Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Out With the Old - In With the New...Happy New Year!!

Chevrolet: Update, Changes, etc. for the 2010 Model Line

AVALANCHE: The stereo gets a USB port, and 4x4 models get a single-speed transfer case; last year's low-range transfer case is now an extra-cost option.

AVEO: Horsepower is up from 106 to 108, the manual transmission gets higher 4th and 5th gear ratios for better fuel economy, and 2LT models get a standard trunk spoiler. Also new: Wintergreen Metallic paint.

CAMARO: Chevrolet re-introduced its classic sports car for 2010, with a strong emphasis on bang-for-buck: The base-model Camaro offers a 300 horsepower direct-fuel-injected 3.6 liter V6, while the Camaro SS comes with a Corvette-sourced 6.2 liter 426 horsepower V8.

COBALT: The sedan version of the hot-rod Cobalt SS is being discontinued after just one year of production. The SS Coupe lives on, and now gets a sunroof and performance computer as standard. LT models have a new MY LINK package that includes a stereo with USB input jack, Bluetooth, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, OnStar and 16" alloy wheels.

COLORADO: Side-curtain airbags are now standard, and the optional 5.3 liter V8 gets variable valve timing.

CORVETTE: All Corvettes get standard side airbags, revised interior console trim, and optional cross-flag embroidery on the seats. 'Vettes with manual transmissions get launch control and convertibles get a Z06-style trunk spoiler. Z06 buyers can now choose any color in the standard Corvette palette, including Torch Red, which returns for 2010. The new Grand Sport edition replaces the Z51 handling package on the base-model (LS3) Corvette. The Grand Sport combines the 430 hp LS3 engine with specific wheels, tires, suspension tuning, wider fenders, and Z06-size brakes with functional brake cooling ducts. Manual transmission Grand Sports get unique gearing while automatics get a specific rear axle ratio, changes which boost 0-60 times by 0.2 seconds compared to the standard LS3.

EQUNOX: The Equinox is all new for 2010, with an emphasis on sharp styling, a quieter ride, and better fuel economy. Power choices consist of a 2.4 liter direct fuel injected four-cylinder engine or an optional 3.0 liter V6, also with direct injection, and Chevy claims that both engines will run up to 500 miles between fill-ups. Features carried over from the old Equinox include a rear seat that slides 8 inches fore-and-aft, allowing owners to maximize rear-seat legroom or cargo space.

HHR: Early reports that the turbocharged HHR SS would get the axe for 2010 were, I am happy to say, wrong; the SS will be back for 2010. The HHR gets a few new paint colors and a new rear-view camera, but is otherwise unchanged.

IMPALA: The V8-powered Impala SS has been discontinued, leaving the 2.5 and 2.9 liter V6s as the sole engine choices.

MALIBU: The four-cylinder engine is now E85 flex-fuel capable, and mid-level LT models get the LTZ's six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

SILVERADO: All V8s (including the Silverado Hybrid) are now flex-fuel capable, and the 4.8 and 5.3 liter engines get variable valve timing. The 5.3 also gets a six-speed automatic and a revised rear axle ratio. All 1500 models get standard electronic stability control, seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. All stereos get a USB port and the backup camera is available on more models.

SUBURBAN: The 6-liter V8 is now flex-fuel capable. 4x4 models get a single-speed transfer case; a low-range transfer case is now an extra-cost option. Stereos gain a USB input port, and option packages have been revised.

TAHOE: The 5.3 liter V8 is now flex-fuel capable; other changes are similar to the SUBURBAN.

TRAILBLAZER: Discontinued.

TRAVERSE: Premium stereos get a USB input jack.



Cadillac: Update, Changes, etc. for the 2010 Model Line

CTS SEDAN: A 3-liter direct-injection V6 replaces the indirect-injected 3.6 as the base engine; output is 270 hp and 223 lb-ft, and the engine runs on regular fuel. The 304 hp 3.6 liter direct-injected V6 will continue to be offered as an option. New features include a cabin air filtration system, suede-covered steering wheel and shifter, and optional 19" polished aluminum wheels.

CTS SPORT WAGON: Cadillac has announced a station wagon version of the CTS for 2010. Though slightly shorter than the CTS sedan, the CTS Sport Wagon offers 25 feet of cargo space, accessible through a power-operated liftgate. Like the CTS sedan, the CTS Sport Wagon offers several powertrain choices: 3.0 and 3.6 liter direct-injection V6s offering 270 and 304 hp respectively; rear- or all-wheel-drive; and three levels of suspension, ranging from cushy to sporty.

CTS-V SEDAN: The 556 hp terror returns for 2010, now with an optional wood trim interior package.

DTS: Aside from a couple of new paint colors, the DTS is unchanged for 2010.

ESCALADE: The 6.2 liter V8 now gets an Active Fuel Management system that can shut down four cylinders for increased fuel economy. New side thorax airbags and a revised inner door design provide improved side-impact protection. The clock from the Platinum Edition is now standard in all models, the parking brake release has been revised, and a new battery saver shuts off power when the battery runs low from extended accessory use. The Escalade Hybrid gets flex-fuel (E85) capability and a taller rear-axle ratio for better fuel economy.

SRX: Cadillac's small crossover has been redesigned for 2010. Power comes from a 3.0 liter direct-injection 3-liter V6 producing 265 horsepower, and the new SRX features a Haldex all-wheel-drive system that can transfer up to 100% of the power to the front or rear and an electronic limited-slip rear differential that can deliver up to 85% of rear axle power to one wheel, which Cadillac says improves both traction and handling.

STS: The STS gets two new paint colors, but no other changes.

STS-V: Sadly, the 469 hp supercharged hot-rod STS has been discontinued.

XLR/XLR-V: Cadillac's hardtop-convertible Corvette clone has been discontinued for 2010.