GM’s New On*Star Smartphone App
GM has officially announced their future iPhone and Android Smartphone On*Star App and has released a video providing details in to its workings. It seems like a fantastic function that any GM owner will enjoy coupling with their vehicle, as it allows (and is not limited to) such features as remote start, door locks, and vehicle monitoring. The App provides distance beyond what the remote key-fobs give, as it can be utilized anywhere you have phone service. I can see this being incredibly handy when leaving work, a mall, or a sporting event on a hot day as it allows you to start the vehicle (and consequently the A/C) from far enough away for the vehicle to be cool inside by the time you reach it. The monitoring of fuel levels, tire pressure, and other basic vehicle statistics via the phone is also fairly incredible. While it doesn't seem like an absolute necessity, it is a very nice touch. I see no reason why somebody, with the capability to, wouldn't utilize it to some manner. The video below is short but sweet, and provides some solid information and insight in to the phone application's function. It's a smart move by GM in the proper technological step, and I imagine we'll be seeing other, more "luxurious", brands begin implementing similar systems in the near future.
Cool Corvette Commercial and ZR1 Discount
Chevrolet's working on a lot of marketing as of late, and their newest commercial is a great one. Highlighting the fact that NASA no longer has a functioning manned space-craft in their line-up, they play off of that and show that some rockets still exist in the USA. Highlighting the ZR1 is a smart move too, as the Corvette is the definite "halo car" for the Chevrolet line-up. Regardless of its practicality, everybody still dreams about some day owning a Corvette, and it's great to highlight that. The interesting thing about the commercial though is its timing. Chevrolet hasn't advertised the Corvette in a commercial in 5 years time, and with Corvette sales lagging behind averages right now and the C7 model still a few years out, it seems like an odd time, but one can assume that Chevrolet is banking on the undeniable Corvette love factor to take over when viewers are bombarded with the vehicle, and return some respect to Chevrolet as a whole, since all of their vehicles must share, in some manner, genetic material with the Corvette. It seems like a pretty smart move, and it's a great commercial, so I'm all for it.
Beyond that, Chevrolet's also trying to boost Corvette sales by offering discounts on the ZR1 for the first time since it hit markets. As the dealership surplus on the vehicle has risen to almost 500 beautiful works of art sitting without owners, Chevy has decided to offer a rebate on their ultimate performance monster. Hopefully this moves some more ZR1's (and it should, when coupled with the commercial above) and gives Chevy reason to continue making the ZR1 build with the C7 model. All in all, this week has given us a cool commercial, a cool discount, and some hot spy videos/pictures of a cool proto-car for a movie, all by Chevrolet. They're doing something right! Keep it up!
50 Years of Corvette at Le Mans
This is a pretty cool thing that Corvette and Le Mans are doing. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Corvette's place at Le Mans, Chevy has five very prominent (and gorgeous) Corvettes at the ALMS Race at Laguna Seca this weekend being showcased. The video here shows the vehicles together, and I must say, I'd love to have any of them, as they're all gorgeous cars. A fun watch:
GM Putting $890Million in new LS Development
Well, the LS line of engines is already one of the nicest and most popular in the world today, and GM is committed to ensuring that they remain such for a long time to come. Few things are as iconic as a Chevy small block V8, and GM just dedicated $890 Million towards the R&D on the next line of them. This is good news for Corvette and Camaro lovers everywhere, as the LS engine is a staple in those respective vehicles.
So, that's a lot of money you say. Yeah, it is, but is doesn't appear to be for naught. GM has plans to improve the build and technology for the new LS engine, beginning with the materials and constructing an all-Aluminum engine block. Adding to this the direct-injection technology and the fuel-efficient push GM is making, it's very likely that the new LS engine will be one of the most efficient (power/mpg) engines ever built. GM has also ensured that the new LS engine will E85 Ethanol compatability, certainly another move being made to continue to meet the risingly stringest fuel efficiency demands over the next decade without losing vehicle power.
Another positive of this move by GM is that guarantees to create or retain more than 1,600 jobs, which is something that can be much appreciated in the current economic situation. All in all, this is good news on the Corvette front, as we can expect to see the next generation of LS engine powering Corvettes in the future, continuing to promote the vehicle's popularity and performance strong-hold against competitors. As time goes on I'm sure we'll see more and more information on the engine, but for now we can just speculate and dream. Is there any specific function or feature you would like to see included in the R&D of the new LS?
GM’s Race to Win Corvette Sweepstake
What, you might ask, could possibly be better than a Corvette? How about a free, brand new, Corvette? Sounds pretty nice, doesn't it? Just head over to GM's www.racetowincorvette.com and answer a few short questions and fill out the form to be entered for a chance to win yourself a brand new Grand Sport. Don't worry the three questions are easy (almost too easy!) and the grand prize will be drawn for on July 7th. Also, be sure to refer friends to the contest, as there is a refer a friend prize as well.
GM Talks C7 Design
Ed Welburn seems to be taking a pretty interesting approach at redesigning the Corvette for the C7 model. I don't know how much I like the whole "lets become more European" school of thought he is employing. The Corvette is a profoundly American car, if not -THE- American car, and I see no reason to try and change this. Its sales (although weak this year) have always been strong enough to justify this, and the Europeans who don't see the beauty of a car with this much performance for this price tag, must simply be blind. Who says their education systems are better? Obviously, they lack something if they can't see the impressive styling and performance of the Corvette for themselves. Of course, the new 'Vette will be gorgeous regardless, and will be an impressive piece of engineering, I have faith in Chevy (the C5, and the Gen 5 Camaro have pretty much won them all the faith one could possibly give) and am excited to see what really happens. Official article from Automotive News below:
Late last year, Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, invited GM's 10 styling studios to submit design proposals.
Some "were absolutely phenomenal," Welburn said. "There is a lot to pick from. The direction that we take is very important, and the decision has not been made."
Global input on the Corvette's design is one of several steps GM is taking to attract buyers in Europe, where the car has little appeal, and young U.S. buyers who favor imports.
"We have challenges in the States with the Corvette," Welburn said in an interview at the Geneva auto show. "The average age of the customer is really rising."
The current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54, according to the Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power and Associates.
Corvette sales are in a tailspin. Last year 13,934 were sold in the United States, down 48 percent from 2008.
The current Corvette debuted in the 2005 model year. Prices range from $49,880 for the base coupe to $107,830 for the ZR-1. Both prices include shipping.
A redesign is due in two to three years, industry sources say.
Corvette critics often cite the sports car's size, saying it looks big. They also point to what they say is a cheap-looking interior.
Welburn admitted the interior has a problem: "The execution, materials selection -- it's got to be a much better interior. Our customers desire that."
Welburn said today's Corvette is about the same size as the Porsche 911, but the styling makes it look bigger. "We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has," he said.
In addition to styling, content, pricing and marketing strategy are under discussion, he said.
"It is a key time in the development of the Corvette," Welburn said. "There is a lot of debate and a lot of study on the bandwidth of Corvette."
But, he added, "It can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette."
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!
Just wanted to wish you the happiest of holidays! Take your Corvette out for a Christmas spin tonight, see if you can't out-run Santa and his sleigh!
