Chevrolet's High-Performance Silverado Cheyenne Concept is the Z/28 of Trucks

Another day, another Chevrolet concept for the SEMA Show. The Silverado Cheyenne study is a performance-oriented version of the 2014 Silverado regular cab that combines a 420hp 6.2-liter V8 engine with weight-saving measures to make the truck go faster.

The custom concept features a lowered ride height, a rear stabilizer bar and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The bumpers, tailgate and inner cargo box are made from carbon fiber, shaving approximately 200 pounds (91 kg) from the truck’s base curb weight of 4,503 pounds (2,042 kg) – corresponding to a 5.3L-equipped Silverado regular cab with a 6’6” box.

The front bumper includes race-inspired ground effects styling, as do the side sills, while at the rear the tailgate incorporates a spoiler. Another sporty add-on is the Camaro Z/28-inspired extractor vent on the hood.

The Silverado Cheyenne is also fitted with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes sourced from the Camaro Z/28, as well as charcoal-painted 19-inch Camaro Z/28 aluminum wheels and high-performance tires.

To make it as light as possible, Chevrolet removed the trailer hitch, spare tire, interior center console and some of the sound-deadening material. The truck also features a lightweight aluminum driveshaft and composite rear leaf springs.

The concept’s 6.2-liter V8 engine is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque – that’s 65 hp and 77 lb-ft (104 Nm) more than the production Silverado 5.3L V8. The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control.

On the inside, the Cheyenne brings Recaro sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel, similar to the steering wheel from the Camaro ZL1. Chevrolet says the Cheyenne is only a concept right now, “but we are continually exploring new ways to give Silverado customers more.” I’m sure many Silverado fans wouldn’t mind if Chevrolet produced it exactly like this.

By Dan Mihalascu

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VW Tunes New E88 Turbo Engine-Powered Jetta Sedans and Golf Mk7 for SEMA

This week's 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Volkswagen bringing tuned Jetta sedans fitted with the brand's all-new 1.8-liter turbocharged Gen 3 EA888 engine that replaces the venerable 2.5-liter inline five and the latest version of the 2.0-liter TFSI, along with the seventh generation of the Golf hatchback.

The first Jetta study is the 425-horsepower “Racer’s Dream in Black and White” built in collaboration with FMS Automotive. It uses VW's newer 2.0-liter TFSI that in stock form, makes 210hp or 10hp more over the Gen 2 unit.

FMS Automotive tapped the APR for their Stage 3+ Turbo Kit to help boost output to 425HP, while also upgrading the suspension (H&R kit), wheels (19-inch TSW Jerez wrapped in Nitto rubber) and brakes (Brembo with a set of performance four-piston calipers and cross-drilled rotors). A matte white finish for the body that contrasts against gloss black accents, an aero package that includes Golf R skirts, and a sported up interior complete the list.

The second Jetta model is the "Helios Special Edition Jetta GLI Tribute" that uses VW's all-new 1.8-liter turbo engine. As the name points out, the styling details and paint scheme pay homage to VW's original Helios Special Edition from the late 1980s . Notable upgrades include a VW-designed aero package, Golf R brake calipers custom painted with the “Helios” logo, 19-inch VW Motorsports wheels coated in ceramic gunmetal gray and wrapped with Nitto Invo 235/35 ZR-rated tires, and new Recaro seats inside.

VW hasn't released any photos of the H&R Golf Mk7 study but it did mention that the car will feature a sports suspension, Brembo brakes, 19-inch rims in 225/35ZR tires, a VW Accessories body styling kit and a sports exhaust with center tailpipes.

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Chevrolet's SEMA Corvette Stingray, Camaro and SS Concepts

There are so many Chevrolet concepts heading to the Las Vegas Strip this week for the SEMA motor show that GM has opted to issue separate releases depending on the category they belong to. Today and following the announcements on Chevy's truck and passenger car studies, the bow and tie brand is affording us a first look at its sports and performance models.

Naturally, the spotlight is on the new 2014 Corvette Stingray that will be represented by three editions, starting with the 460hp Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo concept built to commemorate the game's 15th anniversary.

Next up is the Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic concept with styling enhancements, while the third model is the Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept wearing a number of Chevrolet accessories.

The other cars are the Jeff Gordon SS styling study and no less than six Camaro models, all based on the facelifted version, including the Spring Special Edition that will enter production next year.

“From the all-new Corvette Stingray to the new Camaro Z/28 and SS performance sedan, Chevrolet is America’s choice for performance cars. Our new lineup of racing-influenced models gives customers more choices for exciting driving experiences,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s our most diverse range of performance-car choices in nearly 20 years.”

For more details on the SEMA show models, roll down for GM's press blurb.

[From GM Press Release]

Jeff Gordon SS performance sedan concept
With input from the No. 24 driver himself, Chevrolet designers restyled the all-new SS to reflect Gordon’s style and the performance credentials of the brand’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. A satin exterior finish lends an all-business appearance to the car, complemented with No. 24 graphics, custom-finished 20-inch wheels, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a custom front grille.

The car casts a more aggressive stance with a lowered suspension. The Gordon SS concept features high-performance brakes and a Borla performance exhaust system. The interior is re-trimmed with perforated suede seat inserts and embroidered headrests and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit.

Under the hood beats the small-block heart of all SS production models: The LS3 6.2L V-8 rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift.

Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo^® concept
A special-edition Corvette Stingray concept is revving to go in the new Sony PlayStation^® 3 game Gran Turismo 6 commemorating the game’s 15th anniversary – and Chevrolet has built a real version of the virtual racing winner. Its distinctive exterior and interior elements include:

• Custom exterior paint scheme
  
• Yellow-tinted headlamps
  
• Carbon fiber rear wing
  
• Custom carbon fiber hood and extractor design
  
• Ground effects kit with carbon fiber rockers and front splitter
  
• Custom exhaust tips
  
• Racing-style front tow hook
  
• Custom front grille
  
• Custom front fender and rear quarter vents
  
• Custom-trimmed Competition Sport seats
  
• Driver and passenger racing harnesses
  
• Custom flat-bottom steering wheel
  
• Leather-wrapped safety belt bar and rear braces.

Like all 2014 Corvette Stingray models, the Gran Turismo^® concept is powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, which uses direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to produce 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (with the available performance exhaust) – enabling EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. The concept vehicle is also equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission.

Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic conceptOne of a pair of right- and left-coast-themed concepts, this Blade Silver Convertible model represents the Atlantic side, with sophisticated styling enhancements resembling the details and refinement of a private jet. The exterior wears new Carbon Flash Metallic front splitter, rocker extensions and rear lower diffuser, along with Fusion Gray headlamp housings and hood accents. It is trimmed with a sueded-wrapped interior package.

This East Coast cruiser also wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories available to all 2014 Corvette Stingray customers, including:

• Chrome five-spoke wheels – 19 x 8.5-inches in front and 20 x 10-inches in the rear
  
• Wheel center caps with the Stingray script
  
• Under-hood liner with the Stingray logo
  
• Carbon Flash Metallic rear license plate holder
  
• Molded splash guards
  
• Windscreen mounted behind the seats
  
• Custom luggage
  
• Premium carpet floor mats
  
• Sill plates
  
• Embroidered center armrest with the Stingray logo.

For effortless driving and performance, the Atlantic concept features an LT1 engine with a six-speed automatic.

Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific conceptInfluenced by West Coast culture, here racing-influenced performance and appearance matter this track-inspired Torch Red Corvette Stingray Z51 Coupe’s design is purposeful and compelling.

The high-performance hue is complemented by a carbon fiber hood and a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel, as well as a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions. The Z51 rear spoiler is painted Carbon Flash Metallic with a Carbon Flash graphics package. The interior features a carbon fiber trim kit, along with the available Competition Sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish.

Because it’s a Corvette Stingray Z51, the LT1 engine features a dry-sump oiling system, the cooling and brake systems are enhanced and the transaxle features an electronic limited-slip differential. Even the gearing in the seven-speed manual transmission is unique.

Like the Atlantic concept, the left-coast Corvette concept wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories, including distinctive satin black aluminum wheels with a red accent stripe (19 x 8.5-inch in front/20 x 10-inch in the rear).

COPO CamaroChevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices.  The COPO exclusives will carry the distinctive, updated styling of the 2014 Camaro lineup, including new front and rear fascias.

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

The new LS-based racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type compressor. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. The car displayed at the SEMA Show features the supercharged 350.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production 2014 run will be auctioned by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson’s annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families.

2014 Camaro Z/28There was no need to modify the all-new 2014 Camaro Z/28 for the SEMA Show – it’s already a comprehensively engineered car that recently lapped Germany’s challenging Nürburgring road course in 7:37.40 – on wet track conditions. It was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and beats published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

In terms of lap times, the Z/28’s improved speed comes from three areas:

• Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
  
• Increased stopping power: The Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel lap after lap
  
• Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.

The heart of the Z/28 is the 7.0L LS7 engine. The LS7 uses lightweight, racing-proven, high-performance components, such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads and a forged-steel crankshaft to help produce an SAE-certified 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

The Z/28 goes on sale next spring.

Chevrolet Performance Garage CamaroSerious performance enthusiasts will appreciate the combination of Chevrolet Performance parts and Chevrolet Accessories used to create the Garage Camaro concept, which is based on the production Camaro SS. It’s a track-oriented car, incorporating performance and suspension components from the all-new Z/28 – and a few from the ZL1.

The exterior is enhanced with a ground effects package, Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler and grille, RS headlamps and taillamps, blacked-out mirrors and rear diffuser, and Chevrolet Accessories satin-black 10-spoke Track Pack wheels. “Chevrolet Performance” graphics adorn the rockers and windshield header.

Brakes and a short-throw shifter from the Camaro ZL1 come straight out of the Chevrolet Performance catalog and are available through Chevrolet dealers, while the following Z/28 parts are being evaluated by Chevrolet Performance for future release:

• “Shorty” exhaust headers and 2.75-inch exhaust system
  
• Front ride/handling links
  
• Rear upper control arms
  
• Stabilizer bars
  
• Helical differential with internal cooling system
  
• Brake ducts
  
• Racing-derived DSSV^® (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-8 ConceptThis one-of-a-kind concept car  showcases the personalization and performance possibilities with Chevrolet Performance parts and accessories, from its performance air intake to its concept Z/28 exhaust.  Many components are available through Chevrolet dealers, including::

• Ground effects package
  
• Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler
  
• Blacked-out badges, mirrors and rear diffuser
  
• Body-color hood louver
  
• Chevrolet Accessories 45th anniversary wheels in black
  
• Chevrolet Accessories grille in black
  
• Hood wrapped with body-color stripe
  
• RS headlamps and taillamps
  
• Chevrolet Performance rocker decals and windshield header
  
• Chevrolet Performance armrests, door sills, pedal kit, floor mats and ambient lighting kit
  
• RECARO^® performance seats with Mojave stitching
  
• Chevrolet Performance instrument panel decal and sill plate
  
• Instrument panel, door, steering wheel and armrest with Mojave stitching
  
• Soft-touch black interior bezels.

On the performance side, this Camaro concept incorporates a performance air intake, ZL1 brake kit and ZL1 short-throw shifter, along with these concept parts from the 2014 Camaro Z/28:

• 2.75-Inch exhaust system
  
• Front ride link
  
• Rear upper control arms
  
• Shorty exhaust headers
  
• Helical differential with internal cooling system
  
• DSSV dampers
  
• Brake ducts
  
• Stabilizer bars.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-6 conceptWith 323 horsepower from its direct-injected, DOHC V-6, the Camaro doesn’t need a V-8 to be considered a performance car, and this Chevrolet Performance concept proves it with enhancements available through Chevrolet dealers that give it track-ready reflexes, including:

• Brembo brake kit from the Camaro SS
  
• Camaro 1LE suspension kit
  
• Camaro 1LE strut tower brace
  
• Borla performance exhaust system
  
• 20-inch black wheels (45th anniversary design).

The car also wears Z/28 rear upper control arms, which are being evaluated for the Chevrolet Performance catalog.

Exterior and interior appearance accessories lend a more athletic aesthetic to this more-capable Camaro. The exterior features a Chevrolet Accessories grille, front splitter and rear spoiler, along with “Chevrolet Performance” graphics. Inside, it is ready for the road course or street, with:

• Chevrolet Accessories premium carpet floor mats
  
• Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit
  
• Black trim bezels
  
• Kicker^® 200-Watt subwoofer and 200-Watt DSP amp available for MyLink
  
• RECARO^® performance seats
  
• Flat-bottom performance steering wheel
  
• Chevrolet Performance sill plates
  
• Chevrolet Performance armrest
  
• Chevrolet Accessories auxiliary gauge package
  
• Instrument panel and door inserts wrapped with carbon-fiber weave
  
• Door armrests and instrument panel inserts trimmed with black suede and Light Stone stitching
  
• Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit
  
• Chevrolet Accessories engine cover.

Camaro Spring Special EditionContinuing a tradition of introducing special-edition production models at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet introduces the 2014 Spring Special Edition. Shown in its Camaro SS convertible version, the limited-production package will be offered in uplevel 2LT and 2SS trims distinguished by:

• Summit White exterior with Blue Ray stripe – including hood louver painted Blue Ray
  
• Body-color ZL1 spoiler
  
• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects package and grille
  
• Chevrolet Accessories 21-inch wheels
  
• RS high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and light-emitting diode, or LED, taillamps
  
• Blue fabric top  on convertible models
  
• Blue-accent leather-appointed interior with blue stitching
  
• White interior trim kit with Blue Ray stripe
  
• Chevrolet Accessories floor mats (black with silver Camaro logo).

LT models include the direct-injected, 323-horsepower V-6 engine, while SS models include a 6.2L V-8 rated at 426 horsepower when paired with the six-speed manual transmission or 400 horses with the available six-speed automatic.

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