cracks and replace it if necessary. Once its dry, though, it'll work.
Coil Wire: The starting problem could also be due to a broken or shorting coil wire. Inspect the wire to see if there are any obvious cracks or splits, then test for continuity using a circuit tester.
Did it start? No? Ok, on to the fuel-related possibilities.
Fuel Related No-Start Problems
If the starter is spinning and the sparks are flying, your no-start problem has got to be related to the fuel system. If your vehicle is fuel injected, there are a number of sub systems that could be the culprit. It will take some serious diagnostic work to figure it out, but there are some things you can check in the garage that will narrow it down, and could save you some money by avoiding a trip to the repair shop. Here are some things to check:
Electrical Connections:There are plenty of electrical connections in your fuel injection system. Each fuel injector has a connector on top. There are connections on the air side of the intake and on the cylinder heads. Basically you should check every electrical connection you can find under the hood to be sure it's tight.
Fuel Pump and Relay: To check your fuel pump, you can do a fuel system pressure test - if you have the equipment. Since most of us don't have that type of thing, we'll first check the electrical connections. Test the positive side of the fuel pump for current with a circuit tester. Be sure the key is in the "On" position. If there's current, move on to the next step. If not, you should check the fuse. If the fuse is good, your problem is the fuel pump relay.
Fuel Filter: If the fuel pump is working properly and fuel is still not reaching the engine, the problem could be a clogged fuel filter. You should be replacing your fuel filter every 12,000 miles or so anyway, so if you suspect it could be clogged, go ahead and replace it.
the above items are things you can check yourself easily and with everyday automotive tools. There are many other elements of your fuel injection system that require electronic diagnosis. Unless you are familiar with this and have the right equipment, it is best to leave this to the pros.
Other Things that Keep a Car From Starting
With the major systems checked out, there are a number of other things you can check to see why your car won't start - if you have the patience.
Loose Starter: Loose starter bolts will cause it to dance around and wiggle, failing to turn the engine over.
Bad Injectors: A bad injector can throw the whole fuel system off and keep the engine from firing, especially when the engine is warm.
Faulty Cold Start Valve: A failed cold start valve will keep your car from starting when the engine is cold. It can also malfunction and keep your car from starting when it's warm!
Chipped Flywheel or Ring Gear: Your starter's gear connects with the gear teeth on your flywheel or ring gear (depending on transmission type). If one of these teeth becomes worn or chipped, the starter will spin. You'll hear loud screeches, scrapes, squeals and grinding if this is the case.
Bad ECU or MAF If your engine's main computer or any part of the system's electronics go bad, your car won't start. Unfortunately you'll need to leave this type of diagnostic work to a qualified repair shop.
Many people believe that if their vehicle is in an accident, but the child car seat is undamaged, they are still good. However, that is not the case. According to the NHTSA, child safety seats must be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.
However, for any child car seat that has endured a minor crash, they may be replaced later if the minor crash did not damage the child safety seat, airbags were not deployed, and there were no injuries to the occupants within the vehicle.
Many people want to re-use child safety seats after an accident to save some money, but this could put you at risk for being “penny wise and pound foolish”. Most insurance companies will reimburse for carseats involved in a crash, and they are required by law to do so in some states.
If you have any questions about your particular child safety seat(s), contact the child seat manufacturer for further details.
(From WashingtonPost.com) Chevrolet and General Motors employees, dealers and customers are again uniting against breast cancer, hoping to exceed the nearly $1.1 million raised by the American Cancer Society in 2011 through Chevrolet’s nationwide grassroots support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks and other activities. This October’s events include employee- and dealership-sponsored fund-raising walks; a Chevrolet Certified Service matching rebate contribution program; appearances by a specially themed pink Camaro SS pace car and USAC National Midget Car; and test-drive contributions at selected Southern Women’s Shows. The towers of GM’s Renaissance Center world headquarters in Detroit will once again be lit with bands of pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even the all-new Chevrolet Spark will join in the fight. A special “Pink Out” Spark is designed to honor breast cancer survivors and supporters. It wears a production Techno Pink exterior finish and is embellished with custom pink elements inside and out. The “Pink Out” Spark will visit selected community walks throughout the month. Last year with Chevrolet’s support, the American Cancer Society raised $1,079,633 in contributions to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The money helps fund research, wellness and breast cancer awareness education, and support for breast cancer patients and their families. “The generosity of our employees, dealers and customers shows how everyday heroes can unite to make a difference in eradicating a disease impacting 1.5 million people,” said Don Johnson, vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “For the second year, we are committed to support the American Cancer Society in continuing its fight for more birthdays.” Johnson will lead Chevrolet’s involvement in Detroit’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk that begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 13 in downtown Detroit. “The American Cancer Society is thrilled to have the support of Chevrolet and General Motors nationwide to help us lead the fight against breast cancer,” said Jill Elder, vice president, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division. “One in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the American Cancer Society for support. The contributions of General Motors and Chevrolet help make it possible to do the most for people with breast cancer today and enable us to continue the great work we’re doing to find cures to end the disease tomorrow.” Here are the Chevrolet-sponsored activities planned in October in support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer:
Chevrolet and GM employee walks - All month, General Motors facilities, plants and warehouses across the country will participate in fund-raising walks.
Chevrolet dealership walks - Hundreds of dealerships have already signed up to sponsor teams in community walks throughout October with more expected to join. These walks alone accounted for more than half of the money raised in 2011 that went to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Those interested in participating in a Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in their community can visit www.makingstrideswalk.org.
Chevrolet Certified Service - Customers who bring their vehicle to a Chevy dealer for qualifying services in October can contribute part or all of their rebates and Chevrolet will match them, up to a total of $150,000. A $39.95 oil and filter change, tire rotation and 27-multi-point inspection is $29.95 after the $10 mail-in rebate. The $99.95 (per axle) ACDelco Durastop ceramic brake pads service is $74.95 after the $25 mail-in rebate. For more information, visit mycertifiedservicerebates.com.
Chevrolet Racing - A Making Strides Against Breast Cancer-themed pink Camaro SS pace car will appear at selected Chevrolet dealers and GM events throughout October. Chevrolet and Tony Stewart Racing will display a specially wrapped USAC National Midget Car at races at Eldora Speedway in Ohio (Sept. 21-22); Mechanicsburg, Pa. (Sept. 28-29); and the New York State Fair in Syracuse (Oct. 5-7). At those races, representatives from the American Cancer Society will distribute brochures with information on local walks, the importance of early detection and ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer. In early September, Chevrolet contributed $6,200 to the American Cancer Society - $200 for each of the 31 caution laps during the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Breast cancer survivors and their families also spent time in the pink Camaro SS pace car with Team Chevy drivers Jamie McMurray and Ron Hornaday, Jr.
Chevrolet test drives - Chevrolet will contribute $5 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for every vehicle test drive at these Southern Women’s Shows: Birmingham, Ala. (Oct. 4-7); Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 11-14); and Jacksonville, Fla. (Oct. 18-21).
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.
Ever since Chevy shoppers and fans were first teased with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, they couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. This was going to be Chevrolet’s first electric plug-in hybrid, something that General Motors has never unleashed onto the public before. Now that it’s spent some time on the U.S. market, it’s time to see how the American automaker can further improve the model.
According to U.S. News, the Chevrolet Volt is expected to receive a few updates for the 2013 model year, including a function that aims to optimize the extended-range electric vehicle for maximum battery efficiency. This function will be titled the “EV Hold Mode,” which will allow Volt drivers to force the car to go into extended range mode – meaning the gas engine is taking over and generating power to the vehicle – to hold the battery pack’s power.
The EV Hold Mode would ideally be used for trips that begin on the highway and eventually switch to city driving. Autoblog states, “switching over to extended-range mode, in which the gas-powered on-board generator is used, would be better in that situation because high speeds drain a plug-in’s battery charge a lot more rapidly than city driving.”
But that’s not all, folks. The 2013 Chevy Volt will get some more updates, including a body-colored roof and liftgate, and a leather and suede insert upholstery option. Additional safety features include lane departure warning and forward collision alert. After hearing about all of these new bells and whistles on the way for the 2013 model year, Herndon Chevy Impala shoppers may want to reconsider their purchase. Whatever the case, our sales team members will be here to offer many noteworthy vehicles in our inventory while we wait anxiously for the new Volt to arrive.
I admit I’ve undertaken an impossible task—trying to sift through dozens of terrific celluloid car chases to come up with the five all-time best. I have no doubt that some readers will take offense that some splendid car chases were omitted. And I know for a fact that my rankings will generate controversy. But differences of opinion are what make movie blog discussions fun…so bring them on! To narrow my scope a little, I’ve included only car chases from action films—no comedies this time out (and I apologize to fans of movies like W. C. Fields’ The Bank Dick and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World). #1 The Seven-Ups (1973)
Philip D’Antoni¸ who produced Bullitt (1968) and The French Connection (1971), obviously knew a little something about car chases. The Seven-Ups is the only film he directed and its set piece is a New York City high-speed “duel” between a Pontiac Ventura Sprint coupe (driven by good guy Roy Scheider) and a Pontiac Grand Ville (the bad guys). Like Gene Hackman in The French Connection, Scheider does a great job of acting during the scene, pounding on the dashboard and swearing to himself. It’s a thrilling chase, but what sets it apart is the climax devised by stunt man extraordinaire Bill Hickman. Scheider’s car skids under an 18-wheel truck, peeling off the top of the car…but leaving the driver (who ducks down on cue) unscathed.
#2 Bullitt (1968)
In 9 minutes and 42 seconds, Bullitt redefined the car chase forever. It can certainly stake its claim as the most influential car chase and I suspect it ranks No. 1 on most lists. The San Francisco locale can’t be beat—helping to create iconic shots of the cars flying over the hills and careening around the tight curves. Director Peter Yates heightens the action with point-of-view and overhead shots. My quibbles are minor: (1) Steve McQueen’s famous Mustang and the villains’ Dodge Charger are both dark colors, making it hard to differentiate them from other cars during some of the quick cuts; (2) McQueen is the epitome of cool, so the scene isn’t quite as frantic as the ones in The Seven-Ups and The French Connection. By the way, Bill Hickman drove the Charger.
#3 The French Connection (1971)
William Friedkin’s Oscar-winning film featured a chase between a Pontiac LeMans commandeered by Gene Hackman’s police detective and an elevated train containing the baddies. Hackman accents the tenseness of the scene perfectly, pounding on the horn and yelling at pedestrians as he speeds through the streets of Brooklyn, often against oncoming traffic. Friedkin makes terrific use of tracking shots, sometimes showing Hackman zooming underneath the elevated train in a single frame. In addition to reuniting producer D’Antoni and stunt driver Hickman from Bullitt, The French Connection co-starred Roy Scheider and Tony Lo Bianco who would later appear in The Seven-Ups.
#4 To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
Friedkin returned to the car chase with a revved-up sequence in this tale of unethical Treasury agents out to nab big-time counterfeiters at any cost. A young William Petersen played the federal agent who is pursued through Los Angeles. After a gripping chase through parked trucks and tight streets, Petersen finds himself surrounded on all sides but one…which leads down a one-way street. He shoots down the highway against oncoming traffic, resulting in a harrowing scene that momentarily tops a similar one in The French Connection.
#5 Ronin (1998)
John Frankenheimer (who directed The French Connection II…interesting how all these films connect in different ways) features a couple of car chases in this espionage thriller. The most famous one, though, pits a BMW 5 Series against a Peugeot 306 as they whisk through the narrow streets of Paris. The scene’s highlights are a nail-biting tunnel sequence and another pursuit down a one-way street.Honorable mentions: The original Gone in 60 Seconds, Goldfinger (for its gadget-laden Aston-Martin), The Road Warrior, The Italian Job (1969), Vanishing Point, the Bourne movies, and Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry.Differing opinions about my rankings and omissions are welcomed!
