Chevrolet Colorado concept

Chevrolet has unveiled a concept version of its next generation Colorado pickup truck, a vehicle that should provide some stiff competition to the forthcoming Ford Ranger.

The public’s first chance to see it will be at this month’s Bangkok International Auto Show, a fitting location given that Thailand is the largest global territory for mid-size pickups, as well as being one of the countries where the Colorado is built.



Under the bonnet of the show truck sits a 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine. A broad torque band is promised from it, but specific output, performance or economy figures haven’t been disclosed yet.

Chevrolet claims that the interior will provide a premium environment. Whether certain features such as the ice-blue lighting make it to production remains to be seen, while others such as the leather trim and 7” LCD display screen will probably be consigned to the Colorado’s options list. The instrument panel has been designed to create a dual-cockpit feel, but the assertion that the instruments are motorcycle-inspired is probably stretching the hyperbole a bit too far.

Sales of the new Colorado are set to begin in Thailand before the end of the year. There’s no word from Chevrolet on whether it’ll make it to Europe, but expect launches in Australia and New Zealand under the Holden brand to replace the existing model sold in those markets.



Images © GM Corp.



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2011 Ford Ranger revealed

Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



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Cruze hatch show car

Revised Vauxhall VXR8

UK buyers will once again be able to get their hands on the Vauxhall VXR8. Available from next March, this latest version is based on the just-launched E Series 3 GTS model from Holden’s HSV division.

Power comes from GM’s 6.2 litre LS3 V8, which also sees service in the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Corvette LT. In the VXR8, it’s rated at 425 bhp (316 kW / 431 PS) with 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) of torque, which is enough to propel the Vauxhall from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



Drive is to the rear wheels, although customers can choose whether this goes through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A mechanical limited slip differential features as standard.

The VXR8 also comes with some trick chassis technology. Magnetic Ride Control has been borrowed from the Corvette ZR1, and it allows for continuously adjustable suspension via magnetic particles in the dampers. Launch Control meanwhile does pretty much as the name suggests. Engaged when the Electronic Stability Control’s Competition Mode is selected, it governs how much torque is delivered to the rear wheels for maximum traction when accelerating away from standstill.



Inside the cabin, the 2011 VXR8 is equipped with leather-trimmed HSV performance seats, which have eight-way electric adjustment. Those of an enthusiastic nature can monitor their progress via the Enhanced Driver Interface. This displays things like G-force, how much the car is drifting and lap times on the dashboard’s five-inch screen. The data can then be downloaded later to let the driver bore their friends with endless analysis and bragging. Handy for track days, though.

Only six dealers have been chosen to sell the VXR8 in the UK, although a further 28 have been authorised to service it. The on the road price, including VAT at 20%, has been set at £49,500 and orders can be placed from later this month.



That’s certainly a lot for a Vauxhall, and it’ll doubtless put some badge snobs off. But that would be missing the point. Similarly-sized V8 sports saloons from the premium manufacturers are much more expensive, with the Jaguar XFR and Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon costing £62,600 and £71,900 respectively. The smaller BMW M3 Saloon is currently listed at £51,805, and it's probably more of a natural competitor to the VXR8 on price and performance, if not on size.

Cruze hatch show car

Chevrolet’s Cruze is the best selling compact saloon in several major European markets, including Germany, Italy and the UK.



The problem is that it’s a small segment, because hatchbacks take the lion’s share of compact sales in Europe. That also explains why Chevrolet’s sister brands Vauxhall and Opel have yet to produce a saloon version of the current generation Astra, the model which shares its ‘Delta II’ platform with the Cruze.



So, perhaps realising that having just one body style is hampering sales, Chevrolet has announced it’ll be unveiling a Cruze hatchback at this month’s Paris Motor Show. Although the hatch is being referred to as a ‘show car’ (which means it’s not a concept, but it’s not quite the final production spec either), sales are due to start from the middle of 2011.

Reflecting the Cruze’s global presence, the hatchback show car has actually been designed and built by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, at its studios in Melbourne. The result is an elegant looking vehicle which - unsurprisingly - appears to share its proportions with the Astra, which is no bad thing. It could even tempt some buyers away from Vauxhall and Opel?



Australia will also become a manufacturing location for the Cruze hatch, to satisfy the local market. Like the existing saloon version (pictured below), cars sold there will be badged as Holdens and get a slightly different nose.

All images © GM Corp.

Holden Efijy Concept

Holden Efijy Concept

Holden Efijy Concept Interior

Holden Efijy Concept Wallpaper