Technology of Tomorrow as Chevy Reveals Corvette ZR1 and Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV in Philadelphia

Corvette ZR1 supercar to make its East Coast debut alongside GM electric-car technology, advanced hybrids at auto show

General Motors will bring its most advanced technology to the Philadelphia International Auto Show:

• The 620+ horsepower 2009 Corvette ZR1 will make its East Coast debut.
• The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell crossover SUV is being driven by real families in test markets. The zero-emissions, zero-petroleum vehicle converts hydrogen into electricity.
• The Chevrolet Volt electric car chassis demonstrates the technology that will deliver 40 miles of battery range and cross-country capability when the battery is recharged by a small gasoline generator. GM is working toward production of the Volt.
• Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade Hybrids boast the most advanced hybrid system in the world, with a 50 percent gain in city fuel economy and – unlike other hybrids – gains in highway economy.

KEY VEHICLES ON DISPLAY:

Chevrolet

• Equinox Fuel Cell -- This hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle is a zero-gas, zero-emissions vehicle that reaches 60 mph in 12 seconds and registers a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. The crossover SUV seats four, sports 32 cubic feet of cargo volume for everybody’s gear, and has a range of approximately 150 miles per fill-up. Average families in the Washington, New York and Los Angeles areas will each test more than 100 of these vehicles over three months and report their experiences to Chevrolet. CLICK HERE
  • Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid – The first full-size SUVs powered by a new state-of-the-art 2-mode hybrid system, the Tahoe and Yukon boast vastly improved fuel economy over their gasoline-only siblings. Two-wheel-drive Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the city fuel economy of the much-smaller 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan. They also deliver exceptional highway efficiency and up to 6,200 pounds of usable towing capacity and seating for up to eight. http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_trucks/r_c_tahoe_hybrid/index.html
  • Malibu Hybrid -- Thanks to an affordable hybrid powertrain option, the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is both the most refined new midsize sedan in the neighborhood as well as one of the most fuel-efficient. The first-ever Malibu Hybrid delivers an EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The Malibu Hybrid saves fuel by using sophisticated controls and software, as well as a unique, 36-volt electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with sophisticated variable valve timing. http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_malibu/index.html
  • Volt E-Flex Chassis -- Since its introduction as a concept car one year ago, the Chevy Volt sedan has energized car enthusiasts with its potential to greatly reduce trips to the gas station, as well as to greatly reduce CO2 emissions. More than 75 percent of drivers in the United States commute fewer than 40 miles a day. For them, a fully charged Volt will use no gas and produce no tailpipe emissions. The Volt easily recharges by plugging into a common 110-volt electrical outlet. A small FlexFuel engine-generator can run on gasoline, an E85 ethanol blend, or a combination of the two. It creates additional electricity to extend the vehicle’s range up to 640 miles with triple-digit miles per gallon. In its effort to bring the Chevy Volt to production, GM has engaged more than 200 engineers and 25 designers, and it is aggressively pursuing battery development with suppliers. http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=12&docid=41922
  • FlexFuel Models – Chevrolet will display six models that can run on either gasoline or any blend of E85 – a cleaner-burning fuel source made from 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol, which is typically domestically produced from renewable biomass. On the Chevrolet stand: the Avalanche SUV with bed, full-size Express Van, Impala, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe. http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/index.html
  • Corvette ZR1 – This summer, Corvette will enter the world of supercars with the 2009 ZR1. Its new supercharged V-8 engine and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics produce the most powerful and fastest automobile ever created by General Motors. Final testing will be complete this spring, at which time the ZR1’s new LS9 V-8 engine is expected to turn in more than 620 horsepower. Among the ZR1’s distinctive design features is a raised, carbon-fiber hood with a polycarbonate window that provides a view of the supercharged engine’s intercooler that proclaims “LS9 SUPERCHARGED.” http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/08naias/brands/chevrolet/index.html
  • Camaro Convertible Concept –The Camaro convertible concept embodies strong heritage while appealing to a new generation of customers who seek a distinctive statement in a new car. The Camaro convertible concept blends a dramatic, forward-looking design that is mindful of the brand’s storied heritage. That design includes classic long hood/short deck proportions and a wide, wheels-at-the-corners stance that gives the vehicle the look of hugging corners even when stationary. Chevrolet has announced production plans for the Camaro, which will go on sale in 2009. http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/07naias/brands/chevrolet/camaro%20convertible.htm
  • HHR SS -- The HHR SS combines all of the style and capability of the popular HHR small crossover SUV with uncompromising performance, including a turbocharged engine that produces 260 horsepower, unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The vehicle was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting nothing but high-performance vehicles. http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_trucks/r_c_hhr/08hhrss/index.htm
  • Aveo5 -- Proving that fuel solutions can be wrapped in bold, fun packages, the 2009 Aveo5 delivers exceptional, EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway (with the standard five-speed manual transmission) – and is expected to be the lowest-priced car in America when it goes on sale this summer. Its features include those expected in larger, more expensive cars – such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio – as well as its signature “tall car” design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/08la/brands/chevrolet/08_LA_Chevrolet_Aveo5.htm

  Cadillac

  • Escalade Hybrid – Cadillac will preview the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by GM’s innovative, patented 2-Mode Hybrid system, the 2WD model of the Escalade Hybrid will deliver an improvement of more than 50 percent in city fuel economy compared to its gasoline-only sibling – while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade a cultural symbol of success from hip-hop clubs to country clubs, from Los Angeles to Dubai to Shanghai. It will go on sale this summer. http://media.gm.com/us/cadillac/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_Escalade/08escaladepk/index.htm
  • CTS – The all-new 2008 CTS takes the Cadillac luxury sports sedan to a new level with its dramatic design, serious performance and thoughtful technology and craftsmanship. Motor Trend editors recently named CTS the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year, and customers responded similarly, pushing sales to record levels. Advanced technology includes a direct-injection engine, available all-wheel drive and High-Intensity Discharge adaptive headlamps that swivel as the car turns. An entertainment-information system can download music from CDs or USB memory storage devices onto its hard drive, the world’s first Pause and Play radio that easily controls an iPod, and sophisticated GPS navigation with real-time traffic and weather information. http://media.gm.com/us/cadillac/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_CTS/index.html

  BUICK

  • Enclave – This elegant crossover blends a graceful, romantic exterior with a well-crafted, quiet interior. Enclave combines segment-leading fuel efficiency with room for up to eight passengers and space for cargo. Starting at less than $33,000 MSRP, the Enclave is one of the fastest-turning vehicles on the market and is bringing new customers into the Buick family. http://media.gm.com/us/buick/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_enclave/index.html

  GMC

  • GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe – The first full-size SUVs powered by a new state-of-the-art 2-mode hybrid system, the Yukon and Tahoe boast vastly improved fuel economy over their gasoline-only siblings. Two-wheel-drive Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the city fuel economy of the much-smaller 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan. They also deliver exceptional highway efficiency and up to 6,200 pounds of usable towing capacity and seating for up to eight. http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_trucks/r_c_tahoe_hybrid/index.html

  Pontiac

  • G8 – Pontiac previews an all-new rear-wheel-drive car that will accelerate its drive into the refined performance market: the G8 sedan. It will go on sale in March 2008. The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary. http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/07chicago/brands/pontiac/index.html
  • Vibe – Pontiac previews the new edition of one of the most popular small crossover vehicles on the market. The all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe infuses the genre with a bolder attitude of muscular styling, increased performance and tight handling. It arrives in dealer showrooms in February 2008. http://media.gm.com/us/pontiac/en/news/press_kits/09_vibe/index.html

  Saturn

  • Astra -- The all-new 2008 Saturn Astra brings a decidedly European flavor to the North American compact car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy. The Saturn Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taut, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. http://media.gm.com/us/saturn/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_astra/index.html
  • Vue -- A compact five-door crossover vehicle with European-inspired design and sporty ride and handling, the 2008 Vue is the latest Saturn model to showcase the brand’s new design character and intensified focus on driving characteristics. The Vue also reinforces Saturn’s commitment to safety by offering a comprehensive list of safety-enhancing features. Unique to the compact crossover segment is Vue’s Electronic Trailer Sway Control. It detects the occurrence of trailer sway that may be caused by improper trailer weight balance or excessive vehicle speed. Upon detection, StabiliTrak will begin to apply the brakes, independent of the driver applying the brake pedal, to assist the driver in stabilizing the vehicle. http://media.gm.com/us/saturn/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_vue/index.html