CONFIRMED FOR 2011:
AVALANCHE: The 2011 Avalanche sees some changes to the color palette and gains optional 20" chrome wheels. LS models now get body-colored side mirrors, while LTZ 4WD models get a two-speed transfer case in place of last year's single-speed unit.
AVEO/AVEO5: The mini-Chevy gets two new paint colors and a standard cabin air filtration system.
CAMARO: The convertible version of the Camaro (photo) will arrive in early- to mid-2011 as a 2011 model. For the coupes, the standard V6 gets an 8-horsepower bump to 312 hp, and all models get OnStar with a free six-month "Directions and Connections" subscription. 2LT and 2SS trim levels get a head-up display as standard, and a new color (Synergy Green Metallic) joins the palette.
CAPRICE PPV: (photo) The Caprice PPV is a full-size rear-drive car based on GM's Australian-market Holden CHECKCAR (just like the now-defunct Pontiac G8). The Caprice will be powered by a 6-liter V8, with a V6 engine joining the lineup in 2012. The bad news: Unless you are the procurement agent for your local municipality, you can't buy one. "PPV" stands for Police Patrol Vehicle.
COBALT: Discontinued, replaced by the Cruze (see below).
COLORADO: "Inferno Orange" gives way to Aqua Blue Metallic and the front headrests have been redesigned.
CORVETTE: The 'Vette gets some custom color trim options, new wheels, and two new paint colors (Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue), along with optional cross-drilled brake rotors. The navigation system now includes USB and auxiliary input jacks for an MP3 player. Grand Sport models now offers GM's Magnetic Ride Control as an option, and it comes with Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires when ordered in conjunction with the manual transmission, and for automatic Vettes, operation of the paddle shifters has been improved.
CORVETTE Z06: (photo) Along with the new paint colors and color trim enhancements available on the base-model Corvette, the Z06 gets standard Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires, a retuned exhaust system, and two new performance packages. The new Z07 package includes several elements from the ZR1, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo ceramic brakes, and 20-spoke wheels (19" front/20" back) shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. The CFZ Carbon Fiber package includes more ZR1 bits, including a black carbon-fiber splitter, rockers and roof panel and body-color rear spoiler. The Z06 Carbon limited-edition model combines the Z07 package with a carbon-fiber hood, splitter, and rockers along with black wheels, mirrors and headlights plus a custom leather-and-suede interior with body-color stitching.
- 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07/Carbon test drive and review
- More photos of the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06/Z07
CORVETTE ZR1: Like other Corvettes, the ZR1 gets two new colors, optional contrasting-color headlights, and USB/auxiliary input jacks for the navigation stereo. Custom-color interior trim is also available.
CRUZE: (photo) This all-new compact sedan replaces the Cobalt. LS models get a 138 hp/125 lb-ft 1.8 liter 4-cylinder, while Eco, LT and LTZ models are powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged direct-injected four that puts out the same 138 hp but 148 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet says Eco models with the 1.4 and 6-speed manual should get 40 MPG on the highway. The Cruze comes standard with electronic stability control and 10 airbags, including knee airbags for both driver and passenger. Unlike the Cobalt, the Cruze will not be available as a two-door coupe -- only as a 4-door sedan.
EQUINOX: The 3-liter V6 can now burn E85, and there are two new colors on offer. New standard equipment includes a compass for LS models, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with stereo controls for the 1LT, and heated cloth seats for the 2LT.
HHR: The SS model, I am sorry to report, has been discontinued. It will be sorely missed. Aside from a couple of new paint colors, the HHR is unchanged.
IMPALA: The aging Impala soldiers on, now with fleet-specific 1FL and 2FL trim levels similar to the retail LS and 1LT. The smaller 3.5 liter V6 engine is now flex-fuel capable, Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on 1LT models, and a new Luxury Package bundles together options such as leather-trimmed power seats, fold-down rear seat, upgraded stereo and rear spoiler -- basically, all the stuff retail customers want and rental-car agencies don't.
MALIBU: The four-speed automatic has been dropped; a 6-speed automatic with manual control is now standard across the line. LT models get new wheels and the OnStar system has been updated.
SILVERADO: The Silverado 1500 and Silverado Hybrid receive only minor updates, including improvements to reduce wind noise. The heavy-duty Silverado HD has been completely redesigned for 2011. Improvements include a new 6.6 liter Duramax turbodiesel rated at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. The new diesel is B20 biodiesel capable and can be ordered with an integral exhaust brake. Maximum trailer towing capacity is up to 21,700 lbs.
TRAVERSE: Two new paint colors are available and LT models can now be had with heated cloth seats.
TAHOE/SUBURBAN: Both full-size SUVs receive identical updates: Three new paint colors; an integrated brake controller has been added to the trailer-towing package; and new 20" chrome wheels are offered on the Tahoe LTZ and Suburban 1LZ.
VOLT: (photo) Chevrolet's revolutionary range-extended electric has finally arrived! The Volt uses a battery and an electric motor to drive the wheels; when the battery's 40-or-so-mile range runs out, a small gasoline engine supplies electricity to keep the car running. Primary charge for the battery comes from plugging the car in, so it's possible to commute day after day without using a single drop of gasoline.
BEYOND 2012:
2012 SONIC (AVEO): After the Spark (see below) makes its debut for the 2012 model year, the Aveo will be reborn as a larger, sportier car with a new mission and a new name: Sonic. The new Sonic will be available as a 5-door hatchback or a 4-door sedan.
2012 SPARK: (photo) Chevy's new small car, based on the Beat concept car, goes on sale in Europe and Asia in 2010 and should arrive in the US in 2011 as a 2012 model. It will be smaller and less expensive than the current Aveo.
ORLANDO: The Orlando is an intriguing hatchback that was originally slated as a replacement for the HHR. New plans are for the Orlando to be sold in Europe, but not in the United States.
MALIBU: A redesigned Malibu is in the works, possibly for introduction in 2012 as a 2013 model. Expect a the new 'Bu to get a more squared-off roofline, which will help rear-seat access, more muscular styling, and an even-better interior.
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