Chevy economy cars doing laps around opponents

By Olivia Biagi
Collegian Editor
November 14, 2007

“An American Revolution” is certainly an apt description of Chevrolet vehicles. While Toyota may have been the first to introduce the Hybrid car, Chevy is going green and revolutionizing fuel management in the full-size SUV, the comeback of the ultimate muscle car, and the electric car.

Chevrolet already produced the majority of its models as E85 Ethanol vehicles. General Motors (the parent company of Chevrolet) this year has created, in cooperation with the Daimler-Chrysler Group, the first full-size SUV hybrid, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe. Chevrolet has also introduced the GM patented Active Fuel Management, which will be available in the concept Camaro. And soon, North America will be introduced to the concept Volt, an electric car that can also run on gasoline and is estimated to get over 100 miles per gallon.

One of the largest, and most recent, contributions GM has made to fuel conservation are the Active Fuel Management engines, which automatically move from eight cylinders to four cylinders, depending on the style of driving occurring. According to Chevrolet’s Web site, when extra power is needed, like going uphill, the engine will utilize eight cylinders, but when less power is needed, like when driving on level roads, the motor will deactivate half of the cylinders. A V8 Impala with Active Fuel Management will average 16 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg on the highway.

According to a New Car Test Drive, Inc. review, GM has built the 400 horsepower Corvette engine for the concept Camaro with Active Fuel Management. GM, according to the article, is estimating the Camaro to have fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway, giving it the power of a muscle car and the fuel economy of a Honda. Take that, Ford Mustang. Unfortunately, the Camaro is still a concept, and despite the trick played on car lovers who saw the badass fabricated model that appeared in this summer’s Transformers movie, it is not yet in production. According to Chevrolet representative Wendy Clark, production will not begin until first quarter 2009. But, anticipators can expect the original 1967 Camaro interior and a modernized body style in the 2009 make. There’s no word yet on any alternative models in differing price ranges, but seeing as Chevy doesn’t need another Corvette, the Camaro will most likely be made in varying models in similar price ranges and engine sizes as the Mustang. Except, the Camaro will be faster, have a greater fuel economy, and will be better all around.

But, the car that will really set GM apart from everything else is the concept Volt. This five-passenger sports sedan is a new electric vehicle that will be able to run on electricity as well as gasoline, E85 or biodiesel. GM has patented the technology powering the Volt, called E-Flex Propulsion System, which will allow the car to run gas-free for 40 miles before requiring a recharge. A lithium ion battery connects to a generator on the engine to power the wheels. In order to recharge the Volt, owners will simply plug it into a 110-volt outlet for up to six-and-a-half hours. The electric motor will be equivalent to a 160 hp engine and will go 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, with an estimated battery life of 10 years.

The Volt also has a 1.0 liter, three cylinder, turbocharged engine for longer trips. If a Volt owner is traveling long distances, the car will shift to the fuel engine once the battery dies. The generator will automatically recharge the battery when this happens. Chevrolet is estimating that Volt drivers who average 60 miles a day on the road will save about 570 gallons of gas per year, and over $1,300.

So, when shopping around for your next car while I’m waiting anxiously for the release of the concept Camaro convertible, just know that Chevrolet has many options available in speed, style and fuel efficiency. The Volt will have all the qualities needed to revolutionize how engines are powered, but all of the comfort, style and even a little bit of the power, expected from a Chevy motor. Besides, everyone knows that real men wear bowties.

obiagio1@lasalle.edu