CONFIRMED:
AVALANCHE: A 6-speed automatic transmission replaces the archaic 4-speed as standard equipment. The Avalanche gets a host of new features on the standard and optional equipment list, including Bluetooth phone connectivity and a backup camera.
AVEO/AVEO5: The hatchback version of the Aveo, called the Aveo5 (photo), gets a round of updates similar to those applied to the Aveo sedan in 2007, including new styling and a bigger body. All Aveos get new wheels, new colors, available "leatherette" (aka vinyl) seat material, and standard OnStar.
CAMARO: It feels like we've been waiting for this car forever! The new Camaro coupe will make its long-awaited debut in 2009 as a 2010 model, while the Camaro convertible is expected to follow on as a 2011 model. Engine choices for the rear-wheel-drive Camaro will include a 3.6 liter direct-injection V6 putting out approximately 300 horsepower as well as the "LS3" 6.2 liter V8 from the Corvette, said to be good for about 422 horsepower; both will be available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
COBALT: The 2.4 liter engine is dropped, but the 2.2 gets several improvements -- including a variable valve timing system -- that boost power and fuel economy while lowering emissions. New low rolling resistance tires, as well as a higher final-drive ratio for Cobalts equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, also boost MPG. The turbocharged Cobalt SS, introduced last year as a coupe, will be available as a 4-door sedan (photo). Other changes: Standard OnStar and iPod-compatible USB port, optional Bluetooth connectivity, updated wheels, and three new exterior colors.
- 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS test drive
- 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS photo gallery
- 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE test drive
- 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE photo gallery
COLORADO: Chevy's compact pickup gets a new 5.3 liter V8, while 4- and 5-cylinder Colorados get a revised fuel system for better fuel economy. Electronic stability control is now standard, a sport suspension is available, and the Colorado gets improved exterior trim and a couple of new colors.
CORVETTE: All Corvettes get an improved variable-ratio steering system as well as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a new entry-level Corvette 1LT Convertible lowers the price gap between coupe and convertible to about $5,000. Z06 models get a new higher-capacity dry-sump oiling system. But the real news is the ZR1 (photo), the Corvette that Chevrolet says will take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 features a 638 hp supercharged engine, huge carbon-ceramic brakes, and a specially-tuned magnetic-ride suspension; 0-60 comes up in3.4 seconds, 0-100 in 7 flat, and top speed is 205 MPH.
EQUINOX: Side curtain airbags are now standard, Bluetooth phone compatibility is now optional, and three new exterior colors have been added.
EXPRESS: Chevy's full-size van gets minor changes, including larger wheels and increased carrying capacity on certain models.
HHR: Antilock brakes, Stabilitrak electronic stability control, and side curtain airbags are now standard on all HHRs. The base (2.2 liter) engine gets variable valve timing, which increases power and fuel economy. The turbocharged HHR SS is now available in a windowless "panel truck" version. Other updates include E85 flex fuel capability for 2.2 and 2.4 liter engines, standard XM satellite radio, optional Bluetooth phone connectivity, interior improvements, and three new colors.
IMPALA: Antilock brakes, traction control and front-seat-mounted side airbags are now standard, and Bluetooth phone connectivity is available. SS models get a new 18" flangeless wheel, and three new colors are added to the palette.
MALIBU: The four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain combination is now standard on 2LT models and optional on the 1LT. Bluetooth connectivity is now offered, and the Malibu gets four new paint colors. The Malibu Hybrid gets new 17" wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, five new colors, and upgrades to the hybrid system that improve EPA fuel economy estimates by 2 MPG in both city and highway cycles.
SILVERADO: The dual-mode hybrid system, which made its debut in Chevrolet's full-size Tahoe SUV, will be available in the Silverado pickup starting in the 2009 model year. A new (non-hybrid) XFE model improves EPA fuel economy estimates by 1 MPG in both city and highway cycles.
SUBURBAN: The big SUV gets a six-speed automatic transmission as standard and expanded standard and optional equipment.
TAHOE: Similar improvements to the Suburban, along with a new XFE model that boasts 1 MPG improvements in EPA city and highway fuel-economy cycles.
TRAILBLAZER: Standard Bluetooth phone connectivity and three new exterior colors.
TRAVERSE: The 2009 Traverse is Chevrolet's version of the GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave crossovers. The Traverse will share the 7-seat layout of its platform-mates (with optional seating for 8), but will be priced lower.
UPLANDER: Discontinued.
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