Camo'd Camaro spotted in Australia

Looks like the General is doing some down under testing of the 2009 Camaro. Why they have the car camouflaged is anyone's guess though. Chevrolet vowed to keep the car as close as possible to the concept car as they could. You can make out the roof line is the same and the rear end looks to be pretty similar to the concept. No good shots of the front end though. Enjoy the pics.

Source: Straightline via Autoblog.com.

Detroit Preview: Hummer HX Concept

Here are some design sketches of the up coming Hummer HX Concept which we will see in Detroit next Month.

Three months worth of sketching and sculpting went into this concept before it was given the go ahead by GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. The concept is designed with the future of off roading in mind, with a flair for the youth market which loves the Hummer brand. The HX Concept will feature removable body panels and roof, similar to the Jeep Wrangler. And like most of GMs more recent concepts, will be powered by E85 Ethanol FlexFuel.

Should be interesting to see the finished project next month.

Source: GM

PRESS RELEASE:

Three Young Designers Shape Future Of HUMMER Through HX Concept

DETROIT – Scheduled for introduction at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the HUMMER HX concept reflects the innovative minds of three new GM designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski - whose first assignment was to provide a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles.

Fresh out of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., the designers' first test in GM was to design a fun, nimble and innovative HUMMER concept.

"HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent," said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning. "Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

The task presented numerous challenges to the new designers, from creating a vehicle for a brand known around the globe for its iconic design, to ensuring the model would live up to the market's expectation of HUMMER off-road capability.

To help ensure designs were true to the HUMMER brand, these designers were given limited design direction by Carl Zipfel, an ex-professional motocross racer and director of the HUMMER design studio.

"Carl definitely set the tone," said Rojas. "While he gave us creative liberty and challenged us to develop innovative ideas, he also defined three HUMMER proportions – wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance – and assigned one to each of us. It gave us a chance to collaborate, but also take our own direction."

While sketching and sculpting together in the HUMMER studio, these recent graduates drew upon the creative energy of each other, further improving their individual designs, as well as that of the final concept.

"We drew inspiration from one another," said Kang. "As you're designing and sketching you try to absorb what the other designer is doing and try to make it better."

David, Min Young and Robert's collaboration inspired the HUMMER HX concept, which presents extraordinary efficiency without sacrificing the unique essence of the HUMMER brand, the world's most capable off-road vehicles.

"While we took inspiration from the HUMMER heritage and DNA, we each wanted to evolve it in a new way," said Jablonski. "We agreed it should be contemporary, compact and definitely open air. It came out great."

After three months of sketching and sculpting theme work for the new HUMMER concept, each designer had the opportunity to present scale clay models to Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman and Ed Welburn, who chose which design would ultimately become the HX concept.

In its final concept form, the E-85 FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX embodies the off road spirit of HUMMER in a fully customizable package. The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular, removable rear roof assembly enabling a quick conversion from closed vehicle to open vehicle SUT. It also features a slant back assembly with removable doors and fender flairs.

"Working as a team, you realize it's more than one person influencing the vehicle," said Rojas. "You can see the inspiration from each of our designs in the final concept vehicle. We're all proud to have the chance to see our sketches become reality."

Super Bowl ads. Ford, Chrysler, & VW oddly missing

We got word that there will be four automakers with ads during the Super Bowl this year. General Motors will have a Chevrolet 60 second spot during the second quarter and Cadillac will be sponsor for the pre and post game shows.

Hyundai and Toyota will both have two spots each. Also announced is a spot from Audi. This marks their first time advertising during a Super Bowl in 20 years. Theirs will be a two minute long spot featuring the Audi R8.

Toyota's ad will more than likely pump up the new Sequoia and Tundra pickup. Though I highly doubt that it will do anything to help the Tundra's image right now.

Cars.com will also have a 30 second spot this year.

Strangely though is the lack of an announcement that Ford or Chrysler will be having spots. There is still time for them to jump on the band wagon, so we'll see where it goes.

I watch the Super Bowl just for the car ads. General Motors has always topped our list of favorites. So as a bonus, we're including our favorite GM spot from the Super Bowl in 06.


Source: Automotive News, Audi.

GM to halt production at three factories

GM has plans in place to cut production in the first quarter of 08 to help dealers control their excess inventories. Though today, The Detroit News announced that GM will halt production at three factories for two weeks. Production is limited to just the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as of right now. The factories effected are, Pontiac, Michigan, Fort Wayne, Indiana and Oshawa, Ontario Canada. The factories will stop production effective December 31st.

Source: The Detroit News.

Chevrolet Chevelle Concept

General Motors' Revitalization in Action team has dreamed up many of the modern concept cars that we drool over year after year. As a concept, we aren't sure if the newest car will be come a reality. Though you have to admit that the Chevelle concept surely hits on the highs of the original Chevelle muscle car of the 60s & 70s. There is not much on the details of the concept. Other than it is based on the rear wheel drive Zeta platform. The addres for the website include NAIAS, so we're assuming that we'll see the Chevelle Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Source: GMInsideNews.

Former General Motors Chairman Roger B. Smith dies at 82.

Roger Smith may have done many things at GM. Both good and bad. He served as the Chairman and CEO of General Motors from 1981 to 1990. We became aware of Mr. Smith about 10 years ago through one of our contributors who showed us Michael Moore's movie "Roger & Me" which focused heavily on the downfall of Flint, Michigan. Through out the movie he tried to get an interview with Mr. Smith. Unfortunately, it never happened. At least not on film.

Roger Smith's career at GM spanned 41 years. Begining in 1949 as an accountant, and grew to become treasurer in 1970. He held various other vice presidency positions before becoming Chairman and CEO in 1981. During his time at GM he oversaw GM's first major jump in to a world platform sharing car came under Smith's leadership with the Chevrolet Celebrity, and its many offspring. Mr. Smith also was one of the driving forces behind the startup and development of the Saturn brand, before his retirement. He also worked out NUMMI, the joint venture with Toyota to build cars in the US.

Farewell Roger.

Source: GM

PRESS RELEASE
Roger B. Smith, Former GM Chairman And CEO, Dies At 82

DETROIT – Roger B. Smith, who led General Motors in the 1980s through a period of significant change, passed away here November 29 after a brief illness. He was 82.

Smith was appointed chairman and CEO on January 1, 1981, and led the world's largest automaker until his retirement on July 31, 1990.

Smith directed GM during a revolutionary period in the auto industry, a time of expanding global business, tough new environmental and safety standards, and increased competition from import brands.

During Smith's tenure as chairman and CEO, GM introduced its first front-wheel-drive midsize cars, formed NUMMI, a joint venture with Toyota to manufacture cars in California, created Saturn, and acquired Electronic Data Systems and Hughes Aircraft Corp.

"Roger Smith led GM during a period of tremendous innovation in the industry." GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said today. "He was a leader who knew that we have to accept change, understand change, and learn to make it work for us. Roger was truly a pioneer in the fast moving global industry that we now take for granted."

Prior to being elected chairman, Smith had been an executive vice president and a member of the GM Board of Directors since December 1, 1974.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 12, 1925, he received his formal education in Michigan. He graduated from Detroit University School in 1942. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1947 from the University of Michigan and was awarded a master's degree in business administration there in 1953. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946.

Smith began his GM career in 1949 as a general accounting clerk in the Detroit Central Office. After a series of promotions, he became treasurer of the Corporation in 1970 and vice president in charge of the Financial Staff and a member of the Administration Committee in 1971. The following year, he became vice president and group executive in charge of the Non-automotive and Defense Group. In 1974, he was elected executive vice president, with responsibility for the Financial, Public Relations, and Industry-Government Relations Staffs.

Smith was the originator in February 1978, of the General Motors Cancer Research Awards, designed to recognize basic and clinical scientists throughout the world for hallmark accomplishments in research on the cause, prevention and treatment of cancer.

In the international world, Smith's leadership in promoting free trade was recognized by many countries where General Motors operated. He was awarded gold medals by the heads of state of Austria, Belgium and Spain, as well as the French Legion of Honor. He served on the U.S. Presidential Commission on South Africa.

On the national scene, Smith served on two presidential commissions. He was chairman of both the Business Roundtable and the Business Council. He was a trustee of the California Institute of Technology and received honorary doctorates from several universities. Smith served on the boards of directors of Citicorp, International Paper, Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo. He served as chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee of the New York Stock Exchange that originated the concept of "circuit breakers" to moderate large price fluctuations in the stock and option markets. His leadership in finance and industry was recognized by awards from leading associations and publications across the country.

In state and local affairs, Smith served as chairman of the board of the Economic Club of Detroit, Detroit Renaissance and the Detroit United Foundation. He served on the board of directors of many other charitable and educational organizations.

Smith is survived by Barbara, his wife of 53 years; four children: Roger B. Smith Jr., Jennifer A. Ponski, Victoria B. Sawula, and Drew J. Smith; and six grandchildren.

Services will be private. The family asks that contributions, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Roger B. Smith Memorial Fund to Benefit the Fight Against Cancer at William Beaumont Hospital, c/o of the Beaumont Fund, P.O. Box 5802, Troy, MI 48007-9620.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Chevrolet Volt in production by 2010!

Yup. We heard it right. Direct from Bob Lutz's mouth to our ears. At the Reuters Auto Summit in Detroit Mr. Lutz announced that a production version of the Volt concept car will be in production by the end of 2010.

Though it will not look anything like the concept car. The first test of the Volt will come by Easter of 2008. Which is a polite way of saying we have testing prototypes built and ready to go, or at least very close.

GM's hopes are to move above Toyota in the marketplace. Toyota is currently the industry leader in the "Green" market. GM currently has two suppliers for the lithium-ion batteries working overtime to further enhance the durability and performance of the batteries.


Sounds very exciting to see this much development. Especially when the concept was just unveiled at Detroit in January 07. This should definitely have Toyota standing on their toes.


Source: Reuters

2008 Cadillac CTS: Motor Trend's Car of The Year

Cadillac's all new CTS was up against some tough competition this year for Motor Trend's prestigeious Car of The Year award. But they preveiled with what is one of the best cars to roll out of the General in quite a while.




Stiff competition from the Chevy Malibu, Mercedes C-class, Audi TT, Honda Accord, Subaru WRX, and Mitsubishi Lancer, and many others.


Congrats to Cadillac.

Press Release:
DETROIT - The editors at Motor Trend, one of the world's premiere automotive authorities, announced today that they have chosen the Cadillac CTS as the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"Cadillac is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This is a very meaningful reward for our team that created the all-new 2008 CTS, and a powerful statement to consumers everywhere about Cadillac's product renaissance."

The Motor Trend Car of the Year honor highlights the wide acclaim the 2008 CTS sport sedan has earned around the world and with consumers since its launch earlier this fall. Luxury cars buyers are responding similarly, with CTS U.S. sales jumping 75% in October.

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the January issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early-December) and online at http://www.motortrend.com/. Cadillac was the first automaker ever to win Motor Trend Car of the Year in the magazine's inaugural year of 1949, and again in 1952 and 1992.



Source: GM

LA 2007: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5

Chevy hit a gold mine with the Aveo in 2003. And who can forget their great advertising. Sure it was a rebadged Daewoo. But they were able to pull it off. Chevrolet has unveiled the new 2009 Aveo5 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. And they have hit the nail on the head again.

The new Aveo5 will be available in two trim levels LT and LS. Power comes from a 107 HP 1.6 liter Ecotec 4 cylinder. Standard features come by way of dual front and side air bags, 60/40 split rear seat, body color accents, OnStar, keyless entry, cruise control, and air conditioning. Heated mirrors, XM satellite radio, ABS, and a sunroof round out the optional extras. Though these are standard on the LS model.


Styling is fresh and crisp. And truly marks this as a world car for General Motors. But the big news is that the Aveo5 may become the lowest price automobile in the United States. Pricing has not been announced. Though it should come closer to the release date in mid 2008.


Souce: GM

2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. A big luxurious green SUV!

With the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon both offered with Hybrid options, it was only a matter of time before we would see a Cadillca Escalade version. And it is by far the best version. The new Escalade was spotted at the Miami Auto Show this week and was causing quite a stir. The Escalade Hybrid will use the same two mode Hybrid system already in use on both the Tahoe and Yukon. The Escalade will be offered with both 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive versions, and will offer 6,000lbs towing capacity.

Nothing spared on the Escalde, including weight. Unlike the Tahoe and Yukon, the Escalade will get no diet weight loss in Hybrid form. All of the standard features of the Escalade are included. Including a touch screen navigation system, with Hybrid readouts.

Power comes from the standard 6.0 liter V8 engine for the gas power. Electric power comes in the form of a 300 Volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System. Combined with a electrically variable transmission. Electric power will be used for launching, and low speed driving(probably for less than 25mph), and the V8 has Active Fuel Management which allows for the engine to shut off half of it's cylinders(ala Cadillac 8-6-4 from the 80s) when less power is required. And can run on just 4 cylinders for extend periods of time, such as highway cruising.

This definitely sounds like quite a SUV. We look forward to a chance to drive one.

PRESS RELEASE:

ESCALADE HYBRID: CADILLAC PREMIERES THE FIRST HYBRID IN A LARGE LUXURY SUV

MIAMI – Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world's first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

"Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV."

The Hybrid goes on sale in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade's technology leadership.

"No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably," Taylor said. "And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade."

Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade's standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac's leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.

Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technologyThe Escalade's 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.

GM's patented 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The key to Escalade's 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM's energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile's impact on the environment.

Cadillac's smooth and quiet powerAcoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include:

• A new exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine's Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation.

• An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system.

• An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems.

• The Energy Storage System cooling system's internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants.

Escalade aesthetic

The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac's overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

The Escalade's warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

Source: GM, Autogblog.com

GM reports 3rd quarter earnings. $39 billion loss

General Motors shocked the world yesterday with their 3rd quarter earnings for 2007. When it was all said and done, the General lost an astounding $39 billion dollars. While it may look bad, there are some up sides. Such as the sale of Allison Transmission which sold for $3.5 billion. This time last year, GM was showing a $497 million dollar profit.

Vehicle sales actually did show a profit $122 million, while last year $577 million dollar loss. So far this year, GM has sold 2.39 million vehicles world wide.

Unfortunately, this makes the worst ever loss for GM, and the 2nd worst in history for all companies.

I was actually surprised to see figures this bad. While GM's U.S. sales have been bad over the last few years, it only accounted for a small portion of GM's worldwide sales. I guess after the hit that the DOW and NASDAQ took today, all I can say is WOW! What happened GM?

Sema 07 Update: Jay leno's E85 powered Corvette C6RS

There is no denying Jay Leno's love of cars, not to mention his involvement in the development of new technologies with General Motors. Meet the Corvette C6RS. The car that shows that green technology and performance can go hand in hand.

The C6RS started life as a Z06 that was restyled to resemble the C6.R race car. Performance is brought by a 8.2 liter (500 CID)aluminum small block V8 with 600 Horsepower and 585 ft lbs of torque. And it runs on E85 Ethanol rather than conventional gasoline. This is definitely a Corvette worth looking at. More info and pics below the jump.

Here is the official GM press release:

GREEN AND MEAN: JAY LENO'S E85-CAPABLE Z06-INSPIRED C6RS CORVETTE BOASTS 600 HP AND ALTERNATIVE-FUEL CAPABILITY

LAS VEGAS – "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's predilection for performance cars is no secret, but many fellow enthusiasts may not know that he is keenly interested in alternative fuels. To prove that red-blooded power mixes easily with a touch of green, Leno partnered with Pratt & Miller – the engineering company that builds and campaigns C6.R Corvettes – to develop a modified Corvette Z06 that is capable of running on E85 ethanol. It was unveiled at the 2007 SEMA Show.

More than merely a conversion of the stock LS7 engine to E85 capability, Leno's alternative-fuel supercar is powered by a custom, 8.2L (500-cubic-inch) all-aluminum small-block V-8 that pumps out approximately 600 horsepower and 585 lb.-ft. of torque.

"The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," said Leno. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline.

"The engine is built around a custom aluminum cylinder block that was CNC-milled from a single block of billet aluminum. And while the cylinder heads, intake system and dry-sump oiling system are stock LS7 components, the engine – which has larger bore and stroke dimensions than the 7.0L (427-cubic-inch) LS7 – uses a one-off reciprocating assembly, including a forged steel crankshaft, forged rods and forged pistons. Katech Engines, the company that builds engines for the Corvette C6.R racing program, developed the engine.

The fuel system and engine control computer were modified to accommodate E85, and spent gases exit through a Corsa exhaust system. Supporting the 600-horse engine's power is a blueprinted and strengthened T-56 six-speed transmission and a high-performance Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

C6.R inspiration:

On the outside, Leno's bad and black C6RS emulates the styling of C6.R race cars, with wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top and a racing-style diffuser at the bottom (the diffuser incorporates an LED-lit backup lamp). A C6.R-style waterfall hood front fender louvers, rockers and lower grille opening further define this special Corvette – and all of the car's front-end panels are made of carbon-fiber, including custom brake air ducts routed through the front fenders. With all of its body modifications, Leno's C6RS is 1.6 inches wider than stock.

The C6.R's – and production Corvette's – aerodynamically styled bodywork is designed to slice efficiently through the wind, which helps enhance fuel mileage.

The race-ready look of the car is enhanced with a quartet of BBS wheels that feature racing-type locking center hubs. The forged aluminum 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels ride on Michelin P295/30ZR18 and P345/30ZR19 tires, respectively.

Adding authenticity to the car's custom bodywork was the involvement of Pratt & Miller. The company took on the task of crafting Leno's Corvette into a street-going replica of the race cars, which included installing or fabricating a host of unique components, including:
* A custom DeWitt high-capacity radiator with dual cooling fans.

* A carbon-fiber ram-air induction system.

* Carbon-fiber inner fender panels that vent hot air from the engine compartment.

* Brembo brakes with six-piston mono-block calipers in front and four-piston rear calipers.

* Dyna-Mat used throughout the cabin and chassis to reduce interior noise.

While the exterior and drivetrain were inspired by the racetrack, the C6RS's cabin exudes luxury, with premium touches and enhancements from Genuine Corvette Accessories that include a two-tone shift knob and boot; leather-covered console armrest, parking brake handle and boot; an interior trim kit, racing-style pedal covers and more.

With its 600 horses on tap and domestically produced E85 fuel in the tank, Jay Leno's alternative-fueled C6RS is an all-American supercar that proves high performance and environmental consciousness go together like the Corvette and checkered flags.

Sema Preview: Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept.

GM released only this single view of the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept for SEMA. The Solstice features a cover over the passenger compartment that is reminiscent vintage single-seat club race cars and includes a new windscreen and separate review mirror mounted in the middle. It's likely powered by something that's green and mean. Look for further updates this week.