GM Military Discount
GM has been renowned for their military discount for the past year, and now they're making it even better. In a bold move, GM has decided to expand their military discount to the spouses of military personnel and retirees through the end of May, which happens to be National Military Appreciation Month. What this means for military professionals, both past and present is that they have the ability to include their families in the discount that ranges anywhere from $500, up to $4,000 of the MSRP of Chevrolets vehicles.
Chevy has implemented a special badge for the cars purchased with the Military discount in the month of May. The badge is the iconic yellow ribbon that has become symbolic of military personnel support since 1979 in the United States. On the badge itself it reads "Honor and Valor" around the edge 
of the badge surrounding the ribbon. The badge can be applied (at the purchasers request) to the cars purchased using the discount, at no additional charge. Since the beginning of 2010, GM has applied the discount to over 70,000 personnel and their families with a value of more than $60 million. GM will also donate $100 to the charity Cell Phones for Soldiers. This charity, founded by two teenagers, is geared at helping servicemen and women deployed overseas have an available means of contact to loved ones at no charge. The charity was spawned after the teenagers, Brittany and Robbie Bergquist, heard a story of a deployed soldier accumulating an enormous bill from calling home to speak with his family. Cell Phones for Soldiers accepts old or unwanted cell phones and recycles them through ReCellular, who in turns pays Cell Phones for Soldiers enough to provide an hour of talk time which is then sent via phone cards to deployed soldiers. Since May 2010, Chevrolet and its dealers have collected more than 50,000 cell phones. Since the program began, proceeds from phone collections have provided more than 114 million minutes – or more than 200 years – of free calls home for U.S. troops.
Also in addition to the GM Military Discount is the $750 discount on selected Buick, Chevy and GMC models offered through USAA, the premier financial services group for the armed services. "We are committed to offering military professionals and their family members the best value in the industry," said Dan Akerson, General Motors Chairman and CEO. "As a former Navy man, I hold the highest regard for the men and women of our Armed Forces – past and present – who help keep our country safe and preserve our precious liberties."
So, if you or your loved one are currently serving in the military or previously served in the military (which includes the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard) in either Active Duty roles or Reserve Units, and you're looking at buying a new car- this would be the time to do it!
2012 Camaro Z28 to possibly have Vented Hood?
The speculation has been rampant about the 2012 Camaro Z28 and how it seemed to have a hood vent in the spy photos from numerous sources. Well, as of about a week ago, dealers were confirmed nationally that production on the new "HP Edition" Camaro Z28 will begin on January 1st, 2012. It will feature the louver/slat design that was seen in the leaked/spied photos over the past couple of months. It was brought to our attention by a couple of members on the camaro5.com forum (Luce MI and macalot) that the hood on the new Camaro bears a very striking resemblance to the hood on the CTS-V race coupe by Cadillac. It seems that there are a few similarities between the two cars that have been noted by Car and Driver- namely the 6.2 liter LSA powerplant, which is rated at 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Sounds like good stuff to us. The brakes quite possibly are also a close variant of the mammoth stoppers found on the CTS-V. The exterior styling is confirmed by Chevy to have a more aggressive grill and possibly a number of smaller aesthetic touches such as a slightly more sculpted rocker panel, and rear fascia sporting quad exhaust tips. Until the real pictures come out… keep an eye on this guy. It's sure to be a mean one…
Pictures are property of their respective owners and are for informational purposes only. 2012 Camaro Prototype pictures from caranddriver.com and CTS-V Race Coupe pictures from camaro5.com.
Top Gear USA Trailers
This isn't 100% Camaro specific news, but it is very cool (and features some great Camaro shots!). Top Gear, the incredibly popular and incredibly cool British TV show all about cars is being adapted (officially, this time) for US Audiences. Coming to the History Channel on November 21st, the American Top Gear adaptation will follow a very similar format to its British predecessor, including similar skits and challenges. This is great news, as I love Top Gear, and a second Top Gear show to watch sounds fantastic (Although, I'm certain that I wont stop watching Top Gear BBC as result).
Here are the trailers below, and in the extended one be sure to watch for the Gen 5 Camaro tearing up a dry lake bed in the Mojave Desert. It's nice to see the Camaro well represented there along side the likes of Ferraris and Lambos.
Transformers 3: Bumblebee Camaro
A lot of images and videos have been leaking from the Michael Bay filming of Transformers 3, but these here of the Camaro are some of the cooler ones. Great pictures and videos of the new Camaro, which supposedly shares a lot of traits with the new Z28. Worth a look, to see the Camaro, even though after the second Transformers film, there's not much about this movie that excites me. Here are some cool videos, check them out and I hope you enjoy!
How to Choose a Borla Exhaust System
The Borla Exhaust have been HUGE sellers...Since they are so popular and I get the same questions, I wanted to share some thoughts before you make a decision on which one to go with...
There are several flavors for the Camaro now.....
In the ATAK Series you have the
Camaro ATAK CatBack Exhaust System
Camaro Axleback ATAK Exhaust
Camaro ATAK Catback Exhaust for Camaros with Ground Effects Package
Camaro ATAK Axleback Exhaust for Camaros with Ground Effects Package
Also note, the ground effects package systems DO NOT HAVE tips on them. The exhaust ends right where the rectangular opening is on the bumper.
Then you have the Borla Camaro Catback Touring System (which does not sound much different than stock. For the person who wants the increased performance with no additional change in exhaust note)
and then in the Borla Sport lineup (which is my favorite)...
Camaro Borla Sport Catback
Camaro Borla Sport Axleback Exhaust
and the only 3" Borla system (OEM system and the other above systems are 2.5")
Borla 3" Camaro Sport Catback Exhaust If you get the 3" system, you will also want to get a new Camaro Billet Tunnel Brace as the 3" system will most likely touch your OEM tunnel Plate and rattle, which will drive you nuts!!!
Some thoughts before purchasing any of them.....
All of the Axle back systems require cutting them OEM system (which i am not a fan of, just in case you ever want to go back to stock). There is also one more "dirty"secret about the Axelbacks which needs to be known....When you install the Axleback it leaves in place the OEM Pre Muffler that is up towards the middle of the car. Not a big deal, but it DOES change the exhaust note slightly as compared to the Catback systems and does not make the system a true dual exhaust as the Catback does.
Both Axle Back and Catback systems are great systems and make a huge improvement in sound, but if you can afford to spring for the extra cash, do it right and get the Catback.
From a sound perspective, you have the touring which sound not much different than stock. Then the Sport (my favorite) which bumps it up a notch from the sound perspective, but not too much. At the ATAK which is the most aggressive sounding of them all.
All of Borla's systems are awesome, but thought prospective shoppers would want to know the down and dirty on each one...
See ya,
Jim
Camaro Z28: It’s Real.
If you've read any articles of mine concerning the possibility of a Z28 before, you've noticed just how skeptical I have always been. Well, today, I drop that skepticism completely and trade it in for a nice set of unbridled optimism! The Camaro Z28 is very, very, real, and we now have spy shots of a tester to prove it.
Captured out in the wild running comparison tests with other Camaros and a Mustang GT 500, these images show a beautiful, supercharged, 6.2L, automatic transmission machine in full spy car camo. Even through the camo, the very large front intake screens are obvious. Couple that with the more aggressive front chin spoiler, rear diffuser, and quad-exit exhaust system (also the bad-ass black 5-spoke 20" wheels), and you have got a gorgeous looking vehicle there.
The knowledge that this is a Supercharged 6.2L V8 also leads to some speculation. We can safely assume that it's not an LS9, as that monster is reserved for the ZR1 and the ZR1 only. The LSA, with its 556BHP, seems very likely though, as that number puts it right in line with the 550HP Mustang GT500, against which it is being tested. It could of course be a new Supercharged LS3 or LS99, but it seems more likely, with the LSA on the books, they would use that powerhouse for the Camaro Z28. If they are, that's great news, as reviews for that engine are fantastic. With the wide-open quad exhaust on the Camaro as well, and some tuning, they've probably got a few extra Horsies out of the LSA past what the Cadillac version of it was pushing. All in all, this news is incredibly exciting, and leads itself to wonderful dreams and worthwhile speculation. So, what do you think?
LS9 Supercharger for the Camaro SS
GM Performance Parts is now making a complete LS9 Supercharger system for the 2010+ Camaro SS. The Supercharger, which is employed in the supercharged 6.2L LS9 for the Corvette ZR1, will provide incredible boosts in HP and Torque, granting an LS3 Camaro SS upwards of 650 HP. Powered by a Roots style supercharger, and with an improved intercooler kit and gasket set, this entire package comes in at $7500 pricing. While that seems like an expensive modification, if you're searching for the most power for your buck, I'm not sure this can be beat. At this price, you're paying between $30 and $35 per HP added, which is a pretty great rate.
This supercharger kit will fit both the LS3 and the LS99 (with an LS3 conversion kit), and provides comparable performance boosts to each. The kit itself is not yet live on the GMPP website, but will have the Product Number #19244103 when it goes live. Definitely worth a look if you're looking for the best $$:HP ratio out there.
Camaro Rated Highest J.D. Power “APEAL” for its Class
Every year J.D. Power does its APEAL Survey to test how much people enjoy "owning and driving their vehicles". This year, the American automakers made some progress that has been unseen in 13 years, and passed the foreign, and specifically Japanese, automotive companies as the most coveted group. One of the vehicles leading the charge for the American auto companies was the Camaro, which should come as no suprise as the Camaro's list of accolades only seems to grow with each day that passes. This is a great reward though, becomes it comes from owners of all vehicle varieties, discussing how they feel about their vehicles, and shows just how strongly the Camaro stacks up to, and surpasses, its competitors.
Quote from the APEAL Survey:
"...This year's study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars "how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive." The answer, for the first time since 1997, was that the domestic brands were more "appealing" as a whole than the imports (the domestics earned a score of 787 on a 1,000-point scale – 13 points greater than the imports)..."
Class awards for highest APEAL:
Subcompact: Honda Fit
Compact: MINI Cooper
Compact Sporty Car: Volkswagen GTI
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
Entry-level Premium: BMW 3-series
Midsize Sporty Car: Chevrolet Camaro
Midsize Premium: BMW 5-series
Large Premium: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Midsize: Ford Fusion
Large: Ford Taurus
Compact CUV/SUV: GMC Terrain
Compact MPV: Nissan Cube
Entry Premium CUV/SUV: Audi Q5
Midsize CUV/SUV: Ford Flex
Large CUV/SUV: Ford Expedition
Midsize Premium CUV/SUV: Audi Q7
Large Premium CUV/SUV: Land Rover Range Rover
Large Pickups: Chevrolet Avalanche
Midsize Pickup: Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Minivan: Volkwagen Routan
Future Camaro Speculation!
Well, GM officially announced that the Camaro would, at some point in the future, be switching to their new Alpha Chassis. The Alpha Chassis will allow for GM to build a lighter, more agile next-gen Camaro, and that's a good thing. Here's some more speculation concerning the future of the Camaro though! GM has announced that they have a new engine in the works for the next-gen Corvette, and apparently the C7 will be powered by a naturally aspirated, direct-injection 5.5L V8 putting out 440 Horsepower. While the displacement on this engine's smaller, the numbers are nice (and it supposedly vastly fuel efficient over its current C6 counterpart) , and I imagine we'll probably see this new Chevy Small-Block becoming the engine du jour of the next gen Camaro SS, in some fashion. To keep the Corvette price-tag in line, they'll probably tune it down some, but that still just means the engine's not far from unlocking all of those extra ponies. All in all, it seems like a nice step in the right direction of engine design by GM, regardless of the smaller displacement.
Camaro For the Queen! and Convertible Camaros!
GM just announced that we'll be sending some American love to the lands of our British friends some time this year by releasing the Camaro in the UK! This is pretty cool, and it will certainly sell well there, even though the price of petrol will cause some customers to shy away. GM has not yet announced price points on the Camaro in the UK, or an exact date for when it will go on sale, but has stated that they will provide an official view of the Right-Hand Drive Camaro at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show on July 1st. In all, this is good news for GM, as the current strength of the British Pound ensures that GM will make a decent profit on their sales in the UK, even after the importing cost. The same packages and engine arrangements will be offered in the UK as in the US.
Also:
Some more spy images of the preproduction Camaro convertible have hit the web today. The vehicles, two of them in total, were spotted in Canada out in some nasty weather for test drives. Hopefully we'll be able to get some glimpses of them with their tops down soon, too! As it was though, the drop-tops were there as protection from the elements (which was much needed on the day in mention!). The drop-tops look fantastic up though, and show the commitment to the Camaro Convertible that GM currently has. Expect to see the Camaro Convertible hitting show rooms early next year!
